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Japan automakers extend shutdowns as quake impact widens

Japan's seven big automakers are extending nationwide production shutdowns amid growing concern about supply chain interruptions, power shortages and export difficulties following the massive earthquake and tsunami that hammered northern Japan, killing thousands. Toyota Motor Corp., one of the few automakers with a major manufacturing presence in the quake zone, suspended all manufacturing--at both assembly and parts plants--on Monday and extended the shutdown through at least Wednesday as an added precaution. The company will lose output of roughly 40,000 vehicles over the three-day period, spokesman Dion Corbett said.

Mitsubishi closes California design studio

Mitsubishi Motors Corp. closed its design studio in Cypress, CA last Thursday – just one month shy of its 25th anniversary. A result of the recent downturn in the global economy, the closure of the facility will eliminate 33 design positions as part of a personnel cull that has seen 60 people within the automaker's US operations lose their jobs.

Bentley & Lamborghini SUV on hold?

Reports today say that VW is planning to put the Bentley SUV and Lamborghini Urus SUV on hold as VW fights to cut costs. Despite still strong sales, VW is now forecasting lowered sales going forward than previously expected and looking at ways to keep costs in check until the economy starts moving in the right direction again. And one of those cuts seems to be the launch of luxury SUVs by Bentley and Lamborghini.