Ford Stops Production in India, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam

Ford exports to growth markets from its manufacturing plant in Chennai.

Ford Motor Company is suspending vehicle and engine production at its International Markets Group (IMG) manufacturing sites in response to the growing impact of the coronavirus. It did not say if workers will be paid in these low-wage areas.

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.

Ford is changing 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 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.