The quake triggered a tsunami, caused blackouts as far away as Tokyo, derailed the country's famed bullet train and buckled highways that serve as critical supply arteries.

Attacks on automakers, suppliers and dealerships highlight risk of ripple effects.

The $1.3 billion plant will eventually make batteries for as many as 1.2 million hybrid, plug-in hybrid and BEVs per year, the automaker said.

Unable to secure a number of parts, including wire harnesses from Vietnam and chips from Malaysia, Toyota said it would slash its vehicle output in September by 40 percent from previous plans.