Subaru's corporate announcement reveals the impact the factory plant shutdown caused by an employee's death had on production. Here is what it means for U.S. customers.
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If you are shopping for a new 2024 or 2025 Subaru Forester, 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, WRX, or BRZ, there could be delays in getting shipments from Japan. I reported in February that a Subaru factory worker's death at the automaker's Japanese factory shut down production.
In my previous story, I reported that the accident happened on February 13, after a 25-ton mold fell on a worker at the Yajima assembly plant in Gunma prefecture north of Tokyo, resulting in his death.
Related Story: Subaru Forester, Crosstrek Production Comes To A Halt Due To A Worker's Death
The official Subaru announcement said, "From the day of the accident, we sequentially suspended operations at all facilities of the Gunma Manufacturing Plant, prioritizing the deceased's family and employees working at the plant. We took the time to carefully consider measures to ensure our employees' safety and peace of mind and prevent such accidents from happening again."
Subaru suspended operation at its main automobile plant (Yajima Plant) for eight working days. The Yajima assembly plant manufactures the 2024 Impreza compact hatchback for U.S. customers, the 2024 Forester, the next-generation 2025 Forester, and the 2024 Crosstrek (Base and Premium U.S.-spec) SUVs.
We now know the impact that the eight-day plant shutdown had on production.
Subaru recently announced its production and export numbers, revealing what impact the factory plant shutdown from the 60-year-old employee's death had on production.
Due to the plant shutdown, Subaru's production decreased by 27.4 percent in February. It was the first decrease in two months. This will affect new model deliveries this spring, but there's more going on.
It's Not All Bad News
The good news is that Subaru's export total of the Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, WRX, and BRZ increased 51.2 percent in February. This was due to the increased production of the models I reported in January.
Here is what it means for U.S. customers.
The 2024 Subaru Forester, the next-generation 2025 Forester compact SUV, and the 2024 Crosstrek Base and Premium subcompact SUVs will likely have fewer new models this spring. The 2024 Impreza compact hatchback, WRX performance sedan, and BRZ sport coupe could also see tighter supplies.
Related Content: Subaru Restarts Forester And Crosstrek Production After Abrupt Shutdown
Will the Crosstrek Wilderness be affected?
Customers should not see delays in the 2024 Crosstrek Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels since they are now manufactured at the U.S. plant in Lafayette, Indiana.
Will the 2024 Outback be affected?
Customers should not see delays in the 2024 Outback, Ascent, and Legacy models. They are also manufactured at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant.
The new Subaru production announcement says production at its U.S. plant increased by 26.4 percent in February, the 13th consecutive month of increase. This spring, customers will see more 2024 Outback, Ascent, and Legacy models available at retailers.
When is the remodeled 2025 Forester arriving?
Subaru of America says the next-generation 2025 Forester should arrive in U.S. showrooms this spring. However, with the plant shutdown in February, customers could see some delays in the all-new sixth-generation Forester.
2025 Forester pricing
Stay tuned for the new 2025 Forester pricing. It should be coming from Subaru of America soon.
What about you? Are you checking out the 2025 Forester this spring? Let us know in the comments below.
SUBARU NEWS
The collapse of the Baltimore Bridge could also affect customers on the East Coast. If you live on the East Coast, at least for now, the bridge collapse should have a minimal impact, according to Ernie Boch Jr., Subaru's top dealer with 64 dealerships in six New England states.
Ernie Boch Jr. said for now, there should be no delays. But said future shipments from Japan "Could be delayed. It's not just me; it's Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz. Anybody that produces cars outside of the U.S. has to come to Baltimore," Boch Jr said. Read more in my report below.
Top Subaru Dealer Talks About Baltimore Bridge Collapse And How It Will Impact Customers
Subaru Recall Alert: The Subaru Outback and Legacy have defective airbags that may not deploy, risking serious injury to passengers. See which model years are affected and if your vehicle is on the list.
Where is Subaru in the new KBB Consumer Choice Awards? They are shut out, and Subaru is nowhere to be found. See which car brand takes all the top mainstream brand categories except one.
This is the latest information regarding the 2025 Subaru Forester and Crosstrek production. I'll keep you updated with any new information.
Until then, visit torquenews.com/subaru regularly and bookmark the page for my latest updates.
Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the Subaru production story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.
I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
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photo credit: Subaru
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