AutomobilesHormuz closure interrupts shipments of vehicles, chemical feedstockThe Nissan Patrol sport utility vehicle, left, and the competing Toyota Land Cruiser are both popular in the Middle East. (Source photos by Nikkei)RYOSUKE HANADA and TOMONORI WASHIDAMarch 18, 2026 01:39 JSTTOKYO -- The conflict in the Middle East is starting to hit the Japanese auto industry, with Nissan Motor and Toyota Motor trimming production because of the de facto shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz.