(Toyota: Torrance, CA) -- Addressing the Los Angeles Motor Press Guild at the Toyota U.S.A. Automobile Museum, Steve St. Angelo, the executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing, confirmed that Toyota’s North American production has returned to 100 percent.

The recovery is well ahead of initial expectations. Shortly after the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Toyota forecast a return to normal production levels by November or December of 2011.

In June, eight of the company’s 12 North American-built models returned to 100 percent, including Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Matrix, Highlander, Sienna, Sequoia, and Venza.

This announcement confirms 100-percent production of the remaining four vehicles, including Tacoma, Tundra, RAV 4, and Lexus RX 350. Together, the 12 models account for nearly 70 percent of Toyota’s U.S. sales.

With Japan-based production also restored to normal levels, Toyota will focus on replenishing dealer inventories  through overtime and Saturday shifts at certain plants. The company estimates production levels during the fourth quarter will be approximately 15-percent higher than forecast prior to the earthquake and tsunami.

 …