Japan's car production plunges due to parts shortages

  Carmakers have been amongst the hardest hit businesses by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan 

Honda's Japanese output plummeted 81%, while Nissan reported a 48.7% decline at its factories in Japan.
Japan's carmakers have been facing a shortage of parts as the 11 March earthquake and tsunami disrupted the country's supply chain.
As a result, the country's top car manufacturers have been forced to suspend or slow down production at their factories.
Global impact The effects of the disruption in Japan's supply chain have been felt well beyond the country's shores.
Leading Japanese carmakers have reported a sharp drop in their global production numbers as well.
Toyota Motors, which has curbed production at its plants in various countries, said its factories outside Japan produced 25% fewer vehicles in April.
Honda Motors has reported a decline of 43.5% in output at its overseas factories, while Nissan Motors said its foreign output dipped by 12.7%.