Toyota Extends North American Production Cuts

(Tokyo-WWJ) Toyota is extending production cuts at its 13 North American factories into at least early June as it deals with parts shortages caused by last month's earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

In a statement, the automaker says production will be suspended on Mondays and Fridays from April 26 until at least June 3. Plants will run at half capacity on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during that same time frame.

The moves increase the likelihood of widespread shortages of 2011 models at Toyota dealerships into the summer buying season.  But the company says it does not intend to lay off any of its 25 thousand employees in North America.

Toyota gets only about 15 percent of its parts from Japan for vehicles built in North America, including electronic and rubber components and a paint additive.

(Copyright 2011 WWJ Newsradio 950. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press Contributed To This Story.)