How New-Generation Subaru Forester is Set to Grow its Global Influence in 2019

The Subaru Forester is set to get a complete remodel for the 2019 model year, and the new SUV will grow its influence in Southeast Asia. Fuji Heavy, maker of Subaru automobiles has announced plans to establish a joint venture in February 2017 with TC Manufacturing and Assembly (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (TCMA TH), a subsidiary of Tan Chong International Limited, to start production of Subaru vehicles in Thailand.

It’s not new for Subaru, as they have been producing the Forester and Crosstrek at a plant in Malaysia. This new venture expands production to Thailand for the first time. Subaru didn’t announce which vehicles would be produced at the new plant, but it’s likely it will be the new-generation 2019 Forester SUV and Crosstrek crossover, both of which will be totally-redesigned by the time they start production.

It’s called CKD

It’s called Completely Knocked Down (CKD) manufacturing. The 2019 Forester and Crosstrek will be sent from Japan to Thailand in pieces and then assembled into a finished SUV and crossover. This creates jobs in the target country and makes it easier for Subaru to increase business in the Asian market. It’s all part of Subaru’s plan to increase sales in this region.

On May 9, 2014, Fuji Heavy announced their mid-term management vision “Prominence 2020”. Subaru’s parent company laid out plans to build a strong business structure that includes Southeast Asia. The next step is production of the new 2019 Forester adding to its range of locally-assembled models along with the Crosstrek in Thailand.

The locally-assembled CKD new-generation 2019 Subaru Forester will now be produced in Thailand for the first time. The new-gen Forester and Crosstrek will begin production at the plant in in 2019. The all-wheel-drive vehicles are sold in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia through the Subaru dealer network operated by Tan Chong International.

Photo credit: Subaru