New York, NY, United States (AHN) – Toyota has postponed the launch of a wagon-type Prius in Japan, where vehicle production remains halted following an earthquake.
The new model of the automaker’s popular hybrid was scheduled to hit dealers in the disaster-stricken nation in April.
The company on Tuesday extended its suspension of car assembly in all Japanese factories until Saturday. However, plants this past week resumed the production of replacement parts for vehicles already sold, and parts for overseas production.
Toyota continues to assure customers and dealerships in the United States that impact of the magnitude 9 quake and nuclear crisis on North American operations is “limited.” All of the manufacturer’s 13 factories in the region are running on regular schedules but overtime has been decreased to ensure the availability of parts from Japanese suppliers.
There are concerns of a shortage of the Prius, the world’s most popular hybrid. Prius vehicles are built in Japan, and Toyota said last week the hybrid is affected by the disasters more than other cars such as the Camry and Lexus.
One of three hybrid battery plants in Japan was damaged in the March 11 quake that struck off the northeastern coast of Japan, generating a 10-meter high tsunami and led to a partial meltdown at a nuclear facility north of Tokyo.
The company has said battery production plans “are to be determined” and that every effort is being made to “minimize any long-term impact” on the Prius.
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March 23rd, 2011 
davidguide 
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