Yamaha has closed its production facilities in France and Italy until 22 March 2020 due to the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak. The Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer will analyse the situation weekly and then take the necessary actions.

Yamaha also announced that all of its employees at both of its factories – Motori Minarelli engine factory in Calderara di Reno, Italy and MBK Industrie assembly plant in Saint-Quentin, France – will not be at a financial disadvantage due to this temporary shut down.

“The health of our employees and our social responsibility are our priorities at this stage, which is why we decided to suspend production at these two facilities in the face of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. We also value highly the skills and commitment of a workforce that has shown tremendous loyalty to Yamaha, but now faces an unprecedented situation outside of the workplace. For their peace of mind, we are working to ensure that no employee will lose out financially between now and the return to a stable situation both in Italy and France,” said Eric de Seynes, Chief Executive Officer, Yamaha Motor Europe.

Earlier this month, Ducati also suspended production at its factory in Borgo Panigale, Italy until 25 March 2020.