Honda Slashes Civic Production Through Summer

Some of the most popular Japanese-made cars may soon be hard to find in the U.S. as automakers struggle to rebound from the nation’s horrific earthquake and tsunami on March 11, the world’s costliest natural disaster.

Honda Motor (NYSE:HMC) warned U.S. dealers on Monday that it will run short of highly demanded vehicles such as the 2012 Civic, the sixth-most-popular car in the U.S., late this summer because of parts shortages deriving from the tragedy, according to a report by Reuters.

The catastrophic events that led to a subsequent nuclear disaster have weighed on Japanese automakers, particularly Honda, Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM) and Nissan, which have had to delay or temporarily halt production due to suppliers' damaged facilities.

Honda said production of 2012 CR-V SUV will be delayed at least a month this fall, noting normal production may not return until the end of the year, according to Reuters. Honda will continue making the 2011 versions.

In a memo to dealers, Honda said it will cut supply of some Acuras, the automaker’s luxury line. Dealers won’t be able to order the TSX sports car and wagon and the RL large sedan until late in the year, the report said.