It has become apparent that the effect of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the automotive landscape the world over. Due to the accelerated outbreak of the virus, many carmakers, high-end or otherwise, kicked into high gear all kinds of protective measure to save their workforce and clients, while maintaining the most minimum of minimums in terms of activities.
The latest car brand to follow suit is Bentley, a UK-based luxury carmaker. In a short email sent to us by PGA Cars, the Philippines’ official distributor of Bentley, it stated that the brand has undergone a 1-month full production break at its factory and headquarters in Crewe, England. This began last March 20.
“The well-being of our colleagues is our number one priority, and although this was a difficult decision to take, and doesn’t change our strategic direction, it was necessary to protect them as best we can during these unprecedented times,” shared Bentley Motors chairman and CEO, Adrian Hallmark.
He added that the current global situation will “inevitably have an impact on deliveries,” to which he promptly reassured that the brand will take all measure to minimize the effects as much as it can. One of these measures is the minimal deployment of personnel at its headquarters.
Core business functions will continue throughout the shutdown, with some employees still reporting at the Crewe facility, following social distancing policies, or working remotely. Meetings will be held via video calls and all major events have been postponed or cancelled. Other measures include a ban on business trips. Production at the factory will restart on April 20.
