Toyota nixes SUV orders in first cancellation due to output delays

Jul 26 (Nikkei) - Toyota Motor has canceled some orders for SUVs because of production delays stemming partly from Shanghai's COVID-19 lockdown, Nikkei has learned.

This marks the first time the Japanese automaker canceled customer orders due to production issues, according to multiple dealerships in Japan.

Dealerships are asking customers who ordered the Harrier -- known in North America as the Venza -- to instead take a remodeled version due out in September. But the price and specifications of the new version have yet to be disclosed, which means "some lost orders will be inevitable," said a senior official at a dealership.

Toyota sold about 74,000 Harriers in Japan last year, according to research firm MarkLines.

As the remodeled version likely will carry a price tag about $1,000 higher, dealerships are considering shouldering part of the increased cost for customers.

Toyota already has stopped accepting orders for the Land Cruiser sport utility vehicle and some models under its luxury Lexus brand, and dealerships have halted sales of certain models. ...continue reading

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