Updates from local car companies

Posted on March 14, 2011 07:38 PM

Responding to the suspension of factory operations in Japan announced by the major automakers, Perodua and two distributors in Malaysia have given assurance that there will be no disruptions in production and deliveries for now.

PERODUA

The recent devastating tsunami and earthquake in Japan has not affected Perodua’s engine components imports from the country nor caused any disruption to its manufacturing plans in Malaysia.

Daihatsu Motor Company of Japan is Perodua’s technical and technology partner as well as Perodua’s stakeholder.

Perodua Managing Director, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh, said that between 10% and 20% of engine parts used in its 3 models – the Myvi, Viva and Alza – come from Japan.

On a separate issue, Aminar said: “Apart from hedging, Perodua is also looking at other options and activities to mitigate the rising yen and raw materials.”

He added that at this point in time, Perodua does not intend to increase the price of its vehicles, however, if the situation changes drastically, Perodua may need to review it.

Regarding the disaster that struck Japan, Datuk Aminar said: “Our hearts and sympathies go out to the victims and families of this tragedy. To express our heartfelt sympathy, Perodua will be donating RM50,000 to the Japanese government through their embassy in Kuala Lumpur”.

UMW Toyota Motor’s statement:

“UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd would like to inform all customers in Malaysia that there is no interruption to the supply of Toyota and Lexus models retailed by the company. Sales and order-taking will continue as usual. Delivery schedules to all customers are not affected presently.

Toyota Motor Corporation has decided to temporarily suspend production at all plants because the company places the highest priority on ensuring the safety of every team member at its factories, including those of its subsidiaries, from Monday, March 14th until Wednesday, March 16th.

UMW Toyota Motor is monitoring the situation closely and will advise from time to time.”

Edaran Tan Chong Motor’s statement:

“Nissan has temporarily suspended operations of all production facilities in Japan until March 16, 2011. Further decision will be made after that as Nissan continues to assess the extent of damage to its facilities and equipment, as well as parts suppliers.

There is no immediate negative impact to our business as we hold inventory, in both CKD and CBU forms.”

In Japan, Mazda and Honda have announced production stoppages at their plants this week.

Mazda will suspend production at its Hiroshima and Hofu plants from the night shift on March 14 through to the night shift on March 16, 2011. Further production changes for March 17 onward will be announced as soon as a decision is made, the company said..

Honda said it will suspend all production at its plants in Japan until March 20, 2011. It had stopped operations at all its plants earlier, following the earthquake and tsunami, with the exception of a motorcycle plant, but that plant too will not be operating for the rest of this week.