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Japanese auto firms recover slowly

Toyota's domestic production in the first six months of 2011 dropped 38 percent after the March 11 earthquakes and tsunamis but is now recovering.

Domestic sales slipped 41 percent in the six months to 500 638.

The disaster slowed production and affected supply chains and electricity generation, including the Fukushima nuclear power plant. This led to automakers decreasing output and temporarily closing factories in Japan and around the world due to a parts shortage.

Toyota said it produced 249 660 vehicles through June 2011, 84.1 percent of production the previous June, against 21.6 percent in April and 70 percent in May. Overseas production stood at 344 179 in June, 96.4 percent of the same month in 2010.

NISSAN, HONDA AFFECTED

Toyota said in June it expected domestic output, excluding subsidiaries Daihatsu and Hino, to return to about 90 percent of pre-quake levels in June thanks to a quick recovery in parts supplies.

Nissan said domestic production decreased 18.3 percent year-on-year to 449 492 due to the disaster and the effect of a government subsidy programme for environmentally friendly vehicles but said global production January to June increased 11.1 percent year-on-year to 2 144 745 - a record for that period.

Honda saw a slump in June production with domestic output at around half of 2010 levels due to a shortage of electronic parts, rubber products and coating materials.
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