Subaru Produces 20-Millionth All-Wheel Drive Vehicle

-- Production milestone achieved in June 2021

-- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a core technology for Subaru

-- Accounts for 98% of global sales

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Jul 08, 2021, 09:00 ET

CAMDEN, N.J., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America (SOA) today announced the global cumulative production of Subaru All-Wheel Drive vehicles surpassed 20 million in June of this year.

Subaru Corporation of Japan, parent company of SOA, achieved this milestone in the 49th year since the company introduced the Subaru Leone 4WD Estate Van, Japan's first mass-produced all-wheel drive passenger vehicle, in 1972.

Subaru Produces 20-Millionth All-Wheel Drive Vehicle

All-wheel drive models currently account for 98 percent of Subaru's global sales, and all of these models feature Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

The most distinctive feature of the Subaru Symmetrical AWD system is a symmetrically-laid-out drivetrain paired with a longitudinally-mounted Subaru BOXER^® engine positioned in line with it. The combination of the low center of gravity provided by the BOXER engine along with the superior weight balance of the symmetrical drivetrain maximize stability and traction intrinsic to AWD, offering superb driving performance in a variety of weather and road conditions.

In 1975, the U.S. was introduced to Subaru's "On-Demand" 4WD when it became available for the DL/GL wagon. The system allowed drivers to switch from front-wheel to four-wheel drive while on the go, by simply pulling a lever next to the shifter. The second-generation system, called Full-Time 4WD, was available on most models from the late-80s to early 90s. The system eventually evolved into one of the manufacturer's core technologies: Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

In 1996, SOA decided to include Subaru Symmetrical AWD as standard across all model lines. The decision underpinned the manufacturer's commitment to safety, capability, and driving enjoyment. To this day, all Subaru models (excluding the BRZ sports car) are equipped with standard Symmetrical AWD.

Subaru has refined its AWD technology for nearly half a century and will incorporate it into upcoming electrified models, including the global all-electric SUV "SOLTERRA".

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA has donated more than $200 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged more than 63,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do. For additional information visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.