Toyota Motor has been forced to stop production in Brazil following a severe storm that caused extensive damage to its Porto Feliz engine plant, in the state of São Paolo, with the Japanese automaker unable to provide a date for when production is expected to resume.
A freak storm, with tornadic winds and heavy rains, caused severe damage to the roof structure and other parts of the plant. A company spokesperson confirmed that “the damage is severe and has affected the factory extensively.”
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Production was also halted at Toyota’s nearby vehicle assembly plant in Sorocaba, which produces the Yaris, Corolla, and Corolla Cross models, and relies on deliveries of engines from Porto Feliz. The launch of the Yaris Cross in Brazil, scheduled for mid-October, has also been postponed indefinitely.
Local media reports show extensive water damage, and also significant damage to manufacturing equipment after large sections of the roof collapsed. No fatalities were reported, but the regional metalworkers’ union claimed that around 30 workers were injured in the incident, although none were seriously hurt.
Toyota confirmed that it is looking for an alternative source of powertrains within its global network, until Porto Feliz becomes operational again, but suggested that it could be months before the first shipments arrive.
