(LAFAYETTE) - Subaru has officially begun producing hybrid vehicles in Indiana, marking a major milestone for the automaker's U.S. manufacturing operations.
Subaru of Indiana Automotive started production Monday on the 2026 Forester Hybrid Premium, the first hybrid Subaru ever built in the United States. The inaugural vehicle, finished in autumn green metallic, rolled off the assembly line at the Lafayette-area facility at 11:53 a.m.
"Bringing hybrid vehicle assembly to our Lafayette facility has been in the works for five years," said Scott Brand, president and chief operating officer of Subaru of Indiana Automotive. "Seeing the start of mass production is highly rewarding and the culmination of a lot of hard work by our associates."
Beginning Tuesday, all Subaru Forester models sold in the U.S. will now be assembled in Indiana. Production of the 2026 gas-powered Forester began at the plant on Oct. 7.
"Since joining Subaru's lineup in 1997, the Forester has been a popular car," Brand said. "Along with the Crosstrek, we're now producing the two most popular Subaru models in the U.S."
Founded in 1989, Subaru of Indiana Automotive is Subaru's only manufacturing facility outside Japan. Located in Tippecanoe County near Lafayette, the plant currently assembles the Ascent, Crosstrek and Forester models and employs about 6,500 workers.
The launch of hybrid production further strengthens Indiana's role in the evolving U.S. automotive industry as manufacturers expand into electrified vehicle technology.