Japan strives to limit virus impact on carmakers

Japan’s economy ministry is set to team up with carmakers, suppliers and the government in a bid to minimise any impact from the coronavirus outbreak on the vehicle industry.

The group will discuss the matter and prepare any measures they feel necessary to help safeguard the motoring sector, reports Reuters.

Output at some Chinese plants operated by Japanese brands and their suppliers remain suspended as large parts of China’s manufacturing sector is yet to restart following an extended Lunar New Year break. 

The suspension of operations at many factories comes in the wake of travel and quarantine restrictions that are in place to reduce the chance of the virus spreading.

“It’s too early to see any major impact from the outbreak, but we don’t want to be late in any response, if needed,” says Futoshi Kono, head of the automotive section at Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry.