[Frost__2001]

Earthquake Impacts Japanese Auto Production
The Daily Auto Insider
Thursday, July 19, 2007

The plant of a key supplier to much of Japan's auto industry was damaged by the recent powerful earthquake, causing several of the country's major automakers to halt production, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The 6.8 magnitude earthquake seriously damaged a plant of the Riken Corp., an engine parts supplier based in Niigita Prefecture (province) in central Japan. The resulting break in the auto industry's supply chain caused Toyota to cease production at all of its 12 domestic plants. At least three other Japanese automakers, including Mitsubishi and Suzuki, have said that they will temporarily cease production due to the damage at the Riken plant. There was no word on how long it will take to get the plant up and running again.

[Drivesthebeast]

YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!

[Frost__2001]

Honda closes plants in Japan in aftermath of earthquake
July 21, 2007

Tokyo, Japan - Honda has suspended production at three of its Japanese plants following an earthquake on July 16th. The production halts have arisen mainly as a result of disruption at the Riken Corporation, located in Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture, which is the main supplier of piston rings and other parts.

Production has been halted at the Suzuka Automobile Plant, which produces the Fit and S2000; at Hamamatsu Factory, which produces motorcycles; and Kumamoto Factory, which produces engines for mini vehicles.

The company says that closures beyond July 24 will depend on when Riken can resume production, and other conditions in the area damaged by the earthquake.