Tokyo, November 28 - Toyota Motor Corporation reported a decline in global vehicle production for the ninth consecutive month in October, primarily influenced by significant reductions in output from the United States and China. However, the decrease was less severe compared to previous months.
In October, Toyota produced 893,164 vehicles worldwide, marking a 0.8% drop. This contrasts with an 8% fall in September. Notably, the automaker experienced its first increase in global sales in five months, with a rise of 1.4% to 903,103 vehicles, setting a record for October.
Production in the United States saw a significant decrease of 13%, impacted by a four-month halt in production of the Grand Highlander and Lexus TX SUV models due to an airbag issue. Production for these models resumed on October 21, and output at the Indiana plant is anticipated to normalize by January.
In China, competition from local brands contributed to a 9% decline in output. Additionally, production in Thailand fell by 13% due to soft demand. Conversely, Japan, which accounts for approximately one-third of Toyota's global output, recorded an 8% increase in production, rebounding from previous weak figures caused by an accident at a supplier's facility.
In North America, production in Canada and Mexico increased by 2% in both countries.