First 2003 Model Year Subaru Baja Rolls Off Production Line

LAFAYETTE, Ind., July 18 -- Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) and Subaru-Isuzu Automotive Inc. (SIA) announced today the start of production of the 2003 model year Subaru Baja as part of a special "line off" ceremony.

During the ceremony, an SIA Associate drove the first bright yellow Subaru Baja off the production line to cheers from the assembled audience of SIA Associates, Subaru executives and special guests. Subaru plans to produce approximately 24,000 Baja models per year at the Lafayette production facility.

The 2003 model year Baja will arrive in Subaru dealerships in September 2002. Based on the all-wheel drive Subaru Legacy/Outback platform, Baja is a new type of crossover vehicle that blends the cargo versatility of a compact four-door pickup truck with the driving dynamics, safety and comfort of a passenger car. Baja features the Subaru-designed Switchback(TM) system, which provides the ability to reconfigure the rear seating area as well as the cargo bed, to meet a variety of needs when transporting passengers or cargo.

Pricing for the new vehicle has not been finalized. For additional information, visit the Baja web site at www.subarubaja.com. Photography and vehicle specs can be accessed at the Subaru online pressroom, www.media.subaru.com.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan.

Headquartered near Philadelphia, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Over the past nine years, the company has achieved year-over-year sales increases thanks to its popular line of all-wheel drive vehicles.

About Subaru-Isuzu Automotive Inc.

Subaru-Isuzu Automotive Inc. is a joint venture between Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. and Isuzu Motors Limited. SIA currently manufactures the Subaru Legacy, Outback and Baja, and the Isuzu Rodeo, Rodeo Sport and Axiom.