Car audio companies are beginning to report product shipment delays due to the Coronavirus as it spreads across China and into other countries.
Alpine and Epsilon report minor delays. Kenwood and another major brand was uncertain of its delay situation late last week. But as the Chinese government is extending the Chinese New Year holiday by up to two weeks in some regions to mid February, at least minor delays are expected to be widespread.
Additionally, workers afraid of contracting the virus, are expected to delay returning to work regardless of government timetables. The Coronavirus has affected over 20,000 people in China since December, killing more than 400.
“I feel for everyone with this disease. This is no joke,” said Epsilon’s Ronnie Brashear after receiving reports from China. An Epsilon product which should have shipped in late March is now delayed until the end of April, he said. The virus is even impacting Korean companies who have Chinese workers that returned home for the holidays and are now afraid to travel. “Our liaison in Korea said he doesn’t expect anyone to come back until around March 10.”
An Alpine spokesperson said, “China is extending the Chinese New Year Holiday by at least one-two weeks (depending on the location) which may cause some delays on Alpine products built in China, however, details are not clear at this time.
Sam Yoo of Woofer Electronics in Chicago said, “I think a lot of people are going to be hesitating about going back to work after the Chinese New Year is over. I’m sure we’ll see some delays but I don’t have any more concrete information.”
The disease is centered in the Chinese city of Wuhan, in Hubei Province. That province is a critical area for automotive and other manufacturing. The province accounts for 4 percent of China’s economy.
The Nikkei Asian Review said, “With the rate of infection still rising, there are fears that factories and businesses in the area will be forced to close for longer, threatening supply networks both at home and abroad.”
Photo via Nikkei Asian Review
new year hurt me more so. but i find that no one answers the phones at some of my suppliers.