Japanese car maker Toyota is to suspend production at all of its UK factories as the coronavirus outbreak continues to hit industries around the world.
It comes just a day after Nissan announced plans to halt its Sunderland plant - which employs 7,000 workers - just a week after injecting £52million to build its new Qashqai sports model.
In a statement issued this morning, Toyota, which has a plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire, as well as an engine-making factory at Deeside, North Wales, said that it will halt production following the conclusion of today’s day shift.
It is part of a wider move that will see Toyota shut its factories across Europe - after closing its French plant.
Production will cease today in the UK, where it employs around 2,000 people making the Corolla - as well as its factory in Poland.
Work will stop at its Czech Republic plant on Thursday, while its factory in Turkey will close on Saturday.
It is understood that production will initially stop for at least a week.
A Toyota Motor Europe statement said: "With the acceleration of the coronavirus in various European countries or regions and the associated ‘lock-down’ measures taken by various national and regional authorities, an uncertain short-term sales outlook and difficulties in logistics and supply chains are being felt and will increase in the next weeks.
"TME has consequently decided to organise a progressive suspension of its vehicle and engines/transmissions production plants in Europe starting on 18 March until further notice."
The news follows a decision by rival car-maker Nissan to half production at its Sunderland factory, after a drop in demand.
Yesterday, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak revealed a £330billion loans for businesses, including special support for airlines and the hospitality sector, to help get them through the coronavirus crisis.
The automotive industry is now seeking talks with the Government about what specific support there will be for the sector.
Mike Hawes, is the chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which represents car-makers, including Toyota and Nissan.
He said: "We welcome the additional and significant emergency support for business announced by the Chancellor.
"The UK automotive industry is inherently strong and globally competitive but now stands on the precipice and will urgently need extraordinary measures such as these to avoid falling over the edge.
"We now seek immediate dialogue with government to agree how such a comprehensive package of measures can ensure business continuity and support for workers."
