(new information in this update appears in boldface type)
April 25, 2011 7:30 a.m. PDT
Honda would like to express its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of the earthquake in Japan, and our sincere hopes for the earliest possible relief and recovery of the affected areas.
Japan Operations Outlook
Following is the current outlook for the impact of the major March 11 earthquake in Northeastern Japan on Honda Motor Co., Ltd’s automobile production operations within Japan.
- Concerning production in Japan of finished units and parts for overseas production, production volume will remain at approximately 50% of the original production plan until the end of June. As the supply of parts remains fluid, decisions concerning production from July on will be made step-by-step while monitoring the situation, toward the expected normalization of production in Japan before the end of 2011.
- On April 11, Honda resumed limited production of finished automobiles throughout Japan at approximately 50% of the original production plan, bringing all Honda auto plants in Japan back into production. On April 4, Honda Motor began limited production of component parts for North American plants at several Honda plants in Japan.
- However, since the component situation remains fluid, production of parts resumed at approximately 50% of the original production plan. Honda will carefully manage the situation and manage its operation accordingly.
- Honda will continue to make decisions based on the status of the recovery of Japanese society as a whole as well as the supply of parts. There are still many questions relating to the supply of parts manufactured by other suppliers in Japan and shipped directly from suppliers in Japan to Honda’s suppliers in North America.
- While most of our Japan-based suppliers have resumed production, there are a few suppliers that have yet to resolve the challenge to resume their production. In those cases, Honda is working with its suppliers to help reestablish their operations, while evaluating other possible sources for those parts in the supply chain. Please understand that Honda is making every effort to work toward a full recovery as quickly as possible. We appreciate everyone’s understanding during these challenging times.
- On March 28, Honda resumed motorcycle and power products production at Kumamoto Factory.
- Honda is exerting a company-wide effort to normalize our production as soon as possible. We deeply regret any inconvenience experienced by our customers and ask for their understanding during these challenging times.
Recovery of Operations in the Tochigi Area
- The impact of the earthquake was more severe at the Tochigi Factory (Moka, Tochigi), however, repair and inspection activities were completed for almost all facilities and equipment.
- At other operations, including the Automobile RD Center (Tochigi) of Honda RD Co., Ltd. and Honda Engineering Co., Ltd., associates who will work on the restoration started returning to work. However, based on the expectation that it will take several months until the complete recovery of these facilities, Honda has temporarily transferred some functions such as automobile product development, development of manufacturing technologies and procurement to Honda operations in other locations such as Sayama, Suzuka, and Wako.
- Honda is cooperating with electricity conservation efforts and rolling blackout measures, prioritizing the relief and recovery of affected areas
Aid
With the hope to contribute to the earliest possible relief and recovery of affected areas, Honda will provide the following aid:
- From Honda in Japan, 300 million yen (approximately $3.7 million) toward the relief and recovery effort.
- A total of 1,000 generators (gasoline-powered and home-use gas canister-powered), along with 5,000 gas canisters. Honda also will dispatch its staff to explain the use of this equipment.
- The Honda family of companies in North America will establish special matching gift programs for their associates for donations to the Red Cross to aid the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Donations from associates will be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with no personal or corporate donation limit. Honda employs more than 29, 000 associates in North America.
- American Honda has established a special website to channel donations to the American Red Cross* from customers, suppliers and others interested in supporting the Japan disaster recovery effort through the Red Cross. Originally established to accept donations from Honda and Acura automobile dealers, and Honda motorcycle and power equipment dealers, Honda has opened the site to the public who may wish to donate at: http://american.redcross.org/hondaacura-emp
North American Operations
More than 80% of Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. are produced in North America, and the vast majority of automotive parts for Honda automobiles manufactured in North America are sourced in the region. The following information (in boldface type) updates Honda’s production situation as it impacts the supply of Honda and Acura cars and light trucks to the North American market.
- On March 30, Honda began to implement a strategy of temporary adjustments that reduce daily production levels at its North American auto plants as a result of interruptions in parts supplies from Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami. On April 15, Honda announced that temporary levels of reduced production will be extended through May 6, 2011. We anticipate that additional production adjustments will continue after that date. Decisions will be made step-by-step while monitoring the situation.
- Honda is making every effort to return to full production as soon as possible and to keep our plants operating without extensive interruptions. At the same time, we remain focused on minimizing the impact to associates and their families. Honda plans no layoffs at any of its North American facilities.
- The vast majority of Honda’s parts and materials are sourced here in North America. However, for global efficiency, a few critical parts continue to be supplied from Japan. Most of Honda’s Japan-based parts suppliers have resumed production. Honda is working with the few suppliers that have yet to resume production to re-establish their operations, while also evaluating additional sources for some parts in the supply chain. Teams throughout North America and global Honda continue to work diligently to overcome these temporary parts flow issues. Honda remains committed to doing what it can to minimize the impact on Honda associates, dealers and customers.
- As parts supply stabilizes and full auto production resumes, Honda will quickly develop a production schedule to meet the needs of Honda and Acura customers.
- This is a very fluid situation, so we are not able to provide more detailed information at this time. We will communicate further details as they are confirmed and become available. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
The following vehicles we build in North America are supported primarily by our base of 600-plus North American first-tier suppliers:
Marysville, Ohio Honda Accord, Honda Accord Coupe, Acura TL, Acura RDX
East Liberty, Ohio Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Honda Accord Crosstour
Greensburg, Ind. Honda Civic Sedan, Honda Civic GX natural gas
Lincoln, Alabama Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot, Honda Ridgeline
Alliston, Ontario Honda Civic (Sedan, Coupe, Si) Acura MDX, Acura ZDX, Acura CSX (The CSX is sold only in Canada)
El Salto, Mexico Honda CR-V
Honda Fit, Insight, CR-Z, Civic Hybrid, Acura TSX and Acura RL are produced in Japan for the North American market. Honda produces a small percentage of CR-Vs in Japan for the U.S. as well.
Honda’s operations in North America and globally will do everything they can to support the recovery of Honda’s operations in Japan.
*The American Red Cross name and emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political position. For more information about the Red Cross, please visit www.redcross.org.