AFP (São Paulo) - Japanese carmaker Honda said Tuesday it will close a plant in Brazil earlier than scheduled because of a possible parts shortage resulting from Japan's earthquake and tsunami.
The Brazilian plant normally takes a two week break in July during the southern winter season, but it will be pushed forward to somewhere between the end of May and beginning of June, the company said.
"Due to natural disasters and their impact experienced by suppliers of Honda Motor Co., there could be a shortage of auto assembly parts starting in May" at the factory in Sumare, outside Sao Paulo, a company statement said.
The Honda plant in Manaus in Brazil's Amazon basin will not be affected, the statement said.
The Sumare plant currently turns out 650 vehicles a day -- Civics, Citys and Fits.
After the March 11 quake and tsunami, Honda briefly suspended production of cars and parts in Japan. By March 31 it announced a phasing in of production and of exports.
Honda already announced similar breaks in North American, Philippine, and British plants due to parts shortages.
