Intro: Two Japanese carmakers, Fuji Heavy Industries, maker of the Subaru automobiles and Isuzu agreed to a joint venture to establish a manufacturing plant in the United States back in March, 1986.
In December of 1986 Lafayette was selected as the site for the plant and Subaru-Isuzu Automotive was incorporated in March of 1987 as the managing company for this site. Ground was broken for the SIA plant in May, 1987. The 2.3 million-square foot facility performs all integrated operations from stamping to final assembly. The annual phase 1 production of 60,000 Subaru Legacys and 60,000 Isuzu pickups and Rodeos began on September 11, 1989. The plant was officially dedicated on October 16, 1989.
In 1993 the plant started the production of the Honda Passport a rebadged Isuzu Trooper. A year later the company produced its 500000 automobile.
In 2001 the new generation Isuzu Axiom replaced previous off-roaders and this year the new Subaru Baja pick-up will also be assembled at the plant.
On 25, October, 2002 Isuzu has unveiled its "New 3-year Business Plan". Part of this plan is to
"dissolve joint venture agreement, Subaru-Isuzu Automotive Inc, with Fuji Heavy Industries.
From July, 2004 the plant is being controlled by Subaru. |
