TOYOTA CITY, Japan ― After a pair of deadly earthquakers rocked Japan and caused parts shortages for Toyota, the automaker announced it will shut down most of its production of Toyota, Lexus, and Hino vehicles over the coming week.
The plant shutdowns have affected many Toyota and Lexus models, including the Prius hybrid, Toyota RAV4, Lexus RX and Lexus NX luxury SUVs, Automotive News reported this week.
The earthquakes that struck the area around Kumamoto on the southwestern island of Kyushu on April 14 have forced the shutdown from April 18 to 23, according to Toyota. The shutdowns will also affect Hino Motors, which manufactures medium-duty work trucks.
Toyota began rolling out the shutdowns on April 18, and 10 factories will be affected. Three shifts will remain operational, including one line at the Hino truck plant, a Daihatsu plant, and a line that makes the Toyota Century luxury limousine.
"Decisions regarding recommencement of operation at plants in Japan will be made on the basis of availability of parts," the automaker said in a statement.
Earthquakes measuring 6.2 magnitude and 7.0 magnitude struck the area on April 14, killing more than 40 people and injuring more than 1,000.
