India's bike makers slowed as coronavirus disrupts parts supply

Hero Motocorp and TVS expect February output to drop by 10%

The supply disruption could not have come at a worse time for India's automobile companies, which have been dealing with their worst slowdown ever. © Reuters

February 25, 2020 22:05 JST

MUMBAI (NewsRise) -- Indian two-wheeler makers Hero Motocorp and TVS Motor plan steep production cuts this month as they grapple with a parts shortage due to the new coronavirus epidemic in China.

TVS Motor, a former partner of Japan's Suzuki Motor, said production would drop 10% in February due to the shortage of certain components for its reduced-emissions Euro VI fuel efficiency vehicles. While TVS Motor's direct dependency on China is limited, some second-tier suppliers have been adversely affected, it said in a statement on Monday.