In the broader context, Japanese automakers as a whole are narrowing the margins of production cuts. Toyota Motor's decision to reduce global output by 15% in November compared to its initial plans indicates progress from the previously announced 40% cut for October.
.--
In Nissan's case, the company's current projected output in October will fall by 32% compared to year-earlier numbers, but the margin will improve to 21% in November. Toyota's production volume in November is expected to be on par with the 820,000 units it made in November 2020, a record for that month.
"The impact from the semiconductor shortage is definitely improving," said an executive at a vehicle manufacturer.
Automakers also see tight parts supplies easing. Toyota and its peers are preparing to boost production starting in December. At this stage, Nissan has not budged from its forecast that the chip crunch will diminish auto production by 500,000 units for the financial year ending March 2022.