• SUPPLIERS: US auto part suppliers are asking the Trump Administration to press Mexican authorities to reopen manufacturing on May 12, days ahead auto plants in the US resume operations including those of GM and Fiat Chrysler. The call comes after weeks of forced shut down due to coronavirus pandemic.
• HYGIENE: “Suppliers’ reopening can be effectively managed by a ramp-up of manufacturing spread over a number of shifts to further enhance social distancing and allow for greater hygiene”, wrote Bill Long, president of the US Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), in a letter.
• PANDEMIC: As Mexico hits pandemic peak on May 6 with more than 16,000 confirmed cases, the Mexican government is working with the private sector on a schedule for reopening to reignite manufacturing plants including those in the auto sector. Still, no date has been finalized.
• STAGGERED: “The reality is that this will be staggered, with a (strategy of) prevention that will have to be done with testing of workers to avoid unwanted infections and outbreaks”, said Enoch Castellanos, head of Mexico’s industrial business chamber (CANACINTRA).
