The sweeping shutdowns, which begin in August and run through the end of September, will hammer Toyota output in every major market -- Japan, the U.S., Europe, China and Asia.

Automakers have already had to cut production because of difficulties finding semiconductors and other components as the pandemic disrupts manufacturing around the world.

A spike in infections has forced governments in Asia to impose fresh lockdowns and curbs, which are causing disruptions in parts supply across the region, adding to a global chip shortage.

The latest stoppages will bring lost output to 9,000 vehicles, the automaker said, and affect production of Lexus models and the Land Cruiser.

The planned four-day halt to production at a Tsutsumi factory line, which makes Camry and Corolla models, will cut vehicle output by as many as 1,500 vehicles.

The stoppages affect output of Lexus models and the Toyota Land Cruiser as the automaker runs short of components from plants in Southeast Asia where production has been disrupted.

Mazda will suspend production at its two domestic factories for two days in April as factors including a rise in COVID-19 cases in China cause supply disruptions.

The automaker this month will suspend output at all but one plant in North America — putting more pressure on dealers with historically low inventories.

Toyota said there was "a possibility" that it could lower its full-year production plan of 9.7 million vehicles as it faces a continuing shortage of parts due to the COVID-19 lockdowns in China.

VW brand, Audi and Seat will all cut production with the group's Wolfsburg plant in Germany restarting output with only one shift next week after the summer break.

The industry is settling into the new year acknowledging that it's not out of the woods yet on chip shortage disruptions.