How Subaru will free up production space for the hot-selling WRX/STI

Subaru is pumping out the 2016 WRX/STI performance sedans as fast as they can. How will they keep up with global demand?

Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), the parent company of Subaru automobiles, will free up much-needed production space at their Gunma factory in Japan for the 2017 Subaru WRX/STI. The new 2017 Impreza that will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show this week, will be rolling off the assembly line here in the U.S. when plant expansion is completed in Indiana.

Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) is running at full capacity and is expanding to make room for the new Impreza. Subaru has plans to begin building the 2017 Impreza compact at their U.S. plant in Indiana by the end of 2016. SIA is already building the Subaru Outback, the Subaru Legacy and is investing $140.2 million in new machinery and equipment along with the $400 million expansion that is currently underway.

SIA is the only Subaru production facility outside of Japan and the Japanese automaker is trying to keep up with demand for the popular 2016 WRX/STI performance sedans here in the U.S. and other global markets. FHI reports that exports from Japan increased year-on-year, led by strong demand for the WRX/STI, Crosstrek and Impreza in North America that are all produced at the Gunma factory.

As the new 2017 Subaru Impreza production shifts to the plant in Indiana late next year, FHI will have more production space to build more 2017 WRX/STI performance sedans. Who knows, Subaru could use the freed up space to produce a WRX/STI 5-Door hatchback model. Stay tuned.

Media source: Subaru Global