June 17, 2011 — Toyota announced Thursday it expects North American vehicle production to reach 100 percent in September, returning the company to full strength for the first time since the March 11 earthquake and Tsunami in Japan.
Production is rebounding more quickly than anticipated, Toyota said. Eight of the company’s 12 North American-built models have already returned to 100 percent production.
“After September we will focus on making up lost production as much as possible,” said Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing for North America. “Our team members and suppliers here and in Japan have worked tirelessly to get us back to 100 percent, overcoming many challenges. The effort in Japan has been incredible, especially in the midst of such tragedy and devastation.”
Bob Cart, group vice president and Toyota Division manager, said the turnaround illustrates the talent of Toyota’s production team.
“Thanks to their efforts, our dealers have a healthy supply of cars and trucks available to sell, with more arriving every day, along with competitive lease and APR programs for our customers,” Carter said.
Toyota operates 14 manufacturing plants in North America, feeding more than 1,800 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships, which sold more than 2 million vehicles last year.
For more information, go to Toyota.com.
