Toyota will resume production of cars at all factories in Japan

The world's top carmaker will resume car production at all its plants in Japan, but at half capacity, from April 18-27. Manufacturing will stop again from April 28-May 9, which includes holidays when factories would normally close.

Toyota (TM) said parts shortages have improved since the earthquake, but 150 types of parts are still difficult to obtain, down from 500 types, according to Investor's Business Daily.

The company halted vehicle production at all its Japanese plants March 14. But it resumed production of three hybrid models in Japan March 25.

It would reduce production in its North American plants due to unavailability of parts following the March 11 earthquake, announced Toyota Canada Friday.

Over the next few weeks, Toyota's North American plants will operate on a reduced schedule.

On "non-production" days, the company will continue to provide employment for its approximately 25,000 regular North American team members.

Those who are not required to work may report to work for training and plant improvement activities, use vacation, or take unpaid time off, it said, SME Times reports.