Car Makers Slowed by Parts Delays

Auto makers suspended production at some plants because the supply of parts has been delayed by heightened security at the U.S.-Canada border and the clampdown on air-freight service.

However, despite the auto industry’s reliance on “just-in-time” deliveries, with low inventories and tight schedules for parts shipments, most companies reported few production problems Thursday.

Most auto makers had closed plants Tuesday.

Honda Motor Co. said its assembly factory in Alliston, Canada, expects to resume production today.

Ford Motor Co. said it will shut down assembly plants in Wayne and Dearborn, Mich. A spokeswoman said she didn’t know when production would resume.

General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler said all their North American plants were operating. GM said a few were forced to idle temporarily until parts arrived.

Toyota Motor Corp. said all its North American plants are running as scheduled.