Computer problem halts Toyota production at Japan plants

The assembly lines at all of Toyota’s auto plants in Japan shut down over a problem with a computer system Tuesday.

The shutdown affected the 28 assembly lines across 14 Toyota auto plants located throughout Japan.

The company, via spokesperson Sawako Takeda, said it doesn’t believe the problem facing the computer system, which deals with incoming auto parts, was caused by a cyberattack, according to The Associated Press. Takeda said cause is still under investigation. 

Toyota said that production will restart Wednesday. It also declined to say which models could be affected. 

“We apologize for all the troubles we have caused,” Toyota said in a statement obtained by the AP.

The shutdown follows a shortage of computer chips and other auto parts that stalled production in Asian nations affected by coronavirus pandemic restrictions. The chip shortage problems have only recently eased for Toyota, which makes the Camry sedan, Prius hybrid and the Lexus luxury brand.

Asian countries weren’t the only ones to face problems with the chip shortage. In March 2022, a computer chip shortage forced a General Motors pickup truck factory in Fort Wayne, Ind. to pause production for two weeks.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.