Toyota to temporarily shut down Japan production lines again

If you’re waiting for a brand new Toyota or Lexus vehicle, you might have to wait just a bit longer. The Japanese auto giant announced it will be adjusting its global production target once more due to the ongoing parts shortage and the pandemic. As a result, several Toyota facilities and production lines will be temporarily shut down in February 2022.

According to the statement, Toyota says the semiconductor shortage has forced the company to reduce its global production target output by 150,000 units in February, bringing it down to around 700,000 units. As a result, the automaker expects the full-year production forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022, to be lower than the previous forecast of 9 million units. Toyota has yet to say what their new target will be and when the new forecast will be announced.

Due to the parts shortage and the pandemic, a total of 11 out of 28 lines in 8 out of 14 plants will temporarily stop production. These plants include the Motomachi plant, the Takaoka Plant, Tsutsumi Plant, Tahara Plant, Miyata Plant, Iwate Plant, Miyagi Ohira Plant, and the Fujimatsu Plant. Depending on the production line and plant, the pause in production ranges from a minimum of two days up to two weeks.

The production of several Toyota and even Lexus models are affected. These include the RAV4, GR Yaris, Corolla Cross, Yaris Cross, and even the newly launched Noah and Voxy minivans. Meanwhile, the production of nearly all Lexus models is affected, ranging from the UX up to the LS. Interestingly, the new Land Cruiser and the Lexus LX600 are not included in the temporary pause in production this time around.

“With regards to the shortage of semiconductor-related parts, we will continue to examine the situation and consult with all companies involved in considering the use of substitutes where possible in anticipation of a continuing shortage. We will also continue to work with our suppliers in strengthening the supply chain and make every effort to deliver vehicles to our customers as soon as possible,” Toyota said in a statement.