BMW was forced to suspend production at its factories in Europe; Ukraine crisis disrupts harness supply

BMW will halt vehicle production next week at its plants in Munich and Dingolfing, Germany, as well as the MINI plant in Oxford, UK due to disruptions in supplies of key components. European Automotive News reported.

The disruption in vehicle output stemming from the delivery of belts from German cable manufacturer Leoni, which has two factories in Ukraine and employs about 7,000 employees, was disrupted. A Leoni spokesman said in a statement: “Logistics in and out of Ukraine present a particular challenge, especially given the partially turbulent situation at border points within the EU.”

According to the report, the German cable maker is working to increase production capacity at other locations to make up the shortfall caused by disruptions at its main locations in Ukraine, while prioritizing the safety of its customers. Staff.

According to the German automotive lobby group VDA, German car companies and suppliers maintain nearly 50 production sites in Russia and Ukraine.

“The conflict in Ukraine is having a far-reaching impact on the production of the supply industry there. A company spokesman told the German news agency. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

BMW has set up a crisis team to deal with supply disruptions, similar to those set up by other automakers such as Volkswagen and Stellantis who have been similarly affected. European Automotive News Written. A BMW spokesman said specialist divisions are in talks with suppliers to secure supplies from alternative production sites in order to restart vehicle production as quickly as possible. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

The spokesperson also told the newspaper that shifts would also be needed at BMW’s Leipzig and Regensburg production facilities; in Leipzig, one of the two cases will be cancelled, while Regensburg will also be limited to one.

On the other hand, BMW’s production plants in the United States, China and Mexico are not affected by the Ukraine crisis because these operations have different suppliers, a spokesman for the automaker said. Suddeutsche Zeitung; This means that almost all of BMW’s production in Europe is affected by the Ukraine crisis.

Regarding exports, BMW said it has stopped exporting cars to Russia and will also stop production in the country.