Toyota latest to cut UK production because of Japanese earthquake

Toyota has become the third of the major Japanese car makers to cut production in the UK because of the earthquake and tsunami in its home nation.

The world's biggest automotive manufacturer said its vehicle factory in Burnaston, Derbyshire, and engine plant in Deeside, north Wales, which together employ 3,000 people, will have an extended Easter holiday and run at reduced production volumes in May.
Didier Leroy, chief executive of Toyota Motor Europe, said: "Even though most of our parts come from European suppliers, we are experiencing gaps in our supply chain due to the situation in Japan.
"By adjusting our production in Europe, we are adapting to the current situation whilst not completely interrupting our deliveries of vehicles to our customers.
"Our focus is dual: help Japan recover, and return to normal as soon as possible in Europe to meet a market demand that is much better than after the financial crisis of 2008, helped by our excellent product offering."
The production cuts follow Honda's announcement that it will halve production at its Swindon plant until the end of May, and Nissan's proposals to close its Sunderland plant from April 21 until May 3, which includes the Easter and Royal Wedding holidays.