Japan earthquake prompts Toyota, Honda to halt plants through July 31

Toyota announced it will suspend operations at three of its plants in southern Japan until July 31, citing concerns over the impact of a powerful earthquake on its suppliers and logistics networks. The decision comes just hours after the automaker had resumed production that was halted the previous day following the seismic event.

The July 28 earthquake, registering a magnitude of 7.1 in the Kumamoto prefecture, caused significant damage to roads and left thousands of homes without power. This has raised serious concerns among manufacturers regarding the stability of their supply chains and the efficiency of logistics operations. Toyota stated, "The situation, including aftershocks and recovery efforts, is changing daily," emphasizing that safety remains its top priority.

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The situation, including aftershocks and recovery efforts, is changing daily.

The affected Toyota plants include Miyata, Kanda, and Kokura. The Miyata plant, with an annual production capacity of approximately 430,000 vehicles, manufactures a variety of Lexus luxury models. The other two facilities produce hybrid car units and engines. Meanwhile, Honda Motor is extending the operational suspension at its motorcycle plant in Kumamoto until July 31 to facilitate repairs on quake-damaged sections of the factory.

Chipmaker Renesas Technology also reported halting operations at two plants in Kumamoto while it assesses the impact on its equipment. Nissan, however, stated it has no immediate plans to suspend production at its Fukuoka plant, where it assembles the Rogue SUV (known locally as the X-Trail). Nevertheless, the company is closely monitoring its supplier and logistics situation in the aftermath of the earthquake.

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We will continue to prioritise safety above all else.