London (CNN Business) Volkswagen is preparing to suspend production across Europe as the continent struggles to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

The German carmaking giant said Tuesday that production at its plants in Spain, Setubal in Portugal and Bratislava in Slovakia will be halted before the end of the week. Factories in Italy that make Lamborghini super cars and Ducati motorcycles will also be idled.

Volkswagen VLKAF Most of the group's other German and European plants are preparing to suspend production, probably for two weeks,CEO Herbert Diess told reporters on Tuesday.

"Given the present significant deterioration in the sales situation and the heightened uncertainty regarding parts supplies to our plants, production is to be suspended in the near future at factories operated by group brands," said Diess.

The company said factories producing Volkswagen branded cars would shut down starting late on Thursday. That includes the company's huge plant at Wolfsburg, one of the biggest manufacturing sites in the world.

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