Nissan, VW Extend Plant Closings

Nissan and Volkswagen extend plant closings in the U.S. and Germany, respectively, amid supply-chain disruptions and plummeting sales resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, the automaker says: “Nissan manufacturing facilities in the U.S. will remain closed through late April as a measure to help protect employees and reduce the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus. Some business-essential work that must be done on site will continue with enhanced safety measures.”

Nissan had said in mid-March it planned to close its four U.S. plants through April 6.

Some automakers operating in the U.S. have backed down from setting firm dates for reopening their plants. Ford has called off plans to reopen some assembly and components plants April 14, while Fiat Chrysler says it may reopen its North American plants in mid-April. General Motors says it is evaluating the situation week-to-week.

In Germany, VW will close its five car plants, commercial-vehicles plant and parts-making facilities in five locations for an additional five working days until April 19. The action affects about 80,000 employees.

“Volkswagen is responding especially to the fall in demand on the automobile market and the challenges faced by the supply chain,” the automaker says in a statement. “At the same time, Volkswagen is working to resume production as soon as possible with a comprehensive package of health protection.”