Ford is expected to start firing up idle manufacturing plants next month.
If all goes according to plan, Toyota plans to resume North American vehicle production on April 20. The factories were shut down since March 23. This was due to the fact that automaker had deep-cleaned its facilities because of coronavirus fears. Toyota however announced last week that it would prolong their closure to April 3 because of ongoing COVID-19 concerns.
The plan now is to close the plants until April 17th, with all North American car production returning to normal on April 20 at each factory. The company announced that the reason for the extended closure was the COVID-19 pandemic as well as declining vehicle demand. Vehicle parts departments and logistic centers will still be open. As situations require, the company might change its mind.
We reported earlier today that Ford would resume production at Hermosillo’s plant on April 6th, with additional facilities to follow shortly. After the state lifts its stay-at-home orders, Michigan’s Dearborn Truck Plant will reopen on April 14. The facility produces the F150. April 14 marks the start of the Kansas City Assembly Plant’s Transit, along with the Kentucky Truck Plant ( Super Duty and Ohio Assembly Plant ( Ford Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator).
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles stated in a statement to the Detroit Bureau that North American plants would remain closed until April 14th, depending on stay-at-home orders at each factory. FCA didn’t specify when or how it would bring back its employees from its facilities.
Toyota currently has 10 U.S. manufacturing plants and 14 in North America. The facility in San Antonio (Texas) currently produces the Tacoma, and Tundra. It is also the recipient of new investments for the next-generation Sequoia. Toyota Indiana makes the current Sequoia and Highlander, while Toyota Kentucky builds the Camry and Avalon, RAV4 Hybrid and Lexus ES. The Corolla is built in Mississippi. The RAV4, Tacoma and Lexus RX are manufactured in Canada and Mexico by a variety of factories.