Ford has opted to suspend the vehicle and engine production at its International Markets Group (IMG) manufacturing sites including Thailand which makes vehicles such as the Ranger and Everest.

The decision to halt production is due to several factors including to curb the spread of COVID-19, parts restrictions, supplier constraints, and dealer stock requirements. The production suspension is expected to last “for several weeks.”

While Ford will continue to monitor the situation, the company is adjusting its original production schedule and will temporarily suspend production market-by-market. The last working day per market is as follows:

• March 21: India: Chennai Vehicle Assembly Plant, Sanand Vehicle Assembly Plant, Sanand Engine Plant and Chennai Engine Plant.
• March 26: Vietnam: Ford Vietnam Limited Haiduong Assembly Plant.
• March 27: Thailand: Ford Motor Company (Thailand) Limited.
• March 27: South Africa: Silverton Assembly Plant (Pretoria) and Struandale Engine Plant (Port Elizabeth).

The measures announced follow actions previously announced by Ford, including the temporary suspension of vehicle and engine production in North America, Europe, and South America.

Ford also is requiring employees to work remotely unless they are performing a business-critical job that requires being onsite. The company’s working remotely policy will continue until further notice in a continued effort to help contain the virus. Precautionary measures are being taken to protect the safety of the small number of employees who are unable to work from home.