If you are reading this email, we know you are aware of the challenges folks have faced in the last two years. First, Covid sent us home, then supply chain issues damaged our production ability. The lowered production sent ripples through the economy with a particular sting in the automotive industry. Challenges like these leave folks with two options, close shop or push back. Reports from Japanese automakers show dealers are not pushing back alone.
What shortage? Despite ongoing supply chain constraints, Toyota produced 11% more vehicles in February 2022 than in the same month one year earlier. The month exceeded even Toyota's expectations by nearly 41,000 vehicles. The company said surplus chips from a factory shutdown in January made the difference.
Another Japanese automaker, Honda, reported an 8.1% increase in the same month year over year. As chip production begins to bounce back companies are poised to exceed the pre-covid production.