While China has been hit the hardest by the Coronavirus outbreak, Italy is next up with almost 25,000 confirmed cases, with over 1,800 deaths relating to the virus so far in the European country.
Car manufacturers around the world have also been hit by the effects of the virus, with sales plummeting in China, and parts suppliers unable to meet international demand.
Unsurprisingly, Lamborghini has decided to temporarily close its factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese. The closure is set to last until March 25, and the decision was motivated by the brand's CEO, who said:
“This measure is an act of social responsibility and high sensibility towards our people, in the extraordinary situation in which we find ourselves right now in Italy and which is also evolving abroad due to the worldwide spread of Coronavirus.”
While it only has one factory, Lamborghini has been experiencing an incredible increase in sales thanks to the Urus SUV, meaning that it has been running at full capacity. The 43-per cent sales increase in 2018 saw almost 5000 Urus SUVs sold, along with a spike in other models.
The Italian brand hasn't revealed the costs associated with putting all manufacturing on hold, but it's a perfectly reasonable thing to do while the rest of the country in on lockdown.
While other European automotive brands haven't shut up shop, Germany has closed its borders with Austria, Denmark, France, Luxembourg and Switzerland, meaning that parts will be at a premium for Volkswagen, Mercedes and BMW.