Toyota Prius and Lexus hybrids to start production, Honda extends shutdowns

Toyota announced today that it will soon resume production of the Prius and two Lexus hybrid models, while competitor Honda on the other hand has extended its Japan auto shutdown until early April. Many Japanese automakers suspended production after the March 11 earthquake due to damage to supplier factories in northeastern Japan and power shortages.

Toyota plans to restart production of the Prius, Lexus HS 250h and the CT 200h on Monday. The Toyota Prius was made at the company’s Tsutsumi factory in western Japan, while the Lexus hybrids are produced in the southern island of Kyushu.

Toyota said plant shutdowns as a result of the earthquake will last at least until Saturday. It will have lost production of about 140,000 units by then. Honda, on the other hand, said that the suspension of car production at its Saitama and Suzuka factories will be extended to April 3.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News