The first 2017 Subaru Imprezas are rolling off the assembly line in Gunma, Japan. How it all started with an airplane.
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What started as an airplane factory in Gunma, Japan now is home to the 2017 Subaru Impreza production line. In 1917, Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), maker of Subaru automobiles, started as an airplane manufacturer. Now almost 100 years later, the history of manufacturing in Gunma brings us to the latest Subaru Impreza.
Fuji Heavy has come a long way
FHI says the roots of the manufacturing of airplanes started in a small house in Gunma Prefecture in 1917. In reality, it was a silk hut borrowed from farmers. Subaru has come a long way and they now manufacture the Subaru Impreza, Forester, Outback, BRZ/Toyota 86, Legacy and WRX/STI at the plant. The plant location is Ota City, Gunma Prefecture and is known to locals as “Subaru town”.
Subaru’s first car was the “ladybug”
Subaru’s first car to roll off the assembly line was the Subaru 360 minicar nicknamed the “ladybug” because of its cute look. The Subaru models have changed considerably since then and have evolved into the current all-wheel-drive lineup of multi-purpose vehicles.
Subaru says their aim is to deliver "peace of mind and enjoyment" to everyone that drives their new 2017 Subaru Impreza. It’s also being built for the first time away from Gunma at the Subaru Indiana plant in Lafayette. It should be arriving at U.S. showrooms later this year. What started as an airplane factory, is now home to the new Subaru Impreza.
Source: Subaru Global
Photo: Subaru
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