Getting your new 2016 may be a problem in the near term - Toyota steel plant blew up

So much for any discounts.

 

Just placed an order yesterday. I wonder what that means for me.

 

Sabotage !

 

there is steel in a Prius???
are you sure?
I only found plastic and some thick tinfoil.
mod edit - *please leave political in nature (or jest) commentary in the political forum. Thank You*

 

Don't worry...gas is so cheap that demand won't be that high for any eco cars. The trend is back to SUVs, trucks, and crossovers.

 

IMO, there seems to be some leeway in their statement that may indicate they'll be considering alternate sources for steel. Otherwise, they'll need to start prioritizing which vehicles will get steel.

 

i hate when that happens...

time to start melting down the manhole covers.

larger cars need more steel.

i hope no one was hurt.

 

The question would be how many vehicles already in shipment process

 

IONIQ?

Failing to have the Mississippi plant make Prius turns out to have been a mistake. I suspect USA plant production will not be affected.

Bob Wilson

 

i wouldn't buy a car made with alternate steel, seems it might be a compromise. or perhaps it's just a cost thing.

 

The RAV4 is made in Canada at the Ontario plant. Including the Hybrid, according to the "Driving Television" show on Global TV.
Do note that many of the parts that plant made are used in assembly plants all over, not just Japan.
Also note that anyone who ordered in the last month will probably still get their vehicle on time. It's the newer orders that could be delayed. And those Japanese who ordered the, what was it, 100,000 Prius? They will be waiting. Maybe that's why the plant had the explosion. It overheated from the rush to produce.

Oh, and bisco, it is just as likely the "alternate steel" is better quality. Originally rejected due to cost, but now needed at whatever cost.

 

Toyota May Have To Temporarily Stop Making Cars In Japan 

 

I'm guessing the lead time for a production order of steel takes at least 8-12 weeks - maybe longer. They might be able to pay a premium to reduce that time, but that would put a major dent in profits.

This is definitely a major blow to Toyota.

 

Could of sworn our 2014 Corolla was made in MS. Reference Please. If this is true they are moving to Mexico...big mistake.

 

Rav4 has been made in Canada for a long time now... what you have read about Corolla plant being re-configured for Rav4 production is true and is done to satisfy demand for Rav4 that current Canadian plant can not. They will be basically doubling the Rav4 production in Canada when new model arrives in 2019. They expect it to outsell Camry by then.

Currently roughly around 50%-60% of Rav4's sold in the USA are imported from Japan. So this is going to affect Rav4's as well.

As to current predicament, they plan to recover any lost production by March 30th so I dont think anyone will have to wait too long anyway... It is Japanese customers that will be affected the most since Prius had huge waiting list as it is.

 

first world problems.

 

According to this article: http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/report-toyota-may-halt-production-in-japan-amid-steel-shortage/
(article is about the steel shortage & Toyota) the 2016 Prius is made exclusively in Japan.