While car manufacturers start suspending operations across Europe in response to the coronavirus outbreak, BMW is forging ahead with construction of its €1bn factory in Debrecen, 225 km east of Budapest, Népszava reported over the weekend. The newspaper also writes that the company will continue its recruitment efforts. This announcement comes as Audi, Suzuki and Mercedes said they were shutting down production in Hungary. Mercedes broke ground on its plant in Kecskemét during the 2008-2009 economic crisis. BMW said it was focusing on long-term goals as it moves forward with its Debrecen plant.