Unveiling the Truth: Is Subaru Really American Made?

Hello there, car enthusiasts! Today, we will be exploring one of the most hotly debated topics in the automobile industry: whether Subaru is truly an American-made car. Some of you may have already stumbled upon conflicting claims, with some sources saying that Subaru is entirely made in Japan, while others claim that certain models are assembled in the United States. So, what is the truth?

Subaru American Made Flag

Let’s dig deeper and discover the intriguing story behind Subaru’s manufacturing process. Keep in mind that Subaru is a Japanese brand and is owned by Fuji Heavy Industries, a multinational conglomerate. This fact alone may make it difficult for some to accept that a Subaru can be considered an American-made car. However, as we’ll see later, such a notion is not entirely unfounded. So, buckle up and join us on this informative ride!

Is Subaru American Made?

What is the Definition of American Made?

The term “American made” is often used to describe products made in the United States of America. However, there is no legal or official definition for this term, which can lead to confusion among consumers who are trying to make informed buying decisions. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has guidelines in place for companies to make claims of American made products, but ultimately the determination of what constitutes being American made is left up to the individual company.

In general, when a consumer sees the label “Made in the USA” on a product, they assume that the product is manufactured entirely in the United States, using mostly American-made components. However, this may not always be the case, as some companies may still use foreign-made parts in their products, but still meet the FTC guidelines for using the “Made in the USA” label.

Where is the Subaru Company Based?

Subaru is a Japanese-based automotive company that was founded in 1953. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan and is a division of the Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) conglomerate. In addition to manufacturing vehicles, Subaru also produces aircrafts and industrial equipment.

Subaru of America, Inc. is the subsidiary of the company that handles U.S. operations. The American division is headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, and coordinates all sales, marketing, and customer service for Subaru in the United States.

Where are Subaru Vehicles Manufactured?

Subaru manufactures vehicles in several locations around the world, including Japan, the United States, Europe, and China. However, the majority of Subaru vehicles sold in the U.S. are built in Japan.

Subaru’s parent company, FHI, operates several manufacturing facilities in Japan that produce Subaru vehicles. The main manufacturing plant is located in Gunma, Japan, where most of Subaru’s cars and SUVs are produced. The Gunma plant has the capacity to manufacture approximately 450,000 vehicles annually.

In addition to Japan, Subaru also has manufacturing facilities in Lafayette, Indiana, where they produce the Outback, Legacy, and Impreza models for the U.S. market. Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA) is the name of the Indiana plant and it has the capacity to produce up to 400,000 vehicles per year.

Subaru’s manufacturing operations in China and Europe are primarily focused on producing parts for Subaru vehicles. The company operates two factories in China that produce engines, transmissions, and other components used in Subaru vehicles.

In summary, while Subaru vehicles are not American-made in the traditional sense, the company has invested in local manufacturing in the U.S. and has a significant presence in the country. Subaru of America is committed to supporting local communities and creating job opportunities, which is good news for the many Americans who own and love their Subaru vehicles.

Are Subaru Cars Considered American Made?

Subaru is a Japanese automaker known for producing reliable and durable vehicles. However, many are wondering if Subaru cars can be considered as American made. While the company has a manufacturing plant in the United States, it is important to look at how much of the car is actually made in the country before making any conclusions.

What Percentage of Subaru Cars are Made in the US?

Subaru has a plant located in Lafayette, Indiana, which is responsible for producing several of its models including the Outback, Ascent, and Impreza. According to Subaru’s website, the Lafayette factory has produced over 5 million vehicles since its opening in 1989. Currently, around 50% of the cars produced at the plant are exported to other countries and the other 50% are sold in the United States. This means that only around half of Subaru cars sold in the US are made in the country.

Is Buying a Subaru Car Beneficial to the US economy?

While only half of Subaru cars sold in the US are made in the country, it is still a considerable contribution to the US economy. The Lafayette factory employs over 6,000 people and the company spent over $2 billion on US-based suppliers in 2020. Additionally, the production of Subaru cars in the US helps to support local communities and reduces transportation costs compared to importing vehicles from overseas. However, it is important to note that a significant amount of the profit still goes to the Japanese parent company.

Furthermore, buying a Subaru car is not necessarily more beneficial to the US economy than buying from other automakers with a higher percentage of US-made cars. In fact, many other car companies have a higher percentage of US made cars than Subaru, such as Ford, General Motors, and Tesla. Therefore, it is important to research and compare before making a decision on which car brand to purchase.

What nationalities are the Parts Used to Make a Subaru Car?

While Subaru cars made in the US do contain parts from US-based suppliers, the majority of the parts used are still imported from other countries. According to Subaru’s website, the company uses parts from Japan, China, and Europe among other countries. This means that while some parts of a Subaru car are made in the US, it cannot be considered a completely American made car.

However, it is common for car companies to use parts from different countries and create a final product in a different location. Therefore, it is important to consider the overall impact on the US economy rather than solely focusing on where the car was made or parts were sourced from.

Conclusion

While Subaru has a manufacturing plant in the US, only around 50% of the cars sold in the US are made in the country. While this means that buying a Subaru car does contribute to the US economy, it is not necessarily more beneficial than purchasing from other automakers with a higher percentage of US-made cars. Overall, it is important to research and compare before making a decision on which car brand to purchase, considering factors such as quality, price, fuel efficiency, and overall impact on the US economy.

Is Subaru American Made?

Subaru is a Japanese automobile manufacturer that has gained quite a following in the United States, thanks to its reliable and efficient vehicles. But, many people wonder, are Subaru cars American made? The answer to this question is not straightforward, and it requires us to look at the different aspects of Subaru’s production process.

What are the Most American Subaru Cars?

While Subaru is a Japanese company, the automaker has been sourcing parts from the United States for several years. However, some Subaru models have a higher percentage of American-made parts than others. Here are some of the most American Subaru cars:

List of Subaru Vehicles with American Parts

Subaru Outback – Up to 99% American-made parts

Subaru Legacy – Up to 99% American-made parts

Subaru Ascent – Up to 81% American-made parts

Subaru Impreza – Up to 55% American-made parts

Subaru Crosstrek – Up to 50% American-made parts

It’s worth noting that the percentage of American-made parts in Subaru cars can vary based on the model year and trim level.

What Subaru Car Models are Assembled in America?

In addition to sourcing parts from the United States, Subaru also has a production facility in the country. The Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant, located in Lafayette, Indiana, has been manufacturing Subaru cars since 1989. The plant produces around 400,000 vehicles annually, which includes the following models:

Subaru Ascent

Subaru Impreza

Subaru Legacy

Subaru Outback

At the SIA plant, Subaru employs around 6,000 people, and the facility has been recognized for its environmentally friendly practices.

Are Subaru Cars a Good Choice for American Customers?

Now that we know more about Subaru’s production process, let’s examine whether the company’s cars are a good choice for American customers. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

  • Reliability – Subaru is known for building cars that are durable and dependable.
  • Safety – Subaru has received numerous safety awards for its vehicles.
  • All-wheel drive – All Subaru models come with all-wheel drive, making them a great choice for customers who live in areas with inclement weather.
  • Resale value – Subarus retain their value well, meaning owners can expect a good trade-in or resale price down the road.

Cons:

  • Price – Subarus tend to be expensive compared to other mainstream brands.
  • Fuel economy – While Subarus are efficient, they may not be the most fuel-efficient cars in their respective segments.
  • Design – Some customers may find Subarus to be too quirky or unconventional in terms of design.
  • Infotainment system – Subaru’s infotainment system has been criticized for being outdated and clunky.

Overall, Subaru cars offer many advantages that appeal to American customers. With their safety, reliability, and all-wheel drive capabilities, they are a great choice for customers who value these features. However, the higher price point and quirky design may be a turn-off for some buyers.

Conclusion

While Subaru is a Japanese automaker, the company has made significant efforts to incorporate American-made parts into its vehicles. Additionally, with a production facility in the United States, Subaru has contributed to the American economy and provided jobs for thousands of people. As for whether Subaru cars are a good choice for American customers, it ultimately depends on their priorities and preferences.

A Farewell from Us

We hope this article has been informative for you and has helped you to understand more about Subaru’s production and manufacturing process. There’s no doubt that Subaru has a reputation for quality, reliability, and innovation, and we have no doubt that this reputation will continue into the future. Thanks for taking your time to read our article.
We encourage you to visit our website again for more exciting articles that will satisfy your curiosity. We’ll continue to provide helpful information for our readers. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment or contact us. We appreciate your feedback, and we’re always eager to hear from our readers. Until next time, take care!

FAQ

1. Is Subaru an American company?

No, Subaru is a Japanese company. However, it has manufacturing facilities in the United States.

2. Where are Subaru cars assembled in the United States?

Subaru cars destined for the American market are manufactured at the Subaru Indiana Automotive plant located in Lafayette, Indiana.

3. How many Subaru cars are produced in the United States?

At present, the Subaru Indiana Automotive plant is producing approximately 370,000 vehicles per year, including the Legacy, Outback, and Impreza models.

4. What percentage of Subaru cars sold in the United States are made in America?

According to Subaru, around 60% of all vehicles sold in the United States are made locally in Indiana. The majority of Subaru cars are still imported from Japan.

5. Does Subaru manufacture engines in the United States?

Yes, the Subaru Indiana Automotive plant manufactures engines for the Legacy, Outback, and Impreza models.

6. Are all Subaru cars sold in the United States made in Indiana?

No, some Subaru cars sold in America are still made in Japan and imported.

7. What kind of jobs does Subaru create in the United States?

Subaru’s presence in the United States has created thousands of jobs, from manufacturing workers to engineers and designers.

8. Is it cheaper to buy a Subaru made in the United States?

Not necessarily. While American-made Subarus are cheaper to import and distribute in America, the price of a Subaru will depend mainly on factors like trim level, model type, and dealer markup.

9. Does Subaru have any plans to expand manufacturing in the United States?

At present, there are no concrete plans for Subaru to expand its manufacturing operations in America. However, the company is always evaluating opportunities for growth and improvement.

10. Which is better, a Subaru made in Japan or a Subaru made in the United States?

Both Japanese-made and American-made Subarus have the same high level of quality, reliability, and innovation that Subaru is known for. The choice of which to buy will depend mainly on personal preference and the specific model and features you’re looking for.