2017 Subaru Outback Hits Mountainous Milestone in Indiana

Subaru’s plant expansion is nearly complete as a 2017 Subaru Outback hits a big milestone for the Japanese automaker. The Lapis Blue Pearl Outback rolls off the assembly line as the 3 millionth Subaru built at the plant in Lafayette, Indiana. Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. (SIA), is the only Subaru production plant outside of Japan and the small Japanese automaker is trying to keep up with demand for the popular Outback here in the U.S. and other global markets.

SIA expands to meet high demand

SIA has invested $140.2 million in new machinery and equipment in addition to the $400 million expansion that is being finished now. SIA who is owned by parent company Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) said the improvements will go to increase its production capacity by nearly 100,000 units annually to meet the growing demand for Subaru vehicles in North America.

Tom Easterday, SIA executive vice president, says, “From the Subaru Legacy that was built here on Sept. 11, 1989, to this beautiful Outback built today, Subarus made at SIA have been enjoyed by customers across America and in over 50 other countries.”

2017 Impreza and 3-Row crossover are on their way

Subaru is getting ready for the new 2017 Impreza that will also be built at the plant. A new 3-Row, 7-seat SUV will also be built at the Indiana plant that is replacing the discontinued Tribeca model. Subaru CEO Yasuyuki Yoshinaga said the seven-seat SUV will be built at the Indiana plant starting after 2017. Production is expected to start in 2018 and be available in late 2018.

“This is an exciting time for SIA,” Easterday said. “With our rate of growth and recent expansions, it’s easy to see that the next 3 million Subaru vehicles will come much faster. That’s good news for all of us at SIA, for our local community and for Indiana.”

The 3 millionth Subaru built at the plant in Lafayette, Indiana is a Lapis Blue Pearl 2017 Subaru Outback. The 6 millionth Subaru could be a next-generation Impreza or Subaru Ascent 7 3-Row crossover.

Source: JConline

Image source: Subaru