Toyota temporarily shuts down select factories, manufacturing lines in Japan

Toyota announced that they will temporarily suspend operations at their factories and select manufacturing lines in Japan due to the recent 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on February 13. It is important to note that some models sold in the Philippines are sourced from the Land of the Rising Sun. This also poses a question on the manufacturing halt’s effects on the global demand of Toyota vehicles.

The earthquake hit on February 13, 2021, leaving damaged roads, houses, and other structures. No fatalities were reported, and no tsunami warning was issued. The most affected areas were Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures. Tremors were even felt as far as Tokyo. Despite no major damage or effects on facilities, the Japanese automaker still decided to temporarily suspend operations in several factories and on select production lines. 

The temporary shutdown affected Toyota’s 12 production lines at eight plants. The production of several models, from sedans to SUVs, has been affected . Even Lexus is expected to feel the effects of the closure,,  since some of the company’s models are also handled in select Toyota’s facilities. The following list shows the factories and lines under temporary shutdown, as well as the Toyota and Lexus models affected by the production halt. Production suspension for the Hino Motors, Ltd. Hamura Plant line 2 is slated February 22. For the rest, production suspension is scheduled on February 22 and 23.

Toyota Motor Corporation Takaoka Plant Production line 2

• Harrier 
• Prius α
• RAV4

Toyota Motor Corporation Tahara Plant Production lines 1 and 3

• Prado
• GX
• 4Runner
• LS
• IS
• RC
• NX

Toyota Motor Kyushu Co., Ltd. Miyata Plant Production lines 1 and 2

• NX
• UX
• CT
• ES
• RX

Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. Fujimatsu Plant Production line 1

• LC70

Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. Yoshiwara Plant Production lines 1 and 2

• LC200/LX
• LC70

Gifu Auto Body Co., Ltd. Production line 2

• Coaster

Toyota Industries Corporation Production line 302

• RAV4

Hino Motors, Ltd.Hamura Plant Production lines 1 and 2

• Land Cruiser Prado
• FJ Cruiser
• Dyna

The list includes the RAV4, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser Prado, Land Cruiser 200, and many other Lexus models sold in the Philippines. Toyota did not mention if the global demand for its vehicles is affected by this, however, the brand apologized to its suppliers due to parts shortage brought about  by the earthquake. The brand also hopes for the speedy recovery of those affected areas.