Automaker’s only manufacturing facility outside of Japan reaches milestone in 35th year
Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) has produced its 5 millionth Subaru vehicle, a 2022 Outback Wilderness in Geyser Blue. The milestone comes during the company’s 35th anniversary year.
“Reaching our 35th anniversary and 5 million Subaru vehicles in the same year provides a great opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come,” said Scott Brand, SIA executive vice president. “I’m especially proud of our associates and the way they continuously meet our customers’ expectations for safe, quality vehicles.”
SIA is Subaru’s only manufacturing facility outside of Japan and currently makes the Ascent, Impreza, Legacy and Outback models. It produces about half of all Subaru vehicles sold in North America.
At the time of its incorporation in Indiana on March 17, 1987, the Lafayette plant was a joint venture between Subaru and Isuzu. When production began on Sept. 11, 1989, the Subaru Legacy and Isuzu Pickup were both built at the plant.
In the years that followed, the factory continued to produce Subaru models in addition to other vehicles, including the Isuzu Rodeo, Honda Passport and Toyota Camry. However, the plant has exclusively produced Subaru vehicles since June 2016.
“Our associates should take tremendous pride in this achievement,” said Brand. “Along with the entire auto industry, the SIA team has persevered through more than two years of supply chain issues and production disruptions while maintaining a focus on quality.”
Production of the all-new 2023 Legacy and the all-new 2023 Outback is scheduled to begin this week. SIA currently expects to produce its 7 millionth overall vehicle in December.