Japan’s top truck makers to slash production

Four leading Japanese truck makers are planning production cuts of 30% or more. Industry leader Hino Motors Ltd. will reduce operating time at its light truck plant in Hamura, Tokyo, Japan by more than half. The company will also shut down its big-truck plant in Hino, Tokyo, Japan for five days in mid-December. Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corp. will soon reduce output at its Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture plant. Nissan Diesel Motor Co. will continue to rein in output in December, by idling its main factory for four days and making other adjustments. Layoffs of temporary and contract workers will accompany Isuzu and Nissan Diesel’s production cuts. (November 21, 2008)