Due to the corona virus, Northern Italy is practically closed off from the rest of the world. You would expect that this will also have an effect on the local car industry. But nothing seems less true.
The Chinese COVID-19 virus is spreading rapidly in northern Italy. During the past weekend, almost 1,200 new infections reported within 24 hours. The death toll also increased rapidly to 366 people. Italian Prime Minister Giueseppe Conte feels compelled to lay down much of Northern Italy until at least April 3 and even “locks” provinces such as Lombardy. You would expect that the local car production also gets a big blow, because car manufacturers such as Maserati and Ferrari have factories in the affected area. But according to Automotive News Europe, the Italian car industry is being spared for the time being.
Factories of Maserati, Ferrari and parts suppliers today, despite their accommodation in the “orange danger zone”, simply opened their doors. The companies were alleged to have received a letter from the Italian government stating that they could simply run their production belts in the event of “proven necessity”. A little later it is stated that the restrictions must not lead to the blocking of production activities.
Maserati and Ferrari
Maserati declares that it will only do essential work. Parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has not yet given an official statement. The Maserati plant in Modena in northern Italy is their only plant in the risk area. Ferrari says he will continue to build his cars until the required parts are no longer available. Whether the factories may remain open in the event of a further outbreak, time must tell.
More and more infected people are also reporting in Germany. Daimler’s CEO, Ola Kallenius, feels the vulnerability. “We just can’t say what the impact will be, but it’s clear that both production and sales will be affected,” Kallenius said.