Disaster In Japan: Auto Impact Grows
DETROIT (WWJ) - With a new week comes a much larger impact on the auto industry from the disaster in Japan.
WWJ AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert reports that Ford is idling its truck plant in Kentucky this week, trying to stay ahead of parts shortages. The products normally made there slow off in sales over the summer, so Ford says this allows them to take a normal cutback at a time when they need to conserve parts.
Nissan is implementing a similar strategy. The automaker is closing all of its U.S. plants for six days at different times in April, but those plants will stay open during previously planned shutdowns later in the year.
Meanwhile, Chrysler's Windsor minivan plant is also closed this week due to a parts shortage unrelated to the situation in Japan.
