Vehicle Remarketing Logo

Foreign, Domestic Automakers Suspend Production at North American Factories

The shutdowns come to fight the spread of COVID-19/coronavirus after workers at multiple plants tested positive.

March 18, 2020
Foreign, Domestic Automakers Suspend Production at North American Factories

 

Photo via Anonyme/Wikimedia.

2 min to read


General Motors, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler will suspend production at North American manufacturing facilities to fight the spread of COVID-19/coronavirus, according to press statements and news reports.

Both GM and Ford stated their suspensions will last until at least March 30. GM stated its production status will be reevaluated week-to-week after that. Ford said its plants will shut down after Thursday evening shifts.

Ad Loading...

A factory worker at Ford’s assembly plant in Wayne, Mich. has tested positive for coronavirus/COVID-19.

Fiat Chrysler had closed its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant Tuesday night for deep cleaning, according to a statement sent to the Detroit Free Press. An employee had tested positive for COVID-19 at the facility, which makes the Ram 1500. An announcement regarding the plant’s reopening is pending.

The closures come after the United Auto Workers requested on Tuesday that the Big 3 automakers cease production for the next two weeks. 

Hyundai confirmed a case of COVID-19 at its Alabama manufacturing plant and has suspended production at the plant starting today.

Tesla, however, will continue to keep its Fremont, Calif., plant open. TechCrunch reports that the EV automaker had conflicting guidance regarding a shelter-in place order in Alameda County.

Ad Loading...

Honda Motor Co. has temporarily closed its North American factories for one week starting on Wednesday.

Other foreign manufacturers, including Volkswagen, BMW, Nissan, Toyota, and Mercedes-Benz have not yet announced plant closures of their North American facilities.

Update 3/18: Fiat Chrysler said in a statement it will cease production at plants across North America starting today through the end of March. ​BMW reported it is closing its U.S. plants as well.

Update 3/19: Nissan announced that it will temporarily suspend production of its manufacturing facilities in the U.S. starting March 20 through April 6. Toyota is temporarily suspending production at all of its automobile and components plants in North America, including Canada, Mexico and the U.S., though its shutdown is short: Toyota reported its manufacturing facilities will be closed from March 23-24, resuming production on March 25, 2020. The service parts depots and vehicle logistics centers will continue to operate. Tesla will shut down its California and New York plans on March 23. 

Originally posted on Work Truck Online

More Fleet

Vertical dark blue graphs showing new and used EV sales
Fleetby News/Media ReleaseJune 16, 2026

Used EVs Strengthen Overall Electric Vehicle Market

The latest sales data point to several reasons for the divergent trends in new and used EVs that can factor into fleet cycling decisions.

Read More →
Dark blue bar graphs showing percentage gains in average wholesale used vehicle prices

Wholesale Used Vehicle Market Sustains Moderate Rise In Values, Prices

Trends continue to normalize after a strong start to the year, as consumers contend with higher gas prices in the coming summer months.

Read More →
Green and black bar graphs show May 2025 v. 2026 fleet vehicle sales into commercial, rental, and government fleet sectors.
Fleetby Martin RomjueJune 3, 2026

Commercial Fleet Sales Still Lead Sectors Despite May Mini Dip

The U.S. economy's continued growth and positive business investment are creating a favorable environment for fleet vehicle demand.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A double-decker stinger car hauler carries a full load of new white vehicles along an interstate highway.
FleetJune 1, 2026

The Data-Driven Haul: 5 Ways AI is Leveling the Playing Field in Auto Transport

Large and small transport fleets are becoming more competitive as predictive analytics and real-time data inform the logistics decision chain.

Read More →
Two trucking industry workers talk in front of semi-trucks beside text reading, “The issue isn’t lack of safety technology — it’s lack of alignment.”
FleetMay 12, 2026

How to Speak the Same Language on Fleet Safety

Drivers, supervisors, and data often speak different safety “languages.” Getting on the same page will drive better results.

Read More →
Green and black bar graphs show April 2025 v. 2026 fleet vehicle sales into commercial, rental, and government fleet sectors.
Fleetby Martin RomjueMay 5, 2026

Commercial Fleet Sales Show Healthy Gains

So far, the fleet sector is outshining government and rental fleet sales this year as economic growth spurs more business investment.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A manual, traditional logistics dispatch center versus a futuristic AI-driven illustrative diagram of a future logistics operation.
OperationsMay 1, 2026

The Predictive Pivot: How AI and Data Are Redefining Auto Logistics in 2026

AI is no longer a luxury but the baseline for profitability in 2026. Auto haulers that adopt these tools now will quickly outpace those using manual workflows and taking a wait-and-see approach.

Read More →
A man standing in front of transparent tech screen with a the outline of a delivery truck.
TechnologyMay 1, 2026

The Predictive Pivot: How AI and Data Are Redefining Auto Logistics in 2026

AI is no longer a luxury but the baseline for profitability in 2026. Auto haulers that adopt these tools now will quickly outpace those that use manual workflows or take a wait-and-see approach.

Read More →
collage of conference speakers
Operationsby Chris BrownApril 30, 2026

CAR 2026 Recap Part 2: Closing the Gap Between Data & Remarketing Value

The second half of CAR 2026 examined how fleets can translate lifecycle strategy, vehicle data, and market shifts into higher real-world results.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Collage of CAR speakers
Used Vehicle Valuesby Chris BrownApril 27, 2026

CAR2026 in Two Words: Velocity, Value (Part 1)

The 2026 Conference of Automotive Remarketing convened with a mandate to involve a new constituency — fleet managers — and an updated mission to demonstrate unrealized value in de-fleeted vehicles.

Read More →