Toyota to restart hybrid output

Toyota Motor Corp said Thursday it would restart production of three hybrid models Monday, following a massive earthquake that has disrupted output across the industry.

Production will resume for the Prius, Lexus HS250h and CT200h at the Tsutsumi factory in central Japan and Toyota Motor Kyushu in the south, spokeswoman Shiori Hashimoto said.

All 18 factories that assemble Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Japan have been closed due to the quake. A further seven plants directly operated by Toyota that make engines and other parts are also affected.

"We will monitor the situation of parts availability carefully in deciding the duration of production," she said.

Problems with power and parts have prevented other Japanese automakers from restarting assembly lines. Honda Motor Co said Thursday it would suspend car production at its Japanese factories until at least April 3.

Toyota also said Wednesday it would slow some North American production because of supply disruptions caused by the earthquake.

Reuters