Although Japan is holding on to its pre-tsunami projection of selling to Americans 1.35 million Honda and Acura cars and light trucks this year, Honda adjusted production at American plants as supplies of some Japan-made parts shrank. Honda began reducing shifts at American plants, which supply more than 80 percent of the vehicles it sells in the U.S.

Throughout the debates on whether President Obama should intervene to save General Motors, the economists’ projections did not factor in a tsunami that would halt the flow of Hondas to the U.S.

President Obama emphasized he was absolutely committed to the survival of our domestic auto industry. Self-sustainability goes beyond resources for fuel, food and shelter. Not only did president’s wise action save 1 million jobs, Americans now have a wide selection of good GM vehicles to purchase while Honda struggles to meet their production goals.

Sandra Castell, Bellevue