Toyota Motor has just issued this in Japan. “Toyota would like to express our deepest condolences and sympathies to all those affected by the devastating Noto Peninsula Earthquake on January 1, 2024.
“In regard to Toyota Motor Corporation’s plant operation schedule for January 8 onward, after much consideration, we have made the decision to operate our vehicle plants in Japan. Many of our local suppliers and their affiliates were affected by the earthquake. Therefore, we will utilize parts in stock outside the affected areas, Toyota said.
“As aftershocks are still continuing in the Noto region, we would like to determine separately concerning operations after January 15. This will be done while carefully assessing the situation and continuing to place the highest priority on the safety of those involved and the restoration of the region.
“We thank everyone participating in relief efforts and sincerely hope for a quick recovery.”
In a separate action, Mazda Motor Corporation donated ten million yen to help support the affected regions and survivors of the earthquake via the Japanese Red Cross Society.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
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Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
It has been decided that we will continue production operations at our vehicle plants in Japan as scheduled on and after the week of January 15. In addition to utilizing parts in stock outside of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake-devastated areas, operations will be continued based on the restoration status of some of the affected plants.
As there are still many aftershocks, we will keep closely monitoring the situation, placing the highest priority on the safety of those involved and the restoration of the region. For the week of January 22 onwards, it is assumed operations will continue, and we will make an announcement if there are any changes in the situation.
We sincerely hope for a quick recovery of the affected areas.