The Subaru Forester starts to roll-off Malaysian assembly lines

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the parent of Subaru automobiles has formally inked a deal with TC Subaru Sdn Bhd (TCS), a subsidiary of Tan Chong International Limited for the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) production of the Subaru Forester SUV at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies Sdn Bhd plant in Segambut.

The Forester is Subaru’s second model to be assembled by TCS, following the Subaru XV crossover that has been produced there since December 2012. TCS plans to assemble approximately 10,000-units of the Forester annually with the earliest of the CKD Foresters available locally as soon as the second quarter of 2016. While the Thai and Indonesian markets will be supported with the Malaysian assembled vehicles through Tan Chong’s dealer network operated by Tan Chong International.

The move with TCS is in line with FHI’s mid-term management vision dubbed “Prominence 2020” which highlights initiatives to build a strong business structure and foundation in Southeast Asia, in which, the CKD production of the Forester in Malaysia plays an important role.

FHI Deputy President Jun Kondo stated at the line-off ceremony; “FHI will continue to work hand in hand with Tan Chong International to further enhance Subaru sales in the ASEAN region.”

ARVIND KUMAR