(March 22, 2011) TOKYO — Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. are extending their shutdown of auto production in Japan amid a shortage of parts following a colossal earthquake and tsunami earlier this month.

Toyota, the world's No. 1 car maker, said in a statement Tuesday that its shutdown of 11 factories would be extended until Saturday because of difficulty securing components, including rubber parts and electronics. Honda said its production halt would continue through Sunday.

The maker of Subaru autos, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., said it will start making parts for foreign production Wednesday and spare parts on Thursday but the shutdown at five auto factories in Japan was extended through Thursday.


Source: Press reports