Signs of automotive and high-tech product shortages after Japanese crisis

Some global hi-tech and automotive supply chains could be disrupted until the autumn following the disaster in Japan. The impact of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear plant closures on the output of key Japanese component suppliers, distribution systems, power supplies, airports and ports is already causing “massive disruption” to automotive supply chains, IHS Automotive analyst Aaron Bragman told UK trade publication, IFW. On the local scene, Johan van Zyl, president and CEO of Toyota SA, one of the country’s largest vehicle manufacturers, said that it was still not certain as to when vehicle and parts production in Japan would return to normal. When asked this question by Fin 24, Van Zyl said: “I don’t know. We don’t have the answer.” But he suggested that the supply of parts was enough to cover vehicle production until the end of April. Van Zyl confirmed that 500 vehicles imported from Japan had been delayed, but said that some Japanese plants that make components and vehicles had resumed production, and, within the next few days, more plants would open. The parent group, he added, was still studying the full impact of the disaster.