If you’re in the market for a Lexus RX or an Infiniti QX80 right now, there’s some news out of Japan you’ll want to know about. A powerful earthquake shook the Kumamoto region of southwestern Japan on July 28, temporarily shutting down production at multiple Toyota, Lexus, and Nissan plants. Here’s what happened, and more importantly, what it actually means for anyone shopping for a new car in the coming months.
What Happened in Kumamoto
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Kumamoto region of Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island, causing significant damage across the area. The quake has been blamed for at least 13 to 18 deaths, according to various reports, and caused widespread destruction to buildings, roads, and power infrastructure across the region. It even triggered a small tsunami and disrupted flights and train service, including derailing a train and buckling highway sections in the area.
Kyushu happens to be one of the most important manufacturing corridors in Japan’s auto and semiconductor industries, which is why the ripple effects reached far beyond the epicenter itself.
Toyota and Lexus Feel the Impact
Toyota’s Kyushu operations were among the hardest hit. The automaker suspended output at its Miyata, Kanda, and Kokura plants in Fukuoka Prefecture, with operations remaining paused depending on safety assessments, logistics, and the status of its suppliers. Notably, none of the facilities suffered major structural damage, but Toyota cited employee safety, transportation conditions and uncertainty over parts deliveries from suppliers as reasons for the shutdown.
The Miyata plant is a big deal for Lexus shoppers specifically. That factory builds the Lexus ES, RX, NX, and UX models, and about 90% of them are exported, primarily to the US. The timing is particularly rough for the ES sedan, which just launched its all-new eighth-generation model a month before the quake at that very plant. Kanda handles engine production while Kokura builds hybrid powertrains—both critical links in the supply chain for Toyota and Lexus vehicles worldwide.
Toyota extended its production shutdown at these facilities, and estimates suggest the disruption could reduce output by roughly 5,200 vehicles, putting availability of popular models like the ES and RX at some risk in the near term.
Nissan’s Situation Is a Bit Different
Nissan’s response has been more mixed. Its Nissan Shatai Kyushu plant, which builds the Infiniti QX80 SUV along with the Nissan Armada and Patrol, initially kept running while monitoring conditions. However, Nissan later partially suspended production at its two Kyushu vehicle plants due to delays in parts deliveries rather than direct earthquake damage. The Nissan Motor Kyushu facility also builds the Kicks e-Power, Serena e-Power van, X-Trail crossover, and the new-generation Elgrand, meaning any prolonged disruption could touch a wide range of nameplates.
Should You Panic If You’re Car Shopping?
Short answer: no. Industry analysts point out that Japanese automakers have a strong track record of bouncing back quickly from these kinds of events. Comparing the situation to the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake, one analyst noted that assembly plants were closed for less than a month, and full production resumed in about six months after that far more catastrophic disaster. This year’s Kumamoto quake, while serious, is not expected to be nearly as severe in its lasting impact.
That said, modern automotive manufacturing runs on tightly synchronized supply chains, where seats, electronics, glass, batteries and powertrain components often arrive close to the moment they’re needed. That means even a plant with zero structural damage can grind to a halt if a single supplier or transportation route is knocked out.
What This Means for Your Car-Buying Timeline
- Popular Lexus models (ES, RX, NX, UX) may see tighter inventory in the coming weeks as dealers work through existing stock before new shipments resume.
- Infiniti QX80 and Nissan Armada/Patrol buyers should watch for similar short-term availability dips, especially since the QX80 just posted its best-ever sales quarter.
- Don’t expect price gouging—this isn’t 2021’s chip shortage. Analysts expect the disruption to be temporary and localized rather than a prolonged industry-wide crisis.
- If you’re flexible on trim or color, you’re less likely to be affected than someone hunting for a very specific configuration.
Bottom line: if you’re shopping for an affected model in the next month or two, it might be worth checking with your dealer on incoming allocations before you fall in love with one specific trim. But there’s no need to rush into a purchase out of fear—Japan’s auto industry has weathered worse and recovered faster than expected before.