Toyota managing impact on New Zealand vehicle supply

Toyota managing impact on New Zealand vehicle supply from Japan earthquake

Toyota New Zealand will manage its vehicle and parts stocks to ensure as little impact as possible to its customers as the downstream effects of last month’s devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan begin to be felt around the globe.

Steve Prangnell, Toyota New Zealand General Manager of Sales and Operations, says the company has a two-month buffer of vehicles and parts, and in the meantime it is business as usual.

But some effects are likely after that, given Toyota Motor Corporation’s estimated one month’s loss of production – mainly caused by key component suppliers being affected, and power cuts to Toyota’s relatively undamaged plants in Japan.

“The situation with parts is yet to be fully clarified, but we expect our service experts will have to prioritise urgent repairs, especially on some of the more fast-moving parts.”

“Our focus is on ensuring optimum stock management to reduce the impact on customers of any production shortfalls. But later in the year, it may be difficult to avoid some inconvenience for some customers.”

“Toyota’s advertised annual Fieldays specials, which start in May, are proceeding as planned,” says Mr Prangnell.

Mr Prangnell says vehicle delivery times may be affected, but Toyota New Zealand will endeavour to minimise any delay and keep customers informed.

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