https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/17/ford-daimler-to-suspend-production-at-european-factories-due-to-covid-19/ > Ford said Tuesday it will temporarily shut down vehicle and engine production at its factories in Europe in response to the spread of COVID-19, a disease caused by the coronavirus. > The shutdown will begin Thursday and is expected to continue for a number of weeks, Ford said, without providing a specific timeline. Ford said it hopes the closure will only be required for a short period, but the duration depends on a number of factors, including the spread of the coronavirus, government restrictions, supplier constraints and the return of customers to dealerships, many of which are now closed.