Skoda to close Czech plants due to COVID-19

Skoda suspended production at its Czech plants in Mlada Boleslav, Kvasiny and Vrchlabi from 18 March 2020, for an initial period of  two weeks, with operations scheduled to recommence on 6 April 2020. This is due to the COVID-19 pandemic and following consultations with the Volkswagen Group and the KOVO union.

At Skoda, there have been three confirmed cases of COVID-19 as at 19 March 2020. The company immediately looked after the colleagues concerned and they are in a stable condition. Workstations have been thoroughly disinfected to prevent the virus from spreading further. As a precaution, several other staff members are self-isolating at home.

Meanwhile, all SAIC Volkswagen plants in China, with the exception of Changsha where Skoda's vehicles are built, have resumed production. So far, there have been no restrictions in the production facilities for Skoda's models in Russia. Manufacturing at the Indian plant in Aurangabad is continuing, although at a significantly reduced capacity. Production has stopped in Pune, India. This was however planned as part of the INDIA 2.0 project, as the plant is currently being converted for the manufacturing of a new model family.