TOYOTA CITY, Japan -

In the latest update from the automaker, Toyota Motor Corp. decided that vehicle production from May 10 to June 3 will proceed at approximately 50 percent of normal.

“As TMC continues to address its production situation in Japan following the disaster, (the company) will decide on production after this period after assessing the situation of its suppliers and other related companies,” company officials explained

This most recent update follows Toyota’s previously announced decision to produce vehicles at all its Japanese vehicle-production facilities from now through April 27 at approximately 50 percent of normal and for all production facilities to enter their annual spring holiday through May 9.

“TMC offers its most-sincere sympathies to those affected by the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake,” the company reiterated.

“TMC deeply apologizes to its customers for not being able to build every vehicle to meet their desired specifications due to limited parts,” officials added.

Meanwhile, Toyota also opted to suspend production for several days in late April and early May at five European plants to manage available parts supply.

The affected plants are Toyota Motor Manufacturing U.K., Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey (TMUK) and Toyota Motor Manufacturing France S.A.S. 

The company noted its strategy also applies to engine plants Toyota Motor Industries Poland Sp. Zo. o. and TMUK Engine Plant. 

In May, these plants are expected to run at a reduced volume due to parts supply difficulties, according to officials.

“This decision does not apply to other Toyota plants in Europe,” they added.