All leading vehicles assemblers in the Pakistan Auto Industry closed down their operations in March 2020 due to the government imposed lockdown to control Covid 19 spread in the masses.
After being closed for two months the dealers, vendors and assemblers had a meeting with Government of Sindh at Commissioner Karachi’s office. A decision was reached, after much persuasion by the auto industry, the plants and offices were to be opened after Eid holidays with strict compliance to the SOPs.
However according to sources two Japanese car assemblers are struggling to keep their operations running. Their offices have again been shut down for disinfection and the date to reopen is delayed every day.
However, the regional offices of the companies remained open and the staff which is essential for HODs was instructed to be at the office meanwhile the management staff has been told to work from home.
Covid- 19 has severely affected the Auto industry; the whole month of April had zero sales and production. Some assemblers still have nil sales too. The overall car production and sales during 10MFY20 plunged by 52 per cent year-on-year each to 88,628 and 86,330 units.
Even now if the assemblers fail to resume operations things could go worse for the already failing Auto Industry.