New Delhi: In view of the escalating COVID-19 situation, the Japanese automaker Honda Cars India Limited (HCIL) will be temporarily suspending operations at both its manufacturing plants in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh and Tapukara in Rajasthan from 23rd Mar till 31st Mar 2020, the company said in a release.
“HCIL associates working in corporate offices, including zonal and regional locations for all functions will primarily work from home, except for those involved in running essential services that require physical presence or minimal staffing for a few critical activities, while abiding by the government directions.”
The company’s leadership is closely reviewing the situation to decide the next course of action. It plans to restart production on 1st April 2020, that will be dependent upon directions from Government authorities and civil administration, along with market and supply conditions, it added.
Gaku Nakanishi, President & CEO, Honda Cars India said, “In these trying times, health, safety, and well-being of our associates, their families, and the community at large is of utmost importance. Social distancing is the need of the hour. We can overcome the pandemic if we collectively show restraint, resolution, and responsibility.”
The two-wheeler subsidiary, Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India also followed suit and in a press statement released today announced temporary shutdown of its operations across all its four manufacturing plants with immediate effect till further notice. The duration of this shut down will depend upon the Government policy.
All Honda dealerships across India have also been asked to implement mandatory protocol while interacting with customers for prevention of the virus spread, the company said in the release. Basically it means that the dealerships which have public interface will be adhering to social etiquette like social distancing norms and basic hygiene
required to be practiced to fight and control the spread of coronavirus.