Photo: Volkswagen
It’s been a difficult start of the year for the auto industry, perhaps the most challenging in history, as for the first time ever production of automobiles came to a halt in an effort to curb the spread of an invisible enemy. And even if the fight is still raging, and there’s no clear end in sight, plans and steps for resuming production are already being made.
Volkswagen first announced it is shutting down plants in Europe more than a month ago, on March 18, and in the U.S. a little later, on March 26. The initial plan was to have production back online in about a couple of weeks, but the deadline was extended. Now, after a severe drought in new Volkswagen group cars, rain is coming.
Volkswagen said at the end of last week production of vehicles wearing the group’s main logo would resume in Zwickau and Bratislava this week, and by the end of the month facilities in Germany, Portugal, Spain, Russia, South Africa, North- and South America would follow suit.
Audi followed in the footsteps of the mother company and announced production restart in Europe by the end of the month. As is the case with Volkswagen, production processes would be subject to special protective measures, which will continue to be enforced for the foreseable future.
“The focus is on the employees, because they need a safe working environment. Audi teams of experts have therefore adapted processes with a view to health protection in consultation with the specialist departments and works councils,” said in a statement Chairman of the Works Council Peter Mosch.
“I would like to thank all Audi employees and our partners around the world for their flexibility and joint efforts in times like these.”
Volkswagen is not the only carmaker planning to resume production. Other big names of the industry have announced similar moves, despite the fact the circumstances that led to the decision to halt the lines have not changed significantly.
Volkswagen said at the end of last week production of vehicles wearing the group’s main logo would resume in Zwickau and Bratislava this week, and by the end of the month facilities in Germany, Portugal, Spain, Russia, South Africa, North- and South America would follow suit.
Audi followed in the footsteps of the mother company and announced production restart in Europe by the end of the month. As is the case with Volkswagen, production processes would be subject to special protective measures, which will continue to be enforced for the foreseable future.
“The focus is on the employees, because they need a safe working environment. Audi teams of experts have therefore adapted processes with a view to health protection in consultation with the specialist departments and works councils,” said in a statement Chairman of the Works Council Peter Mosch.
“I would like to thank all Audi employees and our partners around the world for their flexibility and joint efforts in times like these.”
Volkswagen is not the only carmaker planning to resume production. Other big names of the industry have announced similar moves, despite the fact the circumstances that led to the decision to halt the lines have not changed significantly.
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