JAPAN DISASTER: Honda extends production suspension until 3 April

24 March 2011 08:17  [Source: ICIS news]

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Honda Motor said on Thursday it has extended its suspension on car production at its Japanese factories until at least 3 April, from 27 March, as it continues to face difficulties in acquiring parts from its suppliers.

The suspension involves the production of finished units of automobiles at its factories in Sayama and Suzuka, the Japanese automaker said in a statement.

Honda said it will decide on plans beyond 3 April depending on the availability of parts.

The company will resume motorcycle and power product production at its factory at Kumamoto in southern Japan on 28 March, according to the statement.

Honda will also transfer some operations such as car development and procurement out of its R&D facilities in Tochigi, which was badly hit by the 11 March earthquake, to other locations such as Sayama, Suzuka and Wako, it added.

Fuji Heavy Industries also said on Thurasday that it will extend the production suspension at its five Subaru-brand car plants in Japan until 28 March. It had plans to resume production on 24 March.

Japan’s automotive industry, an important pillar of demand for petrochemicals, was badly hit following the devastating earthquake and tsunami earlier this month.

Toyota Motor, the country’s largest automaker, halted operations at its 12 main assembly plants until at least 26 March and has delayed the launch of its Prius wagon and minivan models in Japan which was originally planned for the end of April.

Meanwhile, Mazda Motor has yet to set a timeline for resumption of full-scale production at its Hiroshima and Yamaguchi plants.

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By: Nurluqman Suratman

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