Ferrari and Lamborghini have decided to shut down their factories amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Production at the Ferrari factory in Maranello will be stopped until March 27, 2020.
“At a time like this,” said Ferrari’s CEO, Louis Camilleri, “my gratitude goes first and foremost to Ferrari’s women and men who, with their tremendous commitment over the past few days, have demonstrated the passion and dedication that defines our marque. Together with our suppliers, they have ensured the Company’s production. And it is out of our respect for them, for their peace of mind and those of their families that we have decided on this course of action. Camilleri added, “Our clients and fans are also top of mind for us at this time, as we prepare for a strong restart.”
On the other hand, Lamborghini has shut operations till March 25.
Stefano Domenicali, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Automobili Lamborghini said, “This measure is an act of social responsibility and high sensibility towards our people, in the extraordinary situation in which we find ourselves right now in Italy and which is also evolving abroad due to the worldwide spread of Coronavirus. As we have done up until now, we continue to monitor the situation in order to react rapidly and with the right flexibility, in collaboration with our people and in order to restart with energy in the right moment.”
Italy is among the worst affected countries after China and Iran. According to latest reports, Italy saw 368 deaths in a single day bringing the total number of casualties to 1809.
France has also introduced various emergency measures to prevent the spread of the virus.The government has said that only essential business can be conducted from now on, which suggests that the Bugatti factory in Molsheim could face temporary closure.