Nissan and Toyota close UK plants as coronavirus disrupts auto industry

NISSAN has closed its Sunderland plant as coronavirus takes its toll on the auto industry.

The Japanese auto giant is one of a number of manufacturers to cease production indefinitely following dwindling sales and worldwide disruption due to the outbreak.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

Bosses confirmed yesterday that the doors to the Sunderland factory - one of Britain's largest car plants - will close immediately.

It is unclear if the closure will result in job cuts for the 6,000 employees at Sunderland, but Nissan has warned that further precautions may be necessary.

In a statement, Nissan said: "Vehicle production has been suspended today in Nissan Sunderland Plant.

"Further measures are currently under study as we assess supply chain disruption and the sudden drop in market demand caused by the COVID-19 emergency."

Toyota also announced today that it would shut its doors to its Burnaston and Deeside factories immediately due to the coronavirus outbreak.

It said in a statement: "With the acceleration of the coronavirus in various European countries or regions and the associated “lock-down” measures taken by various national and regional authorities, an uncertain short-term sales outlook and difficulties in logistics and supply chains are being felt and will increase in the next weeks."

The announcement comes only a few days after Vauxhall's parent company said it would temporarily shut down production at its Ellesmere Port and Luton plants.