ERLANGER, Ky. -

As they struggle to fulfill inventory needs on both the new-car and used-car sides this summer, Toyota dealers received some positive news Thursday. The automaker revealed it expects North American production levels will be fully restored in September.

So why is this such good news? When a dealer can’t offer a new-vehicle option to a consumer, the next best thing is a used or certified pre-owned model. And Toyota dealers are facing a double-whammy in the form of North American production disruptions from the Japanese quake and very low wholesale levels, which means fewer used vehicles to put in inventory or certify.

The automaker said it anticipates its North American production levels will be fully restored in September and noted that the production rebound is going quicker than expected.

Toyota said on average, current production among the 12 North American plants has improved to more than 80 percent through August. What’s more, earlier this month, eight came back to 100-percent production, officials noted.

“After September, we will focus on making-up lost production as much as possible,” explained Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing, North America. “Our team members and suppliers here and in Japan have worked tirelessly to get us back to 100 percent, overcoming many challenges. The effort in Japan has been incredible, especially in the midst of such tragedy and devastation.”

Bob Carter, group vice president and Toyota Division general manager of Toyota Motor Sales, added: “The rapid production recovery proves once again that Toyota’s manufacturing team members in North America and around the world are the best in the business.

“Thanks to their efforts, our dealers have a healthy supply of cars and trucks available to sell, with more arriving every day, along with competitive lease and APR programs for our customers,” he continued. 

In another bit of news, Honda revealed this week that it is asking dealers to honor incentives for vehicles they might not have on stock due to the production ramifications of the quake.