Toyota announced today that its North American vehicle production levels will return to 100 percent in September. The Japanese automaker said that production of its vehicles is recovering earlier than anticipated following the March 11 earthquake in Japan.

“On average, current production has improved to more than 80 percent through August. Eight of the company’s 12 North American-built models returned to 100 percent production on June 6,” Toyota said.

“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 percent, overcoming many challenges. The effort in Japan has been incredible, especially in the midst of such tragedy and devastation.”

- By: Omar Rana