Severe Storm Wrecks Toyota Factory Just Weeks Ahead of Important SUV Debut | Carscoops

      A powerful storm severely impacted Toyota’s engine plant in Porto Feliz, Brazil, causing production to stop and threatening the launch schedule for the SUV.

      The factory suffered extensive damage due to heavy rain and strong winds, leading to an indefinite halt in operations, which could delay the release of the local Yaris Cross model.

      While there were no fatalities reported, several workers sustained injuries.

      The storm hit around 1 PM on September 22, unleashing torrential rain and fierce winds that resulted in substantial destruction of the facility. The metal roof was torn off, structural beams were distorted, and debris scattered in surrounding areas. Social media videos displayed water accumulating on the production floor, machinery exposed to the elements, and an overturned vehicle outside the factory.

      Fortunately, there were no casualties; however, ten workers were injured and needed to be taken to the hospital by the company's ambulances.

      In a formal statement, Toyota emphasized that safety is its primary concern, mentioning that it is "closely monitoring the situation and providing all necessary support to employees and partners on-site." Access to the plant has been restricted by local authorities for inspection purposes, and production remains on hold with no timeline set for a restart.

      **Launch Delays**

      Established in 2016, the Porto Feliz factory plays a crucial role in Toyota's operations in Brazil. With an annual capacity of 108,000 units, it manufactures engines for the Corolla and Corolla Cross models. The unexpected downtime is adding financial strain, as significant repairs will be necessary before production can recommence.

      This interruption also affects Toyota's product timeline. The Yaris Cross was scheduled to launch in Brazil in October, but as its engines are solely produced at the Porto Feliz facility, the launch is currently stalled. Although the vehicle is assembled at the Sorocaba plant in São Paulo, production cannot proceed without engines.

      Unlike the Yaris Cross models in Europe and Japan, the South American version is based on a different SUV already available in Indonesia and Thailand. Built on the budget-friendly DNGA-B platform, it is 4,310 mm (169.9 inches) long, making it 130 mm (5.1 inches) longer than its European variant. It features a unique design and offers options for 1.5-liter gasoline and self-charging hybrid powertrains.

      The Toyota Yaris Cross will fill the space below the larger Corolla Cross, replacing the recently discontinued smaller Yaris hatchback in Brazil, and will also be available in Argentina. Competing models include the Chevrolet Tracker, VW T-Cross, Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Creta, and Peugeot 2008.