How the Tsunami affects the SA insurance market

Japan is some 13'500 kms away from South Africa, as the crow flies.  But that distance is negligible, when it becomes clear that we, in South Africa, are now starting to experience shortages of motor vehicle parts, following the massive earthquake and tsunami which destroyed large parts of Japan last month.

Here is a list of vehicles that insurers are currently reporting issues with:

Lexus South Africa - Alternate suppliers are available.

Toyota South Africa - Only Toyota Quantum Minibuses will be affected.

Toyota Hino - Isolated problems may occur on lesser populated models in one to two months time.

Honda South Africa - Parts are available from the European hub for at least six weeks. Other suppliers are also available.

Nissan South Africa - Isolated cases of shortage may occur for lesser populated vehicles.

Subaru South Africa - Problems are being experienced but parts are being sourced from the USA and UK.

Mitsubishi - Problems are being experienced. Expect delays.

General Motors South Africa - Problems will be experienced. Expect delays, especially on Isuzu parts.

Suzuki - Problems are being experienced as the Plant was washed away.

Daihatsu - Production of aftermarket parts resumed on 17 March 2011.  Production of parts for overseas production resumed on 21 March 2011.

Mazda - Operations were suspended at Mazda's Hiroshima and Hofu Plants but temporary production was resumed on 22 March 2011. Both Plants will focus on manufacturing replacement parts, parts for overseas production and vehicles utilising "in-process" inventories.

We really do live in a global village. An earthquake on the other side of the world leaves us with a shortage of spare parts. Which results in a delay in repair time. Which results in higher costs, for insurers, and ultimately, for you and me.

But, I guess there's not much we can do about it... except try not to have an accident if you drive one of those models.