TOKYO, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- Subaru Corp. conducted vehicle inspections using uncertified staff for more than 30 years, Kyodo News on Friday quoted a company official as saying.
The uncertified inspections by the Japanese automaker were carried out at two of the firm's plants north of Tokyo in Gunma Prefecture, with the executive quoted as saying that inspections had been taken out by trainees and not certified staff.
"This practice has been traditionally carried out for more than 30 years," the executive said.
Following consultations with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Subaru Corp. may announce a recall on the vehicles on which the improper inspections were carried out.
Subaru permitted workers without the requisite certification who were in training to perform parts of the safety inspections and use stamps of authorized inspectors at two plants in Ota in southeastern Gunma Prefecture, in Japan's northern Kanto region, insiders with knowledge of the matter said.
They added that temporary permits were issued to workers undergoing training, who carried out final vehicle checks before becoming fully qualified.
Tokyo-based Subaru, whose corporate name was Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. until April this year, is known for producing the popular Crosstrek, Outback, Forester and Impreza models of vehicles.
