Toyota Expects to Return to Full Strength by September in North America

Toyota expects its North American vehicle output to return to normal earlier than expected.

The automaker today said it anticipates vehicle production levels getting back to 100% in September, as it recovers from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that battered its supply chain.

Eight of the company's 12 North American-built models returned to 100% production on June 6, the automaker said.

Overall, Toyotas North American production has improved to more than 80% through August.

"After September, we will focus on making up lost production as much as possible," said Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing, North America. "Our team members and suppliers here and in Japan have worked tirelessly to get us back to 100%, overcoming many challenges. The effort in Japan has been incredible, especially in the midst of such tragedy and devastation."

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