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Nissan Scales Back LEAF Output and Suzuki Suspends Swift Over China’s Rare Earth Controls

Limited new export licenses have not alleviated the magnet shortages that are crippling electric vehicle assembly

A charging cable is attached to a Nissan Leaf electric car at the Tokyo Motor Show, in Tokyo, Japan, October 24, 2019. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
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Overview

  • Beijing’s early April curbs targeted seven heavy and medium rare earths — including dysprosium and samarium — that feed EV motors, rotors and transmissions.
  • Germany’s VDA and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation warned months ago that tight supplies of magnets risked idling assembly lines worldwide.
  • A limited number of export licenses granted by China in June has failed to stem continued shortages of magnets and other rare earth–based components.
  • Kyodo News reports that Nissan has trimmed production forecasts for its next-generation LEAF series in response to the parts deficit.
  • Sources tell Reuters that Suzuki suspended output of its Swift subcompact model last month until material supplies recover.