The production suspension will affect the carmaker’s global footprint reducing it to just 850,000 units (250,000 in Japan and 600,000 at global plants).

The spread of COVID-19 in China, compounded by the on-going semiconductor shortage is making it difficult for Toyota to look ahead. However, there’s now a real possibility that the carmaker will be forced to lower its full-year production plan of 9.7 million vehicles. That said, they will make every effort to deliver as many vehicles to its customers at the earliest possible date.

For May and June, the production suspension will affect 16 out of 28 lines at 10 out of 14 plants in Japan. The stoppages will hit vehicles such as the GR Yaris, RAV4, Land Cruiser Prado, Land Cruiser 300, Hiace, and the Alphard.

It will also cause shortages of pretty much the entire Lexus line-up as production on certain models will be halted for almost half a month. Affected Lexus models include the IS, LS, RC, LC, UX, NX, LX, and LM. The RX isn’t affected mainly because the all-new model will bow in by June 1, 2022.

Locally, the production disruptions are beginning to affect new vehicle supply at Toyota Motor Philippines. Not only are niche products such as the Land Cruiser 300 severely affected, but several would-be buyers have reached out saying that certain variants of best-selling models such as the Raize, Corolla Cross, and Innova are now hard to come by. Lexus Philippines has even temporarily halted taking orders for the all-new NX.