Japan quake crisis puts 200,000 U.S. auto sales up for grabs

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

While Japanese automakers are still suffering from production loss due to parts shortages caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, U.S. automakers aren’t feeling the pinch. In fact, almost 200,000 U.S. customers looking for new cars are ‘up for grabs’ by the Detroit three as Japanese automakers look to bounce back.

A report by A.T. Kearney says that major Japanese automakers including Toyota, Honda and Nissan are at risk for the biggest lost sales.

U.S. automakers including General Motors, Ford, Chrysler as well as Hyundai, stand to capture most of the consumers who defect from Japanese brands, said Dan Cheng, head of A.T. Kearney’s American automotive practice.

Cheng said that of the estimated 1.66 million units lost globally due to the Japan crisis, 341,000 would have been sold in the United States. Of those lost sales, 42 percent of buyers are likely to remain loyal to current brands.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News