Dacia May Cut Production Due to Shortage of Japanese Parts

Automobile Dacia, Romania’s major carmaker, could temporarily stop production after the Easter holiday, most likely for a whole week. This is due to the fact that problems with deliveries of parts from its Japanese suppliers have started to appear, according to the syndicate vice-president, who was quoted by Mediafax.

A number of other European carmakers are experiencing similar problems and have had to make production changes. But Dacia could even stop production altogether and is currently evaluating the situation before taking action.

Automobile Dacia Union vice-president Ion Iordache said on Tuesday that Dacia must adjust production as providers of car parts no longer receive parts from Japan. He did not provided any details regarding the carmaker's production program in the next months.

"We must manufacture the cars we planned for 2011, which means we shall work intensely in the second half of the year," said Iordache.

The problem lies with the parts suppliers who themselves use Japanese components for the various Dacia subassemblies and parts. Dacia representatives told MEDIAFAX a decision on ceasing production will be made in the following days. It looks like this will only be the first of many such production cuts that will have to be made by the Romanian carmaker. The company is committed to reaching its production annual quota, which means it will be extra-busy in the later part of the year.

The disaster in Japan has affected car production all over Europe. According to Iordache, over 600,000-cars’ worth of production quota will not be built as a result. Ford, which owns Romanian car plant Automobile Craiova, said last week it would temporarily close down the plant in Genk, Belgium, to save car parts.