Toyota recently announced that it facilities across Japan would return to half-time production. In the wake of the March 11 tsunami-quake disaster, this news was more than welcome. It also left everyone wondering when full, pre-crisis production would resume.

CEO, Akio Toyoda revealed that Toyota Motor will not return to pre-disaster production levels until the end of the year. That's the longest forecast given to date.

17 plants in Japan are working only at half volume and at just 40 percent overseas. Toyota reports that all of its Japanese facilities will remain half-speed operations at least through June 3, at which time they will presumably reassess the situation.

While the situation, in Japan is expected to improve slowly and consistently. The Toyota facilities in the U.S. have something else in store. The reality is that vital suppliers in Japan's worst hit areas continue to struggle to restart their operations. To conserve its limited supply parts made in Japan, Toyota will be cutting production in its North American plants by 75 percent in the next six weeks.

"The damage has been so widespread in this unprecedented calamity that its economic effect is being felt throughout Japan and in every industry," said Toyoda.  He also added that automaker had dispatched employees to help recovery work at some of the company's most vital parts makers.

Stay tuned for more news on Toyota Motor's recovery efforts in Japan, following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Byers Toyota - 1599 Columbus Pike - Delaware, OH 43015 is dedicated to keeping you informed.

Source: ¹http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/23/business/global/23toyota.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=toyota&st=cse