MARANELLO, Italy — Ferrari has closed its two factories in Italy, facing an emerging parts shortage amid a virus outbreak that has hit Italy especially hard.
Ferrari's primary factory, at its headquarters in Maranello, and its body factory in Modena, will both be shut down immediately until at least March 27, the company said.
As recently as last week, Ferrari had expected to be able to continue to produce vehicles after instituting measures recommended by Italian health authorities. However, with the parts shortages the company is experiencing, Ferrari has no choice but to suspend production for the time being.
Brake manufacturer Brembo, a longtime Ferrari supplier, said it will suspend manufacturing at its four Italian factories starting today. Ferrari's Formula 1 racing team, Scuderia Ferrari, has also suspended operations for the time being. The first Formula 1 race of the season, scheduled for this past weekend in Australia, was cancelled.
Ferrari said that its non-manufacturing activity, such as product design and engineering, will continue to operate with employees working from home. All of Ferrari's employees, including factory workers, will continue to receive full pay during the shutdown.