Toyota returns to full production at plants suspended over rigged engine tests

Toyota Motor has fully resumed operations at all of its group facilities in Japan that were suspended after reports of faulty engine-certification tests.

The transport ministry ordered group firm Toyota Industries to suspend engine shipments after the irregularities involving three engine models came to light.

Toyota Motor was forced to halt six production lines at four factories in the country. Some of the lines have since resumed operations.

The last two were restarted on Monday. They are at two plants in Mie and Gifu prefectures in central Japan. The resumption came after the ministry lifted a ban on shipments of engines made by the group firm on February 27.

Trucks and other vehicles were seen coming in and out the Inabe plant in Mie Prefecture on Monday. Toyota Auto Body produces the Hiace, Alphard and other models there. The lines were suspended for about a month.

In a related development, Toyota Motor plans to cut back on its employees' working hours. The move is aimed at easing the stress placed on them from a surge in production and to return the company's focus on product quality.

The automaker says it will make up for the shortfall of vehicle supplies without burdening its workers.