Toyota Motor Halts Domestic Production After Japan Quake

(RTTNews) - Toyota Motor Corp. (TYT.L) said that it will suspend production on its vehicle assembly lines in stages between April 18 and 23, due to parts shortages resulting from the severe earthquakes that struck Japan's island of Kyushu on April 14 and after.

Decisions regarding recommencement of operation at plants in Japan will be made on the basis of availability of parts.

The company noted that it will continue to make all possible efforts to offer support to the residents of Kyushu, and hope for the soonest possible recovery of the affected areas.

Bloomberg reported that Toyota Motor Corp. may see its operating profit reduced by about 30 billion yen or $277 million for the quarter ending in June after a series of earthquakes struck southwestern Japan and disrupted parts supplies.

Honda suspended production at the motorcycle plant in Kumamoto since the Thursday quake and is extending the halt to April 22, spokesman Ben Nakamura reportedly said. Nissan spokesman Dion Corbett said its plants in Kyushu island will resume production Monday after sustaining minor damage.