Toyota announces production cuts, delays to Australian LC300 deliveries

Global automotive giant Toyota has announced it will be suspending production across 14 of its Japanese factories throughout September as it grapples with a global shortage of semi-conductors.

Having already temporarily halted production at a handful of plants in August, today's announcement will see a significant number of sites affected worldwide – with at least 20 Toyota and Lexus models available in Australia on the list of those facing possible delays.

According to Reuters, the delays will cut the production of around 360,000 cars accounting for 40 per cent of Toyota's global monthly production with just 140,000 of those due to the Japanese plant closures, as Toyota's supply chains for plants in the United States, China, Europe and other Asian countries are also affected.

4

A Toyota Australia spokesperson told WhichCar it is in talks with its global headquarters to continue vehicle supply locally.

"Toyota Australia has been advised that vehicle production plants in Japan will be impacted in August and into September, caused by parts shortages resulting from COVID-19 restrictions in Southeast Asia," said Toyota Australia.

"We are working closely with our global production team to work through the impact on Australia and to support our customers."

4

Lexus Australia reiterated Toyota's comments, also saying its focus is on getting cars to customers while production hampers supply.

"Lexus Australia has been advised that vehicle production plants in Japan will be impacted in August and into September, caused by parts shortages resulting from COVID-19 restrictions in Southeast Asia," said a spokesperson.

"The needs of our customers remain paramount while we work to determine the impact on Australia."

4

Best-selling HiLux one of the few unaffected Toyota models

With 25 Japanese lines closing for multiple days next month, Australian Toyota models affected include; the Yaris, Yaris Cross, GR Yaris, Corolla, RAV4, Camry, Prius, Land Cruiser Prado, C-HR, Land Cruiser 70 and Land Cruiser 300.

Luxury brand Lexus is caught up in the shortage too with the LC, ES, LS, IS, RC, RC F, NX, CT, UX and RX all listed as being produced at the plants worst affected.

Toyota is currently the number one car brand in Australia, having sold 136,596 vehicles to the end of July, well clear of second-placed Mazda with 69,365 sales.