Audi factories to resume production, return to normal by end of April

MANILA: Ingolstadt, Germany-headquartered car maker Audi announced in a release that it is gradually resuming production at its European plants "in the coming weeks."

Audi's factories ceased operations in mid-March to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, even as the brand admitted "bottlenecks" in its supply chain as well a decline in demand as the virus swept through Europe. 

After its production facilities in the continent go back online by the end of the month, resumption of manufacturing in other parts of the world is expected to follow suit — with the coordination of parent company Volkswagen Group.

Audi engine production in Gyor, Hungary already resumed last week, while the ramp-up of production activities will commence late this month.

The company insists that as manufacturing activities ensue, the safety of its employees will be the main focus, and that "health regulations in respective countries" will be followed such as social distancing measures, hygiene, and a modified work shift system to avoid contact.

Personnel will be require to use mouth and nose protection, while those whose roles allow will get a work-from-home arrangement.

Said Peter Mosch, chairman of Audi’s labor council: “On the way back to the first phase after the production shutdown, health precautions for the protection of the employees have the highest priority... Audi teams of experts, consulting with specialists, have therefore adapted processes with a view to health protection.”

Photos from Audi