Suzuki to close Japanese plants again to preserve parts

Suzuki will suspend output at its three Japanese assembly plants through March 27, including the regularly scheduled weekend downtime, the company said today. The carmaker had resumed production, for only half-days, on Tuesday and Wednesday.

While Suzuki doesn't have enough parts to continue full vehicle assembly, it will continue making engines at its Sagara plant with parts that remain in stock, the company said.

Few Japanese automakers will be building cars on Thursday. Nissan is planning to restart long-suspended production at its five assembly plants in Japan. Mazda Motor Corp. says it will continue assembly cars at its two plants with parts and components still in stock.

But Toyota, Honda and Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries will all be offline.

Mitsubishi plans to open its Pajero truck plant on Thursday, which makes the Pajero SUV, Delica D:5 van and Challenger SUV. But its two car factories will remain closed.

Parts shortages have largely forced the suspensions, as suppliers struggle to assess damage and reopen shops after the 9.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan on March 11.