Honda: Lack of parts may affect N. America plants

[March 26, 2011]  COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Production will likely be interrupted at Honda Motor Co.'s six North America plants after April 1 due to a lack of critical parts as Japanese suppliers work to recover from earthquake and tsunami damage, the automaker said Friday.

Interruptions are expected at Honda's two Ohio plants and at plants in Alabama, Indiana, Canada and Mexico until the issues are resolved, said spokesman Jeffrey Smith.

Honda said workers at the plants were informed Friday.

The company said on its website that a few suppliers in Japan are still working to re-establish operations, and that Honda is looking for other possible supply sources.

"The vast majority of Honda's parts and materials are sourced here in North America. However, for global efficiency, a few critical parts continue to be supplied from Japan," the site said.

The affected plants, which are responsible for more than 80 percent of the Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S., are in Marysville and East Liberty, Ohio; Greensburg, Ind.; Lincoln, Ala.; Alliston, Ontario; and El Salto, Mexico.

The March 11 disaster in Japan, followed by damage to nuclear reactors, has disrupted the flow of auto parts and cars around the globe.

In the U.S., General Motors Co. halted production for a week at a Louisiana assembly plant and had a partial shutdown an engine plant in New York.

Toyota Motor Corp. has said it expects to halt production at some of its 13 North American factories. The company already has suspended overtime and Saturday shifts at the plants.

Subaru of America also has stopped overtime shifts at its sole North American plant in Indiana.

Nissan has said its U.S. plants will operate at full production through April 1.

[Associated Press]

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