Subaru plans to import its US-built Ascent SUV to Japan, despite concerns over its size and left-hand drive layout.
This decision comes after Toyota, Nissan, and Honda have already cleared a similar path by leveraging Japan's new certification system.
The system streamlines the process of bringing American-made vehicles into the country, eliminating the need for extensive rework of each model market.
Subaru has chosen the Ascent due to its exclusivity in the US market, with chances of adopting the Evoltis name used in export markets.
The Ascent's functionality and design are seen as essential for an SUV, but its age will be over eight years old by the time it reaches Japanese shores.
The vehicle is based on the Subaru Global Platform and features a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer producing 260 hp.
Its left-hand drive layout and size may prove impractical in Japan's tight streets, where larger vehicles are not common.
Subaru's move aims to reduce the trade deficit with Japan, which has been a point of contention between the two countries.
The Ascent's importation is seen as a gesture of goodwill from Subaru to demonstrate its commitment to addressing this issue.
The move is a gesture meant to show Washington that Japan's automakers are chipping away at the trade deficit it keeps griping about.
