Carmakers suspend output
Production of an estimated 10,000 vehicles has been wiped out in Japan amid factory closures after the fatal earthquake in the southern island of Kyushu last week
Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Daihatsu all suspended output at a number of sites late last week as key suppliers were affected by the July 28 disaster, with the shutdowns expected to extend into the first week of August.
Among the plants impacted by the temporary shutdowns are Toyota’s three plants on Kyushu, which mainly produce Lexus vehicles, and Mitsubishi’s Mizushima factory, pictured, in western Japan, reports Automotive News.
Work at two Daihatsu plants has also been disrupted and Nissan announced suspension of work at two assembly plants close to the quake’s epicentre until August 5.
The carmakers say damage at suppliers and delays in getting parts are the key reasons behind the closures. They have not provided any clear timelines for resuming work at affected plants.
The moves come after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck south-western Japan on July 28, damaging buildings and infrastructure and killing at least 38 people.
