Subaru begins production of battery EVs at Gunma Yajima Plant
Subaru has started in-house production of its first global BEV model, the all-new Subaru Trailseeker SUV, at its Gunma Yajima Plant in Japan.
- 2026
- 2025
- 2005
What Happened
Production line modifications initiated
Modifications completed on schedule
BEV production begins
The all-new Subaru Trailseeker SUV is the second model in Subaru's global BEV lineup, jointly developed with Toyota Motor Corporation. The alliance between the two companies, which began in 2005, marked its 20th anniversary in 2025, with collaboration strengthened across development, production, and supply chains. This production launch was achieved through deeper cooperation in electrification and advancements in Subaru’s monozukuri (manufacturing) capabilities.
Why this matters
This marks Subaru's entry into in-house BEV production, leveraging a mixed-model line that can build BEVs alongside gasoline and hybrid vehicles, enabling flexible response to market demand.
Terms in This Story
- BEV
- Battery electric vehicle, powered solely by electricity stored in a battery.
- monozukuri
- Japanese term meaning 'manufacturing' or 'craftsmanship', emphasizing skill and continuous improvement in production.
- mixed-model production line
- A production line capable of assembling different vehicle types (e.g., BEV, hybrid, gasoline) on the same line.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.