The natural disasters that struck northeastern Japan in March interrupted production at all Japanese automaker facilities and damaged the plants of key parts suppliers. Specifically, the Automobile Manufacturer's Association indicates auto production in Japan plummeted in from 731,829 in April 2010 to 292,001 in April 2011. And to top it all off, from March 11 to the end of May, the earthquake-tsunami disaster impeded the production of 550,000 vehicles in Japan and another 350,000 overseas.

Toyota, as all Japanese auto manufacturers, was hit hard and fast. After assessing the extent of damage to their facilities and products, the automaker originally projected they would be able to raise operating levels from 50 percent to about 70-percent in coming months, and return to 100 percent hopefully by the end of this year.

It seems, however, that the market leviathan has the tenacity and planning it takes to jump back up to speed quicker than expected. From early March to the end of May, missing parts due to supplier issues decreased from 150 to 30. And, according to spokesman Keisuke Kirimoto, Toyota expects production in Japan return to 90-percent normal capacity this June...far faster than originally expected.

Such news, as you might expect, comes as great news for Toyota employees, the Toyota company, Toyota dealers, and Toyota buyers. Lustine Toyota,  however, would like to note, that some vehicles could, continue to be in short supply worldwide for several months as the automaker catches up to production losses.

Interested in more Toyota news? Stay tuned. Lustine Toyota, located at 14224 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge, VA is dedicated to keeping you informed.