New Subaru Solterra EV Production Grinds To A Halt Next Week

Customers who ordered the all-new 2023 Subaru Solterra all-electric compact SUV could experience delays in getting their new model this summer. The Solterra is manufactured in Japan at the Toyota plant, and the Japanese automaker announced they would shut down the Toyota Motor Motomachi plant where the new EV is made. The new Solterra is scheduled to arrive next month, but the new plant production cuts could cause delays.

The reason for the shutdown is because of the pandemic restrictions in China. "Due to the impact of the semiconductor shortage, we announced our revised production plan for May," Toyota said in a press release. "However, due to the lockdown in Shanghai, China, we have decided to additionally suspend operations of 14 lines at eight plants in Japan from May 16 to May 21."

A report from Seeking Alpha says Toyota will lose around 50,000 vehicles due to the production delays. The number of Solterra models Subaru Corporation will lose was not announced. "The shortage of semiconductors, the spread of COVID-19, and other factors make it difficult to look several months ahead," Toyota added.

Next week, the production plants will be shut down for five days, May 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. The plant shut down couldn't have come at a worse time as Subaru is scheduled to launch its first all-electric model in the U.S. market.

The Solterra sold out in the first 72 hours, and customers are waiting for the new battery-electric SUV that is initially slated to arrive in June and July in U.S. retailers.

Subaru announced pricing on the new Solterra

The 2023 Solterra comes in three trim levels, Premium, Limited, and Touring. Pricing for the Solterra Premium trim level starts at $46,220. The Limited trim carries a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $49,720. The top-of-the-line Touring trim is priced from $53,220. Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,225).

Prices are before a potential Federal tax credit of up to $7,500. In addition, the Solterra may qualify for additional state incentives, including single rider carpool lane access in California. For more information on the tax credit, go here.

Subaru of America says they are finalizing two possible offers for reservation holders, including an EVgo Charging Credit or money towards purchasing and installing a Home Level 2 Charger by QMerit.

With the purchase or lease of a new Solterra, customers will receive up to 10 days of Subaru Just Drive Rental at no charge from their participating Subaru retailer. This program allows the rental of Subaru vehicles through participating Subaru retailers.

It's unsure how many 2023 Subaru Solterra compact SUVs will be affected by the Toyota five-day plant shutdown next week. It will affect U.S. customers, and there could be more delays.

You Might Also Like: The New U.S. Spec 2023 Subaru Solterra Pricing And Complete Model Guide

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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