Porsche will suspend production at its parent plant in Zuffenhausen and at its factory in Leipzig—both in Germany—for an initial period of two weeks starting March 21. The step is the sports car manufacturer’s response to the significant rise in Coronavirus infection in the country, as well to resulting measures implemented by relevant authorities.
In addition to protecting Porsche’s workforce, bottlenecks in global supply chains no longer allow for efficient production. At the same time, Porsche is preparing for a decline in demand and is securing its financial strength with the suspension of plant operations.
The steps are taken through an orderly process and are held in close cooperation with Porsche’s labor council.
“With these measures, our company contributes to the protection of the workforce and the reduction of the spread of the Coronavirus. The actual consequences are not yet predictable. It is therefore too early for forecasts. What is clear is that 2020 will be a very challenging year,” said Oliver Blume, chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche AG. “We can only overcome the pandemic together and by taking rigorous measures.”
In addition to suspending production, Porsche has decided on a number of other measures, including a ban on business travel, an expanded “mobile working” arrangement for personnel, and meetings held only via video or conference calls.
With these steps, Porsche is fulfilling its entrepreneurial and social responsibility, and will continuously reassess the situation.