Toyota has announced plans to cut back on production of its premium Lexus vehicles, which are to be sold in China, by about 20 percent, as the protests and acts of vandalism there continue against all things Japanese.
The two models that will be affected by these cutbacks include the Camry-based ES sedan and CT 200h hybrid hatchback. The plant in question, located in Kyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, normally produces about 1,300 vehicles a day, and that total will be reduced to just 1,000 for an unspecified amount of time.
Toyota's sales fell about 30 percent after some of its stores in China were damaged during violent demonstrations over Japan government's acquisition of three islands in the East China Sea.
The Fukuoka factory exported 22 percent (66,440 of the 302,000 vehicles) of its output last year to Asia, with China getting the majority of these vehicles. It may not meet its 350,000-unit production target for this year. However, Toyota will monitor the situation and adjust stock as needed.
Via Automotive News
