Toyota pausing production at European plants
Toyota brought forward closures at its production site in Burnaston & engine plant in Deeside (pictured) (Photo Toyota)
Production at several Toyota factories in Europe has been suspended as a result of the coronavirus and its social and economic impact upon the region, and other facilities will be shuttered by the end of this week. Toyota Motor Europe (TME) says it decided to halt production for a number of reasons linked to the safety and security of its employees and stakeholders. In particular, it has needed to respond to short-term uncertainties in sales, logistics and supply chains resulting from lock-down measures implemented by various national and regional authorities.
The plants affected are:
– Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF) in Onnaing – production already suspended
– Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) in Burnaston and Deeside – on 18 March
– Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland (TMMP) in Walbrzych and Jelcz-Laskowice – on 18 March
– Toyota Peugeot Citroen Automobiles (TPCA) in Kolin, Czech Republic – on 19 March
– Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey (TMMT) in Sakarya – on 21 March
Other measures
Toyota entities across Europe have implemented a series of measures in line with health authorities’ recommendations in support of their efforts to prevent or slow down the spread of COVID-19, such as: additional hygiene, and cleaning measures; information sharing; request to work from home for office staff; travel restrictions; elimination or postponement of non-essential events or meetings; and social distancing.
The company will continue to supply service parts for customer vehicles. Likewise, processes and projects deemed essential to a smooth restart and to the production plants’ future activity, such as new vehicle projects, will be maintained with necessary staff.
Sales operations (retailer sales and service) will be assessed based on each country or region’s situation. In countries where governments have implemented lockdown measures, retail showrooms have been completely or partially closed. TME says all retailers will remain reachable by phone or online for customer care.
“Toyota offers its condolences to all those around the world who have lost loved ones since the start of this pandemic, as well as its sympathy to any who have been affected by the outbreak of coronavirus,” wrote TME in a statement released today. “At the same time, we would like to express our sincere respect to the healthcare professionals and government officials who are on the frontline day and night.”
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