April vehicle outputs in Japan projected to fall by 60% to 300,000 units; production restarting but at low rate

Automakers in Japan will be back in vehicle production along with parts supply resumed from this month. Although complete operation shutdown has continued since the March 11 earthquake, parts procurement seems to be in a certain level of prospect now. Some parts, however, should still rely on stocks. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., therefore, will manufacture at 50% of their normal operation. The shutdowns are projected to affect at least 530,000 vehicles. The April production volume will possibly be limited to approx. 300,000 units, about 40% of the same month last year, and it is still uncertain when they can catch up on production. (From an article in the Nikkan Jidosha Shimbun on April 4, 2011)