Toyota has further cut its production forecasts for September and October 2021, which could lead to big delays on some of its most popular cars.
Toyota Australia has confirmed it’s “working closely with our global production team to work through the impact on Australia and to support our customers”.
A statement from the brand is published in full at the end of this story.
After last month announcing plans to cut September output at its global factories from 900,000 cars to just 540,000 cars, Toyota has announced that forecast will be cut again to 470,000 cars.
In October, it anticipates production to drop by 330,000 vehicles compared to its initial forecasts.
Toyota made 905,000 vehicles across the world in September 2019.
September 2020 production rose to 973,000 units as Toyota sought to make up for lost output at the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The latest round of production cuts impacts the Japanese-built Corolla, Camry, Yaris, LandCruiser, LandCruiser 70, Prado, and Yaris Cross sold in Australia. Also hit are the Lexus NX, UX, ES, and RX.
Earlier in 2021, Toyota put production of the HiLux and Fortuner on hold at its Thai plants, once again on the back of COVID-19.
CarExpert has contacted Toyota Australia to confirm the expected impact on buyers Down Under.
The brand has already announced the LandCruiser 300 will be delayed locally.
It’s reaching out to customers who have placed orders to keep them up-to-date with developments regarding their vehicles.
10 production lines in nine of Toyota’s plants will be paused at various points throughout September and October. The brand has 28 lines and 14 plants in total.
Toyota is pointing the finger at semiconductor shortages, and delays caused by supplier shutdowns in COVID-crunched south-east Asia “making it difficult to maintain operations due to lockdowns at various locations”.
Although it’s been able to mitigate the impact of semiconductor shortages better than most brands, Toyota isn’t immune to shortages and delays.
Wait times for some RAV4 models stretch to six months, as has been the case since early in 2020.
Toyota Australia says customers should contact their dealer for more specific details about the wait for particular colours or trim levels.
The company has repeatedly told media it’s pushing for more supply, and in June 2020 announced a better flow of cars would come to Australia, but long wait times have been a constant with the RAV4.
Despite the supply constraints, the RAV4 was the best-selling mid-sized SUV in Australia during 2020.
Toyota Australia statement on production shutdowns
“Toyota Australia has been advised that vehicle production plants in Japan will be further impacted during September and that production plans for October are being reviewed, due to parts shortages resulting from COVID-19 restrictions in Southeast Asia, and the effects of tighter semiconductor supplies in general.
“TMC is working to prioritise production of high-demand models and to transfer production to other regions where possible. It is also working with suppliers of semiconductors to continuously assess the situation and discuss countermeasures with related companies.
“We are working closely with our global production team to work through the impact on Australia and to support our customers.
“We will continue to keep you updated as further information on the Australian impact and forecast is confirmed.”
