The rapidly changing news of when Southern automakers might restart their plants continued to evolve this week, along with thoughts on how everyone involved could work as safely as possible.
Industry guidelines distributed by state automotive associations called for workers to have masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and face shields whenever possible. The recommendations also included staggering shifts, lunchroom visits and spacing out work stations.
Volkswagen said it would restart its Tennessee plant May 3, while Mercedes-Benz stuck with a plan to ramp toward production Monday in Alabama.
General Motors has been mum but industry chatter seemed to indicate a restart around May 4.
Here’s an updated look around the South, culled from websites and news reports:
Alabama
Hyundai Montgomery, May 4
Honda Lincoln, May 8
Toyota Huntsville, May 4
Mercedes-Benz Vance, April 27
Georgia
Kia West Point, May 4
Kentucky
Toyota Georgetown, May 4
Ford Truck Louisville, No date
Ford Louisville, No date
GM Bowling Green, No date
Mississippi
Toyota Blue Springs, May 4
Nissan Canton, mid-May
South Carolina
BMW Spartanburg, May 4
Mercedes-Benz Charleston, April 27
Volvo Ridgeville, May 11
Tennessee
Nissan Smyrna, mid-May
Nissan Decherd, mid-May
VW Chattanooga, May 3
GM Spring Hill, No date
Texas
Toyota San Antonio, May 4
GM Arlington, No date
