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 three-day suspension is likely to mean a production fall of 3,500 vehicles.

The automaker has asked suppliers to make up for lost output so it can build an additional 97,000 vehicles between December and the end of March, Reuters reported.

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 latest January suspensions hit 19 lines at 11 plants in Japan, out of a total of 28 lines in 14 plants.

The Nissan Z car, a 400-hp, twin-turbo symbol of the struggling Japanese automaker's revival, is the latest product launch to be derailed by global supply chain woes.

The automaker expects the impact to extend beyond this month and said production in early October will also fall short of initial expectations.

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.

The company says the persistent semiconductor shortage as well as uncertain geopolitical affairs have caused delays in logistics and parts delivery.

Toyota said heavy rains, especially in its home prefecture of Aichi in central Japan, impacted procurement of parts and will force it to stop production at a total of three lines in two domestic factories.

The production upgrades at the Hofu H2 assembly plant in western Japan will underpin upcoming production of new vehicles.

The Japanese automaker will also offer permanent jobs to 1,400 employees currently working there through Kelly Services, as well as to all future employees.

Toyota said it will work with minivehicle specialists Daihatsu and Suzuki to develop small electric commercial vans.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda told union members in Japan that suppliers would be exhausted unless there was a "sound" production plan.

A key innovation is a new powertrain assembly technique called SUMO, short for simultaneous underfloor mounting operation. It foreshadows Nissan’s approach to next-gen EV production.

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association says traditional automakers expect new entrants from other industries and that the Sony represents Japan’s turn at floating a hopeful new industry player.

The Corolla Cross H2 Concept is just one of many advancements in hydrogen combustion that Toyota rolled out at Fuji Speedway. Toyota is about 40 percent of the way toward commercializing its hydrogen combustion technology, a top executive says.