Breaking News: Toyota Industries Corporation just announced the suspension of some forklift models starting on June 1.
Read the entire press release here.
Why the Suspension?
Toyota has experienced delays in obtaining U.S. engine emissions certifications. This certification process is expected to take a while, so the company has made the decision to temporarily suspend the production of gas and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) forklift models.
Obviously, this suspension is big news. The company produces about 2,000 units of these forklift models per month.
Failure to comply with proper emissions regulations leads to hefty fines and unwanted penalties. Of course, this decision wasn’t easy but was necessary.
In a statement, Toyota said, “It’s not clear at this time how many associates will be affected by this production suspension of some models, but our goal is to preserve as much of our workforce as possible. We are exploring all possible options to reallocate resources internally, if necessary, to make that happen. We are also looking at alternative work projects and assignments and working to identify potential opportunities at our sister companies in the area.”
How Long Will Production Be Suspended?
We don’t know how long it will take for Toyota to obtain the emissions certification they need, but we expect them to resume production once it is secured. We’ll keep you informed with updates as we hear about them.
What Does This Mean for Me?
For the time being, there may be a shortage of new gas and LPG models, however, all other forklift types will remain in production. Electric forklifts make up almost 70% of the U.S. and Canadian forklift markets and will remain unaffected.
Hopefully, you will be unaffected by this production pause.
If you’re in the market for new equipment, keep in mind that you can always use Industrial Forklift Truck to compare your options online. Get free quotes on forklifts available in your area today. Get started here.