It’s a whole new start for Subaru today in the US, specifically in Lafayette, Indiana. The company is celebrating the first all new 2017 Subaru Impreza that is American-made. Historically the Impreza has been manufactured only in Japan. The Impreza joins the already American-made Outback and Legacy. The start of Impreza production marks the culmination of more than three years of preparation and highlights the consistent growth in Subaru demand in the United States. Subaru has invested $1.3 billion over the past three years, including the acquisition of over 1,400 new employees this past year. They expanded their facilities, including expanding the painting and engine sections of the plant, in order to accommodate the increase in production.
“In a time when some manufacturers are moving work out of the United States, we’re proud to be bringing Subaru Impreza production to the heartland of America,” said Tom Easterday, Senior Executive Vice President of SIA. “The move has allowed us to create hundreds of new jobs not only at SIA, but also at our suppliers in Indiana and across the country.”
The 2017 Subaru Impreza is being built using the new Subaru Global Platform architecture that is designed to enhance safety, comfort, agility, and driving pleasure. It will be available in a sedan model and a 5-door model. It comes equipped with new driver assist technology, multimedia features and standard symmetrical all-wheel drive. The new Impreza will be available in base, Premium, Sport and Limited trim lines. These models are expected to become available in late 2016. Pricing begins at $18,395.
Both the sedan and hatchback versions will offer more room, with seat and steering wheel adjustments to allow taller drivers to be more comfortable. As well as the new car reducing body vibrations by 50% for a smoother more enjoyable ride. Subaru is hoping the new changes in appearance and technology will help attract more customers.
The shift to producing the Impreza in the US comes from increasing American demand for Subaru vehicles, with Subaru seeing eight straight years of increased Subaru sales in the United States.
With the addition of the Impreza Subaru will now produce over 380,000 vehicles annually.