Toyota and Nissan Suspend Production After Earthquake Shakes Japan
Toyota and Nissan have suspended operations at their plants in southwestern Japan after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake.
Key Takeaways
- Toyota and Nissan have suspended operations at their plants in southwestern Japan after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake.
- Though the plants themselves are undamaged, damage to suppliers and nearby infrastructure could lead to substantial delays.
- Toyota suspended all three of its plants until Friday, and Nissan suspended parts of its plants indefinitely.
- About 90 percent of Lexus vehicles that come out of Toyota’s Miyata assembly plant are exported to other countries, including the United States.
- Nissan’s affected plants produce the Infiniti QX80 and the Nissan Armada, among other vehicles sold in global markets.
What Happened to Toyota’s Plants?
Toyota suspended operations at its three plants for one shift after the quake on Tuesday. After attempting to restart on Wednesday morning, it announced a suspension until Friday, which will impact production for its engine, hybrid powertrain, and Lexus assembly plants.
Toyota’s three-day shutdown applies to all lines and will likely cause around 5200 units of lost vehicle output.
What About Nissan’s Plants?
Nissan’s shutdown, which began Wednesday, is less severe and only affects certain lines, though its end date is unknown.
Nissan specifically cited issues with parts availability for its partial shutdown.
How Will This Affect Vehicle Supply?
A few days likely won’t have a huge impact on vehicle quantities in the United States, but prolonged periods of supply chain issues in the aftermath of the earthquake could be troublesome.
About 90 percent of Lexus vehicles that come out of Toyota’s Miyata assembly plant are exported to other countries, including the United States.
What Vehicles Are Affected?
Nissan’s affected plants produce the Infiniti QX80 and the Nissan Armada, among other vehicles sold in global markets.
The Lexus ES sedan, RX compact SUV, and UX and NX subcompact SUVs are all manufactured at the Miyata plant and shipped to the United States.
What’s the Current Situation?
While Toyota and Nissan’s factories appear to be unaffected, supplier shutdowns and nearby infrastructure damage could cause longer-lasting supply and delivery issues.
At least two parts suppliers have already suspended operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many vehicles will be affected by Toyota’s shutdown?
Around 5200 units of lost vehicle output are expected due to Toyota’s three-day shutdown.
Q: Which vehicles are produced at Nissan’s affected plants?
Nissan’s affected plants produce the Infiniti QX80 and the Nissan Armada, among other vehicles sold in global markets.
Q: How will this affect vehicle supply in the United States?
A few days likely won’t have a huge impact on vehicle quantities in the United States, but prolonged periods of supply chain issues in the aftermath of the earthquake could be troublesome.
