War on Covid-19: Major auto, electronic units in Tamil Nadu come to a halt

People-first approach marks decision with some firms saying there will be no pay or job cuts

Manufacturing activity in Tamil Nadu, especially in and around Chennai, has come to halt with large auto and electronics companies deciding to shut their plants as part of the effort to contain the spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus).

Auto and component makers that have suspended operations include BMW, Hyundai, TVS, Daimler, Royal Enfield, Nissan, Sundaram Clayton, Tube Investments, Pricol, Flex, and Salcomp.

The six car manufacturers located around Chennai -- Ford, Hyundai, Renault, Nissan, BMW and  Mitsubishi -- have a combined capacity of 1.38 million units a year.

Luxury car maker BMW said that local production at the Group Plant in Chennai has been