Nissan Leaf customers waiting to take delivery of their new electric vehicle should be happy to hear that the earthquake in Japan will not affect delivery dates. The 8.9 earthquake and tsunami hit Japan just one day after Nissan sent a ship to the U.S. carrying 600 Leafs.
Although some Leafs managed to narrowly escape the disaster, it is possible that the supply of the Nissan Leaf could be affected in the future. The supply is currently being assessed by Nissan.
As for another new model hitting our shores, the 2012 Nissan GT-R, it is still unclear whether supply will be affected. Nissan North America reports that there is a “sufficient supply” of 2012 GT-Rs, which went on sale only a few weeks ago. However, it’s built at the automaker’s Tochigi Plant, which has reported damage and has been temporarily shut down.
Unfortunately, Nissan also reported loosing 2,300 vehicles that were lined up and ready to board a ship bound for the U.S. when the tsunami struck. As more information becomes available, it seems that all Japanese automakers are still in the process of assessing the damage to their facilities and assessing supplies.
“As was the case for key parts suppliers following the earthquake in Niigata Prefecture a few years ago, we expect the entire Japanese auto industry to receive reconstruction assistance and thus anticipate no real lingering damage to production capabilities over the longer term,” JP Morgan said.
