Coronavirus: Aston Martin to shut UK manufacturing facilities till April 20

British luxury carmaker Aston Martin has issued a statement saying it would suspend production at its UK manufacturing facilities starting March 25 until April 20 to cope with the coronavirus pandemic, which has hurt demand for its cars.

The company, famed for being fictional agent James Bond's car of choice, said that the outbreak has increased the risks to its financial performance in 2020 as only two-thirds of its global dealer network was currently operating.

In a statement released, the company said, “The business has taken this difficult but appropriate action in its determination to fully support the UK Government’s measures on slowing the spread of COVID-19 and, crucially, to protect the health and safety of its workforce, its suppliers, and their families."

The period of manufacturing suspension is initially planned to April 20, however, the business will continue to review the situation and will look to resume operations as soon as it is reasonable to do so.

Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: “It is our responsibility to ensure we do all we can to support the Government’s efforts in slowing the spread of COVID-19 over the coming weeks and, with the health of our amazing workforce front and centre of our minds, we have taken the tough decision to temporarily suspend operations at our sites around the UK.

“I hope and believe that our national fight against this dreadful virus will be successful and as soon as we have the ability we will, of course, return to normal operations. In the meantime, I would like to wish everyone associated with this great company good luck, and good health."

(With inputs from agencies)