Top automakers like Maruti Suzuki, Hero MotoCorp, Toyota Kirloskar Motors and MG Motors have shut their factories to combat the second wave of COVID-19.
India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India, has advanced its annual maintenance from June to the first nine days of May to divert oxygen for medical supplies.
The company said, as part of the car manufacturing process, Maruti Suzuki uses a small amount of oxygen in its factories. In contrast, relatively much larger quantities are used by the manufacturers of components.
In the current situation, all the available oxygen should be used to save the lives of the people suffering from COVID-19.
Industry experts indicate that the shut down may impact popular models, and their waiting period might increase by a month. According to FADA, car dealerships are running at 15-20 days inventory levels while the two-wheeler dealerships range between 30-35 days.
They also highlighted that as per government directive, oxygen required for industrial purposes should be diverted to medical supplies. In the scenario of oxygen shortage, the automaker’s production would have anyways affected sooner than later.
World’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, also proactively suspended its manufacturing operations from April 22 to May 1 as a precautionary measure.
“In keeping with its commitment to the safety and welfare of its people, Hero MotoCorp has decided to proactively halt operations temporarily at all of its manufacturing facilities across the country, including its Global Parts Centre (GPC), in view of the ongoing escalation in the spread of COVID-19 across the country,” the company said in a statement.
In keeping with its commitment to the safety and welfare of its people, Hero MotoCorp has decided to proactively halt operations temporarily at all of its manufacturing facilities across the country, including its Global Parts Center (GPC), in view of the ongoing escalation in the spread of Covid-19 across the country.
The company will utilise these shut-down days to carry out necessary maintenance work in the manufacturing plants.
Given rising cases, the two-wheeler manufacturer has also partnered with Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama & District Administration in Haridwar for 122-bed COVID-hospital. Moreover, the company is also providing motorcycles & scooters for personal use by health workers in various hospitals across the country and donated oxygen cylinders to hospitals in Delhi & Haryana.
MG Motor has also shut its manufacturing shops for a week between April 29 and May 5. The SAIC-owned car manufacturer has also pledged to supply food for the patients. Under MG Sewa, the MG Motor plant team has committed to serving food to the relatives of patients admitted to these COVID hospitals for a month.
On similar lines, the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota Kirloskar Motor has suspended production from April 26 to May 14.
Note: Image is representational