Japan auto output remains in low gear from Thai flood impact

The manufacturing disruptions from the flooding in Thailand are continuing to take their toll on Japanese automakers. Honda Motor Co said yesterday it is still unclear when its flooded Thai auto plant that has annual capacity of 240,000 vehicles can restart production. The automaker said production reductions will continue in Japan, North America and Europe, as well as Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan. Company spokesman Tomohiro Okada said production in Vietnam, India and Pakistan, which is so far unaffected, would likely have to be reduced due to shortages of parts, although details were not yet decided. Similarly, Toyota Motor Corp said stoppages it had previously projected as lasting through Saturday will continue through November 12, costing Japan's top automaker 69,000 vehicles in lost production in Thailand, and 22,000 vehicles in Japan.