Car maker Toyota has announced it is suspending production at its 海角视频 factories because of coronavirus.
In a statement issued this morning, the Japanese firm, which has its car manufacturing plant at Burnaston, near Derby, as well as an engine-making factory at Deeside, North Wales, said that it will halt production following the conclusion of today鈥檚 day shift.
It is part of a wider move that will see Toyota shut its factories across Europe. The firm had already suspended production at its French plant.
Now, production will cease today in the 海角视频, where it employs around 2,00 people making the Corolla, and its factory in Poland.
Work will stop at its Czech Republic plant tomorrow, while its factory in Turkey will close on Saturday.
It is understood that production will initially stop for at least a week.
In the statement released by Toyota Motor Europe, it said: 鈥淲ith the acceleration of the coronavirus in various European countries or regions and the associated 鈥榣ock-down鈥 measures taken by various national and regional authorities, an uncertain short-term sales outlook and difficulties in logistics and supply chains are being felt and will increase in the next weeks.
鈥淭ME has consequently decided to organise a progressive suspension of its vehicle and engines/transmissions production plants in Europe starting on 18 March until further notice.鈥
The news follows a decision by rival car-maker Nissan to halt production at its Sunderland factory, which employs 7,000 people.
Nissan said it had seen a drop in demand as well as problems getting parts from China.
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Yesterday, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak revealed 拢330 billion of loans for businesses, including special support for airlines and the hospitality sector, to help get them through the coronavirus crisis.
The automotive industry is now seeking talks with the Government about what specific support there will be for the sector.
Mike Hawes, is the chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which represents car-makers, including Toyota and Nissan.
He said: 鈥淲e welcome the additional and significant emergency support for business announced by the Chancellor.
鈥淭he 海角视频 automotive industry is inherently strong and globally competitive but now stands on the precipice and will urgently need extraordinary measures such as these to avoid falling over the edge.
鈥淲e are already seeing plant closures as global demand falls and supply chains are stretched.
鈥淲e now seek immediate dialogue with government to agree how such a comprehensive package of measures can ensure business continuity and support for workers.
鈥淭he continued success of this industry is critical not just to the country鈥檚 economic performance but also to the hundreds of thousands of people across the country who rely on the sector for their livelihoods.鈥
