UPDATE: Toyota Confirms Production Halt in Japan

Toyota Motor Corp. confirmed earlier today it will suspend car production across Japan between Feb. 8 and Feb. 13 because a steel plant explosion at one of its affiliates has disrupted supplies.

Japan’s TBS News reported late last week that a shutdown was likely following the blast at an Aichi Steel bar mill in Chita on Jan. 8. The steelmaker expects to resume operations at the end of March.

Toyota says it won't suspend manufacturing at Toyota plants outside Japan.

The explosion disrupted Aichi Steel’s output of structural specialty steels used in powertrains and chassis components. Last week Toyota said it has enough inventory to continue production through this week. The company says it is exploring procurement options with Aichi Steel and other potential steelmakers.