New | Honda Motor to reduce output due to port dispute in North America

Japanese carmaker Honda Motor plans to slow production at some of its plants in North America because of a parts shortage caused by a partial shutdown of ports on the west coast.

The company expected shortages at its operations in Ohio, Indiana and Ontario, Canada, and for each plant to adjust its production until Monday, spokesman Mark Morrison said.

US west coast ports are at near standstill because of a lengthy labour dispute between dockworkers and the group representing shippers and terminal operators.

With cargo delays rippling through the US economy, President Barack Obama on Saturday sent labour secretary Tom Perez to California to help broker an agreement between shipping companies and dockworkers.

"We do not have a sufficient supply of several critical parts to keep the production lines running smoothly and efficiently. These parts include a small number of critical parts such as electronics, and some larger assemblies such as transmissions," Morrison said.

Honda plants expected to slow production of models including the Civic, CR-V, Accord and Acura, Morrison said.