An automobile manufacturing line at the TC Motor factory in the northern province of Ninh Binh. The company will stop vehicle production from April 1 to 15 due to COVID-19. — Photo TC Motor

TC Motor will suspend vehicle production in the northern province of Ninh Binh from April 1 to 15 due to concerns of COVID-19 spreading.

TC Motor is the third automaker in Viet Nam to suspend operations, following Ford Vietnam and Toyota Motor Vietnam on March 26 and 30, respectively.

A TC Motor representative said the automaker is working with State management and health agencies in all localities to keep a close watch on the situation to devise safety measures.

TC Motor had introduced measures to maintain production and supply for customers amid the complicated developments of COVID-19 in the Republic of Korea, the main source of supply for many Huyndai models. The firm also asked most of its administrative employees to work from home and applied preventive measures for those who come to the workplace.

TC Motor pledged to ensure the rights and benefits of employees during the suspension, and is ready to resume operation when the pandemic is under control.

In a document assessing the pandemic’s impacts on the Vietnamese automotive industry sent to the ministries of industry and trade, finance, and transport, the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers' Association (VAMA) said many spare part and vehicle manufacturers will be directly affected by countries’ decision to lockdown one or more areas and even the entire nation to deal with COVID-19. It's predicted that many enterprises will have to adjust their production plans, and even consider closing their factories temporarily until the pandemic is repelled. — VNS