Ford (F), Sirius (SIRI) and Auto Production

A report from research firm IHS Automotive said today that if parts plants affected by the earthquake in Japan don't return to operation in about 6 weeks, global auto production could drop by about 30 percent.

While how much of that will be in the U.S. is uncertain, it's sure to be significant, generating the question as to how that will have an effect on satellite radio firm Sirius XM (NASDAQ:SIRI), which is already being hit hard from the lawsuit from their top celebrity Howard Stern.

As for the car industry, Michael Robinet, vice president of IHS, said in an interview that “Most vehicle manufacturers will be affected by this. It will be very difficult for any major automaker to escape this disaster.”

Overall he sees global production of autos falling by about 100,000 on a daily basis, from the average of about 280,000 to 300,000 vehicles produced daily

Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM), the world’s largest automaker, has shut down all assembly plants in Japan until at least March 26. The company said it will resume production of three hybrid models in Japan on March 28.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM) has halted two compact-car plants in Europe and a pickup factory in Shreveport, Louisiana, because of parts shortages.

GM executives sent out a memo recently asking employees to limit travel and expenses to only essential business. The move was a precautionary measure, said Sherrie Arb, a spokeswoman.

Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F) hasn’t had any disruptions yet, according to spokesman Todd Nissen.

Ford was trading at $14.98, up $0.67, or 4.68 percent, as of 12:34 PM EDT. Sirius was at $1.70, gaining $0.03, or 1.56 percent.




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