√Toyota cuts production again for June and July

The world’s largest car maker will cut production again over the coming month, with some assembly lines to sit on hold for up to half a month.

Toyota has announced yet another round of production cuts, as parts shortages will see some Japanese factories at a standstill for half of June.

The latest announcement removes approximately 40,000 vehicles from Toyota’s estimated production output for June, down to 750,000 cars – just weeks after it was reduced from 850,000 on May 27, and from 900,000 on May 24.

In a media statement, Toyota attributes the latest production cuts to “low attendance caused by a COVID-19 outbreak at one of our suppliers, and a shortage of parts supply caused by a production equipment defect at another supplier.”

Toyota’s Motomachi plant is hit hardest, with the production lines building the GR Yaris and Mirai (among other cars not sold in Australia) losing 11 days of production, and Lexus LC production pausing for 10 days.

Both are in addition to five-day production cuts announced last month for early June – meaning these lines will remain at a standstill for almost half of this month.

The Takaoka factory manufacturing the top-selling RAV4 mid-size SUV will stop for a further 10 days, in addition to five previously announced – while the lines building the LandCruiser 300 Series, 70 Series and Lexus LX will pause for a total of 10 days between June 6 and July 1 (inclusive).

Other vehicles affected by new or previously-announced production cuts in June include the Toyota Corolla sedan, Australia-bound Corolla Cross, LandCruiser Prado, C-HR, Yaris, Yaris Cross and HiAce, plus the Lexus ES, LS, UX, NX and RX.

For details on every Toyota and Lexus factory in Japan affected by the latest production cuts, click here to read the official list.

“We at Toyota would like to again apologize for the repeated adjustments to our production plans due to the parts shortage resulting from the spread of COVID-19, and for causing considerable inconvenience to our customers who have been waiting for the delivery of vehicles, suppliers, and other parties concerned,” Toyota said in a media statement.

“As it remains difficult to look ahead due to the shortage of semiconductors and the spread of COVID-19, there is a possibility that the production plan may be lower.

“However, we will examine the parts supply closely to minimize sudden decreases in production, and continue to make every effort possible to deliver as many vehicles to our customers at the earliest date.”

Wait times in Australia for some popular Toyota models continue to stretch up to 12 months, with the LandCruiser 70 Series out towards two and a half years, assuming current production rates.

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