VietNamNet Bridge - Le Van TachToyota Vietnam has announced a 70% cut in car production from April 25 to June 3, 2011, citing a shortage of spare parts after the quake disaster in Japan.

It is estimated that production will fall by 2,500 cars during the period when all employees of Toyota Vietnam work only three days a week.

The company also cautioned customers of a possible delay in delivery.

However, Toyota Vietnam’s President Akito Tachibana said the company will try to reduce impacts on customers.

A company representative said the deadline of June 3 could be extended if the situation does not improve.

The company said around 20 spare parts are now in shortage due to the deadly earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Just on March 17, it announced that production plan in Vietnam would not be affected.

Toyota Vietnam is now in the midst of a massive recall. On April 15, it officially offered an apology and released a recall plan on over 65,000 cars that were manufactured in Vietnam, the biggest ever in the country.

The recall revolves around Innova and Fortuner vehicles that suffer three technical problems (oil pressure at the rear wheel being higher than standard, bolt No 8 that used under rear seat and camber bolts beyond standard).

The company earlier had announced a recall on 278 Camry cars.

Prize for whistle-blower

Meanwhile, Le Van Tach, a Toyota engineer who had exposed flaws leading to the massive recall, received the “Responsibility Prize” on Tuesday from the Center for Research on Communication Development under Hanoi-based Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Association.

At the awarding ceremony in Hanoi, Tach was lauded for his efforts in ensuring benefits of over 650,000 consumers in Vietnam and ensuring traffic safety in Vietnam.

Tach told the ceremony that he had many times told Toyota leaders about the technical flaws but was paid no heed and was even threatened. He eventually released documents to authorities and the press regarding the technical faults.

“I understand that Toyota Vietnam is a big enterprise, with a brand name and is trusted by many consumers. But the way it acted is surprising due to its shying away from responsibility and announcing false information”, the whistle-blowing engineer said.

“They initially said only 8,830 vehicles [actual number is over 65,000] suffered from technical faults and announced the flaws would not affect quality”.

“After contacting the press and Vietnam Register [agency responsible for vehicles’ safety], I have more belief and continue to fight for consumers’ rights”, he added.

Between December 2010 and this February, Tach sent letters about the flaws to the general director of Toyota Vietnam three times.

Back in 2006 and 2009, Tach had also reported to his Vietnamese superiors some technical problems that could cause “grave consequences,” but these were not taken seriously.

“On March 1, I sent my bosses the ‘ultimatum’ to let them know that I would have to report the problems to the media if no immediate action is taken. I hoped this would make them change their mind,” Tach earlier told Thanh Nien.

“But I heard nothing from them, and after four weeks, I felt I had no choice but to expose the case to the public.”

In related news, Vietnam News Agency reported that the Vietnam Register would inspect Toyota Vietnam’s production facilities to find what caused the flaws.

Source: Tuoi Tre