Japan’s Carmakers Plan For The Worst

Japan's carmakers are preparing for the next big one, and move to higher ground, says The Nikkei [sub]. Many Japanese car plants are near or next to the water, some on reclaimed land. Large level tracts are rare in Japan, and by building cars at the waterfront, the ship can  come to your loading dock.  After the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, perspectives changed.   In June, Suzuki acquired about 270,000 sq. meters of land on a hill 80 meters above sea level in Hamamatsu. Suzuki will spend 40 billion yen ($500m) and move some of its production to higher ground and 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) inland.  The Suzuki motorcycle technology research center and part of its motorcycle engine factory will move to the new site. Preparations by other companies range from rewriting evacuation manuals and drills to complete relocations such as the ones at Suzuki. A government survey found that more than 70% of firms have drawn up business continuity plans or are currently doing so in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake and flooding in Thailand from The Truth About Cars http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com

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