Following the tragic March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Toyota USA cut down production to 30 percent of its normal rate. This was due to the lack of overseas parts coming over from Japan and the date when production would increase was really up in the air. Recently, Toyota USA announced that starting in June 2011, the overall production rate will jump up to 70 percent and 100 percent for certain models.
Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. said, “Our team members and suppliers are working closely on countermeasure activities to improve the parts condition from Japan. We continue to develop solutions in order to restore 100 percent production as soon as possible for all of our North American-made vehicles.” The main reason for this increase is due to the much easier access to oversea parts. Parts suppliers have been working double time to increase shipping after the March disaster. “We appreciate the patience of our customers and dealers,” said Angelo.
