Toyota Drops Land Cruiser Production in Russia

Toyota Motor Corp. has phased out production of its Land Cruiser Prado SUV in Valdivostok, Russia, says Reuters. The carmaker continues to supply the vehicle from a factory in Japan at a rate of about 1,000 units per month.

Toyota remains positive about the longer-term outlook for the Russian car market, which shrank 10% last year and dropped another 35% since then. Toyota sales rose 5% in 2014 but have plunged 37% this year.

The company says its plans remain on schedule to double annual capacity by year end to 100,000 units at its main factory in St. Petersburg. The plant makes Camry midsize sedans and intends to add the RAV4 small crossover in 2016.