We're happy to report Toyota has successfully resumed production at all of its facilities in Japan, for the first time since the quake-tsunami disaster struck on March 11.  However, as the world's top automaker continues to struggle to secure approximately 150 different types of auto components, the plants will operate only at half capacity.

Even so, this comes as a welcome development for Toyota employees, car dealers, and car buyers around the world. The magnitude-9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami forced the Japanese automaker to temporarily shut down all plants except for three, which have continued to run at limited capacity since the end of March and early April to produce the best-selling Prius, Lexus, and Corolla. According to a Toyota spokeswoman, last month's disasters have caused Toyota a total production loss of 260,000 cars.

Far mar important than parts, however, are the 28,000 people left dead or missing in the wake of the double disaster. In Miyagi alone, police said more than 8,400 people have been killed. Before resuming work at the Miyagi plant, 900 Toyota employees observed a moment of silence to honor the lives lost. Toru Kuzuhara, President, Central Motor Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Toyota, said he wishes that Toyota's return to auto production in all of its facilities, including Miyagi, would help to jump start reconstruction efforts across the shaken region.

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