Honda Motor Co has announced that it expects Japanese production to return to normal levels before year end following supply-chain disruptions caused by the country’s March 11 earthquake. “As the supply of parts remains fluid, decisions concerning production from July on will be made step-by-step while monitoring the situation, toward the expected normalization of production in Japan before the end of 2011,” Honda said in a statement. In Japan, Honda’s output will continue at 50 percent capacity through June, the automaker said. Outside Japan, production plans will be made case-by-case based on availability of parts.
Honda resumed vehicle output April 11 at half capacity at its Sayama and Suzuka plants. The Sayama site builds the Honda CRV, Accord and Jazz, as well as the Acura TL and TSX. The Suzuka plant assembles the Civic, Civic Hybrid, Insight and CR-Z. So how does this affect Honda’s production and sales in Malaysia? Even with local assembly in Malacca, many parts and components will have to still come from Japan and it is estimated the same timelines will apply with some possible further delays as shipping times need to be considered.
