12:21 pm, August 29, 2023
Toyota’s vehicle production ground to a halt today across all 28 assembly lines at its 14 car plants in Japan because of a computer problem.
The problem centred on the system that deals with incoming parts.
The manufacturer said it didn’t think the problem was caused by a cyber attack. However, the cause is still being investigated, according to spokeswoman Sawako Takeda.
It’s notclear when the lines will be able to start work again.
Toyota wouldn’t say which models might be affected.
The shutdown followed a shortage of semiconductors and other parts stalled production in Asian nations that were hit by social restrictions over the coronavirus pandemic.
The chips shortage problem had only recently begun to ease for Japan’s top car manufacturer, which makes the Camry estate, Prius hybrid and Lexus luxury brand.
It’s the latest production setback for Toyota abroad following a massive fire at a parts supplier for its factory in Kolin in the Czech Republic, which makes the Aygo X and Yaris.
The factory, which is some 60km east of Prague, halted production between August 22 and 27.
Toyota wouldn’t name the supplier, but according to Automotive News Europe, Czech media reported that plastics supplier Novares CZ Zebrak hadn’t been able to deliver parts after its production and storage sites in Zebrak, which is in the Beroun region, were devastated by a massive fire.
Police are investigating to see if arson or a technical fault was to blame.
Below is Czech media footage of the blaze at the plastics factory:
Pictured at top is Toyota’s Motomachi plant. Image via PA (Kyodo News/AP)
Originally published at 12.21pm on August 29, 2023 and updated at 2.38pm the same day with details of the fire at the parts supplier in the Czech Republic
