Subaru suspends production following tragic worker death

Subaru has suspended the production of its vehicles following the tragic death of one of its long-time workers at a plant in Japan.

According to Automotive News, a 60-year-old man was crushed by a 25-tonne mold at the carmaker’s Yajima factory on February 13, 2024, and subsequently died of asphyxiation. He had been working for Subaru for 35 years.

In response, Subaru paused production at the plant where it produces models like the Forester, Outback, Impreza, and Crosstrek.

The carmaker also reportedly stopped production at its facility in Gunma where it makes the WRX, BRZ, Impreza, and Crosstrek, as well as its drivetrain manufacturing plant in Oizumi.

It’s still unclear whether production has resumed at either of the factories since the incident occurred over a week ago.

As a result, there may be delays to the delivery of customer cars both overseas and in New Zealand. However, this has yet to be confirmed.