Ford has confirmed that the temporary suspension of vehicle and engine production at most of its European manufacturing sites is now expected to run at least until 4 May.

Production has been halted at Ford’s Dagenham site in the UK

It follows the carmaker’s initial announcement on 17 March that production would be temporarily suspended from 19 March for a number of weeks at its main continental European manufacturing sites (Saarlouis and Cologne, Germany; Valencia, Spain; and Craiova, Romania), with production also halted at its Bridgend and Dagenham engine plants in the UK from 23 March.

The company’s operations in Valencia, Spain, however, will remain in temporary suspension until at least 27 April.

Ford added that the length of the suspension was dependent on the pandemic situation, national restrictions, supplier constraints and the ability of the dealer network to operate.

The company’s ‘return to work’ plan also will encompass appropriate measures on social distancing and other health and safety protocols to protect its workforce.

“It’s important we give our employees as much clarity as possible on how long the present situation is likely to continue,” said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe. “We are hopeful the situation will improve in the coming month; our plans to restart operations, however, will continue to be informed by prevailing conditions and guidance of national governments.”