As the recovery operation across Japan gains momentum in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami disaster, the country's car makers predict it will take a long time before production is back to normal.
Nissan has issued a statement to say production restarted yesterday (Monday 21 March) at four of its factories. These plants supply parts for Nissan cars built overseas from Japan. Car production for Nissan is currently expected to begin again on 24 March, but the firm's Iwaki engine plant will remain only partially operational due to continuing aftershocks.
Suzuki says its factories have not been directly affected by the disaster as they are located nearly 500 kilometres to the south west of the earthquake zone. However, some Suzuki suppliers are based within the disaster area and this has forced the closure of all six Suzuki plants until the start of this week. Suzuki is now taking stock to assess if production can restart. In the meantime, Suzuki has donated 30,000,000 Yen (€261,000) to the Japanese Red Cross Society.
Other Japanese car and motorcycle companies are continuing to monitor the situation. Kawasaki says its production is unaffected so far but it has suppliers located within the disaster area. Mr Yasushi Kawakami, managing director of Kawasaki Europe, said: "We hope there will be no significant production delays. More importantly, Kawasaki staff in Japan in and across the world would like to extend their deepest to those who are affected by this terrible event."