Toyota Suspending North American Production for Five Days in April

Just days after denying reports it would do so, Toyota now says it will shut down its North American plants due to parts shortages from Japan.

The shutdowns will occur on April 15, 18, 21, 22 and 25, with vehicle assembly suspended, as well as most engine and components plant production. However, Toyota’s Georgetown, KY, plant, home to the Camry, Avalon and Venza models, will be open April 21.

Toyota says it will not lay off any of its 2,500 North American manufacturing workers, saying those workers who do not have to report to work for training can use vacation days or take unpaid time off.

“We are slowing down to conserve parts, yet maintain production as much as possible,” Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president-Toyota motor Engineering and Mfg. North America,” says in a statement. “We appreciate the flexibility of our team members, suppliers and dealers as we work through these issues.”