Toyota plans to restart limited production at its plants in France and Poland after closing them due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Toyota had suspended production in mid-March in France, Britain, the Czech Republic, Poland, Turkey and Portugal.
Output will resume at its plant in Valenciennes, northern France, on April 21, Toyota said. Production will ramp up gradually on a single day shift for the first two weeks, the company said in a statement.
Toyota builds the Yaris small hatchback in Valenciennes. Even while the plant's production lines have been stopped, some employees have continued to work to prepare for the launch of the new-generation Yaris later this year. The factory will also add a Yaris-based SUV, due in spring 2021.
In Poland, Toyota produces engines and transmissions in Walbrzych and diesel and gasoline engines in Jelcz-Laskowice.
Toyota said that most other plants in Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia will remain closed for now.
TPCA, a joint venture of Toyota and PSA, has extended its production stoppage to May 4.
The earliest start date for reopening plants in the UK and Turkey is May 4, the Financial Times reported.
Automotive News Europe contributed to this report
