Are Subaru parts made in America?
Yes, many Subaru parts are manufactured in the United States. Subaru has several manufacturing facilities located in the U.S. that produce a significant portion of the components used in their vehicles sold in North America.
Subaru's Manufacturing Presence in the United States
Subaru operates two major manufacturing plants in the United States. The first is located in Lafayette, Indiana, which has been in operation since 1989. This facility produces several Subaru models, including the Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, and Outback. The Indiana plant is responsible for manufacturing around 75% of the Subaru vehicles sold in North America.
Subaru also has a second U.S. manufacturing plant in Cherry Hill, Indiana. This facility focuses on producing engines and transmissions that are used in Subaru vehicles assembled at the Lafayette plant. Together, Subaru's two U.S. factories produce the majority of the parts and components found in Subaru cars and SUVs sold in the American market.
Reasons for Subaru's U.S. Manufacturing Presence
There are several key reasons why Subaru has chosen to manufacture a significant portion of its parts and vehicles in the United States:
- Proximity to Key Markets: Having manufacturing facilities in the U.S. allows Subaru to be closer to its largest consumer markets in North America, reducing transportation costs and delivery times.
- Favorable Trade Policies: The United States has trade agreements, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), that incentivize automakers to produce vehicles and parts domestically.
- Access to Skilled Labor: The U.S. has a large pool of experienced automotive manufacturing workers that Subaru can draw from to staff its plants.
- Cost Competitiveness: The costs of operating manufacturing facilities in the U.S., including labor and utilities, are competitive compared to other regions.
While Subaru does source some components from overseas suppliers, the company has made a concerted effort to localize its supply chain and manufacturing operations in the United States to better serve its North American customers.
