Toyota Motor Corporation reported its 10th consecutive monthly decline in global production for November, even as sales rose for the second straight month. The Japanese automaker produced 869,230 vehicles worldwide, a 6.2% drop compared to the same month last year and a steeper decline than October’s 0.8% dip. Despite these setbacks, Toyota achieved record sales for November, with global deliveries increasing by 1.7% to 920,569 vehicles, driven by strong demand in the United States and China, reports Reuters.
The agency on Wednesday published that, in the U.S., production was down 11.8%, reflecting a slow recovery following a four-month suspension in manufacturing Grand Highlander and Lexus TX SUVs. Operations for these models resumed in late October, offering hope for gradual improvement. In China, production declined by 1.6%, a notable improvement from October’s 9% fall, supported by higher sales of Granvia and Sienna minivans and the electric bZ3 sedan, which Toyota co-developed with BYD. To compete with Chinese brands like BYD, Toyota is reportedly planning to open a new plant in Shanghai, where it will manufacture electric Lexus vehicles starting around 2027.
In Japan, which accounts for roughly one-third of Toyota’s global production, output dropped by 9.3%, partly due to a two-day shutdown at its Fujimatsu and Yoshiwara plants. The cumulative effects of these regional challenges saw Toyota’s global output for the January-to-November period fall by 5.2% year-on-year to approximately 8.75 million vehicles, while global sales dipped 1.2%.
The production and sales figures, which include Toyota’s Lexus brand but exclude subsidiaries Hino and Daihatsu, reflect the ongoing impact of supply chain disruptions and growing competition. However, Toyota’s sales momentum, particularly in key markets, signals robust consumer demand. With plans to strengthen its electric vehicle lineup and address production constraints, Toyota aims to navigate these challenges and maintain its position as the world’s leading automaker.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
