The disruption caused by the earthquake & tsunami in Japan has resulted in a shortage of auto parts for some UK car manufacturers. Toyota, Honda & Nissan have all slowed activity at their UK factories as a result. Toyota said: "This decision is necessary as a result of forecast parts supply difficulties & at the moment, no decision has been made regarding production beyond the month of May." Car parts manufacturer GKN also reported that events in Japan have had an effect on its business although the firm said this would not be big enough to derail its recovery. However, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) the UK automotive sector is one of the worlds strongest markets with some of the brightest prospects. "The UK has a dynamic & diverse automotive industry, demonstrating excellence across car, van, engine, bus, truck & coach manufacturing," said Paul Everitt, SMMT CE. "The UK exports over 75% of the 1.4M cars & commercial vehicles it manufactures each year & has the capability to supply around 80% of UK-based OEM component demand. The UK has demonstrated its global competitiveness & is winning investment in engineering & design, along with low carbon R&D & manufacturing. This trend should encourage young people to choose careers in the automotive sector."
