In 2023, 98,000 Subarus came through the Port of Vancouver, the most in 30 years.
The import numbers dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the port remains the largest gateway for the car manufacturer in the United States.
“It makes us smile when passing a Subaru on the road because we know it likely came through the Port of Vancouver USA,” Port CEO Julianna Marler said in a Thursday statement.
Cars, specifically Subarus, are one of the port’s key imports.
The port reported last year that Subaru imports dropped in 2021 and 2022, with around 72,000 and 82,000 cars coming in during those years. The previous record of 91,000 was set before the pandemic in 2018.
October, however, saw an especially high number of Subarus arriving at the port. Around 13,500 came through the Port of Vancouver that month — about 5,000 more than the monthly average for the year.
Subaru, known for its popular vehicles such as the Crosstrek, Forester and Outback, began leasing 40 acres from the Port of Vancouver in 1993.
Vancouver workers install accessories including side-view mirrors and trailer hitches once the cars arrive on ships from Japan. The process employs hundreds of workers at the port. Trains and trucks then transport them to markets across the U.S. and Canada.
Lisa Kline, vice president of vehicle planning and logistics at Subaru of America, said the company appreciates its long-standing relationship with the port.
“Knowing we can rely on such a dedicated business partner who also understands and shares in our community commitment is an important value,” Kline said.
