Virus Endangers Parts Supply for Already-Embattled Car Industry
- Plant closings across China put strain on component makers
- More than half of Top 20 parts suppliers produce in Wuhan area
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The global car industry is facing a stress test as the coronavirus outbreak in China disrupts the supply of components from transmissions to steering systems.
Parts manufacturers across China have suspended production through this week and in the case of Hubei province, the outbreak’s epicenter, factories will remain shut until Feb. 13 or later. That leaves car plants at risk both in China -- the world’s largest market -- and beyond: Hyundai Motor Co. on Tuesday became the first global carmaker to halt production outside China because of component shortages caused by the virus.