--- title: "Computer Glitch Shuts Down 14 Toyota Factories in Japan" date: "2023-08-29" modified: "2023-08-29" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/computer-glitch-shuts-down-14-toyota-factories-in-japan" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Toyota News" --- # Computer Glitch Shuts Down 14 Toyota Factories in Japan ![]() *Toyota* A computer glitch forced all [Toyota]() plants in Japan to shut down Tuesday. According to *[The Japan Times]()*, the automaker's 14 assembly facilities were affected by this computer issue, despite running at pretty much full capacity from January to June of this year. Toyota has downplayed any speculation of a cyberattack directly against its own tech infrastructure. According to an official [statement](), the culprit is a glitch in its ordering system which prevents it from ordering any parts from any of its suppliers. Such a glitch might not be an issue with other automakers but Toyota runs a just-in-time ordering system, which reduces overhead and keeps production costs down. So when there's a glitch in the system, such as this one, an order stoppage also shuts down production. There's a growing public concern that this was a cyberattack, due to the threatening calls that Japanese businesses and government offices have been receiving. Ever since Japan released treated wastewater from the melted Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean—which the plant's operators say is [cleaner than international standards]()—the Chinese government has been antagonistic toward Japan. So much so, in fact, that Japan's Foreign Ministry issued a travel warning to Japanese citizens traveling to China, as the country's embassies and even schools in China have been harassed. ![]() **Toyota** Japan has also seen a worrying number of cybercrimes over the past year, according to the *Japan Times*. In February of last year, Toyota was affected when one of its supplier's computer systems was attacked by hackers. Plants in Japan will only be shut down for one day, as production will resume on Wednesday, Aug. 30. However, that one-day loss of production could cost Toyota as much as 13,000 vehicles across all 14 of its domestic factories. Production at all other global plants is unaffected. North America vehicles such as Tacoma and Tundra pickups and the Sienna minivan won't be delayed. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()