Subaru’s On A Roll
Japanese manufacturer Subaru is pursuing its ascension in Canada, thanks to the ever-growing popularity of its models, including the Crosstrek, Outback and Forester crossovers.
When the year 2015 will conclude, the company’s sales in Canada will likely reach the 45,000-unit mark. That’s a significant increase after barely selling more than 20,000 units in 2012, the year of the famous Tsunami in Japan that temporarily crippled the brand’s assembly plants.
In fact, according to what we’ve been told by Subaru representatives, they could’ve sold even more vehicles this year. Demand was greater than the offer, as the number of units assembled in Japan and earmarked for the Canadian market was limited. A good problem that they will nevertheless try to solve.
Since 1989, Subaru has been exploiting an assembly plant in Lafayette, Indiana. Initially built thanks to a collaboration between Subaru and Isuzu, this plant currently produces the Legacy sedan, the Outback crossover and even Toyota Camry sedans. Let’s not forget that Toyota has been a minor stakeholder in Subaru for a few years now.
However, starting next year, the plant will expand, increasing production capability, and the Camry’s assembly will be relocated to a Toyota plant in Kentucky. In the fall of 2016, Subaru is planning to start producing the Impreza in Lafayette, and has even announced the upcoming launch of a new seven-passenger, midsize SUV that will be designed specifically for the North-American market. The Crosstrek, the Forester, the WRX and the BRZ will continue to be built in Japan, and imported to Canada.
With these changes, the automaker will not only be able to satisfy the growing demand for their vehicles, but add a new model to its portfolio. For now, Subaru seems to be on a roll.
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