Back to basics with car keys
Toyota partly reverting to mechanical keys and is also set to lower its annual production target as semi-conductor problems continue.
Toyota is replacing one of the two electronic “smart” keys it hands over to drivers in Japan with a mechanical one in an effort to speed up deliveries of new vehicles to customers.
The marque has taken the temporary step amid the ongoing shortage of semi-conductors and its impact on vehicle production and shipments.
It adds that owners of its cars will receive the second smart key as soon it is available.
“As the shortage of semi-conductors continues, this is a provisional measure aimed at delivering cars to customers as quickly as possible,” Toyota says in a statement.
The impact of the chip shortage has also led to the company warning it is likely to miss its original plan to produce a record 9.7 million Toyota and Lexus models for the year ending March 2023.
After falling short of monthly goals for much of the fiscal year, output at Toyota factories in October and November is set to be around 750,000 and 800,000 units respectively, well below plans for an average of 900,000 a month.
Toyota says it will reveal its new, lower annual target once the outlook for production becomes clearer, reports Reuters.
