As automakers reported sales declines nearly across the board during the first quarter. Scotiabank and DesRosiers Automotive Consultants issued dire warnings for the industry moving forward.

It took Cavalier Tool & Manufacturing of Windsor, Ont., about four days to go from being interested in lending a hand to producing the parts another Canadian company desperately needed to fill orders for wall-mount, pump-action hand sanitizer units used in hospitals.

Canada’s biggest three auto suppliers have agreed to assist in the production of much-needed ventilators during the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19. They'll work with a trio of medical suppliers.

Just because Ontario dealerships can remain open and are able to sell new vehicles during the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, it doesn’t mean it’s easy. It also illustrates an previously missed opportunity by the government, one wholesaler points out.

The APMA on Tuesday morning launched what it calls the One Million Mask Challenge. It’s asking its members — of which there are nearly 300 — to donate face masks to hospitals, clinics and shelters.

Several dealerships across the country — not just in Ontario — service and repair police vehicles, ambulances, firetrucks and delivery vehicles.

Ford and Hyundai are the latest two automakers to offer Canadian customers financial relief and incentive during the global novel coronavirus pandemic. Current customers can defer payments and new ones can receive one of a number of incentives.

“Clearly the news of customer shutdowns this week globally will have impact on the facilities supplying those customers,” CEO Linda Hasenfratz said in a statement. 

Nissan Canada said it would make payment rescheduling arrangements with customers on a case-by-case basis. The automaker will implement a cash-flow assistance plan for dealers.

The Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association and federal government have committed to retool auto supply plants to make medical equipment in short supply. And if medical equipment companies refuse to share the technical specifications of their products  with the auto industry, “we will force them,” says the head of APMA.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Donald Trump agreed Wednesday morning to close the border to non-essential traffic in both directions. Production in both countries isn't expected to be affected, if automakers continue to operate their factories. 

Because Canadian subsidiaries of U.S. automakers take their cues from their overlords south of the border, decisions about health and safety might not be best for the general public here, or even align with our own government’s policy. Canada risks becoming infected by foreign policy that has been slow and uncoordinated, adding further confusion when we need clarity and consistent action.

The joint panel was announced just hours after Unifor Local 88 called on GM to put the roughly 2,500 workers at the CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ont., on layoff beginning March 23 for a minimum of two weeks.