Hit by a record earthquake in March, Toyota has been fighting an uphill battle of limited parts and reduced production levels. The Japanese automaker has, however, just announced that production levels at its North American plants are recovering faster than expected and anticipates a return to normal operations this September - two months earlier than originally anticipated.

On June 6, Toyota returned to full production of the Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Sienna, and Toyota Highlander. The automaker expects the Toyota Tundra, Toyota Tacoma, and Toyota RAV4 to follow closely on the heels of these eight vehicles, resuming normal levels by the September target.

"I'm doing back flips," says Bob Carter, Group VP of U.S. Sales, Toyota. "In June, our inventories were at the bottom, but will be improving quickly."¹

In May alone, Toyota inventory shortages prompted a 33-percent drop in U.S. sales, and continue to constrain deliveries this month. But, Carter says, "In July, you'll see us come back to a more normalized share of the market."²

Last June, Toyota sold just 140,604 vehicles. Carter also reports that there now 37-day supply of vehicles will continue on an upward trajectory, in coming months...something consumers, dealers and Toyota employees can all get excited about.

Toyota recognizes the common perception that they do not have vehicles. To help boost awareness that they're coming back strong, the automaker plans to boost advertising, notifying consumers that dealers, such as Lustine Toyota (located at 14227 Jefferson Davis, Woodbridge, VA 22191) again have Toyota models in stock.

Stay tuned for more Toyota news, coming soon.

Source: ^1,2http://www.freep.com/article/20110617/BUSINESS01/106170381/1014/business01