An earthquake of 8.9 on the Richter scale shook up Japan last night, triggering a tsunami that swallowed parts of the Sendai coast (northeast) and put over 50 Pacific countries and areas on alert.
As you can imagine, domestic infrastructures were severely hit, fires broke out across the land and hundreds of people tragically died.
While our thoughts and prayers go to everyone over there, let's take a look at the immediate impact on the Japanese auto industry.
Toyota
Toyota, which has the most facilities up north, evacuated workers at its two plants and those from its affiliates (Kanto Auto Works and Central Motors) located in the quake zone. The automaker also confirmed damage at its suppliers, Toyota Boshoku Corp. and Denso Corp.
It's still too early to tell how the cataclysm will affect Yaris, Scion xB and xD production, which all took place in the evacuated plants. Exports will likely slow down for an indefinite period of time, though.
Honda
Meanwhile, Honda suspended operations at its Sayama and Suzuka plants where the Fit, Accord Sedan and CR-V are manufactured along with the Acura RL and TSX.
Sadly, at Honda's R&D centre in Tochigi prefecture, one person died and 30 were injured when the quake toppled a wall at the facility's cafeteria.
Nissan
As for Nissan, employees from its technology centre south of Tokyo were evacuated after the power was cut off. Factories throughout eastern Japan were put on hold as well. Small fires broke out at two assembly plants but were quickly extinguished, the company said.
Source: Automotive News
As you can imagine, domestic infrastructures were severely hit, fires broke out across the land and hundreds of people tragically died.
While our thoughts and prayers go to everyone over there, let's take a look at the immediate impact on the Japanese auto industry.
Toyota
Toyota, which has the most facilities up north, evacuated workers at its two plants and those from its affiliates (Kanto Auto Works and Central Motors) located in the quake zone. The automaker also confirmed damage at its suppliers, Toyota Boshoku Corp. and Denso Corp.
It's still too early to tell how the cataclysm will affect Yaris, Scion xB and xD production, which all took place in the evacuated plants. Exports will likely slow down for an indefinite period of time, though.
Honda
Meanwhile, Honda suspended operations at its Sayama and Suzuka plants where the Fit, Accord Sedan and CR-V are manufactured along with the Acura RL and TSX.
Sadly, at Honda's R&D centre in Tochigi prefecture, one person died and 30 were injured when the quake toppled a wall at the facility's cafeteria.
Nissan
As for Nissan, employees from its technology centre south of Tokyo were evacuated after the power was cut off. Factories throughout eastern Japan were put on hold as well. Small fires broke out at two assembly plants but were quickly extinguished, the company said.
Source: Automotive News