The Mexican unit of Volkswagen AG had previously said it was ready to resume operations in Puebla and the state of Guanajuato on June 15.

 Volkswagen AG's Mexican unit will begin sending workers back to its plant in the central state of Puebla on Tuesday for "preparation and training eyeing a gradual start further ahead," the company said in a statement on Sunday.

Puebla, where the German automaker and its luxury brand unit Audi have major plants, said last week it is not ready to reopen its automotive sector due to concerns about the coronavirus.

The Mexican unit of Volkswagen AG had previously said it was ready to resume operations in Puebla and the state of Guanajuato on June 15.

Mexico has registered more than 17,000 deaths from the pandemic.