Japan Earthquake: over half a million units to make up for

It’s common knowledge that the natural disaster that has devastated Japan also struck an incredible blow to the auto industry. While the country’s seven major manufacturers are still struggling to right themselves, we learned that the earthquake and subsequent tsunami have inflicted losses of over half a million units.

Toyota is by far the most heavily hit, having produced 516,000 less vehicles than expected. To date, only two of its 18 hybrid car manufacturing plants have been reopened. Operations will progressively resume at the other 16 facilities between April 18 and 27.
 

Photo: Toyota

Honda comes in second with an estimated 58,000 units lost as of April 8. Honda’s problems are mainly caused by two plants, which have started assembling a limited number of units again (at approximately 50% of the normal rate) since April 11.

Nissan isn’t too far behind with 55,000 units lost. This number, however, only takes into account the effects of the complete plant shut downs. The creator of the LEAF has also decided to run at 50% of its total capacity.

Here’s how the four other manufacturers are faring:

• Suzuki: 59,000 (as of April 9 – on March 31, losses were evaluated at 45,000)
• Mazda: 43,000 (as of April 5)
• Subaru: 29,000 (as of April 5)
• Mitsubishi 26,000 (as of April 10)

Unfortunately, losses are expected to increase over time. The vast majority of the seven won’t be able to return to full production capacity, because of the generalized parts shortages and various rebuilding and repair operations still under way.


_{Source : Automotive News}