Ford to idle initial plant as an answer of Japan disaster

Ford hasn't said much about its provide situation in the wake of the earthquake in Japan, but currently the automaker has no option but to spill the beans. The Detroit News reports that Ford will shut down its Louisville, Kentucky plant coming week due to a parts shortage. The facility produces the Ford Expedition, Ford Super Duty trucks, and the Lincoln Navigator. Ford sales analyst George Pipas did not identify the part that was in short deliver, though he did add that high gas costs have helped slow sales of these vehicles anyway.

Ford will too shut down its Flat Rock, Michigan plant, where the Mustang is produced, because the automaker previously has a 116-day supply of the pony car. In Europe, Ford will idle the Genk, Belgium plant that gives the Mondeo, S Max and Galaxy minivan to help prevent future shortages.

Ford announced that events in Japan could further affect upcoming production, but at this point it isn't interested in divulging the extent of its deliver issues. Ford is actively searching for additional parts sources wherever possible.