Detroit Carmakers Close Plants While Musk Keeps Tesla Open
- GM, Ford, Fiat temporarily idle plants after union pressure
- Tesla is preparing to cut staff 75%, county spokesman says
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General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co., and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV will temporarily shut down their U.S. plants in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus, bowing to public pressure that Tesla Inc.’s Elon Musk has defied.
Ford will halt operations at all North American manufacturing facilities after Thursday evening shifts, according to a statement. GM said it will suspend production at all plants -- at different times and on a rolling basis -- until at least March 30 and Fiat Chrysler also plans to idle its factories through the end of the month.