Honda Changes the North America Production Schedules

Due to the recovering for the disasters that wiped out Japan last March, Honda has no options then to adjust its production schedules and the shuffling will reportedly continue at US plants as well.

Honda expects to run full production shifts at US factories on Tuesdays and Wednesday from May 9^th through July 1^st by adding a single eight-hour shift for Thursdays. But this regulation does not apply for the Honda’s Greensburg, Indiana plant.

All US factories were operating two shifts prior to parts shortages. Employees at these factories reportedly will not feel the pinch of the abbreviated production schedules either, as they will have the choice of staying home or completing training without paying penalty.

Ed Miller – Honda spokesperson stated that the reason for shifting the US production schedule is to achieve more efficient operations. One of the Japanese car manufacturers seemly will not make any decisions about the US production beyond July 1^st until the circumstance is clearer.

Couple of days ago, Honda announced to suspend June and July dealer orders for the Honda CR-Z, Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Fit, Acura TSX, and Acura RL.

Why does Honda suspend the order? Those cars are assembled in Japan where parts shortages are still critical. At this moment, the Japanese car maker is waiting the operations to return to normal production before the end of the year.

The circumstances seem very difficult, not only for Honda, but also for the customers as well. Sounds like Honda’s showrooms will be very short on product for a long period of time.