COVID-19: How the Auto Industry and Racing World are Affected
The COVID-19 pandemic is seemingly taking the entire planet hostage as authorities in many countries are announcing strict limitations to public gatherings in an effort to stop the virus from spreading.
Here’s how the auto industry and top racing series are affected, effective March 13:
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Auto Shows and Unveilings
As previously reported, the Geneva Auto Show was cancelled by the Swiss government and the New York Auto Show has been pushed from April to August. Cadillac has postponed the launch of its new electric SUV, called Lyriq, which was initially planned on April 2. And now Ford has just done the same with the anticipated 2021 Bronco, due to be revealed later this month at a special event.
Entertainment
If you were dying to see Fast and Furious 9, you will now have to wait until April… of 2021. Those who prefer to watch episodes of The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime need to know that the rest of season 4 has been postponed. Also, if you had planned to visit Palm Beach, Florida and attend the Barrett-Jackson auction next month, we regret to inform you that the event will take place in October instead.
Racing
Let’s start with Formula 1. The Australian Grand Prix set to take place this weekend has just been cancelled, while the races in Bahrain (March 22), Vietnam (April 5) and China (April 19) have all been pushed to a later date to be determined.
In NASCAR, the events in Atlanta (March 15) and Homestead-Miami (March 22) have been postponed. IndyCar has cancelled all Grand Prix events though April.
As for other series, the IMSA 12 Hours of Sebring has been postponed to November 11-14, while the WEC’s 1000 Miles of Sebring will no longer take place. In Formula E, the Sanya ePrix in China has been cancelled, while the races in Rome and Jakarta will move to another date.
Plants and Production
It’s business as usual in terms of vehicle production in North America. FCA's minivan plant in Windsor, Ontario shut down from Thursday to late Friday after one worker decided to self-quarantine as a precaution, prompting all the other unionized workers to leave the plant.
Detroit’s Big 3 have circumvented supply chain disruptions by finding parts from alternative sources and through air shipments, as Ford Authority reports. GM CEO Mary Barra said that the automaker’s production would be secure from parts shortages “quite far into this month.” However, salaried employees who can work from home have been instructed to do so.
Beyond that, there will likely be interruptions and closures, including at the dealership level, as seen in certain parts of Asia and Europe right now.