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Shocks of Japan Earthquake Felt by Automakers

Newswise - "The devastation in Japan has caused major disruptions to everyone in the region. Two of the hardest hit auto companies were Toyota and Honda, both of which have major market share in the United States.

"Toyota had significant concerns about production of the Prius and other hybrid models and the subcompact models imported from Japan. Honda's concerns were with the CRV, Fit and hybrid models produced exclusively in Japan.

"Aisin Seiki is a major automotive transmission supplier and was most likely the cause of General Motors decision to shut down its Louisiana truck plant and to lay off some UAW production workers in Tonawanda, N.Y. where they make the engines for the shuttered truck plant. Aisin Seiki also is a major supplier to Ford and could impact production if the crisis does not improve.

--Arthur Wheaton, an automotive expert and senior extension associate at Cornell University

Source: NewsWise