Posted Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 9:47pm
Elections have consequences — including for the product plans of midsize Japanese automakers.
Subaru is slowly working on a redesign of its three-row Ascent crossover, but the brand’s largest vehicle will be replaced by the three-row electric vehicle being built in Kentucky by Toyota if regulations tightening emissions remain in place. However, if the November election outcome changes emission requirements, the gasoline-fueled Ascent will be redesigned and offer a hybrid variant alongside the Toyota-built EV.
Subaru’s plans include four EVs for North America and cooperation with partner Toyota to produce some of them in North America, where they would qualify for federal tax credits.
Subaru is expected to consolidate production of its Outback midsize crossover in Japan in 2025 and produce a hybrid version in 2026, freeing up capacity to produce EVs in the U.S. to qualify for federal tax incentives.
