Toyota Motor Europe said on Tuesday European production would return to pre-earthquake levels next month following resolution of parts manufacture difficulties with Japanese suppliers.
The announcement from the automaker’s European unit followed last week’s news that parent Toyota Motor Corporation expects a full return to production levels for all models and factory lines by November or December this year, following the 11 March 9.0 magnitude earthquake in north east Japan that caused severe disruption to the supply chain.
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“I want to thank our suppliers for working hard to resolve the supply issues caused by the earthquake and our customers for their patience and understanding,” said TME president and CEO Didier Leroy.
Toyota customers can expect a return to normal delivery lead times for vehicles produced in Europe and in Japan, the automaker added.
“I believe that fighting to increase sales, profit and market share is the best way to support Japan as it recovers from this dramatic event,” said Leroy.
Toyota GB managing director Jon Williams also welcomed the return to 100% European production, including Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK in Derbyshire (car assembly) and Deeside (engines).
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By GlobalData“I want to thank our colleagues in manufacturing, both here in Europe and in Japan, for finding solutions in such a short period of time,” said Williams.
In addition, Toyota’s Thai unit predicted operations would be back to normal from 23 May. Samrong, Gateway and Banpho were the three plants expected to resume full production operations, according to Reuters.
A full list of plants due to return to 100% production levels on 1 June are: Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK Burnaston (Avensis, Auris and Auris HSD) and Deeside, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey (Auris and Verso) and Toyota Motor Industries Poland (engines).
Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (Yaris) had previously announced a return to normal from 16 May.
