Toyota expects more production problems

“Output reduction in Japan and overseas will most likely continue until September.”-Kohei Takahasi, JPMorgan Chase & Co. in Tokyo

Toyota expects to lose 35,000 vehicles from the North American shut down, and that’s spread over five days.  The problem is that, because of continued nuclear power issues, it looks like parts supply is not going to improve anytime soon.

Almost 70 percent of the Toyota vehicles sold in the U.S., are put together in North America, but, about 85 percent of the parts and materials come from Japan.

The North American car market is important for Toyota, making up about 60% of their profits.

On April 8, Citigroup downgraded Toyota stock to ‘sell’.  Citigroup said the downgrade was because Toyota has not addressed the problems created by the lack of electrical power in Japan.  It’s clear the lack of power in Japan will go on for longer than expected.