When you visit your local car lots this winter, some dealers may be more noticeably empty than others. Most notably among the Japanese import brands as you search for Honda and Toyota inventory for that vehicle you really wanted. And while you may already be familiar with the earthquake and tsunami that crippled many parts suppliers, what threatens suppliers today is a new threat.
With massive regional flooding in Thailand, many Japanese automakers are feeling the continued pinch with Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi all feeling the pinch just as they were attempting to rebuild supply of already shortened supply of new cars for sale. Even domestic automakers such as Ford are feeling the effects of tightening supply shortages which threatens to cut tens of thousands of new car inventory in lost production.
The part shortages have cut planned overtime production in Toyota factories in the United States, and could drastically affect Honda's US manufacturing at least for the short term. These continued stoppages have started to take their toll on the inventory of car search engines and local car lots alike with possible future shortages still lingering. Bad news for any car shoppers looking for a certain equipped models that maybe out of stock currently.
Buyers looking for a silver lining will at least be pleased to note that the supply issues should not hinder rebate programs such as Toyota incentives program as they attempt to clear out the last of the 2011 models. Interested shoppers should note however that this does mean that getting an earlier start this month of car shopping as key, because as many new cars for sale are sold, replacements to fill many dealer inventories will be slow in arriving.
Also car search engines will have to wait a few more weeks for the new 2012 Honda CR-V, as the shortages are expected to impact its release as well. This continued bad news is not good for fans of the Japanese imports. And if things continue to get worse before they get better, it might not be a bad idea to browse what Honda and Toyota incentives have available now before things get even tighter.