Toyota’s production hits global highs in August but is set to scale down in October

Despite setting record-high production figures in August, Toyota is still struggling to keep up with the demand for its cars as it adjusts its production plans for October. Initially, the Japanese automaker had plans to produce 800,000 units globally for October, however, due to additional operation suspensions in select Japan production lines, the target volume has been reduced to 750,000 units instead.

Toyota looked to be heading on an upward trend with regard to its sales and production numbers, despite the semiconductor shortage and health concerns due to the ongoing pandemic. The Japanese brand was able to produce 885,812 units in August thanks to its overseas production plans ramping up its capabilities helping them hit record highs. Those numbers include their subsidiaries such as Daihatsu and Hino Motors, who contributed 107,384 and 11,745 units respectively. 

Even with these record highs, Toyota recently announced that for its production plans for Q4 of 2022 that it would be scaling back. The Japanese automaker recently decided that it would be cutting its losses by closing down its Russian plant. Toyota’s St. Petersburg used to manufacture vehicles such as the Camry and Rav4, contributing to about 80,000 units in the region. However, as the current geopolitical situation has shifted and has disrupted the supply of key materials and parts for producing vehicles in the area, Toyota was forced to suspend its manufacturing operations in Russia and has stayed that way since March of this year. 

So, what does this mean for the Philippine context? As production is affected globally we could see some delays for popular Toyota vehicles in the country. Toyota Philippines hasn’t said anything about this just yet, but expect to wait a little longer to get your hands on your next Toyota vehicle as the automaker adjusts its production plans.