Automaker officials voiced concerns Monday about the possible impact of suspended operations at tire maker Bridgestone Corp.'s plant in Kuroiso, Tochigi Prefecture, which caught fire earlier in the day.
An official at Toyota Motor Corp., which receives tires for the Hiace and two other commercial vehicle models from the plant, said manufacturing operations may be affected as the automaker has only several days' worth of tires in stock.
Hino Motors Ltd., which relies on the plant for tires for big trucks, is considering seeking other suppliers as some tire types in stock at its main plant in Hino, Tokyo, "may run out within two to three days," an official said.