Honda Shuts Down North American Plants for 6 Days

Just a few hours before Ford and General Motors, Honda today announced drastic measures in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is expected to result in a sharp decline of new car sales.

The Japanese manufacturer will shut down all of its automobile production plants in North America, including the U.S., Canada and Mexico, for six days beginning March 23. The current plan is to return to production on Tuesday, March 31.

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This interruption will reduce output by approximately 40,000 vehicles, Honda estimates.

In Canada, the two assembly plants in Alliston, Ontario, which build Civic and Civic Si sedans and coupes as well as the CR-V compact SUV, are affected. Same thing for the 2.0-litre engine plant also in Alliston.

The other production facilities are located in Ohio, Indiana, Alabama, Georgia and Mexico.

Approximately 27,600 employees will be sent home during those six days. They will all receive full pay, Honda’s management assures. In addition, the company will utilize this time to continue deep cleaning of its production facilities and common areas to further protect workers upon their return to the plants.

Since the COVID-19 crisis evolves extremely rapidly, Honda says it will continue to evaluate conditions and make additional adjustments as necessary.  

Earlier this week, Unifor and UAW, the two main auto worker unions in Canada and the U.S., began urging automakers—particularly Detroit’s Big Three—to protect their members by halting production for at least two weeks.