PEAKLIFE

The automobile and the component manufacturing industry has been disrupted due to Novel Coronavirus around the world and every major event is either cancelled or going the digital way.

New York International Auto Show originally stated for April this year, had to be pushed back due to Covid-19 pandemic. The revised dates now stand 8th August to 6th September, 2020 to keep in mind the Detroit Motor Show that for the first time would be held in June.

Following McLaren’s exit due to its team members testing positive for coronavirus from the Australian Grand Prix, the management of the event cancelled it just hours before the start of the event.

Italian auto giants Ferrari, Maserati, Pagani and Brake manufacturer Brembo have already shut down production while Lamborghini have started manufacturing face masks. BMW production plants in Europe and South Africa will remain closed till 19th April.

According to Volvo Cars India, “The company´s primary focus is the health and safety of all employees. Precautionary measures and travel restrictions have already been taken. There is a need to further reduce the spread of the virus by going into a period of social distancing. This means production closures, working from home and taking more personal precautions. The Belgium and Swedish plants will remain closed.”

Volvo also added, “Volvo Car India is still assessing the effect it might have on our business in India as you are aware the pipeline planning happens months in advance and hence at this point we are unable to forecast the actual effect on business. We do hope it is not adverse.”

The Spanish MotoGP Grand Prix that was to be held on 3rd May has also been postponed as a result of the escalating crisis in Europe.

Mercedes-Benz India has decided to set up temporary hospital in Pune, with a 1,500-bed isolation ward for COVID-19 patients. The facility is currently used by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority’s (MHADA).

French automaker Citroen has postponed the launch of its first model in India, the C5 Aircross to the first quarter of 2021, originally launched for 2020.

Today, Tata Motors launched its ‘Click to Drive’ digital platform allowing consumers to purchase the vehicle with this medium without being physically present at the showroom giving them the option of home delivery at a later date.