Ford Temporarily Suspends Production in India, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam in Response to Coronavirus

March 23, 2020

Vehicle and engine temporary production suspension began at Ford’s International Markets Group (IMG) manufacturing sites Saturday, March 21
Production suspensions will vary market by market; expected to last a number of weeks depending on pandemic situation, national restrictions, supplier constraints and dealer stock requirements
Ford continues to prioritize the safety of its employees and reducing the risk of spreading the coronavirus, while taking necessary actions to protect the health and viability of Ford’s global business

DEARBORN, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ford Motor Company is temporarily suspending vehicle and engine production at its International Markets Group (IMG) manufacturing sites in response to the growing impact of the coronavirus.

The IMG production suspensions began Saturday, March 21, and will continue for several weeks depending on the pandemic situation, national restrictions, supplier constraints and dealer stock requirements.

“The health and safety of our employees, dealers, customers, partners and communities is our highest priority,” said Mark Ovenden, president, International Markets Group. “We are continuing to act in real time and taking added safety measures by temporarily halting production at our manufacturing sites in the international markets.”

While Ford will continue to monitor the situation, the company is adjusting its original IMG production schedule and will temporarily suspend production market-by-market. The last working day per market is as follows:

March 21: India — Chennai Vehicle Assembly Plant, Sanand Vehicle Assembly Plant, Sanand Engine Plant and Chennai Engine Plant.
March 26: Vietnam — Ford Vietnam Limited Haiduong Assembly Plant.
March 27: Thailand — Ford Motor Company (Thailand) Limited.
March 27: South Africa – Silverton Assembly Plant (Pretoria) and Struandale Engine Plant (Port Elizabeth).

The measures announced today follow actions previously announced by Ford, including the temporary suspension of vehicle and engine production in North America, Europe and South America. Ford also is requiring employees to work remotely unless they are performing a business-critical job that requires being onsite. The company’s working remotely policy will continue until further notice in a continued effort to help contain the virus. Precautionary measures are being taken to protect the safety of the small number of employees who are unable to work from home.

“In these extraordinary times, we must come together to put our people first,” Ovenden said. “We will continue working across our region to explore additional protocols and procedures to help prevent the spread of the virus and define new work practices to lessen its effects wherever we can.”

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services. Ford employs approximately 190,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

About Ford International Markets Group

Ford Motor Company’s International Markets Group (IMG) is Ford’s newest and most diverse business unit, spanning 100 emerged and emerging markets. IMG is focused on four key strategic priorities, including driving the continued success of its flagship vehicle, the Ford Ranger pickup truck; implementing and driving a world-class export model as a core part of the business; delivering affordable vehicles through partnerships as a key to future growth; and providing unmatched aftersales support to drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.