In 2022, Toyota issued an apology basically every month about repeatedly adjusting its production plan due to semiconductor shortages and the spread of COVID-19. As the new year begins just as it ended, the Japanese automaker is apologizing for making customers wait too long for its new cars. Automotive giant projects 2023 will also be affected by supply disruptions and the coronavirus pandemic.
The tone of the press release published today suggests that if all goes according to the initial plan, Toyota will be able to assemble a total of 10.6 million units. However, this figure represents an upper limit, and the company remains realistic about potential output for the next 12 months. Suppliers and stakeholders have already been notified of a baseline for 2023 with volumes 10 percent below ideal production.
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In January, Toyota plans to produce 700,000 cars, with 200,000 assembled in the Land of the Rising Sun and another 500,000 in its overseas factories. During several days of the month, domestic production of the Land Cruiser Prado, 4Runner, and Lexus GX will be suspended. Projected global volumes for 2023 have been set with minimum volatility in mind but output will be somewhat constrained by external factors.
Unlike the majority of automakers, Toyota has expressed its reluctance to go all EVs. To that end, it is working with the idea of hydrogen-fueled combustion engines as a fuel companion to cells. Head honcho Akio Toyoda recently said that green should be pushed beyond new cars as he believes existing ICEs can get a new lease on life by converting to carbon-neutral propulsion. To highlight this idea, the iconic AE86 received official hydrogen and electric modifications for the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon.