Skoda Resumes Operations Amidst Covid-19

Maharashtra, India: Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVI) resumed its operations in India as the Covid-19 disruption eases following improvements in supply chain activities and staff availability. The company had trouble sourcing parts and finding enough drivers because of restrictions on imports and the movement of people within India like other OEMs. Production commenced at Aurangabad on May 25, 2020 and Pune on June 01, 2020, after 60 days. The two factories in Maharashtra state normally turn out 8,000 units per month, meaning that around 16,000 were lost during the stoppage. 

“The post-Covid-19 era will have challenges new and old. However, we need to look ahead with optimism once more. By resuming production, we will be in a better position to react to market demands and consumer needs,” quoted Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director, SAVI.

New protocols are in effect and now that production has resumed, all activities are taking place under new health and safety protocols, which have been developed by Skoda’s medical team in partnership with national and local authorities. In logistics, these measures include special trucks inward processes, health checks for drivers, inbound vehicle sanitization, and periodic sanitization of warehouse floors and material handling equipment. Masks and gloves are mandatory for employees as well as service providers. 

The company’s spokesperson addressed that some challenges remain, particularly the availability of drivers, who come from different states across the country and while the lockdown is being lifted in phases they expect some disruption for at least the next three to four months.

Image Source: Magic Wand Media

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