The earthquake in Japan has seriously affected the number of units Toyota is making in Australia. And more bad news are yet to come as the parts supply shortage may continue throughout the summer.
This news does not come as a surprise, as Toyota already planned to take this measure for its European factories in Great Britain, Turkey, France and Poland over the month of May. This action intends to manage the available parts supply in order for them to last as long as possible.
In short time, the Altona factory in Melbourne will be operating at 50% of its normal production capacity and, in June, the officials will decide if they'll extend this production rate over the month of July. Starting with May 9, a number of 3,300 workers from the Altona factory will have a part-time work schedule. All employees will be involved in a series of activities that consist of training and factory improvement activities.
Toyota Australia is planning to produce over the months of May and June a number of 9,600 Aurion, Camry and Hybrid Camry models destined to be sold Down Under, as well as on other export markets.
Chris Harrod, Toyota Australia executive director manufacturing, says: “Our focus is on ensuring optimum stock management to reduce the impact on customers of the immediate production shortfalls. It may be difficult to avoid some inconvenience for some customers.”
“It is important to note that this is a necessary response to a short-term supply issue and we intend to resume 100 percent vehicle production as quickly as possible,” he concludes.
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