Toyota: Production delays likely in North America

DETROIT — Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it's likely that there will be some production halts at its North American plants due to disruptions in the supply of vehicle parts following Japan's earthquake and tsunami.

The automaker has told its associates and dealers of the likely production snags, but says it's too early to predict where the interruptions will occur or for how long.

Most of the parts for Toyota vehicles built in North America come from roughly 500 suppliers there, not Japan.

The company says dealerships still have an ample supply of vehicles and deliveries are continuing.

Toyota initially planned to roll out the Prius minivan in April. But the March 11 disaster in northern Japan crippled supply chains and destroyed shops, forcing Toyota to postpone the launch.

Toyota has halted auto production in Japan since March 14 because of difficulty securing components, including rubber parts and electronics.

Toyota made about 8.5 million vehicles in 2010, including about 4 million in Japan. About half the vehicles made in Japan were exported.

But nearly 70 percent of Toyotas sold in the U.S. are made in its 13 plants in North America.

Toyota shares slipped 49 cents to $81.65 in aftermarket U.S. trading after falling 86 cents to $82.14 during the regular session.