US automaker Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is planning to begin restarting its auto manufacturing plants in Canada and the US beginning on 4 May.
The automaker — one of the US-based "Big 3" along with Ford and General Motors (GM) — has had its North American plants shut down since mid-March.
FCA previously said it would delay its restarts to 14 April, at which point it would evaluate if it was safe to reopen the plants.
Honda also said today it would extend its shutdowns of its plants in Canada and the US, which began 23 March, through 1 May.
On 3 April, Ford announced it would keep its European auto plants shut down until at least 4 May. In the US, the company had expected to resume some production at its auto plants on 14 April, but has delayed that restart indefinitely.
GM said it continues to evaluate restarting its facilities when it is safe to do so. Japanese carmaker Toyota has delayed restart of its facilities to 20 April, while Nissan has postponed restarting its US plants through late April.
The news comes as North American steelmakers idle capacity in response to the lack of auto demand. ArcelorMittal is preparing to idle another US blast furnace, this time in Cleveland, taking off at least another 1.5mn short tons (st)/yr of flat rolled steel capacity. Multiple flat-rolled mills have announced closures in the last few weeks in addition to ArcelorMittal, including AK Steel and US Steel, totaling 5.5mn st.
