Episode #1408: Toyota assesses earthquake impacts in Japan, Ford jumps back into military vehicle development, and a new McKinsey study reveals affordability is squeezing buyers while technology—not brand loyalty—is increasingly driving purchase decisions. autonews.com/toyota/an-toyota-nissan-japan-earthquake-tsunami-evaluating-disruption-0728 A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake rattled Japan’s Kyushu region Tuesday, putting Toyota and Nissan on alert as both have operations near the affected area. While production is continuing for now, the real question may be what happens deeper in the supply chain. -The quake triggered fires, damaged infrastructure, disrupted transportation, and prompted a small tsunami in southern Japan. -Toyota and Nissan assembly plants are about 93 miles from the epicenter. Nissan reports no injuries or major damage and plans to continue production while monitoring conditions. -Even if assembly plants stay online, supplier disruptions could create par...