On April 15, according to a Reuters report, three sources revealed that Nissan will cut the output of several Japanese factories in May due to chip shortages.

The source pointed out that as the third largest automaker in Japan, Nissan’s plant in Kyushu in southern Japan will suspend production for eight days between May 10 and 19. The plan has not been made public. The source further stated that the plant will assemble Serena minivans, X-Trail SUVs and other models, with the purpose of making up for production losses after chip supply resumes.

The source also revealed that Nissan’s other two assembly plants, the Oppama plant and the Shatai plant in Kyushu, will also cancel the 15-day night shift between May 10 and 28, while the Tochigi plant in eastern Japan will cancel the 15-day night shift. Production will be discontinued for 10 days next month.

A Nissan spokesperson pointed out: “Due to the global chip shortage, Nissan is adjusting its production plan and taking necessary actions to ensure normal output is restored.”

Since the beginning of this year, auto manufacturers have frequently stopped production due to insufficient chip supply. Recently, Ford also announced that it will cut production at its Chicago, Michigan, and Kansas City plants in the weeks of April 19 and 26, and implement a production reduction plan at its assembly plant in Ohio.

In addition, the truck plant in Louisville, Kentucky, USA will be suspended during the week of April 26 and May 3, and the truck plant in Golcuk, Turkey will be suspended from May 8 to May 31.

AutoForecast Solutions estimates that due to chip supply shortages, Ford has cut production of nearly 408,000 vehicles, of which the production cuts caused by the latest shutdown plan announced on Wednesday are expected to exceed 91,300.

It is worth mentioning that TSMC, the world's largest foundry, held its first-quarter legal meeting today. The company said that the shortage of chips for its automotive customers will begin to ease in the next quarter.