The nation of Japan was rocked by a massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake followed by a devastating tsunami in the month of March, crippling Japanese automakers and their integral supply networks. As a result, global production was either temporarily halted or significantly slowed across automakers, including Toyota, for the months that followed.
Specifically at Toyota, the impact of the devastated supply network reached North American production, keeping it at its current rate of about 80 percent of normal output. Today, the automaker confirmed that it returned production for eight out of 12 North American models to full capacity as of June 6, with September the target month to return all 12 models to full production.
“After September we will focus on making-up lost production as much as possible,” said Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota motor engineering & manufacturing, North America. “Our team members and suppliers here and in Japan have worked tirelessly to get us back to 100 percent, overcoming many challenges. The effort in Japan has been incredible, especially in the midst of such tragedy and devastation.”
The world’s top automaker has suffered sizable sales losses as a result of reduced supply and public perception, keeping potential buyers away from “empty” lots.
No comments:
Post a Comment