Toyota production in Japan gets hit by chip shortage

Chip shortage, coronavirus surge among factors of production suspension

The global chip shortage continues to cripple the automotive industry, and with another wave of cases rising in other countries, Toyota has revised its production plans to focus on safety and quality.

Toyota reduced its global output for April by 150,000 units from the previous target of 750,000 due to the impact of semiconductor shortages. Furthermore, in the three-month period from April to June, the Japanese marque is doing an “intentional pause” to prioritize safe and healthy workplace environments over exceeding production targets.

For Toyota's domestic operations in Japan, the Kyushu Miyata and East Japan Iwate Plant will have the most production stoppages for the month of April. There will be 9 days of production suspension spread across the month, and will heavily affect Toyota models like the CH-R, the JDM Yaris, and Yaris Cross. Lexus models like the NX, ES, RX, and CT are also included in this break.

On the other hand, there will be two days of stoppage in Toyota's Tsutsumi and Tahara Plants, together with the Fujimatsu Auto Body Plant. These will cause production delays in Toyota models like the Corolla Sport, Camry, Noah, and Voxy. For Lexus models, the LS, IS, RC, and RC F will be affected by the shutdown.

Toyota Motor Company isn't the only one affected by this chip shortage, as other car manufacturers are also struggling to restart their operations to full strength because of the issue. Analysts are predicting the shortage to ease up at the end of this year, but recent global factors such as the recent rise of new cases and political instability will more than likely derail those expectations.

Some of the cars we've mentioned are sold in Toyota and Lexus dealerships here in the Philippines. If you have already placed an order on one of those models, don't be surprised if you'll have to wait a little longer before your unit arrives.