The quake triggered a tsunami, caused blackouts as far away as Tokyo, derailed the country's famed bullet train and buckled highways that serve as critical supply arteries.

Any long-term interruption at the chipmaker could broadside a global automotive industry already reeling from a worldwide semiconductor shortage that has hammered production and sales. Renesas is assessing the impact on equipment and products, as well as the safety of the facilities and the condition of clean rooms.