Officials at the Toyota Material Handling (TMH) manufacturing facility in Columbus, Indiana says the product suspension on the LPG and LPG/Gasoline forklifts is a “temporary” setback and look forward to receiving the emissions certification. TMH will continue to manufacture Electric, Diesel, and Heavy-Duty forklifts for the North American market.  Plans for TMH’s launch of 18 new electric forklifts in 2021 are still planned.

“We consider this a temporary suspension, and intend to resume production at the appropriate time, but we anticipate lengthy delays in certification, which is why we made the announcement to suspend production on LPG and LPG/gasoline-powered trucks only. We are working to resolve this issue and provide alternative solutions wherever possible. We will restart production once certification is obtained, says Toyota Material Handling company officials.

The LPG and gasoline-powered engines in lift trucks sold in the U.S. require annual emissions certification from EPA and CARB. Obtaining certification is a complex and lengthy process; however, the TMH announcement is strictly related to their production suspension of current models – LPG and LPG/gasoline-powered lift trucks.

While the suspension is in effect, North American dealers are informing their customers of the suspension, adjusting lease extensions, stock inventory, and looking at finding alternative solutions for their clients.