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Ford Hit by Japan Quake Effects

Over three weeks have passed since the massive earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan brought to their knees both lives and industries, and the effects that have been felt in full that faithful day continue to ravage, again, both lives and industries.

Whereas the relief efforts have now turned into rebuilding ones, the efforts to put the automotive industry back on track still hit major obstacles. The Japanese auto makers that have been severely affected by the quake have managed to rebound, but the hundreds of suppliers crippled by the natural disasters still fight to come back.

GM was one of the first American auto makers to announced, in the week following the quake, some production freeze because of the parts shortages. Now Ford is beginning to feel the heat as well and prepares to shut down some facilities and find new suppliers to cover for the lack of parts from Japan.

According to Detroit News, citing Ford sales analyst George Pipas, the Louisville, Kentucky plant will be the first one affected, with production there to be halted the week of April 4. Ford didn't go into details regarding the part or parts that have led Ford to this decision. The Louisville facility manufactures F-Series Super Duty, Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.

"We also are pursuing other sources of supply as necessary and practicable,"
Ford said according to DetNews. "Because the situation in Japan continues to develop, supply interruptions related to materials and components from Japan could manifest themselves in the weeks ahead."
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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