Floods force Chennai-based carmakers to suspend operations

Heavy rains and the resulting floods in the city of Chennai have forced automobile manufacturers such as Ford, Hyundai and Renault-Nissan to suspend operations at their plants. This is the second time in a fortnight that the auto majors have had to take this step.

Ford claims that it has stopped production at its assembly and engine plant in the interest of its employees' safety. The floods have rendered many roads in the city unusable.

Hyundai said that it has suspended three shifts at it main plant is likely to resume operations only when the conditions permit.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has also kept it plant closed and will restart operations only after the conditions improve.

Ford's plant has an annual production capacity of 3.4 lakh engines and 2 lakh vehicles. The Hyundai plant has the capacity to roll out 6.8 lakh vehicles annually and the Renault-Nissan facility can produce 4.8 lakh vehicles per year.

Source: ET Auto