Toyota Japan has announced that it will be readjusting production plans for September and October this year. The manufacturer accredits this to a shortage of certain parts caused by the spread of COVID-19 in Southeast Asia.
Toyota confirms that its global production volume affected by these adjustments will be approximately 70 000 units (40 000 units overseas and 30 000 units in Japan) for September and 330 000 units (180 000 units overseas and 150 000 units in Japan) for October, compared to the production plan as of August.
Regarding the full-year production forecast for the fiscal year which ends on the 31st of March next year, Toyota confirms that it is adjusting the expected volume to nine million units due to the impact of the production cut. This is down from the 9,3 million unit forecast. Although the outlook for November and beyond is unclear, the brand confirms that current demand remains very strong. As a result, the production plan for November and beyond assumes that the previous plan will be maintained.
Key reasons for the production adjustment include a decline in operations at several suppliers local to the Asian plants due to the prolonged spread of COVID-19 and the impact of tighter semiconductor supplies. Toyota says that its plants and suppliers are taking thorough quarantine and vaccination measures in response to the pandemic in Southeast Asia but the spread of COVID-19 infections remains unpredictable which makes it difficult to maintain operations due to lockdowns at various locations. As a result of this, the brand is working to transfer production to other regions.
As the demand for semiconductors in all industries continues to increase, Toyota says that it is continuously assessing the situation and discussing medium- to long-term countermeasures with related companies. The manufacturer affirms that its focus remains on doing everything it can to deliver as many cars as possible to our customers as quickly as possible, such as shifting our production plans to models with high demand.
