So is the case with auto giant Mazda who, although it has previously announced that it has not been affected by the the major earthquake and Tsunami in northeast Japan, now comes to reveal it has decided to proceed with a temporary production stop at its plants in Hiroshima and Hofu until March 16, 2011.
The automaker also announced it is making a donation of 30 million yen (approx. $367,000 at the current exchange rate) to support rescue efforts and assistance in the region, as well as providing needed materials and personnel if the situation requires.
“To ensure the safety of its employees, their families and suppliers in the affected region, and to support country-wide rescue efforts, Mazda has decided to shut down production at their plants in Hiroshima and Hofu, both of which are about 1,000 km away in the southwest of the country. Any further steps in response to the crisis will be announced accordingly,” a company statement reads.
However, Mazda comes to reassure that none of its employees has been directly affected by the catastrophe. Moreover, Mazda administrative buildings in Tokyo and the Mazda Development Centre in Yokohama escaped damage.
In addition, vehicle shipments form Japan to Europe are not expected to be affected, as these usually take the south route in the direction of Taiwan, and are processed in areas that are not part of the ones hit by the catastrophe.
“The availability of Mazda vehicles in Europe is ensured for the time being, because production and transport of vehicles at Mazda’s Japanese assembly plants are several months ahead of supply,” Mazda says.
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