Tokyo, April 9 (IANS) The Toyota Motor Corporation will resume vehicle production at all of its plants in Japan starting April 18, but would reduce the activity in North American plants due to unavailability of parts.

"The production volume is planned to be approximately 50 percent of the normal level," Xinhua reported citing a company statement.

The company halted vehicle production at all its Japanese plants March 14. But it resumed production of three hybrid models in Japan March 25.

It would reduce production in its North American plants due to unavailability of parts following the March 11 earthquake, announced Toyota Canada Friday.

Over the next few weeks, Toyota's North American plants will operate on a reduced schedule.

On "non-production" days, the company will continue to provide employment for its approximately 25,000 regular North American team members.

Those who are not required to work may report to work for training and plant improvement activities, use vacation, or take unpaid time off, it said.