Suzuki Motor suspended production of its Swift car due to China’s restrictions on rare earth metals, according to Reuters.
The company has become the first Japanese carmaker to be affected by export restrictions. It announced a planned halt in production of the Swift compact cars, with the exception of the Swift Sport model, from 26 May to 6 June. A shortage of components was cited as the reason for the production halt.
Suzuki would partially resume production of Swift cars at its Sagar plant on 13 June, fully resuming after 16 June as “the prospect of parts supply is clearer,” the company said on Thursday.
Challenges began for the carmaker following China’s decision in April to suspend exports of a wide range of rare earth metals and related magnets. The move disrupted supply chains critical to automakers, aerospace manufacturers, semiconductor companies and military contractors worldwide.
Some European auto parts factories have also reportedly suspended production, with Mercedes-Benz considering ways to guard against rare earth shortages.
