Area Development
Japan's automotive industry is a dominant player in the global vehicle market. The earthquake has affected many of the companies that supply cars, auto parts, and other vehicles around the globe. Here are the latest press statements from some of Japan's leading automakers:

• Toyota has stopped production at all plants, including subsidiary vehicle manufacturers, in Japan through March 22. It has not yet decided when production will restart there. It will restart production for parts destined for overseas production on March 21. The company is surveying plants for damage and assessing conditions for suppliers and dealers, and the effects on the North American market.

• Honda sustained widespread facility damage at its plant in the Tochigi area of Japan. The company has suspended production and regular operations at at least nine of its facilities through March 20. Honda's North American operations are currently not affected, but the company is assessing the long-term impact on auto production, as some parts still originate in Japan. It says there is currently adequate vehicle inventory to meet North American needs.

• All Nissan manufacturing facilities in the Americas will continue to operate on a regular schedule until further notice. All of the company's Japanese facilities have repaired damages, except for its Iwaki engine plant. Due to aftershocks, repairs there will likely require more time. Several of Nissan's Japanese plants will be closed through March 20. The company says inventory is adequate to meet North American demands. About 1,300 Infiniti vehicles were damaged while in port in Japan, but the company expects to make this loss up in the coming months.