The top boss at Cowley-based Mini parent company BMW has admitted supplies of a key component of the car could run out in a week because of the Japanese disaster.
Tim Abbott, managing director of BMW UK, said a semi-conductor component used in the gearbox was imported from Japan and supplies could be exhausted in “seven to ten days.”
He added: “We are just as affected as anyone else and are having to look around for alternative sources.”
Production of parts has stopped at many Japanese firms, hitting car makers.
Mini plant spokesman Rebecca Baxter added the situation was being “monitored closely.”
The last time production was disrupted by a supply problem was in June 2008 when striking Spanish truck drivers stopped delivery of brake discs.
Four shifts were stopped stretching from a Friday evening and resuming the following Monday evening.
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