SIA Begins Production of Next Generation Subaru Legacy- REVISED

LAFAYETTE, Ind. - June 16, 2014 - PRLog -- Just two weeks after the first 2015 Subaru Outback rolled of the production line at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA), the Associates at the Lafayette, Indiana-based manufacturer gathered again at the end of the production line to celebrate the start of production of the 2015 Subaru Legacy.

The totally redesigned Subaru Legacy emerged from the production line amidst a crowd of SIA Associates, officers and members of the community who joined to celebrate the milestone.
"With its excellent fuel economy, advanced safety features, enhanced infotainment system and very attractive styling, coupled with Subaru's innovative all-wheel-drive and reputation for reliability, we expect the new Legacy to propel future growth at SIA,” stated SIA’s Executive Vice President Tom Easterday.

The start of production of the new model Legacy at SIA also marks the 25^th Anniversary of the Legacy itself.  “It is the flagship model for Subaru, and SIA Associates have done an outstanding job of building quality into over 2.5 million Subarus since the first Legacy rolled off the line in September 1989,” remarked Easterday.  Many of the Associates present at today’s ceremony were also present at the start of production ceremony a quarter of a century ago as the first Legacy was built. The first vehicle produced at SIA, dubbed “Job 1” is on display in the plant’s lobby and makes occasional appearances at auto shows and plant celebrations.

“There have been many changes in the Legacy over the past 25 years; but, it has always been known for its quality, safety and reliability,” stated SIA’s President and CEO Toshiaki Tamegai.  The Legacy has been completely re-designed for 2015 with a bold, new exterior design, interior refinement and enhanced safety technology.  Now with a higher fuel efficiency and new standard Active Torque Vectoring for greater agility, the 2015 Subaru Legacy is still the only car in its class with All-Wheel Drive as standard.  The 2015 model offers the largest cabin space in the midsize segment.

“Over the 25 years of building the Legacy at SIA, we have experienced substantial growth in our Legacy production; especially over the past five years as Legacy sales have doubled in the U.S. automotive market,” stated Tamegai. As a result of the increase in demand for Subaru vehicles and in preparation for the start of Subaru Impreza production in late 2016, SIA has begun construction on a multi-million dollar expansion project. SIA will be able to achieve an annual production capacity of approximately 310,000 vehicles beginning in 2016; and based on the May 9, 2014, announcement by Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the parent company of SIA, SIA may be able to produce up to 400,000 units per year by 2020.