- Toyota’s Porto Feliz engine factory was badly damaged by heavy rain and wind.
- Production is halted indefinitely likely delaying the local Yaris Cross launch.
- Despite the damage there were no deaths but several workers were injured.
Nature showed little mercy to Toyota’s Porto Feliz engine plant in Brazil, where a violent storm tore through the facility and ripped away its roof. The damage was so severe that operations have been suspended indefinitely, a pause that now threatens to push back the local debut of the new Yaris Cross.
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The storm struck at around 1 PM on September 22, bringing heavy rain and powerful winds that tore through the facility. The metal roof was peeled away, structural beams were bent, and debris was scattered across nearby fields. Videos shared on social media show water pooling on the production floor, machinery being exposed to the elements, and even an overturned vehicle outside the premises.
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Fortunately, there were no reported casualties. However, ten workers were reportedly injured and had to be transported to the hospital using the company’s own ambulances.
In an official statement, Toyota said that safety remains its top priority, noting it is “closely monitoring the situation and providing all necessary support to employees and partners working on site.” Local authorities have restricted access to the plant for inspections, while production remains suspended with no timeline for resumption.
Launch Plans On Hold
Opened in 2016, the Porto Feliz factory is central to Toyota’s operations in Brazil. With an annual capacity of 108,000 units, it produces engines for the Corolla and Corolla Cross. The sudden downtime now brings added financial strain, as extensive repairs will be required before output can resume.
The pause also puts pressure on Toyota’s product schedule. The Yaris Cross was due to launch in Brazil in October, but with its engines sourced exclusively from Porto Feliz, the SUV’s rollout has been effectively halted for now. Assembly of the vehicle takes place at the Sorocaba plant in São Paulo, but without engines, production cannot move forward.
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Unlike the European and Japanese Yaris Cross, the South American model is based on a different SUV already sold in Indonesia and Thailand. Riding on the budget-oriented DNGA-B platform, it measures 4,310 mm (169.9 inches) long, which is 130 mm (5.1 inches) longer than its European counterpart. The model comes with a unique design and offers a choice between 1.5-liter gasoline and self-charging hybrid powertrains.
The Toyota Yaris Cross will fill the gap under the larger Corolla Cross and substitute for the recent discontinuation of the smaller Yaris hatchback in Brazil. It will also be offered in Argentina. Rivals include the Chevrolet Tracker, VW T-Cross, Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Creta, and Peugeot 2008.
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Screenshots: YouTube
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