You’re standing in a Subaru showroom, eyes locked on a sleek, turbocharged WRX, and a question pops into your head— "where is the Subaru WRX built"? It’s a question many car enthusiasts have, especially with Subaru’s rising popularity in the American market. While Subaru has a strong manufacturing presence in the United States, the WRX’s origin story might surprise you. It's a tale of two continents, blending Japanese engineering prowess with a passionate American fanbase. So, where is the Subaru WRX built?
Subaru's journey began in 1953 in Japan, originally under the name Fuji Heavy Industries. This marked the birth of a brand known for innovative technology and steadfast reliability. Two early models, the Subaru 360 and Subaru 1000, cemented the brand's image.
But the real game-changers were yet to come. Subaru’s signature all-wheel-drive technology and the unique boxer engine configuration would soon set them apart. These innovations weren't just about performance—although Subaru quickly gained a reputation for that, especially in the rally world—but about a different approach to automotive engineering.
Subaru's Expansion to the United States
In 1968, Subaru crossed the Pacific, aiming to win over American drivers. It was a bold move for a Japanese automaker. But, Subaru's reputation preceded it. The brand became known for crafting cars as capable on snowy mountain passes as on crowded city streets.
As Subaru's popularity surged in the 1980s and 1990s, so did the need for a local manufacturing base. This led to the establishment of Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) in 1987, a testament to their dedication to the American market. Located in Lafayette, Indiana, this sprawling plant marked a turning point, enabling Subaru to build cars closer to their US customers.
What Subaru Models Are Made in the USA?
The SIA plant in Indiana produces a significant portion of the Subarus sold in America. It churns out hundreds of thousands of vehicles annually, a mix of popular models. This includes the Outback, Legacy, Ascent and, more recently, the Crosstrek.
So, where is the Subaru WRX built?
While many Subaru models are made in the USA, the WRX is not one of them. Unlike its American-made siblings, the WRX continues to be manufactured at Subaru's Gunma Yajima plant in Japan. Subaru has four plants clustered in the Gunma prefecture, a region about a two-hour drive north of Tokyo.
Why isn’t the WRX built in the USA?
This is where the WRX’s story takes an interesting turn. Even though Subaru has a huge US factory, some models, like the WRX and BRZ, are still made exclusively in Japan. There are a couple of possible reasons behind this. The WRX, despite its passionate following, is a niche model compared to high-volume sellers like the Outback or Forester.
It might not be cost-effective for Subaru to retool and adapt its US assembly lines for the WRX’s specific production needs. The decision to keep WRX production in Japan might also boil down to a strategic decision related to production capacity and market demand. This allows them to optimize their global production network and allocate resources efficiently.
However, the recent shift of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek production to the Indiana factory from Japan might hint at potential changes in Subaru’s manufacturing strategy. The 2024 Crosstrek subcompact SUV for the first time at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, reflects a move towards meeting increased demand for certain models.
A Look at Subaru’s Manufacturing Plants
Subaru, unlike many automakers its size, prefers to keep manufacturing rather centralized. A peek into their global manufacturing operations reveals a focused approach. Let's explore where those Subarus are made.
Subaru’s Japanese Production Hubs:
- Subaru-chō Plant: Known for handling a variety of Subaru models—WRX, Impreza, Crosstrek (called XV in Japan), BRZ, and even the Toyota GR86—this plant highlights Subaru’s commitment to platform sharing and efficient production. It employs over 4,500 workers.
- Yajima Plant: A stone’s throw away from the Subaru-chō Plant, the Yajima Plant specializes in manufacturing larger Subaru vehicles, namely the Forester, Outback, and Legacy. Around 3,000 workers are employed at this location.
- Ota North Plant: With a long and storied history, the Ota North Plant highlights an interesting aspect of Subaru’s journey. What once produced Subaru’s Sambar kei utility vehicle family (tiny vans and trucks that are incredibly popular in Japan) is now the production hub for the company’s aircraft components, speaking to the Subaru Corporation’s diverse portfolio.
- Oizumi Plant: While not involved in assembling entire vehicles, the Oizumi Plant plays a crucial role: it builds the engines and transmissions that power all Subarus. This dedicated facility speaks to Subaru’s emphasis on core technologies. The company’s commitment to their horizontally opposed boxer engines is clear in this dedicated plant.
Subaru’s American Manufacturing Powerhouse:
Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA): Located in Lafayette, Indiana, this plant plays a vital role in satisfying the needs of Subaru’s most important market: North America. With a production capacity exceeding 300,000 vehicles annually, it’s a testament to the successful partnership between Subaru and the American workforce.
Since it opened in 1989, SIA has played a significant part in the growth of the Subaru brand in North America. Initially a joint venture between Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corp.) and Isuzu, the plant originally manufactured vehicles for both brands. Over time, it became wholly owned by Subaru and has since become the brand's sole manufacturing plant outside of Japan.
The plant is a hive of activity, with over 6,000 American workers diligently assembling Subaru’s core models. It reflects Subaru's adaptability and its close relationship with its biggest market. In fact, at one point, the Indiana factory produced the Toyota Camry through a contract manufacturing agreement with Toyota, highlighting the plant's versatility.
Subaru Manufacturing — Global Reach with Local Impact
Despite expanding its manufacturing efforts globally, Subaru remains true to its Japanese heritage. While some might hope for a US-built WRX, its Japanese origins are part of what makes it special. Each plant, whether nestled in the Japanese countryside or in the American heartland, plays a vital role in producing those vehicles.
For now, the WRX’s story continues to unfold, embodying the precision and passion that define Japanese craftsmanship. Will Subaru decide to shift its production in the future? With the ever-changing landscape of the car industry, only time will tell.
FAQ About Where the Subaru WRX is Built
Is Subaru owned by Toyota?
Subaru is not owned by Toyota. Subaru Corporation, formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries, is Subaru’s parent company. Toyota has a minority stake in Subaru Corporation. However, both companies have collaborated on a few models. For instance, the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 twins, as well as the Subaru Solterra, which shares its platform with the Toyota bZ4X electric SUV.
Despite these partnerships, both Subaru and Toyota operate independently.
Recap
So, if you find yourself smitten by the WRX's charm at a dealership, you’ll know that the car you're looking at was born in Japan, a product of decades of engineering and a bit of racing pedigree. Where is the Subaru WRX built is a simple question with a more complex answer than meets the eye. However, with their dedication to quality and unique approaches to building cars, Subaru continues to build its presence globally, no matter where its factories are located. If you're looking for reliable and durable upgrades, check out our inventory of 2011 WRX parts for the perfect fit.