While the majority of the Indian auto industry is yet to restart their production, a couple of automakers have already resumed their operations in the country, after receiving permission from the respective state governments. These companies have to follow the guidelines set by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which includes measures like social distancing and taking all efforts to maintain higher standards of hygiene.
Kia Motors India resumed production at the Anantapur plant after a month long shut down due to the lockdown announced by the Government of India to avoid the spread of the Coronavirus. It has incorporated stringent safety measures at the Anantapur plant, following the guidelines of the Government. Currently, the plant is being operated in a single shift. Post COVID’19 lockdown, the operation will begin in full force.
The South Korean Automaker is taking all the necessary precautions to ensure physical distancing in the work environment. Apart from this, it is also incorporating health and hygiene measures such as sanitization, distribution of masks, regular temperature checks, and medical check-ups before entering the plant premises. Kia Motors India had earlier donated Rs 2 crores to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Relief Fund, along with one lakh masks to the government to support its COVID-19 control measures. The company has also announced several support initiatives for its dealer partners to sustain and improve the cash flow in these difficult times of the pandemic. It distributed 50,000 masks to its dealer partners to ensure the safety of dealers and customers.
Suzuki Motorcycle India has also restarted production at its manufacturing facility at Kherki Dhaula, Gurugram. The company had suspended its plant operations from March 23, 2020, due to the nationwide lockdown. In order to ensure safety against the COVID’19 pandemic, the company had issued detailed guidelines for its employees that includes measures such as social distancing, wearing masks, periodic sanitization, and also avoiding movement in large groups among others. Moreover, it has also installed a disinfectant chamber for individuals in order to prevent any infection and at the same time, maintain a safe working environment.
“As Suzuki Motorcycle India restarts its plant operation, our priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees since we continue to fight the battle against Covid-19. At the onset, SMIPL will resume operation with a limited workforce and will gradually shift to full production cycle as per the Government’s directive. We have implemented detailed operating guidelines with an emphasis on social distancing to ensure maximum precautions are taken by all our employees. In order to overcome the challenges faced due to the ongoing situation, we also believe that it is necessary that we all stay together in high spirits by continuing to motivate each other” as commented by Koichiro Hirao, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd.
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