Subaru is built by Subaru Corporation, a Japanese automaker owned by Fuji Heavy Industries

Subaru Corporation designs and manufactures Subaru vehicles. The company is a subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., a Japanese conglomerate based in Tokyo. Subaru has been building cars since 1953, when it was founded as the automobile division of Fuji Heavy Industries. Today, Subaru operates manufacturing plants in Japan, the United States, and other countries to supply the global market.

The name "Subaru" comes from the Japanese word for the Pleiades star cluster. Subaru vehicles are sold in more than 70 countries worldwide, and the company is known for its focus on all-wheel drive systems and boxer engines — a flat engine design that sits low in the vehicle frame.

Key Takeaways

  • Subaru Corporation, a Japanese automaker, owns and manufactures all Subaru vehicles under the Subaru brand.
  • Subaru is a subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., a larger Japanese industrial company that also manufactures aircraft, engines, and other products.
  • Subaru operates manufacturing plants in Japan and the United States, with the largest U.S. plant located in Lafayette, Indiana.
  • Different Subaru models are built in different locations depending on the model and market demand.

Where Subaru vehicles are manufactured

Subaru operates multiple manufacturing facilities across Japan and North America. The company's largest production plant is located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, where Subaru has built vehicles since 1968. This facility produces models for both domestic and export markets.

In the United States, Subaru's main manufacturing plant is the Subaru of Indiana Automotive facility in Lafayette, Indiana. This plant opened in 1989 and produces several models sold in North America, including the Outback, Legacy, and Impreza. The Lafayette plant is one of the largest employers in the region and has expanded multiple times to meet demand.

Subaru also operates a smaller manufacturing facility in Gunma that focuses on specific models and components. Additionally, Subaru has partnerships with other manufacturers in different regions to produce certain models for local markets.

How Subaru's ownership structure works

Subaru Corporation operates as a publicly traded company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. is the parent company that owns Subaru, along with other business divisions. This structure means Subaru has access to resources and technology from Fuji Heavy Industries' other operations, including aerospace and industrial equipment manufacturing.

In 2017, Fuji Heavy Industries officially changed its name to Subaru Corporation to reflect the growing importance of the automotive business to the overall company. This rebranding showed that automobiles had become the dominant part of the business, though Fuji Heavy Industries still operates other divisions.

What models are built where

Different Subaru models are manufactured at different locations based on production capacity and market demand. Models like the Outback and Legacy are primarily built at the Lafayette, Indiana plant for the North American market. The Impreza is produced at both the Gunma facility in Japan and the Indiana plant.

The Forester, one of Subaru's most popular models globally, is manufactured at the Gunma plant in Japan for most markets. Some models sold in specific regions may be built at partner facilities or through joint ventures with other manufacturers in those countries.

Production decisions change based on demand, supply chain considerations, and trade policies. Subaru regularly adjusts which models are built where to meet customer needs and manage costs efficiently.

Subaru's manufacturing approach and technology

Subaru is known for its focus on quality control and engineering consistency across all its manufacturing plants. The company uses similar production methods and quality standards at both its Japanese and American facilities to may support that Subaru vehicles meet the same specifications regardless of where they are built.

Subaru's manufacturing plants use advanced robotics and automation, combined with skilled workers who perform precision assembly tasks. The company has invested in newer technology to improve efficiency and reduce defects. Subaru's approach emphasizes long-term reliability and durability rather than rapid production volume.

The relationship between Subaru and other automakers

Subaru has partnerships with other automakers for specific projects and vehicle development. For example, Subaru has collaborated with Toyota on hybrid and electric vehicle technology. These partnerships allow Subaru to share research and development costs while bringing new technologies to market.

Despite these partnerships, Subaru maintains its own distinct brand identity and engineering philosophy. The company does not manufacture vehicles under other brand names, and other automakers do not build Subaru-branded vehicles. Subaru's manufacturing remains under the direct control of Subaru Corporation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Subaru owned by Toyota?

No. Subaru is owned by Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., a separate Japanese company. Toyota owns a minority stake in Subaru and the two companies partner on some technology projects, but Subaru remains an independent automaker with its own manufacturing and design operations.

Are all Subarus built in Japan?

No. While Subaru's main manufacturing plant is in Gunma, Japan, the company also builds vehicles at its facility in Lafayette, Indiana. Some models sold in North America are built in Indiana, while others are imported from Japan. The location depends on the specific model and current production capacity.

Can I find out where my specific Subaru was built?

Yes. Your vehicle's build location is listed on the door jamb label inside the driver's side door. This label shows the plant code and production date. You can also contact a Subaru dealership with your vehicle identification number (VIN) to learn where it was manufactured.

Does Subaru manufacture parts in other countries?

Subaru sources components from suppliers around the world, but final vehicle assembly happens at Subaru-owned plants in Japan and Indiana. Some parts are manufactured by Subaru subsidiaries or partner companies in different regions, but the complete vehicles are assembled at Subaru's main facilities.