Amid Covid-19 crisis, auto firms rush online for nod to open factories

Big manufacturers say they would take more time to be ready to comply with the guidelines and get permissions before starting production

Leading Indian auto majors Bajaj Auto and the Volkswagen group are applying online for permission to open their factories after the Maharashtra authorities on Saturday came up with guidelines that units could work with up to 30-40 per cent of their staff strength, but with tough riders.

Tamil Nadu and Haryana, which house key industrial estates and large auto hubs including big players like Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki, were holding discussions with industry till late in the evening on Sunday.

A source privy to the meeting with the Tamil Nadu authorities, however, said the state promised to come up with detailed guidelines