OFFICIAL STATEMENT : Tohoku Earthquake impact on Honda operations across Asia

Honda Malaysia issued the following press release as a clarification on the status of Honda's operations here in the important regions of Japan (home market), Asia, and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, etc). The main message is that Honda will resume operations of ALL their plants on April 11th, INCLUDING the Tochigi R&D center which got hit quite badly. Any potential impact on production due to parts supply will be handled on an as-is where-is basis -IF- they occur. Read the full official release after the jump.

 

EARTHQUAKE IMPACT ON HONDA OPERATIONS

IN JAPAN, ASIA AND OCEANIA COUNTRIES

Petaling Jaya, 1^st April 2011 – Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. today announced the possible impact on its operations from Japan earthquake disaster, following a statement issued by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. 

<About Japan Operations>

·        Sayama Plant at Saitama Factory (Sayama, Saitama) and Suzuka Factory (Suzuka, Mie) which have been suspended will resume production on 11^th April 2011.  This means all Honda production plants in Japan will resume operation on that date.

·        Honda will also resume its production and shipment of component parts for use in production outside of Japan on 4^th April 2011.

·        However, the production of cars as well as component parts will run at approximately 50% of the original production plan at the outset as the situation with the supply of parts remains fluid.

·        Most of Honda’s suppliers in Japan are making progress in resuming production, and many have already started production. Honda is working with its suppliers that have yet to resolve the challenge in resuming their production, to help re-establish their operations as soon as possible. At the same time, evaluation of other possible sources for the parts in the supply chain is in progress.

<About Asia and Oceania Operations including Honda Malaysia>

·        Honda is striving to continue production at each automobile production plant with careful examination on the possibility of a temporary reduction of production volume.

·        Honda Malaysia is monitoring closely the situation on the supply of parts and how it will affect its CKD and CBU models here. Relevant announcement can only be made once there is more information.

“We deeply regret any inconveniences caused, especially to our valued customers. We are making every effort to work towards a full recovery as quickly as possible. We sincerely appreciate the understanding of our customers and business partners during these challenging times,” said Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia.

Honda Malaysia today contributed RM300,000 to support relief and recovery efforts through Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) International Relief Fund.