Suzuki and Honda shut production in India to free up oxygen
MUMBAI -- "In the current situation, we believe that all available oxygen should be used to save lives," Maruti Suzuki said in a statement.The local unit of Japanese automaker Suzuki was responding to the increasingly dire situation in India, where new coronavirus cases have surged and the health care system is running out of lifesaving oxygen.
Suzuki, Honda and Toyota are temporarily halting production as New Delhi urges manufacturers to redirect industrial-use oxygen to medical applications.
Maruti Suzuki will shut down two local auto plants from Saturday through May 9. Honda is halting production at four local two-wheeler plants through midmonth, as is Toyota Kirloskar Motor at two plants.
Panasonic has also idled some Indian production facilities for home appliances.