Nissan is set to cut production at a number of factories in Japan throughout May as it continues to grapple with the global shortage of semiconductors.
Sources with knowledge of the plans state that Nissan will idle its factory in Kyushu for eight days between May 10 and 19. This factory handles production of the Serena, X-Trail, and a number of other models. Nissan is expected to make up for lost production once the supply of chips returns to normal levels.
In addition, sources tell Reuters that Nissan’s Oppama and Shatai factories will cancel the night shift between May 10-28. A fourth factory in Tochigi will also idle production for 10 days during May.
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“Due to the (global chip) shortage, Nissan is adjusting production and is taking necessary actions to ensure recovery,” a Nissan spokesman confirmed.
These shutdowns come at an inopportune moment for Nissan as many Japanese car factories are set to be closed for nearly two weeks due to local ‘Golden Week’ holidays starting in late April. Nissan has confirmed its Kyushu factory will continue to operate for one of these weeks.
Word about Nissan’s planned shutdowns comes just a couple of days after Ford announced new shutdowns in the U.S. Between April 19-26, it will idle production at its plants in Chicago, Flat Rock, Michigan, and Kansas. Ford’s truck plant in Louisville, Kentucky will also be idled from April 26 to May 3.
Nissan’s Kyushu factory in 2013