Japanese OEMs coming under pressure

Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) (TMMUK) is considering both short-time working or suspending production completely at its two plants here, possibly adding to production cuts that began as long ago as last September.

Nippon Steel, the world's second largest producer, will consider revising down its production outlook after seeing Toyota and Honda first-quarter output plans due later this month, a company executive has said, adding that the supplier expects demand to start recovering around mid-year.

US/UK: Honda inventory cuts to take several months

2 Feb 2009 | just-auto.com editorial team

Honda Motor's US sales fall last month was similar to the 35% drop seen in December, and it will take several months to bring inventory down to sound levels, chief financial officer Yoichi Hojo has said.

JAPAN: Daihatsu foresees profit decline

2 Feb 2009 | just-auto.com editorial team

Toyota subsidiary and small car specialist Daihatsu says it expects profit and sales to decline in fiscal 2008 for the first time in seven years.

JAPAN: January sales plunge a record

2 Feb 2009 | just-auto.com editorial team

Domestic sales of new vehicles in Japan plunged 27.9% year on year last month to 174,281 units, a record drop for a January, an industry body said on Monday.

THE WEEK THAT WAS: Looks like Japan's turn now

30 Jan 2009 | just-auto.com editorial team

I am of an age and disposition that is mostly optimistic. I have lived through recessions before, survived layoffs and like to think this time, too, will pass, though not without considerable pain, as all business sectors, and people in most socio-economic groups, adjust to a new reality. But the news this week, especially of the last few days, surely challenges the most optimistic optimist.

MEXICO: Toyota idling vehicle plant for five days

30 Jan 2009 | just-auto.com editorial team

Toyota will idle a car plant in northern Mexico for five days next month due to falling demand.

Self-fulfilling prophesies

29 Jan 2009 | Dave Leggett

I did a radio interview earlier with a presenter called Shane on BBC Radio Derby's breakfast show. Toyota's Burnaston car plant (makes the Auris and Avensis) is local to them and they wanted m...

JAPAN: Nissan global output down 36% last month

28 Jan 2009 | just-auto.com editorial team

Nissan Motor's global production in December fell 35.9% year-on-year to 176,174 units, the company said on Wednesday.

JAPAN: Investors brace for lower automaker results

28 Jan 2009 | just-auto.com editorial team

The news that Toyota is expecting to post its first ever operating loss in the full year to March 31 is perhaps bad enough.

JAPAN: Toyota global output off 22.8% in December

28 Jan 2009 | just-auto.com editorial team

Toyota group worldwide production fell 22.8% year on year to 552,584 units last month.

US: Nissan to axe jobs, close sales offices

28 Jan 2009 | just-auto.com editorial team

Nissan is to axe around 110 jobs and close four regional sales offices in the US as it seeks to remain competitive in the market. The actions include a restructuring of the Nissan North America (NNA) sales and marketing operations and the integration of Nissan Design America (NDA).

JAPAN: Mitsubishi global output falls 38.5%

28 Jan 2009 | just-auto.com editorial team

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) global production last month fell 38.5% year on year to 72,916 units, the 10th consecutive monthly decrease since March.

JAPAN: Mazda output off 41.3% in December

28 Jan 2009 | just-auto.com editorial team

Mazda global vehicle production plunged 41.3% year on year to 68,111 units in December.

JAPAN: Slowdown costs 25,000 auto jobs

26 Jan 2009 | just-auto.com editorial team

Japan's top 12 automakers expect to have axed 25,000 jobs in the current business year ending 31 March, a survey showed on Monday.

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