Honda said it will continue full pay for all of its associates. Some 27,600 Honda workers in North America will be affected, the company said.
Currently, the company plans to resume production in six days, or March 31, the following Tuesday.
Honda will reduce production by approximately 40,000 vehicles during these six days.
But in its statement, Honda hinted that further production decisions are possible.
“As the market impact of the fast-changing COVID-19 situation evolves, Honda will continue to evaluate conditions and make additional adjustments as necessary,” the company said. “In undertaking this production adjustment, Honda is continuing to manage its business carefully through a measured approach to sales that aligns production with market demand.”
The affected auto plants include the Marysville and East Liberty assembly plants in Ohio, as well as the Performance Manufacturing Center, also in Marysville.
Honda is not alone. All American automakers were contemplating plans Wednesday to temporarily shut down assembly lines, according to sources speaking with the Associated Press and others.
Honda said it will use this time to continue “deep cleaning” of its production facilities and common areas to protect workers.
The company has taken pride in the fact that no regular, full-time worker in Ohio has ever been laid off since the company began vehicle production in the Buckeye State in 1979.
“This production adjustment also will allow Honda associates to better prepare and adjust family plans in relation to regional directives to close schools to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” Honda also said. “This will enable working parents to determine how best to manage the needs of children staying home from school and other required lifestyle adjustments.”
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