Japanese automaker Honda suspends operations at Wuhan plant over COVID lockdown

Honda Motor has said operations at its factories in China are being disrupted as Beijing imposes severe restrictions on movements under its zero COVID policy to stem rising case numbers.

On Monday, Honda suspended operations at its automobile plant in Wuhan, Hubei Province, due to the coronavirus lockdown. The plant produces sports utility vehicles and other key car models.

Honda says a lockdown was imposed in areas surrounding the plant that is preventing its employees from coming to work.

It says it is yet to decide when to resume operations because there is no way of knowing when the lockdown will be lifted.

Honda has extended to this Friday the closure of its plant making lawn mower engines in Chongqing. It had been due to restart operations last Saturday.

Yamaha Motor has partially shut down its motorcycle production plant in Chongqing.