Mexico's Auto Plants Target Reopening Dates, an Industrial Info Market Brief

Mexico's automotive segment, which has been deemed an essential industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic, is seeing some signs of activity. Some companies have gradually started to resume operations, while others have maintained plant shutdowns in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus. All companies will require strict sanitary measures within their workplaces, as called for by government agencies.

Companies that are resuming operations this week include:

• Cooper Tire, which is beginning limited production at its plant in El Salto; see plant report
• Nissan, which is partially restarting operations; see plant reports
• Mazda; see project report
• VWCO; see plant reports

Meanwhile, Ford is ready to resume operations as soon as it receives federal approval. Ford has stamping and assembly plants in Hermosillo and Cuautitlán; an engine production plant in Chihuahua; and a transmission assembly facility in Irapuato. Ford produces the Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models, as well as the hybrid and connectable versions of the two models; see plant reports

Companies that are maintaining shutdowns include:

• Audi de Mexico, which halted operations on March 31 and will resume activities on June 15; see plant report
• Honda de Mexico SA de CV; see plant reports
• Mercedes-Benz (Daimler); see plant report
• Toyota Motor; see plant report
• Volkswagen, which halted operations on March 31 and plans to resume activities on June 15; see plant report.