China's cold snap hits Japanese car makers

GUANGZHOU, China-- Factories operated here by Japan's three largest automakers were forced to stop operations temporarily amid a record-breaking cold wave sweeping central and southern China.

Bad weather affected operations of plants run by Toyota Motor Corp., Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co.

Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, typically enjoys mild weather. Heavy snow and icy roads, however, delayed the arrival of auto parts and other components, industry officials said.

The severe weather disrupted shipments of finished vehicles and materials destined for parts makers, they added.

Nissan's joint venture factory in the Huadu district has been shut since Monday. The factory, with a capacity of 360,000 vehicles yearly, has had trouble getting parts since about 10 days ago. It procures parts from companies in Hubei province to the north and elsewhere. Roads from those regions have been paralyzed due to heavy snow and ice. Airports have also been closed.

Nissan officials said the factory was expected to resume operations on Thursday.

Another Nissan joint venture factory in Xiangfan, Hubei province, has also suspended operations since Monday, but is expected to resume operations Friday, officials said.

A Toyota joint venture factory in Guangzhou's Nansha district closed Tuesday due to lack of parts from companies in and around Shanghai.

The factory, with an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles, resumed operations Wednesday.

A second Toyota factory in Tianjin suspended operations Wednesday. Toyota officials said it is unclear whether it would reopen Thursday.

Meanwhile, a Honda joint venture temporarily closed its second factory in Guangzhou's Zengcheng district Tuesday, but reopened Wednesday. The company's total annual production capacity is 360,000 cars.(IHT/Asahi: January 31,2008)