First Team Automotive Group plans to invest $6.5 million to bring a Subaru dealership to Suffolk with about 180 new and used vehicles.

First Team will build the new dealership at 4834 Bridge Road, just past College Drive from First Team Honda and First Team Toyota, both of which are across the line in Chesapeake.

“We at First Team are very excited to expand on our 20-year relationship with Subaru in the Suffolk market,” said Ashton Lewis Jr., chief operating officer at First Team Automotive Group, during a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday morning.

Lewis said the company is “confident that the people living in and around Suffolk are going to be very impressed at the entire lineup of Subaru’s award-winning vehicles.”

According to a Suffolk news release, First Team considered a variety of criteria before deciding to expand into Suffolk.

“We are excited to be part of the expanding economy in Suffolk,” Lewis said. “We look forward to seeing everybody here in about six to eight months for the grand opening.”

Mike Hafertepe, its regional vice president, said Subaru America is also excited about expanding into Suffolk.

“Subaru is on a tremendous growth run,” Hafertepe said, with annual sales up from 180,000 vehicles seven years ago to 500,000 vehicles.

Vice Mayor Charles F. Brown welcomed First Team to Suffolk. “When you look at this area, this is one of the best locations in the city of Suffolk,” he said.

“This is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state of Virginia — in the nation.”

Plans for the dealership include about 18,000 square feet of showcase and administrative space, along with a full parts and service department.

Mayor Linda T. Johnson said the city wished First Team Subaru “much success.”

“The addition of First Team Subaru brings another outstanding automotive options to our community,” Johnson stated.

The dealership is expected to be completed by the spring and will create 25 to 30 new jobs.