Ford says Asia-Pacific operations may have to stop production

Ford says Asia-Pacific operations may have to stop production



Due to parts shortages from Japan, Ford (F) says its operations in the Asia-Pacific region may have to slow or stop production later this month. The automaker, which has 13 plants in the Asia-Pacific region, has temporarily halted operations in the U.S. and Europe because of shortages.

The company expects its operations will be affected beginning the last week of April into May. Ford said in an SEC filing, "We continue to assess the impact of the earthquake and resulting events in Japan on our Automotive operations.

Although we have no production facilities in Japan, we do obtain materials and components from suppliers located in Japan, and we are working closely with those suppliers to assess their production and shipping capabilities and to minimize any disruptions.

We also are pursuing other sources of supply as necessary and practicable...Because the situation in Japan continues to develop, supply interruptions related to other materials and components from Japan could manifest themselves in the weeks ahead.

Should the supply of a key material or component from Japan be disrupted and an alternate supply not be available, we could have to reduce or temporarily cease production of vehicles, which could adversely affect our and Ford Motor Credit Company's financial condition and results of operations."