As expected, more motoring plants are closing due to the coronavirus with Ford suspending production in continental Europe, including Germany, Romania and Spain. 

Daimler has also halted most of Mercedes-Benz production in Europe while Volkswagen has closed factories on the basis that “it is not possible for workers to maintain a safe distance from each other to stop the spread of the virus”. 

Toyota will stop output from factories in France, Portugal and the Philippines. 

Nissan has become the UK’s most notable closure with its Sunderland plant stopping production. 

Volvo has stopped its Belgium production where it builds the XC40, compact SUV and V60.