Toyota US to Reach Full Production Levels in September

As one of the automakers hit by the disaster that struck Japan in the beginning of 2011, Toyota factories had to face countless shutdowns or partial operations. Back in April, Toyota said that production in Japan will begin at nearly normal levels up in July. In August, the plants in the US will follow, with full and normal production expected to begin by November or December 2011.

Today, Toyota announced that it expects to reach full production in the US this September. This is because North American vehicle production levels are recovering earlier than originally anticipated.

In fact, the company claims current production has improved to more than 80 percent through August on average. Moreover, 8 of its 12 North American-built models returned to 100 percent production on June 6..

"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, 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."

"The rapid production recovery proves once again that Toyota's manufacturing team members in North America and around the world are the best in the business," said Bob Carter, group vice president and Toyota Division general manager, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "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."