Toyota curbs production plans

Toyota is cutting back production at up to 12 plants in Japan because of a shortage of parts and increasing Covid-19 infections among its workers.

The marque says the disruption may see production levels cut by about 47,000 vehicles this month.

Toyota also now predicts it will fall short of its goal to build nine million vehicles in the year ending March 31 because of a lack of semiconductors, reports Reuters.

Work at a number of the carmaker’s factories is being halted for a few days in January, adding to those already planned for February.

In a statement, Toyota says it “deeply apologises” for any delays in getting vehicles out to consumers.

“With regards to the shortage of semiconductor-related parts, we will continue to examine the situation and consult with all companies involved in considering the use of substitutes where possible in anticipation of a continuing shortage,” it explains.

“We will also continue to work with our suppliers in strengthening the supply chain and make every effort to deliver vehicles to our customers as soon as possible.”

Cases of the omicron variant of the coronavirus have been surging in Japan since the start of the year.