It's not every day it happens, and it wasn't much of a surprise either, but it did give a strong twist to the guts of all auto lovers worldwide to see the proud racing and car icon, Ferrari finally accept the inevitable and shut down its production line on account of COVID-19. The pandemic is currently ravaging the car making country of Italy, leaving a death toll of 1,441 deaths from 21,000 confirmed positive infections.
The Ferrari 488 GTB could be among other Ferrari models forced to halt production due to coronavirus
Following many examples in the world auto sector in the past weeks, Ferrari made the down-tools official in a statement. The action affects the company's facilities at Modena and Maranello and is in effect until the 27th of March.
Last week, it was, sadly, Lamborghini that made a similar decision to halt production, this time until the 25th of March. As the death count continues to rise, and economic activities and health facilities stretch to the max, skeptics wonder at the optimistic-sounding nature of the company's short break.
Ferrari made sure to point out its stance is in response to Italy's new emergency laws to deal with the crises. It also cited the bad shape its supply chain is in, following a worldwide shortage of car parts and components.
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It remains to be seen how relatively small automaker, Ferrari, will weather the storm brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic. In China, February saw auto companies falling in capacity by a staggering 80%.
Lamborghini similarly shut doors until March 25th also because of COVID-19
Ferarri's head honcho, Louis Camilleri, had this to say:
"At a time like this, my gratitude goes first and foremost to Ferrari's women and men who, with their tremendous commitment over the past few days, have demonstrated the passion and dedication that defines our marque. Together with our suppliers, they have ensured the Company's production. And it is out of our respect for them, for their peace of mind and those of their families that we have decided on this course of action. Our clients and fans are also top of mind for us at this time, as we prepare for a strong restart."
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A conservative list of auto companies affected so far includes Volkswagen, Ford, Toyota, and Ducatti. As the world waits with bated breaths and praying hearts, it is hoped that the turn of the tide for Italy and the global automotive industry will be soon, as it increasingly appears to be happening for the erstwhile stricken Wuhan district in China.
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