Where is subaru made?

By HotBotUpdated: July 8, 2024

Answer

Subaru, a well-known and beloved automobile brand, has its roots deeply embedded in Japan. However, due to its global success, its manufacturing footprint extends beyond its home country. This article delves into the various locations where Subaru vehicles are made, providing a comprehensive overview from high-level production sites to niche and rarely known details.

Subaru's Japanese Heritage

Subaru's journey began in Japan, and the country remains the heart of its manufacturing operations. The parent company, Subaru Corporation (formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries), oversees the production and quality of Subaru vehicles.

Gunma Manufacturing Plant

The Gunma manufacturing plant, located in Ota, Gunma Prefecture, is the primary production site for Subaru in Japan. This expansive facility comprises several sub-factories, including:

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Main Plant: Specializes in the production of key models such as the Subaru Impreza, Forester, and XV (Crosstrek).
Yajima Plant: Produces the Legacy, Outback, WRX, and BRZ models.
Otahara Plant: Focuses on the assembly of engines and transmissions.

These plants are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and adherence to Subaru's high-quality standards.

Subaru's Expansion into North America

To meet increasing demand and reduce shipping costs, Subaru has expanded its manufacturing operations to North America. The primary facility here is located in the United States.

Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA)

Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA) is situated in Lafayette, Indiana, and is the brand's only manufacturing plant outside Japan. This facility has been pivotal in Subaru's strategy to cater to the North American market. Key details about SIA include:

Established: SIA was established in 1987 as a joint venture with Isuzu, with Subaru taking full ownership in 2003.
Production Models: The plant produces the Subaru Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, and Outback models.
Sustainability: SIA is recognized for its environmental initiatives, being the first auto assembly plant in the U.S. to achieve zero landfill status.

Global Production and Assembly Partnerships

While Japan and the United States are the primary manufacturing hubs, Subaru has also formed several assembly partnerships worldwide to cater to specific markets.

CKD (Completely Knocked Down) Assembly in Malaysia

In Malaysia, Subaru has partnered with Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA) to assemble vehicles in a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) format. This partnership ensures that Subaru can offer competitively priced models in the Southeast Asian market. Models assembled here include the Subaru XV and Forester.

Subaru and Toyota Collaboration

Subaru and Toyota have a collaborative relationship, especially evident in the production of the Subaru BRZ and its counterpart, the Toyota 86 (also known as the Toyota GR86). These models are produced at Subaru's Gunma plant, leveraging Subaru's expertise in all-wheel-drive technology and Toyota's prowess in hybrid systems.

Niche and Rarely Known Details

While the primary production sites are well-known, there are several niche details and lesser-known facts about Subaru's manufacturing footprint.

Subaru's Role in Aerospace

Subaru Corporation isn't just an automobile manufacturer; it also has roots in the aerospace industry. The company's aerospace division, based in Japan, produces a range of products, including aircraft components and even parts for space exploration. This expertise in precision engineering influences the quality and reliability of Subaru vehicles.

Environmental Initiatives in Manufacturing

Subaru is deeply committed to sustainability and environmental conservation. Beyond SIA's zero landfill status, Subaru's Japanese plants are also engaged in various eco-friendly practices. For instance, the Gunma plants utilize extensive recycling programs and energy-saving measures to reduce their environmental impact.

Subaru's Commitment to Safety

Safety is a cornerstone of Subaru's manufacturing philosophy. The company's plants are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure each vehicle meets stringent safety standards. This commitment is reflected in Subaru's consistent top ratings in global safety assessments, including those by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Euro NCAP.

Subaru's Use of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

One rarely known detail is Subaru's dedication to its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which is a standard feature in most of its models. This system is not only a hallmark of Subaru's brand identity but also a testament to the company's engineering excellence. The AWD system is meticulously assembled and tested at both the Gunma and SIA plants to ensure optimal performance.

Subaru's global manufacturing footprint is a testament to its commitment to quality, safety, and environmental sustainability. From its roots in Japan to its expansion in North America and other regions, Subaru continues to uphold its core values while adapting to the needs of a global market. The intricate details of its production processes and partnerships reveal a brand that is deeply dedicated to excellence in every vehicle it produces.