Japanese catastrophe stops car production in the country

Because of the earthquake and the tsunami that have devastated some coastal regions of the country, several automakers have decided to stop their production. Seems like the natural disaster will affect the Japanese auto industry more and for a longer period then it was previously thought.

Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co are included in the brands that have shut down production, with uncertain plans for the restart.

Toyota, Japan’s largest automaker, reported it has ceased manufacturing at its 12 plants until March 16. Two of the closed factories produce a total of 420,000 small cars which are mainly for exportation.

As for Nissan the company has decided to stop producing at four plants in northeast Japan and will remain closed without a scheduled re-opening date.

Honda, Japan’s third-largest manufacturer, stated that four of its domestic plants and a research and development center will remain closed with a re-open date unknown.

Because of the earthquake and tsunami the plants have lost several elements critical to the production and distribution of automobiles from labor to electrical power, fuel supplies, rail and highway transportation, and shipping ports where cars are marshaled for export.