For Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) and the Port of Vancouver USA, the blue Trailseeker at the center of a crowd Friday morning was more than just another car in the port’s ever-present sea of Subaru vehicles. It represented the 2 millionth Subaru vehicle successfully delivered through the port, marking a major achievement in the long-standing 33-year partnership between the port and the automaker.
Port team members, SOA employees, longshore workers, stevedores, logistics partners and elected officials gathered on August 14 to celebrate the 2 million-vehicle milestone and recognize the collective effort behind the nearly 2,000 Subaru vehicles that arrive from Japan each week.
“We take pride in our association with Subaru because of the longevity of this successful partnership. Every single one of the 2 million Subaru vehicles that has rolled across our docks equates to jobs,” said port CEO Julianna Marler. “We’ll keep counting, and we’re confident our partnership with Subaru will continue delivering positive benefits to our community for years to come.”
The port and SOA recently extended their partnership through 2040, further strengthening a relationship that has supported vehicle imports, regional jobs and economic activity in Southwest Washington for more than three decades. The agreement includes an expansion of the Subaru leasehold from 40 to 43 acres.
“Working together to import 2 million Subaru vehicles through the Port of Vancouver USA is a remarkable milestone and a reflection of the trust, collaboration, and shared commitment behind this partnership,” said Lisa Quan, vice president of vehicle planning & logistics Subaru of America, Inc. “We are grateful to the port team, longshore workers, stevedores and logistics partners who support our operations, and we look forward to building on this success through 2040 and beyond.”
As Subaru continues to grow its vehicle lineup and meet customer demand across the country, the Port of Vancouver USA remains a critical gateway in the company’s national logistics network. The milestone reflects the continued collaboration among Subaru, the port and the many transportation and logistics partners who help move vehicles from ship to retailer.
Port of Vancouver USA + Subaru Highlights:
- The first Subaru to arrive at the port, a blue Impreza wagon, rolled across the dock on Jan. 7, 1993.
- On July 14, 2014, the port and SOA celebrated the arrival of the 1 millionth Subaru vehicle, a red Forester.
- The journey by auto carrier from Japan to Vancouver, WA typically takes two weeks. Each auto carrier delivers approximately 1,200 to 2,900 vehicles, including the Outback, Crosstrek Hybrid, Impreza, WRX, BRZ, Solterra, Uncharted and Trailseeker, Subaru’s newest all-electric SUV.
- In 2023, more than 98,000 Subaru vehicles were delivered to the port – the largest number in a single year.
- Hundreds of local workers unload Subaru vehicles from vessels, install accessories at an on-site facility and prepare vehicles for transport to states as far east as Ohio.
- Approximately 80% of arriving vehicles are transported to market via rail, while 20% travel directly via truck.
Source: The Port of Vancouver USA
