With the lockdown restrictions being eased a little, auto manufacturers have begun production while sticking to government guidelines to avoid spread of the coronavirus.
Luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz, on Wednesday, announced that they have started graded production at the Chakan plant. India’s biggest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, said production would begin on May 12.
“Production has commenced in a graded manner following the directives from the Government of Maharashtra to reopen and resume operations. The company will plan a gradual ramp-up in the coming weeks depending completely on the evolving current situation, which is being monitored closely by the Leadership Team,” a press release from Mercedes-Benz said.
“The safety, health and wellbeing of employees, customers and suppliers continue to be of utmost importance to Mercedes-Benz India and the company has taken all necessary precautions while restarting operations. The production has begun with only the essential staff at the production facility, adhering to all the required social distancing protocols and mandated safety and sanitisation measures implemented. Those employees whose work deliverables do not require them to be present at work, will, however, continue to work from home,” it added.
The German carmaker also said that select dealers across different regions have also started operations as per government guidelines and necessary permissions from local authorities.
Maruti Suzuki said in their BSE filing: “Maruti Suzuki India Limited would re-start production of vehicles at its Manesar plant from the 12th of May. All activities would be carried out strictly in accordance with the Government regulations and guidelines and observing the Company's own concern for the highest standards of safety.”
Hosur-based TVS Motor Company also announced that they have commenced operations in India across all factories in Hosur, Mysuru and Nalagarh.
“The safety of employees and community is of paramount importance to TVS Motor Company. A comprehensive preparedness manual has been designed for employees to ensure complete adherence to necessary safety guidelines to help minimise the spread of the virus,” a company statement said.
“At all its manufacturing facilities, the company has undertaken exhaustive measures to ensure safe workplace for employees with appropriate social distancing and highest standards of hygiene. Work from home option also continues for certain category of people, in adherence to respective state government guidelines,” it added.
Royal Enfield has also resumed production. “Royal Enfield has resumed operations at its manufacturing facilities starting May 6,” the company said. “Our manufacturing unit at Oragadam, near Chennai, will be the first to begin operations in a staggered manner, with minimal staff over a single shift. Operations at Tiruvottiyur and Vallam Vadagal plants will be started in a phased manner,” the company added.
Meanwhile, Isuzu Motors India, on Wednesday, announced that they have received approval from the authorities of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, to recommence production at their plant in SriCity.
“The company has begun preparations to restart activities at the plant and aims to start supply of vehicles at the earliest. It will co-ordinate with all component manufacturers to serve both the domestic and export customers,” the company said in a statement.
May 11 update:
Meanwhile, electric two-wheeler manufacturer Okinawa Scooters announced resuming operations with 25 per cent workforce at its corporate office and manufacturing unit on May 11. “Okinawa has shared that it will maintain safety measures at workplace, manufacturing unit and dealership networks as it begins business activities. The brand has issued advisory to its dealership network, which too will be operating with 25 per cent staff. At the same time, all the products will be sanitized before getting dispatched from the assembly at the manufacturing unit and dealer partners will sanitise post receiving the products,” the company said in a statement.
The company further added that at the corporate office, they are taking precautionary measures by working on seating arrangements of the employees to maintain social distancing and also making the Aarogya Setu app compulsory for employees along with masks and other protective equipment.