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Altona resumes pre-earthquake vehicle production


Altona resumes pre-earthquake vehicle production

Author: Isaac BoberDate: 9 June 2011

Production at the Toyota Australia’s plant has been reduced to 50 per cent of pre-earthquake levels since 9 May to manage available parts supply following the Japan earthquake and tsunami.

Toyota Australia Executive Director Manufacturing Chris Harrod said employees were looking forward to once again producing approximately 9,000 cars a month.
“The impact of the Japan earthquake has placed significant pressure on our people, suppliers, dealers and customers. It has been an unprecedented time for us and our global Toyota colleagues,” Mr Harrod said.

“Since March, Toyota Australia has worked closely with its stakeholders to manage parts supply shortages, vehicle production adjustments, reduced vehicle imports and sales and customer concerns. I want to thank employees for the effort and perseverance undertaken to get our manufacturing operations back on track earlier than expected.”

Toyota Australia confirmed plans for production of the next generation Camry were on track, with the launch scheduled for late 2011.

According to Mr Harrod export sales had remained steady during this challenging period.

“Approximately 70 per cent of the vehicles produced at Altona are exported to the Middle East, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. The reduced production volumes made fulfilling customer orders challenging, but by working with existing supply in the circumstances we were able to maintain good sales,” he said.

He confirmed Toyota Australia dealers will have more new-vehicle stock arriving in June and a further increase in July.

“In July Toyota Australia will receive almost the full quota of imported cars we ordered for the month well before Japan's natural disasters occurred," Mr Harrod said.

"For the rest of the year, we expect our business will basically be back to normal, thanks to a faster- than-expected pick-up in production in Japan and Thailand."

He said Toyota Australia appreciated the patience and understanding of customers who had been affected by delays in deliveries that were outside the control of the company or its dealer network.

 

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News, Toyota, Camry, News

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