Subaru confirmed the Tribeca’s replacement will be produced at the SIA plant in Lafayette, Indiana. SIA is an acronym for Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc.
Production of the new crossover will begin in 2018.
The new vehicle is unnamed for now, but will likely carry something synonymous with an outdoor lifestyle, similar to its family members the Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek. The new crossover will be larger than the Tribeca and offer third row functionality and accessibility. The new third-row crossover is expected to help Subaru maintain what has been a successful sales streak.
“We have enjoyed record sales for seven consecutive years and the introduction of an all-new, American-made Impreza, followed by an all-new 3-row crossover will help keep our sales momentum strong,” said Thomas J. Doll, President and COO of Subaru of America.
Subaru expects to close 2015 with over 550,000 sales.
Subaru produces three models in the United States: Legacy, Outback, and a new Impreza compact sedan, with a 5-door variant starting production in late 2016. The new crossover would make for a fourth addition. Subaru is raising the bar in Indiana, projecting near 228,000 units assembled this year. That number is expected to rise near 394,000, with the introduction of the Impreza.
“We are delighted to be bringing even more Subaru manufacturing to the United States,” said Tom Easterday, Executive Vice President, Secretary, and Chief Legal Officer of Subaru of Indiana Automotive
Easterday maintains the forthcoming third-row crossover represents Subaru’s continued commitment to American jobs. Currently, SIA employs nearly 4,000 men and women.
“The new model will also result in increased investments at SIA and at several of our suppliers across the country,” he said.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories are marketed and sold through 620 plus retailers across the United States. SIA is the only American automobile plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.
SIA went smoke-free in 1994, the first American automotive plant to do so. Ten years later, SIA obtained a zero-landfill designation, another industry first.
*Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog.net and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
