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April 22, 2020 7:15 pm

Maruti Suzuki plant in Manesar gets permission to resume operations

Maruti Suzuki has been granted permission to open its Manesar manufacturing facility to work on single shifts

Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), India’s largest car manufacturer, will resume operations at its production facility in Manesar (Haryana) amidst COVID-19. The district administration has granted permission to the automaker to work in single shifts. Proper health, safety and social distancing guidelines will be undertaken by the company once the plant is opened. Reports state that the facility can operate with 4,696 people and 50 vehicles.

India’s automotive industry has been badly hit by the spread of COVID-19 and many brands have shut down their plants or are working with extremely limited resources. Several dealerships are also on the verge of going out of business completely if the lockdown is extended any further. On the other hand, R.C. Bhargava, Chairman of MSIL believes that car sales will be boosted after the lockdown’s withdrawal — read more details.

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has another manufacturing facility in Gurugram which is yet to receive approval for commencing operations. However, the company is hopeful that it would be opened in about two weeks’ time. The development comes as a result of a new set of guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Under this, private industries and other establishments operating in rural areas (or far outside the limits of municipal corporations) can restart their facilities from April 20.

Maruti Car Plant

The State Government of Haryana has also released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for reopening industrial facilities amidst the ongoing lockdown protocol. As per VS Kundu, CEO of Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority, Maruti Suzuki will be able to continue its Manesar operations from this week itself. As mentioned before, certain automotive brands are already working in controlled environments.

Besides announcing various support initiatives for the fight against COVID-19, several automotive companies have come forward to lend a helping hand to its struggling dealerships. COVID-19 outbreak occurred in India at the same time when automotive dealers were trying to finish off their leftover BS4 stock before the then deadline of 1 April 2020. This date was recently extended by the Supreme Court of India but on a conditional basis.

With the help of online platforms such as company website and social media, automakers have also created a hassle-free buying experience during the lockdown. Vehicles booked online will be delivered only after the lockdown taking into consideration all the necessary health guidelines. To get more potential buyers online, certain brands are also offering introductory discounts and related benefits.

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