Honda of North America officials announced Thursday that it will again extend the production suspension for all automobile, engine and transmission plants in the U.S. and Canada through April 10 in response to the market impact of the fast-changing COVID-19 situation.
The company began its automobile production suspension March 23, and last week, made the first announcement of an additional production suspension through April 6.
The announcement effects each of the local Honda facilities — the Marysville and East Liberty auto plants, the Performance Manufacturing Center at Marysville, Honda Transmission Mfg. at Russells Point and the Anna Engine Plant.
In the upcoming weeks while monitoring, the company will continue to evaluate conditions and make adjustments to its production operations in North America as necessary.
“In undertaking these production adjustments, Honda is continuing to manage its business carefully through a measured approach to sales that aligns production with market demand,” officials said.
Wednesday, American Honda also reported the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on its March auto sales. Company officials said by the end of the month, American Honda sales fell 48 percent in March, which followed strong sales for Honda and Acura in the first two months of 2020 and in early March.
“Both brands off to a strong start in the first 10 days of March, the COVID-19 crisis quickly took its toll on March and first quarter sales results.
“Considering the severe market impact, most Honda and Acura products continued to perform well in March. However, combined with declining demand from cautious consumers, hundreds of Honda and Acura dealers were closed in the second half of March in compliance with mandates imposed on businesses by state and local governments.”
Honda and Acura dealers that were able to remain open did so, focusing their efforts on taking care of existing customers through vehicle service, maintenance and repair, while preserving the health and safety of their employees, officials said.
In response to the pandemic, Honda and Acura have offered to help customers who have financed their vehicles through Honda Financial Services or Acura Financial Services with payment extensions and deferrals, as well as available late fee waivers.
Honda is also providing an industry-first special offer for first responders and medical professionals, out of respect for their contributions to communities across the country