The two largest automotive groups in the world, Toyota and volkswagenannounced this Thursday the suspension of its production in Russia due to the repercussions of the war in Ukraine.
the japanese giant Toyota reported that it will stop its production in Russia “until further notice” from Friday and also its imports for that market, it said, citing “supply chain disruptions” related to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Toyota’s plant in St. Petersburg employs around 2,600 people and last year produced some 80,000 vehicles, almost all for the Russian market, which represents a fraction of the 10.5 million cars made internationally by the Japanese group.
Toyota does not have factories in Ukraine, but indicated that sales operations have been suspended since February 24, when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion against the neighboring country.
“Toyota follows the ongoing events in Ukraine with great concern for the safety of the people in Ukraine and looks forward to a safe return to peace as soon as possible,” the group said in a statement.
“Our priority in managing this crisis is to ensure the safety of our team members, our sales staff and our supply chain partners,” he added.
For its part, volkswagen “with immediate effect it will interrupt exports to Russia”, which in 2020 represented 2.4% of its sales (220,000 units sold), a spokesman said. Deliveries to dealers had already been suspended.
The German group will also close “until further notice” its two plants in Kaluga and Nijni Novgorod, where some 4,000 people work, who will be paid through a temporary unemployment scheme.
Volkswagen had already temporarily halted production. at several plants in Germany, affected by a lack of supply from Ukrainian suppliers.
your compatriots BMW and Mercedes Benz they also announced this week that they were halting their exports and local production.
The largest truck manufacturer in the world, Daimler Truckceased its collaboration with the Russian manufacturer Kamaz, which is also a supplier to the Russian army.
Other Japanese car manufacturers like suzuki, Sling and Mazda they also suspended or reduced their activities in the country, where their presence is limited.
