Published on August 29th, 2024 | by Sounder Rajen

Toyota, Nissan, Honda And Mazda Close Plants As Typhoon Shanshan Nears

How will this affect global sales of Toyota and other Japanese cars here in Malaysia?

As Typhoon Shanshan approaches Japan with unprecedented intensity, several major automakers have taken precautionary measures by temporarily halting operations at their facilities. The powerful storm, which is forecasted to bring severe weather conditions, has prompted Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and Mazda to implement significant operational shutdowns.

Toyota Motor Corporation has announced a comprehensive suspension of all 28 production lines across its 14 plants in Japan. This precautionary measure began on Wednesday evening and is set to continue through Thursday evening. The decision to halt production was driven by concerns over potential parts shortages and the safety of personnel in the face of the impending storm.

Moreover, Hino Motors Ltd., a subsidiary that manufactures Toyota-brand vehicles, will resume partial operations at its Hamura plant in Tokyo on Thursday morning, albeit under restricted conditions. Additionally, Daihatsu Motor Co., another Toyota unit, will temporarily close three of its plants located in the Kansai region to prepare for the storm’s impact.

Nissan Motor Co. has also adjusted its production schedule in response to Typhoon Shanshan. The company will suspend operations at its Kyushu plant from Thursday through Friday morning. This plant, located in Kanda, Fukuoka Prefecture, is known for producing the Serena minivan and various SUV models, which are crucial to Nissan’s export operations.

This temporary shutdown is also part of Nissan’s broader strategy to manage the disruption caused by the approaching typhoon. Honda Motor Co. is similarly taking precautionary steps by halting production at its Ozu factory in Kumamoto Prefecture, which specialises in motorcycles and power products.

On top of that, operations at this facility will be paused from Thursday to Friday to ensure the safety of the workforce and to address any potential impact on production capabilities. Mazda Motor Corporation has also announced operational suspensions in light of the severe weather conditions.

The company will halt production at its Hiroshima and Hofu plants, both located in western Japan, from Thursday evening through Friday. This decision underscores Mazda’s commitment to maintaining workplace safety and managing the risks associated with the storm.

The collective actions of these automotive giants highlight the significant impact that extreme weather events can have on global supply chains and production schedules. By proactively suspending operations, these companies are prioritising the well-being of their employees and preparing to navigate the challenges posed by Typhoon Shanshan.