Toyota Motor Corp said on Thursday it would restart production of three hybrid models on Monday after a massive earthquake this month disrupted output across the industry. Production will resume for the Prius, Lexus HS250h and CT200h at the Tsutsumi factory in central Japan and Toyota Motor Kyushu in the south, spokeswoman Shiori Hashimoto said.
All 18 factories that assemble Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Japan, including those operated by group units, have been closed by the quake. A further seven plants directly operated by Toyota that make engines and other parts are also affected. The production halt will result in lost production of at least 140,000 vehicles. Honda Motor Co said on Thursday it would suspend car production at its Japanese factories until at least April 3, extending the stoppage by a week.
Suzuki Motor Corp said its three assembly factories in Japan will remain closed on Thursday and Friday. Nissan Motor Co Ltd said on Thursday its manufacturing operations in the Americas would follow a regular production schedule at least until April 1.