Toyota has been fighting an uphill battle of limited parts and reduced production levels since the record earthquake last March. The Japanese automaker has just announced that production levels at its North American plants are recovering faster than expected. They anticipate a return to normal operations this September - two months earlier than originally thought.
On June 6, Toyota returned to full production of the Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Sienna, and Toyota Highlander. The automaker expects the Toyota Tundra, Toyota Tacoma, and Toyota RAV4 to follow closely on the heels of these eight vehicles, resuming normal levels by the September target.
"I'm doing back flips," says Bob Carter, Group VP of U.S. Sales, Toyota. "In June, our inventories were at the bottom, but will be improving quickly."1
In May alone, Toyota inventory shortages prompted a 33-percent drop in U.S. sales, and continue to constrain deliveries this month. But, Carter says, "In July, you'll see us come back to a more normalized share of the market."2
Toyota sold just 140,604 vehicles last June. Carter also reports that their now 37-day supply of vehicles will continue upward in coming months. This is something consumers, dealers and Toyota employees can all get excited about.
Toyota recognizes the perception that they do not have vehicles. To help boost awareness that they're coming back strong, the automaker plans to boost advertising, notifying consumers that dealers, such as DCH Toyota of Torrance - 2955 Pacific Coast Highway - Torrance, CA 90505 again have Toyota models in stock.
Source: 1,2http://www.freep.com/article/20110617/BUSINESS01/106170381/1014/business01
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