Toyota Motor Corp. has restarted auto production at its joint venture in Chengdu, capital of China's quake-hit Sichuan province following a weeklong halt, said reports from the central Japanese city of Nagoya on Monday.

As the 8.0-magnitude quake, which occurred on May 12, has caused damage to its plant in Chengdu and affected the procurement of car parts, Toyota suspended its operation, said company officials.

The plant, Toyota's joint venture with Chinese carmaker FAW Group Corporation, produces minibuses such as Toyota Coaster.

(Xinhua News Agency May 20, 2008)