Breaking: Automakers begin to shut down North American factories amid the coronaviris pandemic

Honda is the first automaker to make the first to announce the shutdown of its US manufacturing operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company announced the decision to close Wednesday morning noting that it is closing all of it’s production plants in North America for at least six days citing an anticipated drop in demand as coronavirus fears take hold worldwide.

Honda says they will pay all 27,000 workers impacted shutdown. In addition, Fiat Chrysler is closing its Sterling Heights, Michigan production plant which builds the Ram 1500 truck after an worker tested positive for coronavirus.

“Out of an abundance of caution for the health and welfare of the employees at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, FCA is suspending production,” said spokeswoman Jodi Tinson in a statement. “Employees on the first shift have been sent home. Workers on the second shift should not report. The company is working to align the plant’s shift pattern with yesterday’s announced agreement with the UAW. Further information regarding the resumption of operations will be shared later today.”

Its reported that several other automakers are meeting this morning to decide whether or not to close plants across North America after the United Auto Workers sent a letter to members informing that they are advocating for at least a two-week shutdown. According to the letter, Ford, General Motors hand Fiat Chrysler “were not willing to implement this request.”