Ford suspends European production

Ford is temporarily suspending vehicle and engine production at its manufacturing sites in continental Europe in response to the growing impact of the coronavirus.

Effective from Thursday, 19 March, it is expected that this action will continue for a number of weeks.

The exact duration depends on the spread of the coronavirus; national government and European Union restrictions on movement, including across borders; the supplier industry’s ability to supply components; and the return of customers to dealerships, many of which are now closed as part of the measures taken at a national level.

Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe, said: “While the impact of coronavirus at our facilities so far has been limited thankfully, its effects on our employees, dealers, suppliers and customers, as well as European society as a whole, is unprecedented. Due to the dramatic impact this ongoing crisis is having on the European market and the supplier industry – together with the recent actions by countries to restrict all but essential travel and personal contact – we are temporarily halting production at our main continental Europe manufacturing sites.”

Sites in Cologne and Saarlouis in Germany together with the Craiova facility in Romania will temporarily halt production from Thursday, 19 March. Ford’s Valencia assembly and engine facility has already temporarily halted production. Only essential work, such as maintenance and security, will continue onsite.

However, the servicing of vehicles is regarded as an important societal need and Ford dealerships are continuing to provide essential maintenance and service across the continent.