Toyota Says Some U.S. Shutdowns 'Inevitable'

Toyota said on April 4 that stopping some production in its U.S. car plants would be necessary after Japan's earthquake and tsunami crippled the supply of parts.

Mike Goss, a spokesman Toyota U.S., said some shutdowns were "inevitable" but would not necessarily affect all plants.

The company also said it continues to assess the situation regarding its Japan supply base in the wake of the March 11 disaster that left the country's industry with serious power supply problems.

"We have communicated to team members, associates and dealers here that some production interruptions in North America are likely. It's too early to predict location or duration," the company said.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2011