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Earthquake in Japan forces Toyota and Nissan factory closures

It's unclear if Australia's already constricted supply will be hampered by the disaster.


A devastating earthquake in Japan has forced carmakers Toyota and Nissan to temporarily shutter local factories – however, it's so far unclear if Australian supply will be affected.

The magnitude 7.4 shudder struck off the coast of Fukushima on Wednesday morning local time, injuring hundreds and tragically killing at least two people.

As a result of damage to facilities and the ongoing risk to staff, Toyota closed its Iwate and Miyagi plants, which lie in the region, for a day. Nissan also closed its Iwaki engine plant.

While the fallout is not expected to be extreme due to the relatively short downtime period, it's so far unclear which markets will be hit hardest by reduced output – as the world combats already-strained automotive supply lines.

A spokesperson for Nissan Australia told Drive: "Our priority is to ensure the well-being of our employees and our surrounding communities ... We will continue to monitor the situation."

Drive has contacted a spokesperson for Toyota Australia requesting comment, and this story will be updated when more information becomes available.

Supply chains shortcoming – primarily due to an ongoing semiconductor shortage – have wreaked havoc on the automotive industry over the past two years, reducing supply and driving up prices worldwide.

You can read Drive's full coverage of stock shortages by clicking here.

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William Davis

William Davis has written for Drive since July 2020, covering news and current affairs in the automotive industry. He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy. As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic. Despite writing for a diverse range of outlets – including the Australian Financial Review, Robb Report, and Property Observer – since completing his media degree at Macquarie University, William has always had a passion for cars.

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