Toyota Australia has provided an update on the delivery status of customer vehicles in the wake of global supply challenges.
The company’s Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley, said reduced production at plants in Japan was due to continued parts shortages resulting from COVID-19 restrictions in Southeast Asia.
Hanley said the pandemic had curtailed production of vital components such as semiconductors and wiring harnesses.
“As a result, Toyota Motor Company has announced reductions to production in Japan that vary by plant and by model in October, as well as those previously announced for September,” said Hanley – adding that in Australia, average wait times vary by model and by grade.
“For one-third of Toyota’s vehicles, the wait time is four months or less. For three-quarters of the line-up, it’s six months or less,” he said.
“The longest wait times are for the LandCruiser 70 Series workhorse models and RAV4 Hybrid, both of which are around nine to ten months on average.”
Hanley said the company had been advised of some reduction to HiLux production in October, but he hastened to add that the plan is to recover that volume in subsequent months.
He also stated that customer deliveries for the all-new LandCruiser 300 Series wagon have regrettably been delayed because the factory was unable to produce any right-hand-drive models in September or October.
“At this point, we expect to receive an update on November production of these vehicles later in October,” he said.
“Given this is an evolving situation, we are continuing to take pre-orders, but to ensure the best customer experience, we will not confirm delivery timing until the orders can be matched to a specific production schedule.”
Despite this, Toyota Australia is supporting the local launch of the all-new LandCruiser 300 Series in early October, with a limited number of vehicles placed in Australian dealerships as demonstrator models.
This will provide customers with the opportunity to experience the new LandCruiser first-hand, including through test drives where possible.
Hanley used the opportunity to reassure Toyota customers, especially those facing extended wait times for delivery of their new vehicle.
“Toyota understands your frustration, and I sincerely apologise for these delays,” he said.
“I want to thank you for your patience and assure you we are doing everything we can to get you behind the wheel of your new Toyota as soon as possible.”