The automaker is betting that its cars will appeal to younger Japanese buyers who are also more open to trying South Korean imports, thanks to the local success of electronics brands and hip Korean culture.

The factory makes the electric Model 3 sedans and Model Y crossovers for domestic and international markets, including Germany and Japan.

Subaru of America said it will start taking $250 refundable reservations for its first EV, the 2023 Subaru Solterra, beginning at noon Tuesday.

Rebounding Mitsubishi Motors Corp. stepped up its recovery in the latest quarter, bouncing back to profitability on better sales and beneficial foreign exchange rates.

Deliveries tumbled 30 percent to 201,081 in the first quarter.

U.S. light-vehicle sales, hampered by lean stockpiles and chronic parts shortages, declined by double-digits in June, capping a weaker second quarter and first half. The SAAR tallied 13.22 million last month, the second lowest pace of the year. Lights trucks drove Ford to a 1.8 percent gain in the second quarter and a 32 percent June surge, ending a streak of monthly declines at the Ford brand and Lincoln.