Toyota forced to halt production in Brazil. Toyota Motor has been forced to stop production in Brazil following a severe storm that caused extensive damage to its Porto Feliz engine plant, in the state of São Paolo, with the Japanese automaker unable to provide a date for when production is expected to resume. A freak storm, with tornadic winds and heavy rains, caused severe damage to the roof structure and other parts of the plant. The launch of the Yaris Cross in Brazil, scheduled for mid-October, has also been postponed indefinitely. Toyota confirmed that it is looking for an alternative source of powertrains within its global network, until Porto Feliz becomes operational again, but suggested that it could be months before the first shipments arrive.