Fiat Chrysler Seals Off European Sites Amid Italian Coronavirus Outbreak
Since you’re probably sick of reading about how the new coronavirus is gradually making its way to your doorstep, we’ll keep this one brief. An outbreak in Italy has thrown the government into action, closing public spaces for one week as 220 more people came down with the illness since Friday.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is similarly hoping to mitigate the spread of the virus by restricting access to its European facilities. A letter issued to suppliers and prospective visitors explains that FCA will refuse anyone who has been in any of the 13 Italian municipalities affected by the virus outbreak — and the same goes if they’ve visited any Asian countries within the last 15 days.
According to Reuters, 10 towns near the Italian financial capital of Milan have been placed under quarantine, with similar measures in place for a small town in neighboring Veneto. It’s estimated that about 50,000 people are affected by the lockdown. Local authorities announced three new deaths on Monday — two elderly gentlemen and a woman suffering from cancer. The outbreak has already suppressed Italian shares by around 5 percent, with further losses expected if the virus continues to spread.
Back in the world of cars, Automotive News reports Italian engineering and design company Italdesign-Giugiaro closed two facilities in Turin after an employee tested positive for the virus. FCA’s Turin headquarters has said it will do everything it can to remain operational while taking precautions to avoid spreading infection. We’ll keep tabs on the situation to see how they manage.
[Image: cpt.kama/Shutterstock]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Looking forward to stories about Americans not going to Pizza Hut out of an abundance of caution.
I've noticed in many photo's of healthcare staff and support staff involving COVID - 19 where the face masks are improperly worn. The dude in orange without a mask is just as much at risk as the dude at the foot of the stretcher.
While not FCA, CNH Industrial is a sister company. I found this message sent via email on Monday morning. I read this to include all CNH Industrial sites even in North America: "Following our previous communication, given the recent evolution of the spread of Coronavirus, we would like to inform you that CNH Industrial introduced additional precautionary measures for visitors regarding the entry to CNH Industrial sites. The admission to CNH industrial premises will not be granted to anyone who: •Has been in China or in other Asian countries in the 15 days prior to the scheduled visit to the CNH Industrial premises; •Has been in the Italian municipalities of Codogno, Castiglione d'Adda, Casalpusterlengo, Fombio, Somaglia, Bertonico, Terranova dei Passerini, Castelgerundo, San Fiorano, Maleo, Seto Cremonese, Vo'Euganeo and Dolo; •Has been in direct or indirect contact with persons potentially subject to risk, i.e. coming from China and other Asian areas, or those who have been in contact with residents or persons coming from the areas of Codogno, Castiglione d'Adda, Casalpusterlengo, Fombio, Somaglia, Bertonico, Terranova dei Passerini, Castelgerundo, San Fiorano, Maleo, Seto Cremonese, Vo'Euganeo and Dolo in the 15 days preceding the scheduled access to the CNH Industrial sites; •Has any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough or breathing difficulties. Visitors who fall into any of the categories listed above and planned a meeting in one of the CNH Industrial sites are kindly asked to urgently contact their CNH Industrial reference person and postpone their visit. As a general rule, independently from the conditions listed above and until the situation is clearer, we recommend managing all meetings in a remote manner, using conference call or Skype as appropriate. Effective Monday, February 24th, any visitor to CNH Industrial sites will be asked to fill and sign a self-certification form confirming that he/she does not fall into any of the above mentioned categories. We thank you for your utmost attention co-operation. CNH Industrial"