Earthquake, tsunami slow Japanese auto production

WAUSAU -- Local auto dealerships and repair centers anticipate trouble keeping Japanese-made vehicles and parts in stock as that country recovers from a devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear emergency.

All Toyota Motor Corp. vehicle plants operating in Japan will be closed through Wednesday, according to a news release issued by Toyota. The Japanese plants manufacture the Prius, the Yaris and Scion vehicles.

The plants that manufacture replacement vehicle parts in Japan also were closed in the wake of the tragedy, but will resume operation today.

"This will allow us to take care of current Toyota owners who may need repairs," the Toyota news release said.

Managers at Ballweg Toyota of Wausau on North 20th Avenue expect to have a shortage of the Prius as demand rises with gasoline prices, general sales manager Josh Harris, said.

"We foresee that it's going to be a situation similar to 2008, when people were put on the waiting list for a Prius," Harris said. Gas prices peaked in 2008 causing more consumers to buy the energy-efficient Prius. Dealerships then didn't have enough cars in stock, Harris said.

Typically, the Wausau dealership keeps 30 Prius models in stock. But with increased interest in the vehicle, the dealership had just 10 earlier this week, Harris said. If manufacturing of the Prius is not restored quickly, the dealership will have problems getting it for customers, Harris said.

Toyota keeps an overstock of vehicle parts in the U.S., Harris said. Getting parts is not a concern for a few months.

At Firestone Complete Auto Care, store manager Kenny Krautkramer said it's still too soon to know whether it will be difficult to find parts for customers who own Japanese-made vehicles.

"The focus is more about lives right now rather than parts," Krautkramer said. "We'll have to wait a while to find out more."

At CW Auto Clinic in Wausau, Manager Dale Krenz said U.S. auto centers likely will have Japanese-vehicle parts in full supply for another six months.

Warren Kaye, a sales representative at Kocourek Wausau Imports, said the Nissan models as well as Nissan vehicle parts sold at the dealership are manufactured in the U.S.

Representatives with Fred Mueller Mazda in Schofield were not available for comment Wednesday.

All 13 vehicle and engine plants in the U.S. are operating normally, according to a Toyota statement.