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Severe storm in Porto Feliz (SP) interrupts engine production; as an emergency solution, the automaker will import hybrid components to avoid a complete shutdown, reports the channel. Sincere Opinion.
A storm with winds of destructive intensity hit the Toyota factory in Porto Feliz, in the interior of São Paulo, causing severe structural damage and forcing the complete cessation of engine production. The incident, detailed by the portal Sincere Opinion, directly impacts the assembly of the brand's best-selling vehicles in the country, such as the Corolla and Corolla Cross, in addition to having caused a new postponement of the long-awaited launch of the Yaris Cross compact SUV.
The impact of the shutdown is enormous and affects the automaker's entire production chain in Brazil. With the engine unit inoperative, the factories responsible for assembling the vehicles also had theirs. operations suspended. In a strategic decision to mitigate losses and not leave the market completely undersupplied, Toyota confirmed that it will import hybrid engines to resume part of production from November, ensuring the continued supply of electrified versions.
Structural damage and human impact
The storm that hit the Porto Feliz region was so severe that, according to reports from Sincere Opinion, completely unroofed the engine factory, bent the metal structure and damaged machinery essential to the operation. The extent of the damage is so great that the most optimistic forecast points to a resumption of normal activities only in end of the year or, more likely, only in 2026.
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Despite the severity of the structural incident, Toyota reported that human damage was minimal. Some employees suffered minor injuries, but fortunately there were no serious casualties, which represents a relief amid the productive chaos. The company also committed to maintaining jobs, despite a period of layoffs (temporary suspension of contracts) may be necessary while the reconstruction of the Toyota factory happens.
Corolla and Corolla Cross temporarily discontinued
The interruption in engine production created an immediate domino effect. Without the heart of the vehicles, production of the Corolla sedan and the Corolla Cross SUV, both absolute leaders in their respective categories, was paralyzed. Dealerships still have some units in stock, but the expectation is that sharp drop in sales from October onwards, since there will be no new replacement cars.
The damage extends to the brand's strategic planning. The launch of the Yaris Cross, a highly anticipated hybrid SUV that already had a scheduled launch date, was postponed indefinitely. As the model would also use the engines produced in Toyota factory from Porto Feliz, the automaker saw no alternative but to postpone its debut in the national market, frustrating the expectations of consumers and the network itself.
The solution: importing hybrid engines
Faced with this critical situation, Toyota acted quickly to find a partial solution. As reported by Sincere Opinion, the automaker confirmed that, starting in November, will resume production of the Corolla and Corolla Cross in their hybrid versions. To this end, electrified propulsion systems will be imported from other Toyota factories around the world, allowing assembly lines in Brazil to resume operations.
This measure, however, does not solve the entire problem. Versions equipped exclusively with combustion engines, which still represent a significant portion of sales, will continue with production suspended until the Toyota factory in Porto Feliz is fully restored. The decision prioritizes higher-value models, but leaves a significant gap in the brand's portfolio for the coming months.
Side effect: the used car market could heat up
The lack of zero-kilometer units of the Corolla and Corolla Cross in stores should have a direct impact on the used vehicle market. The expectation is that demand for pre-owned models of both cars increases considerably. This high demand, combined with limited supply, can lead to a price appreciation, making used vehicles a more expensive alternative, but the only one available.
For dealers who also sell pre-owned vehicles, this could be a way to offset some of the losses from new car sales. The move demonstrates how a problem located in a single manufacturing facility can reshape pricing and demand dynamics across an entire segment of the national automotive market, directly affecting consumers' purchasing decisions.
Toyota's decision to import hybrid engines is a complex maneuver to keep its core products on the market. But what do you think of this strategy? Do you believe the prolonged absence of combustion-powered versions will open up space for competition? Leave your opinion in the comments; we'd love to hear how this news impacts your plans and your perspective on the industry.
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