Toyota Workers Approve Layoffs Following Storm Damage to Brazilian Plants
SOROCABA, BRAZIL – Toyota workers in brazil have approved temporary layoffs following extensive damage to the company’s plants in Porto Feliz and Sorocaba caused by a severe storm on September 22nd. The decision comes as Toyota assesses months-long repairs to the facilities, halting production and impacting both domestic supply and notable export volumes.
The storm, with wind gusts reaching 90 km/h, caused structural damage to both plants, impacting engine production and assembly lines.While Toyota reported no fatalities or serious injuries, the disruption represents a major blow to the Brazilian automotive industry and the livelihoods of its workforce. The layoffs are intended to mitigate financial losses during the reconstruction period, though the exact number of affected employees has not been disclosed.
The Porto Feliz plant sustained particularly serious engine damage, temporarily leaving Toyota without engine production capacity in Brazil. this directly delays the launch of the new Yaris Cross,already facing previous scheduling challenges.
According to data from the Intersindical Department of Statistics and Socio-economic Studies (DIESE), utilizing figures from the Ministry of Development, Industry, commerce and Services (MED), the Sorocaba plant accounted for $935.4 million in vehicle exports between January and August 2025 – 23.1% of Brazil’s national total. Combined with exports from the Indaiatuba plant, Toyota represents 28% of all Brazilian vehicle exports, exceeding $1.1 billion during the same period.
The extended plant closure is expected to have ripple effects throughout Toyota’s supply chain and the broader Brazilian economy. The company has not yet provided a firm timeline for resuming full production.