Toyota is suspending 18 lines at 11 factories in Japan in the wake of a powerful earthquake that hit northern Japan on Wednesday night.
The automaker, though, cites parts shortages resulting from suppliers affected by the earthquakes as the reason for the shutdown, not damage to its plants. As a result, the work stoppages will be limited to just three days at most locations, running from Monday, March 21 to Wednesday, March 23.
“Toyota would like to extend its sincere sympathy and condolences to those affected by the earthquakes that occurred in the Tohoku region on March 16,” wrote the company in a statement. “While prioritizing the safety of the people and the recovery of the region, we will continue to work with our relevant suppliers in strengthening our measures against the parts shortage and make every effort to deliver vehicles to our customers as soon as possible.”
Read Also: Toyota Is Reducing Production In Japan In Q2 As A Result Of Supply Issues
WATCH: Shaking, power outages, and flashes in the sky as 2 strong earthquakes hit central Japan pic.twitter.com/d7z9CsJzvI
— BNO News (@BNONews) March 16, 2022
The plants affected produce parts for a wide variety of vehicles ranging from the Yaris, the GR Yaris, and the Mirai, to SUVs like the C-HR and the Land Cruiser 300, to Lexus vehicles such as the LX, the LS, and the RC F, among others.
The quake hit the northern part of the country, near where a deadly magnitude 9.0 earthquake hit 11 years ago, causing nuclear reactors in Fukushima to meltdown. Fortunately, the scope of damage from this earthquake was smaller.
Still, more than 90 people were injured and four died as a result of the tremor and left parts of Japan without power, reports the Associated Press. Footage from the quake shows buildings swaying and walls crumbling from the force of the natural phenomenon.
The timing of the earthquake was particularly inconvenient for Toyota, which has already been forced to reduce its domestic output as a result of other supply chain disruptions.
