Subaru has said its factory in Japan could be out of action for almost two weeks after it discovered a suspected defect in a power-steering component.
Reuters reported that the plant accounts for 60% of the company’s global production and the issue affects the Forester, Impreza, and XV models. Other models running down the same line are also impacted, the automaker said.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Analysts forecast that the stoppage will make a serious dent to the company’s operating profits this quarter.
The Asahi newspaper said the impact on production so far likely exceeded 10,000 units, and that delays were starting to be seen in deliveries to customers.
Reuters reported that the cause of the potential defect is still unknown and that vehicles with the possible defect were produced between late December and 16 January.
The report added that the company is investigating whether its US plant has been affected, although production there is continuing.
Subaru said earlier this month that it plans to build 650,000 vehicles in Japan and 1.03m globally this year, up 1% on the previous year.
It has forecast record global sales of 1.08m vehicles in 2019, of which 700,000 were forecast to come from the US market.
See also: Subaru shoots for 700,000 US sales in 2019
