Strong Demand for Toyota Hybrids = Parts Shortages, Delivery Delays

Nice problem, if you can have it. Global demand for Toyota's hybrid vehicles is exploding, putting the automaker and particularly its suppliers under pressure. According to sources close to the matter, parts shortages are causing delivery delays of several months for certain models, particularly in the U.S., Europe, China and Japan.

For Toyota, vindication in the face of doubters
Despite pessimistic predictions from some analysts as competitors focused solely on electric vehicles, Toyota is seeing its decision to continue to  invest massively in hybrids largely rewarded. Global sales of hybrid models have tripled in five years, from 5.7 to 16.1 million units according to LMC Automotive.

Extended delays for customers
In Europe, the average waiting time for a Toyota hybrid model has doubled compared to 2020, reaching 60 to 70 days. Models particularly affected include the Yaris Cross hybrid and the RAV4 plug-in hybrid.

In Japan, buyers of Toyota hybrids are having to wait between two and five months. In India, a strategic market for Toyota, delays vary between two and nine months depending on the model.

Suppliers under pressure
The explosion in demand is creating bottlenecks in the supply chain. A shortage of magnets is affecting parts supplied to Aisin Corp, delaying the delivery of hybrid motors. Denso, another key supplier, is experiencing delays due to shortages experienced by its second and third-tier subcontractors.

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