The following is "as reported" in Automotive News!
Subaru has risen to the top of two rankings that predict future residual values!
ALG, formerly the Automotive Lease Guide, predicts 2011 Subaru cars and trucks will hold an average of 53.2% of their sticker price after 36 months, the highest score of any brand. Forcasting out to 60 months, Kelley Blue Book predicts Subaru vehicles will retain 39.0% of their value, the highest score for any brand with at least four nameplates!
Kelley Blue Book cited Subaru for successfully aligning production with demand, keeping lease levels low and producing high-quality, well designed vehicles.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Subaru Debuts Impreza Design Concept at Los Angeles Auto Show
Subaru of America, Inc. today unveiled the Impreza Design Concept, which previews the carmaker's new "Confidence in Motion" design and brand strategy. The Impreza Design Concept will remain on display throughout the show, which runs November 19-28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Impreza has been Subaru's global compact car since 1992
Built to express possible future Subaru design elements, the Impreza Design Concept conveys a sporty and lively "four-door coupe" style. The Impreza Concept combines environmental compatibility and comfortable ride of the Impreza with the trusted performance that Subaru's Symmetrical All Wheel Drive provides. The designers blended two ideas – "dynamic flow and confident stance" – to showcase Subaru's engineering core values of dynamic performance, safety, driving enjoyment and quality. The Impreza Design Concept features a roomy four-passenger interior.
From the front, the Impreza Design Concept is clearly recognizable as a Subaru, with a hexagonal grille with spread wings in the center and hawk eye-style headlights. At the same time, the front view previews a new direction for the brand's design, with the hood, grille and headlights designed to project three-dimensional character.
Fin-shaped fog lamps, which follow the wing motif, emphasize a fresh expression of Subaru identity. The car's low-and-wide stance is meant to convey reliability, security, and safety. The design of the prominent wheel arches echo that message while also emphasizing the vehicle's All-Wheel Drive technology. The new-generation Legacy debuted this design feature.
In profile, the Impreza Design Concept shows a sleek, continuous line from the A-pillar, along the roof and through the C-pillar. The design yields both a roomy cabin and excellent aerodynamic performance. Subaru designers applied simple and clean lines and surfaces rather than complicated forms. This produces a contrast with the powerful fender design and results in a lean side view, accented by satin silver window frames. The wedge-shaped side rear-view cameras sit along the sharp line of the A-pillar.
At the rear, the hexagonal theme repeats with a garnish that radiates outward from the center. The rear lights also follow a sharp-edged theme, and are stretched into the body sides to join the character line along the car's flanks. The taillamp design features a unique layering and gradation to create the impression of depth.
The front and rear bumper corners, shaped in the wind tunnel, contribute to the car's overall aerodynamic efficiency. Diffusers on the underside of the rear bumper and the rear deck emphasize sportiness and also do their part for aerodynamics, contributing to vehicle fuel efficiency. The Sky Silver exterior color underscores the Impreza Design Concept's stylish and dynamic silhouette, and suggests a silver tone to be used on the next generation of Subaru vehicles. The high-luster silver aluminum wheels, with their five-twin-spoke design, convey vehicle lightness and agility. Carbon fins garnish the spokes, aiding brake cooling.
"Dynamic, Enticing, Secure" Interior
For the Impreza Design Concept's interior, the designers followed a theme of "Dynamic, Enticing, Secure." The smooth integration of the instrument panel with the door trim and armrests suggests sporty yet comfortable driving. The roomy platinum-leather four-seat layout envelops occupants. Dark blue piping and double stitching accent the leather. A "layered" approach to color, with the upper part light platinum and the lower part a shade darker, gives the interior a feeling of spaciousness and sophistication.
A large display in the center dash combines functions for navigation, vehicle information and audio. The touch panel technology provides ease of use, seamlessly melding information and entertainment features.
The platinum leather-wrapped steering wheel features D-shaped spokes set off by piano-black center sections. The wheel innovatively incorporates its own touch panels, giving the driver easy access to various vehicle functions.
New Safety and Performance
Subaru's own advanced driving-assist EyeSight system is installed along the front edge of the roof. The images the camera takes can be viewed on a monitor in the center of the gauge cluster, positioned for easy visibility. EyeSight is also networked with the latest in collision-prevention technology, underscoring the safety that customers expect from Subaru.
The combination of the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Boxer engine with a Lineartronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) represents Subaru's next-generation powertrain. A 2.5-liter version of this engine powers the 2011 Forester
Built to express possible future Subaru design elements, the Impreza Design Concept conveys a sporty and lively "four-door coupe" style. The Impreza Concept combines environmental compatibility and comfortable ride of the Impreza with the trusted performance that Subaru's Symmetrical All Wheel Drive provides. The designers blended two ideas – "dynamic flow and confident stance" – to showcase Subaru's engineering core values of dynamic performance, safety, driving enjoyment and quality. The Impreza Design Concept features a roomy four-passenger interior.
From the front, the Impreza Design Concept is clearly recognizable as a Subaru, with a hexagonal grille with spread wings in the center and hawk eye-style headlights. At the same time, the front view previews a new direction for the brand's design, with the hood, grille and headlights designed to project three-dimensional character.
Fin-shaped fog lamps, which follow the wing motif, emphasize a fresh expression of Subaru identity. The car's low-and-wide stance is meant to convey reliability, security, and safety. The design of the prominent wheel arches echo that message while also emphasizing the vehicle's All-Wheel Drive technology. The new-generation Legacy debuted this design feature.
In profile, the Impreza Design Concept shows a sleek, continuous line from the A-pillar, along the roof and through the C-pillar. The design yields both a roomy cabin and excellent aerodynamic performance. Subaru designers applied simple and clean lines and surfaces rather than complicated forms. This produces a contrast with the powerful fender design and results in a lean side view, accented by satin silver window frames. The wedge-shaped side rear-view cameras sit along the sharp line of the A-pillar.
At the rear, the hexagonal theme repeats with a garnish that radiates outward from the center. The rear lights also follow a sharp-edged theme, and are stretched into the body sides to join the character line along the car's flanks. The taillamp design features a unique layering and gradation to create the impression of depth.
The front and rear bumper corners, shaped in the wind tunnel, contribute to the car's overall aerodynamic efficiency. Diffusers on the underside of the rear bumper and the rear deck emphasize sportiness and also do their part for aerodynamics, contributing to vehicle fuel efficiency. The Sky Silver exterior color underscores the Impreza Design Concept's stylish and dynamic silhouette, and suggests a silver tone to be used on the next generation of Subaru vehicles. The high-luster silver aluminum wheels, with their five-twin-spoke design, convey vehicle lightness and agility. Carbon fins garnish the spokes, aiding brake cooling.
"Dynamic, Enticing, Secure" Interior
For the Impreza Design Concept's interior, the designers followed a theme of "Dynamic, Enticing, Secure." The smooth integration of the instrument panel with the door trim and armrests suggests sporty yet comfortable driving. The roomy platinum-leather four-seat layout envelops occupants. Dark blue piping and double stitching accent the leather. A "layered" approach to color, with the upper part light platinum and the lower part a shade darker, gives the interior a feeling of spaciousness and sophistication.
A large display in the center dash combines functions for navigation, vehicle information and audio. The touch panel technology provides ease of use, seamlessly melding information and entertainment features.
The platinum leather-wrapped steering wheel features D-shaped spokes set off by piano-black center sections. The wheel innovatively incorporates its own touch panels, giving the driver easy access to various vehicle functions.
New Safety and Performance
Subaru's own advanced driving-assist EyeSight system is installed along the front edge of the roof. The images the camera takes can be viewed on a monitor in the center of the gauge cluster, positioned for easy visibility. EyeSight is also networked with the latest in collision-prevention technology, underscoring the safety that customers expect from Subaru.
The combination of the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Boxer engine with a Lineartronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) represents Subaru's next-generation powertrain. A 2.5-liter version of this engine powers the 2011 Forester
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Subaru adopts new brand slogan: "Confidence In Motion"
Subaru of America, the only brand to boost U.S. sales for the past three years, has a new global brand slogan: "Confidence in Motion".
The brand will begin using the slogan after it shows a concept vehicle at this month's Los Angeles Auto Show that embodies the theme, Ikuo Mori, President of Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd., said today.
"Confidence in Motion" reflects the company's focus on engineering and safety as well as its commitment to innovating to match changing customer demands, said Fuji Heavy Industries, which makes Subaru vehicles.
The brand will begin using the slogan after it shows a concept vehicle at this month's Los Angeles Auto Show that embodies the theme, Ikuo Mori, President of Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd., said today.
"Confidence in Motion" reflects the company's focus on engineering and safety as well as its commitment to innovating to match changing customer demands, said Fuji Heavy Industries, which makes Subaru vehicles.
Subaru of America, Inc. Sets October Sales Record
Premier Subaru is proud to provide the following information concerning Subaru of America's record breaking sales!
Subaru of America, Inc. Sets October Sales Record
Subaru of America, Inc. Sets October Sales Record
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Subaru of Indiana Automotive To Add 100 More Production Workers
SUBARU BUCKS THE TREND...AGAIN! THIS TIME, BEING ONE OF THE ONLY AUTOMAKERS TO HIRE PRODUCTION WORKERS!
Over the next six months, Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. in Lafayette will add 100 full-time production positions to its work force of nearly 3,300.A sharp rise in demand for two redesigned SIA-built models -- the Outback and Legacy -- are being credited with creating increased work and the need for more production associates.On a year-to-date basis, sales of the Outback have increased 96 percent, while sales of the Legacy are up 36 percent. The new models were introduced in June 2009. "Our hardworking and dedicated work force has stepped up to the challenge of increasing production while maintaining our high quality, safety and environmental standards," said Tom Easterday, SIA executive vice president. "We are excited to be adding 100 full-time associates during this time of uncertainty in the economy."
The new employees will be hired from the ranks of SIA's temporary work force employed by CTI Personnel.
Over the past 15 months, the Lafayette manufacturer has increased its variable work force by more than 380, while scheduling daily and weekend overtime. In addition, five line-speed increases have been implemented.
Total SIA production for 2010 is projected to exceed 250,000 vehicles. That represents a 30 percent increase over 2009 and also results in higher production volumes for the company's suppliers, who are located primarily in Indiana and surrounding states.
Premier Subaru also continues on it's hiring upswing. We are proud to have added more than 10 full time positions during the course of this recession. Currently, we need even more employees with available positions in automotive sales and automotive service.
Over the next six months, Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. in Lafayette will add 100 full-time production positions to its work force of nearly 3,300.A sharp rise in demand for two redesigned SIA-built models -- the Outback and Legacy -- are being credited with creating increased work and the need for more production associates.On a year-to-date basis, sales of the Outback have increased 96 percent, while sales of the Legacy are up 36 percent. The new models were introduced in June 2009. "Our hardworking and dedicated work force has stepped up to the challenge of increasing production while maintaining our high quality, safety and environmental standards," said Tom Easterday, SIA executive vice president. "We are excited to be adding 100 full-time associates during this time of uncertainty in the economy."
The new employees will be hired from the ranks of SIA's temporary work force employed by CTI Personnel.
Over the past 15 months, the Lafayette manufacturer has increased its variable work force by more than 380, while scheduling daily and weekend overtime. In addition, five line-speed increases have been implemented.
Total SIA production for 2010 is projected to exceed 250,000 vehicles. That represents a 30 percent increase over 2009 and also results in higher production volumes for the company's suppliers, who are located primarily in Indiana and surrounding states.
Premier Subaru also continues on it's hiring upswing. We are proud to have added more than 10 full time positions during the course of this recession. Currently, we need even more employees with available positions in automotive sales and automotive service.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Driving Safety: Subaru Highlights the Moment When 'That Moment' Arrives
Driving Safety: Subaru Highlights the Moment When 'That Moment' Arrives
-- New Ad Talks to Parents' Worries When Children Get Their First Driver's License--
-- Real Life Father and Daughters Play Out Critical Moment When Teen First Takes the Wheel --
CHERRY HILL, N.J., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc.'s new television ad titled, "Baby Driver," is tugging at the heartstrings of parents around the country. The spot speaks to the fears parents have for their first-time driver children and features a father handing over the car keys to his daughter as she sets off to drive alone for the first time. In a neat twist of life imitating art, the two girls in the ad are real-life sisters and the "dad" is the real-life father to both girls.
Baby Driver – the story:
The new television spot begins with a little girl aged six, sitting in the driver's seat of a Subaru Legacy with her father speaking to her through the passenger side window. She smiles patiently as her father gives her the "safety talk." As he hands her the keys, we realize that all along its been a 16-year-old waiting for her first ride alone whose Dad still sees her as his "little girl."
"Most parents dread that moment when their children first take the wheel alone. It's momentous," said Kevin Mayer, director of marketing communications, Subaru of America, Inc. "We talked about this with our agency, Carmichael Lynch and we loved the idea of building a story around that moment through the eyes of the father. The fact that 'he bought his Subaru, because he knew this day was coming' further highlights the reasons that people buy Subarus – our top safety and reliability ratings. We also know that many of our owners 'pass down' their Subarus to their children since they are so highly rated and we wanted to show that too."
Andy Lyons, who plays the concerned father is actually experiencing this moment in his own life. "As father to both the girls, portraying those complex emotions on-screen was not a stretch for me. Having my first daughter, Lanna reach driving age and knowing that my second, Georgie, will be there all too soon, I understand the anxiety of handing over the keys for the first time."
The spot also outlines the inherent safety of Subaru vehicles and in looking to authentically portray that "hand-over moment" the company felt fortunate in finding the Lyons family. "When we found this family we threw out the script," added Mayer. "We simply asked the dad, what would you tell your daughter before she pulled away? The dad took it from there and he was perfect."
The Subaru commercial comes at a time when Teen and Distracted driving issues are making headlines.
National Teen Driving statistics at rmiia.org show that:
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year-olds.
16-year-olds have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age.
16-year-olds are three times more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than the average of all drivers.
Drivers ages 15-20 accounted for 12-percent of all drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2008 and 14-percent of all drivers involved in police-reported crashes.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), teenage drivers have the highest crash risk per mile traveled, compared with drivers in other age groups. The problem is at its worst among 16 year-olds, whose driving experience is the limited and whose immaturity often results in risk-taking.
"Making the right vehicle choice for teens with both active and passive safety features can be critical in increasing their safety while on the road," states Mayer. "That 'Moment' is a real worry to many parents and we hope that our spot gets people to think about what to look for when shopping for vehicles for teen drivers."
As well as being durable, dependable and fun-to-drive, Subaru vehicles are consistently named Top Safety Picks by IIHS. The company's focus on All-Wheel Drive technology is another strong safety feature that helps improve driver control.
"When it comes to safe vehicles, Subaru is at the top of the list and that's why we use their vehicles," said Meg Kramer, founder of StreetSafe Driving Academy. "We need training vehicles that have All-Wheel Drive technology, are safe, reliable and fuel efficient. Subaru fits every one of our criteria."
The spot can be seen at www.youtube.com/Subaru and was produced for Subaru of America Inc. by its AOR, Carmichael Lynch located in Minneapolis, Minn.
-- New Ad Talks to Parents' Worries When Children Get Their First Driver's License--
-- Real Life Father and Daughters Play Out Critical Moment When Teen First Takes the Wheel --
CHERRY HILL, N.J., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc.'s new television ad titled, "Baby Driver," is tugging at the heartstrings of parents around the country. The spot speaks to the fears parents have for their first-time driver children and features a father handing over the car keys to his daughter as she sets off to drive alone for the first time. In a neat twist of life imitating art, the two girls in the ad are real-life sisters and the "dad" is the real-life father to both girls.
Baby Driver – the story:
The new television spot begins with a little girl aged six, sitting in the driver's seat of a Subaru Legacy with her father speaking to her through the passenger side window. She smiles patiently as her father gives her the "safety talk." As he hands her the keys, we realize that all along its been a 16-year-old waiting for her first ride alone whose Dad still sees her as his "little girl."
"Most parents dread that moment when their children first take the wheel alone. It's momentous," said Kevin Mayer, director of marketing communications, Subaru of America, Inc. "We talked about this with our agency, Carmichael Lynch and we loved the idea of building a story around that moment through the eyes of the father. The fact that 'he bought his Subaru, because he knew this day was coming' further highlights the reasons that people buy Subarus – our top safety and reliability ratings. We also know that many of our owners 'pass down' their Subarus to their children since they are so highly rated and we wanted to show that too."
Andy Lyons, who plays the concerned father is actually experiencing this moment in his own life. "As father to both the girls, portraying those complex emotions on-screen was not a stretch for me. Having my first daughter, Lanna reach driving age and knowing that my second, Georgie, will be there all too soon, I understand the anxiety of handing over the keys for the first time."
The spot also outlines the inherent safety of Subaru vehicles and in looking to authentically portray that "hand-over moment" the company felt fortunate in finding the Lyons family. "When we found this family we threw out the script," added Mayer. "We simply asked the dad, what would you tell your daughter before she pulled away? The dad took it from there and he was perfect."
The Subaru commercial comes at a time when Teen and Distracted driving issues are making headlines.
National Teen Driving statistics at rmiia.org show that:
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year-olds.
16-year-olds have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age.
16-year-olds are three times more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than the average of all drivers.
Drivers ages 15-20 accounted for 12-percent of all drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2008 and 14-percent of all drivers involved in police-reported crashes.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), teenage drivers have the highest crash risk per mile traveled, compared with drivers in other age groups. The problem is at its worst among 16 year-olds, whose driving experience is the limited and whose immaturity often results in risk-taking.
"Making the right vehicle choice for teens with both active and passive safety features can be critical in increasing their safety while on the road," states Mayer. "That 'Moment' is a real worry to many parents and we hope that our spot gets people to think about what to look for when shopping for vehicles for teen drivers."
As well as being durable, dependable and fun-to-drive, Subaru vehicles are consistently named Top Safety Picks by IIHS. The company's focus on All-Wheel Drive technology is another strong safety feature that helps improve driver control.
"When it comes to safe vehicles, Subaru is at the top of the list and that's why we use their vehicles," said Meg Kramer, founder of StreetSafe Driving Academy. "We need training vehicles that have All-Wheel Drive technology, are safe, reliable and fuel efficient. Subaru fits every one of our criteria."
The spot can be seen at www.youtube.com/Subaru and was produced for Subaru of America Inc. by its AOR, Carmichael Lynch located in Minneapolis, Minn.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Subaru Announces Mobile Wi-Fi Access Available for 2011 Outback®
All of us at Premier Subaru are proud to announce the introducton of a mobile Wi-Fi Access system for the 2011 Subaru Outback. Wow! Now, your friends riding along with you can use their SmartPhone, IPad or Laptop to keep up with work, or, their Facebook account! How awesome is that? Perfect for families travelling on vacation, or, for busy business people!
The new Subaru Mobile Internet system creates a Wi-Fi hotspot inside the Outback giving internet access to 10 or more users for up to 150 feet around the vehicle. The Subaru Outback redefined the SUV, and offering Wi-Fi connectivity further expands this versatile vehicle's capability. Operating on the 3G network and working with all Wi-Fi enabled devices, Subaru Mobile Internet provides users a safe, fully encrypted connection with download speeds averaging 400kbps-1.2mbps. This uninterrupted Wi-Fi capability is designed for passenger access while the Outback is in motion. Subaru Mobile Internet easily allows users to check email, surf the web or listen to Internet radio and even stream video and post to social networking sites. Outback passengers can check weather and traffic, download hiking trails, and even reserve a campsite while they're on the road. Multiple passengers can simultaneously use the Wi-Fi connection for their separate devices, including Wi-Fi capable laptop computers, netbooks, smart phones, game controllers, plus the new iPad® and iPod® Touch models.
Subaru Mobile Internet technology is provided by Autonet Mobile, the world's first in-car Internet service provider. The Wi-Fi service can be added as a port or dealer-installed accessory to any 2011 Subaru Outback for an MSRP of $499, plus a $35 activation fee. A one-year subscription at $29 per month is required, and Subaru is including the first three months of service for free. Comprehensive user support is included through joint Subaru and Autonet Mobile customer service resources. Subaru Mobile Internet is a Genuine Subaru Accessory and is covered under the Subaru of America warranty.
Starting at an MSRP of $22,995, the 2011 Subaru Outback is offered in a wide range of four- and six-cylinder models. The Outback is smart-sized compared to other two-row crossover vehicles, featuring a mid-size interior in an easy-to-maneuver and off-road capable wagon body. Equipped with the Lineartronic™ CVT (continuously variable transmission), the 2011 Outback is rated at 29 MPG in highway driving.
The new Subaru Mobile Internet system creates a Wi-Fi hotspot inside the Outback giving internet access to 10 or more users for up to 150 feet around the vehicle. The Subaru Outback redefined the SUV, and offering Wi-Fi connectivity further expands this versatile vehicle's capability. Operating on the 3G network and working with all Wi-Fi enabled devices, Subaru Mobile Internet provides users a safe, fully encrypted connection with download speeds averaging 400kbps-1.2mbps. This uninterrupted Wi-Fi capability is designed for passenger access while the Outback is in motion. Subaru Mobile Internet easily allows users to check email, surf the web or listen to Internet radio and even stream video and post to social networking sites. Outback passengers can check weather and traffic, download hiking trails, and even reserve a campsite while they're on the road. Multiple passengers can simultaneously use the Wi-Fi connection for their separate devices, including Wi-Fi capable laptop computers, netbooks, smart phones, game controllers, plus the new iPad® and iPod® Touch models.
Subaru Mobile Internet technology is provided by Autonet Mobile, the world's first in-car Internet service provider. The Wi-Fi service can be added as a port or dealer-installed accessory to any 2011 Subaru Outback for an MSRP of $499, plus a $35 activation fee. A one-year subscription at $29 per month is required, and Subaru is including the first three months of service for free. Comprehensive user support is included through joint Subaru and Autonet Mobile customer service resources. Subaru Mobile Internet is a Genuine Subaru Accessory and is covered under the Subaru of America warranty.
Starting at an MSRP of $22,995, the 2011 Subaru Outback is offered in a wide range of four- and six-cylinder models. The Outback is smart-sized compared to other two-row crossover vehicles, featuring a mid-size interior in an easy-to-maneuver and off-road capable wagon body. Equipped with the Lineartronic™ CVT (continuously variable transmission), the 2011 Outback is rated at 29 MPG in highway driving.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Subaru Establishes June Sales Record
More EXCELLENT news regarding Subaru of America and national sales. Subaru of America again establishes a new sales record!
Subaru Establishes June Sales Record
Subaru Establishes June Sales Record
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Subaru Announces Pricing for 2011MY Impreza Model
News Release Issued: June 18, 2010 9:00 AM EDT
Subaru Announces Pricing for 2011MY Impreza Model
- Starting price held for 2011MY -
CHERRY HILL, N.J., June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the 2011MY Subaru Impreza (non-turbo) models. Pricing for the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and Impreza Outback Sport are held to 2010 model year levels.
Subaru of America continues to enjoy record sales after its best-ever sales year in 2009, with sales up 40 percent year-to-date. The Subaru Impreza is also showing a sales increase year-to-date due to its unique blend of fun-to-drive performance, safety and functionality with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive technology. The Impreza has been an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for three consecutive years, making it an unmatched value in the compact vehicle segment. The 2011 Subaru Impreza is scheduled to arrive at dealerships in July.Subaru Impreza 2.5i
The well-equipped Impreza 2.5i maintains an aggressive starting price of $17,495, with the 5-door available starting at $17,995. All naturally-aspirated Imprezas come with Subaru's 2.5-liter SOHC horizontally-opposed boxer engine with i-Active Valve Lift System. This engine puts out an impressive 170 hp @ 6,000 rpm.
All Impreza models feature the active safety of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Vehicle Dynamics Control and Brake Assist as standard equipment. Two new colors for the 2011MY, Marine Blue Pearl and Sky Blue Metallic, expand the color selection, while Newport Blue is phased out.
Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium
The Impreza 2.5i Premium maintains its starting price of $18,495 -- the 5-door is $18,995. The 2.5i Premium trim level adds alloy wheels, a leather wrapped shifter and steering wheel and audio control switches on the steering wheel.
The audio system for the 2.5i Premium and Outback Sport models is upgraded for the '11MY and now includes standard Bluetooth Audio Streaming, Bluetooth Hands-Free Connectivity, standard USB port with iPod control capability, a single-disc CD Player with MP3/WWA capability and six upgraded speakers.
The Special Edition Package on the Impreza 2.5i Premium is renamed the Power Moonroof Value Package for the '11MY and still includes the All-Weather Package, fog lights and power moonroof for just $500, a retail value of $1,850 resulting in a generous $1,350 discount.
Subaru Impreza Outback Sport
The Outback Sport maintains its attractive starting price of $19,995 and includes items such as standard 17-inch alloy wheels, raised suspension, fog lights, All-Weather Package and a cargo tray among its many upgraded features.
New for the 2011MY, Camellia Red Pearl and Sage Green Metallic will be offered as monotone exterior colors on the Outback Sport. Obsidian Black two-tone, Marine Blue two-tone and Steel Silver two-tone complete the Outback Sport color line up.
Destination and Delivery charges for the 2011MY are $725 (Alaska D&D is $875).
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Subaru Releases Test Footage of Advanced Subaru WRX STI Research and Development from Nurburgring, Germany
Subaru Releases Test Footage of Advanced Subaru WRX STI Research and Development from Nurburgring, Germany
Attached is a link to test footage that Subaru of America released in connection with the all-new WRX STi in Nurburgring, Germany. It really is terrific footage and also evidences some of the amazing tests that Subaru engineers did in creating this all-new STi. We saw this car in New York and it is really amazing. They did a terrific job.
Premier Subaru is taking orders on this car now. If you are interested, please make sure that you contact either Stan Nitkowski or Jeff Irzyk, our STi Certified Sales Consultants for additional information.
Attached is a link to test footage that Subaru of America released in connection with the all-new WRX STi in Nurburgring, Germany. It really is terrific footage and also evidences some of the amazing tests that Subaru engineers did in creating this all-new STi. We saw this car in New York and it is really amazing. They did a terrific job.
Premier Subaru is taking orders on this car now. If you are interested, please make sure that you contact either Stan Nitkowski or Jeff Irzyk, our STi Certified Sales Consultants for additional information.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Business Week Recognizes Subaru's Share The Love Strategy
The following article is from Business Week, about Subaru of America's Share The Love Strategy!
At Subaru, Sharing the Love Is a Market Strategy
The quirky car brand barreled through the recession
By Jeff Green and Alan Ohnsman
While much of the U.S. auto business is just beginning to emerge from retrenchment mode, sales at Subaru of Glendale are climbing every month—and owner Sam Ershadi is even considering expanding his California dealership. "Our customers were not affected by the recession," he says. "They have a better financial situation."
By courting financially solid buyers with a taste for the quirky, tiny Subaru of America sped through 2009, logging record sales and market share along the way. Last year Subaru became the 11th most popular U.S. auto brand, up from No. 19 just a year earlier. Record sales in cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, and Orlando helped make Subaru the fastest-growing mass-market car brand in the U.S. for the last two years. It's the growth leader again so far in 2010—up 41 percent through April. For the first time, its unit sales exceed those of such better-known brands as BMW, Lexus, Mazda, and Volkswagen.
Subaru, the auto unit of Japan's Fuji Heavy Industries, has long been popular with a core of professorial drivers in tweed in the Northeast and flannel-clad outdoor enthusiasts in the Northwest. Lately, however, the carmaker has been aggressively moving beyond the snowy, soggy, and mountainous regions that are its stronghold. "People have been finding out about them outside of New England," says Rebecca Lindland, an analyst at IHS Global Insight in Lexington, Mass. "They are quietly successful, and their buyers appreciate that. They haven't abandoned their core."
Customer Profile
Subaru's secret is that it understands the customers who drive its cars and has gotten smarter and more aggressive about reaching out to new ones who would feel at home as part of that clan. The company has the type of customer base that's particularly attractive to carmakers. The average household income of a Subaru owner is $88,000, the same as Honda Motor (HMC) and $10,000 more than Toyota (TM), says Alexander Edwards, president of market researcher Strategic Vision. Plus, Subaru buyers are three years younger than the industry average and a quarter more likely to have a college degree.
They are a thrifty lot, traditionally buying less car than they can afford. Some 36 percent pay cash. Subaru has played to that frugal bent by cutting roughly $1,200 from the $26,342 average price of its cars in 2007. Those cuts haven't killed profit margins because the lower prices allowed Subaru to reduce sales incentives and rebates on its cars substantially. Currently, the company gives about $1,333 per vehicle in incentives—the lowest level of any major car brand, says Thomas Doll, chief operating officer. That's almost half the $2,310 in incentives Toyota currently gives its buyers.
Much of the automaker's marketing focuses on cementing its connection to customers. Subaru's research shows them to be an eco-friendly bunch who value the freedom to go where they want, when they want. Unlike luxury car buyers, Subaruers are "customers who are not buying things, but experiences," says Chief Marketing Officer Tim Mahoney. That meshes nicely with Subaru's all-four-wheel-drive lineup, showcased by TV ads that star one of its cars caked with road grit, being applauded by admiring spectators on a suburban Main Street. The tagline: love. "In their marketing they've been focusing on what creates love between the owner and the automobile," says Edwards. "The 'share the love' campaign has been effective. They play up fun, the adventure you can have in a Subaru."
"Poor Man's Audi"
Last year the company sold a record 216,652 cars in the U.S., including the Legacy sedan and the Forester and Outback sport-utility vehicles. It's upping production 40 percent this year at its Indiana plant, which also builds cars for Toyota, Fuji's largest shareholder. The plant is located in an official wildlife preserve with no waste sent to landfills, in keeping with Subaru's support for causes such as the American Canoe Assn. and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
Such brand-building moves help Subaru win new customers on the cheap. It spends about $154 million a year on U.S. advertising—$100 million less than the Volkswagen brand (which sells about the same number of vehicles in the U.S.), a fifth of what Hyundai spends, and a fraction of the $2.2 billion plunked down by General Motors, the industry spending leader, according to Kantar Media. "They're kind of the poor man's Audi," says James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book in Irvine, Calif.
To keep growing, Subaru would benefit from adding a compact-class car and hybrid to its U.S. line, says Bell. Subaru and Toyota have said they're working together to develop a small, sporty car that both will sell. Fuji Heavy President Ikuo Mori has said the company's first hybrid will arrive in 2012.
One thing won't change: Subaru's emphasis on the relatively upscale buyer who values freedom and frugality. Subaru managers think that's a market of up to 60 million buyers—far larger than the niches of academics, tree huggers, and gays and lesbians that it's long been associated with.
"They are basically adding people who are Subaru buyers in their hearts, but don't know it," says Edwards of Strategic Vision. By Subaru's math, with 2.4 million Subarus now on the road, that leaves 57.6 million customers to go.
The bottom line By maintaining the quirky persona of its brand and keeping prices low, Subaru has quietly, but aggressively, increased growth.
Green is a reporter for Bloomberg News . Ohnsman is a reporter for Bloomberg News .
At Subaru, Sharing the Love Is a Market Strategy
The quirky car brand barreled through the recession
By Jeff Green and Alan Ohnsman
While much of the U.S. auto business is just beginning to emerge from retrenchment mode, sales at Subaru of Glendale are climbing every month—and owner Sam Ershadi is even considering expanding his California dealership. "Our customers were not affected by the recession," he says. "They have a better financial situation."
By courting financially solid buyers with a taste for the quirky, tiny Subaru of America sped through 2009, logging record sales and market share along the way. Last year Subaru became the 11th most popular U.S. auto brand, up from No. 19 just a year earlier. Record sales in cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, and Orlando helped make Subaru the fastest-growing mass-market car brand in the U.S. for the last two years. It's the growth leader again so far in 2010—up 41 percent through April. For the first time, its unit sales exceed those of such better-known brands as BMW, Lexus, Mazda, and Volkswagen.
Subaru, the auto unit of Japan's Fuji Heavy Industries, has long been popular with a core of professorial drivers in tweed in the Northeast and flannel-clad outdoor enthusiasts in the Northwest. Lately, however, the carmaker has been aggressively moving beyond the snowy, soggy, and mountainous regions that are its stronghold. "People have been finding out about them outside of New England," says Rebecca Lindland, an analyst at IHS Global Insight in Lexington, Mass. "They are quietly successful, and their buyers appreciate that. They haven't abandoned their core."
Customer Profile
Subaru's secret is that it understands the customers who drive its cars and has gotten smarter and more aggressive about reaching out to new ones who would feel at home as part of that clan. The company has the type of customer base that's particularly attractive to carmakers. The average household income of a Subaru owner is $88,000, the same as Honda Motor (HMC) and $10,000 more than Toyota (TM), says Alexander Edwards, president of market researcher Strategic Vision. Plus, Subaru buyers are three years younger than the industry average and a quarter more likely to have a college degree.
They are a thrifty lot, traditionally buying less car than they can afford. Some 36 percent pay cash. Subaru has played to that frugal bent by cutting roughly $1,200 from the $26,342 average price of its cars in 2007. Those cuts haven't killed profit margins because the lower prices allowed Subaru to reduce sales incentives and rebates on its cars substantially. Currently, the company gives about $1,333 per vehicle in incentives—the lowest level of any major car brand, says Thomas Doll, chief operating officer. That's almost half the $2,310 in incentives Toyota currently gives its buyers.
Much of the automaker's marketing focuses on cementing its connection to customers. Subaru's research shows them to be an eco-friendly bunch who value the freedom to go where they want, when they want. Unlike luxury car buyers, Subaruers are "customers who are not buying things, but experiences," says Chief Marketing Officer Tim Mahoney. That meshes nicely with Subaru's all-four-wheel-drive lineup, showcased by TV ads that star one of its cars caked with road grit, being applauded by admiring spectators on a suburban Main Street. The tagline: love. "In their marketing they've been focusing on what creates love between the owner and the automobile," says Edwards. "The 'share the love' campaign has been effective. They play up fun, the adventure you can have in a Subaru."
"Poor Man's Audi"
Last year the company sold a record 216,652 cars in the U.S., including the Legacy sedan and the Forester and Outback sport-utility vehicles. It's upping production 40 percent this year at its Indiana plant, which also builds cars for Toyota, Fuji's largest shareholder. The plant is located in an official wildlife preserve with no waste sent to landfills, in keeping with Subaru's support for causes such as the American Canoe Assn. and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
Such brand-building moves help Subaru win new customers on the cheap. It spends about $154 million a year on U.S. advertising—$100 million less than the Volkswagen brand (which sells about the same number of vehicles in the U.S.), a fifth of what Hyundai spends, and a fraction of the $2.2 billion plunked down by General Motors, the industry spending leader, according to Kantar Media. "They're kind of the poor man's Audi," says James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book in Irvine, Calif.
To keep growing, Subaru would benefit from adding a compact-class car and hybrid to its U.S. line, says Bell. Subaru and Toyota have said they're working together to develop a small, sporty car that both will sell. Fuji Heavy President Ikuo Mori has said the company's first hybrid will arrive in 2012.
One thing won't change: Subaru's emphasis on the relatively upscale buyer who values freedom and frugality. Subaru managers think that's a market of up to 60 million buyers—far larger than the niches of academics, tree huggers, and gays and lesbians that it's long been associated with.
"They are basically adding people who are Subaru buyers in their hearts, but don't know it," says Edwards of Strategic Vision. By Subaru's math, with 2.4 million Subarus now on the road, that leaves 57.6 million customers to go.
The bottom line By maintaining the quirky persona of its brand and keeping prices low, Subaru has quietly, but aggressively, increased growth.
Green is a reporter for Bloomberg News . Ohnsman is a reporter for Bloomberg News .
Friday, May 14, 2010
Subaru Announces Pricing for 2011MY Legacy and Outback Models
-- Record-breaking Subaru Outback price increase held to $200 --
Subaru of America, Inc. today announced 2011MY pricing for its best-selling Legacy and Outback models. Launched in 2009, the Legacy® and Outback® have been key drivers in Subaru's record sales success with Legacy showing an 87% increase in year-to-date sales and Outback sales more than doubling with a 128% increase year-to-date.
For 2011MY, both models receive equipment enhancements including manual-folding exterior mirrors. Also, models equipped with harman/kardon audio (available on Premium models and standard on Limited models) now feature XM® Satellite Radio and a three-month trial subscription.
A new color, Caramel Bronze Pearl, replaces Harvest Gold Metallic on both models and is paired with an Ivory interior. Ruby Red Pearl, previously only available on the Legacy and Tribeca, is now available on the Outback and comes also with an Ivory interior.
As with all Subaru vehicles, Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive is standard on both models, which helps driving performance by enhancing traction regardless of weather conditions.
2011 Subaru Legacy
Subaru maintains its focus on value, and for 2011MY, Legacy continues with a starting price of $19,995 for the 2.5i. The Legacy 2.5i Premium also remains unchanged at $20,995, and the starting price for the Legacy 3.6R holds at $24,995. Limited trim models are subject to a $300 price increase due to the inclusion of XM Satellite Radio. The Legacy 2.5i Limited is now $25,295 while the Legacy 3.6R Limited is $28,295.
For the 2011 model year, the Legacy 2.5GT sports sedan will be offered exclusively in Limited trim. It now includes a standard power moonroof as well as XM Satellite Radio, fog lights, new simulated carbon-fiber dashboard trim, silver contrast seat and armrest stitching, and aluminum pedals. It comes with a starting price of $31,395, an increase of only $405, which still keeps it priced well under most competitors' offerings.
2011 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback, Motor Trend's 2010 Sport/Utility of the Year, receives a modest $200 price increase with the Outback 2.5i now starting at $23,195 and the Outback 2.5i Premium priced at $24,495, still keeping the cost well under most mid-size crossover or wagon competitors.
A new feature for Outback models, a Rear Vision Camera, is added to Premium and Limited models - bundled with the Power Moonroof Package. The exclusive Rear Vision Camera includes an Auto-dim mirror with Homelink, compass display and a 3.3 inch hi-resolution display in the mirror. This convenience upgrade adds $450 to any Outback that features a Power Moonroof.
The Outback 2.5i Limited, with standard Lineartronic CVT, now starts at $28,495 while the six-cylinder Outback 3.6R is also competitively priced at $28,195. The Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited, which continues to be in high demand, now has a starting price of $31,495 and includes standard XM Satellite Radio.
Award-winning Products
The 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback have recently received significant awards. Both vehicles were named 2010 Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and as 'Bests' in their class by Kiplinger's Annual Buyers Guide. The Legacy was also named one of the 'Best Family Cars of 2010' by both Parents magazine and Edmunds.com.
The destination and delivery charge is $725 for all 2011MY Legacy and Outback models in the contiguous 48 states. The MSRP of 2.5i PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) models remains $300 more than the federal specification model.
harman/kardon® is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
XM Satellite Radio® XM is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. today announced 2011MY pricing for its best-selling Legacy and Outback models. Launched in 2009, the Legacy® and Outback® have been key drivers in Subaru's record sales success with Legacy showing an 87% increase in year-to-date sales and Outback sales more than doubling with a 128% increase year-to-date.
For 2011MY, both models receive equipment enhancements including manual-folding exterior mirrors. Also, models equipped with harman/kardon audio (available on Premium models and standard on Limited models) now feature XM® Satellite Radio and a three-month trial subscription.
A new color, Caramel Bronze Pearl, replaces Harvest Gold Metallic on both models and is paired with an Ivory interior. Ruby Red Pearl, previously only available on the Legacy and Tribeca, is now available on the Outback and comes also with an Ivory interior.
As with all Subaru vehicles, Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive is standard on both models, which helps driving performance by enhancing traction regardless of weather conditions.
2011 Subaru Legacy
Subaru maintains its focus on value, and for 2011MY, Legacy continues with a starting price of $19,995 for the 2.5i. The Legacy 2.5i Premium also remains unchanged at $20,995, and the starting price for the Legacy 3.6R holds at $24,995. Limited trim models are subject to a $300 price increase due to the inclusion of XM Satellite Radio. The Legacy 2.5i Limited is now $25,295 while the Legacy 3.6R Limited is $28,295.
For the 2011 model year, the Legacy 2.5GT sports sedan will be offered exclusively in Limited trim. It now includes a standard power moonroof as well as XM Satellite Radio, fog lights, new simulated carbon-fiber dashboard trim, silver contrast seat and armrest stitching, and aluminum pedals. It comes with a starting price of $31,395, an increase of only $405, which still keeps it priced well under most competitors' offerings.
2011 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback, Motor Trend's 2010 Sport/Utility of the Year, receives a modest $200 price increase with the Outback 2.5i now starting at $23,195 and the Outback 2.5i Premium priced at $24,495, still keeping the cost well under most mid-size crossover or wagon competitors.
A new feature for Outback models, a Rear Vision Camera, is added to Premium and Limited models - bundled with the Power Moonroof Package. The exclusive Rear Vision Camera includes an Auto-dim mirror with Homelink, compass display and a 3.3 inch hi-resolution display in the mirror. This convenience upgrade adds $450 to any Outback that features a Power Moonroof.
The Outback 2.5i Limited, with standard Lineartronic CVT, now starts at $28,495 while the six-cylinder Outback 3.6R is also competitively priced at $28,195. The Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited, which continues to be in high demand, now has a starting price of $31,495 and includes standard XM Satellite Radio.
Award-winning Products
The 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback have recently received significant awards. Both vehicles were named 2010 Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and as 'Bests' in their class by Kiplinger's Annual Buyers Guide. The Legacy was also named one of the 'Best Family Cars of 2010' by both Parents magazine and Edmunds.com.
The destination and delivery charge is $725 for all 2011MY Legacy and Outback models in the contiguous 48 states. The MSRP of 2.5i PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) models remains $300 more than the federal specification model.
harman/kardon® is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
XM Satellite Radio® XM is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio, Inc.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Service and Parts Award Winners - 2009! Congratulations to Premier Subaru
Premier Subaru wins Subaru of America Awards for Service and Parts Department Excellence in 2009!
On Tuesday, May 2, 2010, Brian Giffen, District Fixed Operations Manager of Subaru of New England, came to Premier Subaru to present Premier Subaru's Service and Parts Departments with Summit Awards, representing Service and Parts Department Excellence for 2009.
Congratulations are in order for Dennis Cullen, the Premier Subaru Service Director, Gary Christiansen, Premier Subaru Service Consultant and David Harger, Premier Subaru Parts Director.
The Premier Subaru Service and Parts Teams are proud to assist you in any way.
Sales Up Again for Subaru of America!
On Tuesday, May 2, 2010, Subaru of America, Inc. announced that sales for April 2010 were up 48-percent over April 2009 with 23,198 units sold. Sales for the 2010 Subaru Outback were more than double the previous year with a 133-percent increase, while the 2010 Subaru Legacy posted a 50-percent increase over April 2009. This also marks the best-ever April for the company. The previous April record was established in 2008 with 16,771 units sold. Year-to-date sales increased 41-percent with 80,692 units sold versus 57,181 units over the same period last year.
"The Subaru brand is now consistently achieving new levels of sales, which is a tribute to our strong product line up," said Tim Colbeck, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. "We are significantly ahead of last year's record sales pace and expect the momentum to continue."
"Our sales reflect the outstanding efforts of our retailers, the appeal our products represent to our customers and the recognition our vehicles continue to earn from opinion leaders," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. "For instance, Kiplinger's Personal Finance recently awarded the 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles with its Best vehicle awards in their categories, while Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com just named the 2010 Legacy one of the Best Family Cars for 2010."
Premier Subaru in Branford, Connecticut, is proud to be one of America's leading Subaru dealerships. We thank our clients, and our prospective clients, for the opportunity to exceed your expectations.
"The Subaru brand is now consistently achieving new levels of sales, which is a tribute to our strong product line up," said Tim Colbeck, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. "We are significantly ahead of last year's record sales pace and expect the momentum to continue."
"Our sales reflect the outstanding efforts of our retailers, the appeal our products represent to our customers and the recognition our vehicles continue to earn from opinion leaders," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. "For instance, Kiplinger's Personal Finance recently awarded the 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles with its Best vehicle awards in their categories, while Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com just named the 2010 Legacy one of the Best Family Cars for 2010."
Premier Subaru in Branford, Connecticut, is proud to be one of America's leading Subaru dealerships. We thank our clients, and our prospective clients, for the opportunity to exceed your expectations.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Subaru Outback Wins 2010 Ward's Auto Interior of the Year Award
Subaru Outback Wins 2010 Ward's Auto Interior of the Year Award
The outstanding articles about the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback continue! When you drive a new 2010 Outback, you will realize that all of the good press and rewards are completely deserved!
The outstanding articles about the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback continue! When you drive a new 2010 Outback, you will realize that all of the good press and rewards are completely deserved!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Subaru Introduces 2011 Impreza® WRX® Models With New Wide-Body Designs and Enhanced Handling Performance
READ ALL ABOUT IT! The new 2011 Subaru WRX will be introduced at the New York Auto Show!
Subaru Introduces 2011 Impreza® WRX® Models With New Wide-Body Designs and Enhanced Handling Performance
Subaru Introduces 2011 Impreza® WRX® Models With New Wide-Body Designs and Enhanced Handling Performance
Monday, March 15, 2010
Subaru Goes Ice Racing
Click on the Above Title to See THIS VIDEO!
This is a great video - Subaru of America brought seasoned journalists to Park City, Utah to a track that was specially constructed to allow people to race the Subaru models on an ICE TRACK. It is absolutely amazing and a wonderful example of Subaru's exemplary All Wheel Drive system. Check it out for yourself!
This is a great video - Subaru of America brought seasoned journalists to Park City, Utah to a track that was specially constructed to allow people to race the Subaru models on an ICE TRACK. It is absolutely amazing and a wonderful example of Subaru's exemplary All Wheel Drive system. Check it out for yourself!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Headlines
Today, I wanted to just take a moment and let you know that Premier Subaru is proud to continue to be a Business Member of the Branford Land Trust. The mission of the Branford Land Trust is to preserve open space in Branford, and to promote our community's appreciate of Branford's diverse natural features. It is a GREAT organization with some absolutely wonderful members. When in Branford, make sure you check out their website to learn more about them, as well as the open space properties in Branford that they have been so influencial in securing.
Headlines
Headlines
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Automaker Report Cards: Honda and Subaru Lead, Hyundai Makes Strides, Chrysler Lags
YONKERS, NY — Honda and Subaru have earned class leader status for building the best all-around vehicles for American drivers, according to the Automaker Report Cards published in Consumer Reports’ 2010 Annual Auto Issue. This is the fourth consecutive year that Honda has topped CR’s list. At the opposite end of the annual ranking is Chrysler, which fared even worse than last year. However, Chrysler had one recommended vehicle this year, the Ram pickup, compared to no recommended vehicles last year.
Tied with an overall score of 77 out of 100 points, Honda and Subaru were followed by Toyota (74) (Recommendations for eight recalled Toyota models were temporarily suspended), Hyundai (73) and Nissan and Volkswagen tied at (72) in overall score.
Although the best vehicles overall are being built by Honda and Subaru, South Korean carmaker Hyundai, and its subsidiary, Kia, has shown the most dramatic improvement, jumping to fourth place from ninth last year.
The full report, “Rating the carmakers” is in the Annual Auto Issue, which goes on sale March 2. It is also available to subscribers at www.ConsumerReports.org.
The overall score for each automaker is based on the average of its vehicles’ overall scores in Consumer Reports’ road tests and their average predicted-reliability ratings from Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Survey. Manufacturers received a report card only if five or more of their vehicles were tested.
Honda continues to make many of the best all-around vehicles. Overall, its Honda and Acura models, are the most reliable vehicles in CR’s predicted-reliability ratings. The most recent models from Honda, however, have not shown the same dedication to interior quality and fuel economy that earlier models did. Despite its outstanding reliability, CR doesn’t recommend the new Insight because of subpar emergency handling and a compromised rear seat.
The redesigned 2010 Legacy sedan and Outback wagon raised Subaru’s overall test score from 78 points to 81. That helped contribute to its tie with Honda in CR’s rankings. However, Consumer Reports no longer recommends the Subaru Impreza WRX because its subscribers reported a relatively high number of problems, including transmission troubles, in the latest survey. Last year, CR recommended every Subaru model.
Hyundai/Kia showed a dramatic improvement in CR’s report-card rankings, led by newer models such as the Hyundai Genesis and Elantra sedans, Santa Fe SUV, and Kia Optima sedan. Their reliability continues to improve with only the Kia Sedona minivan below average.
Not all Asian models are reliable or good performers. Although many models from Honda, Toyota, and Mitsubishi are very reliable, several scored too low in CR’s tests to be Recommended. Toyota recently issued safety recalls and temporarily stopped sales of eight models because of rare occurrences of a sticking accelerator pedal. Consumer Reports has suspended its recommendations of those models, which caused Toyota’s percentage of recommended vehicles to drop off by almost half.
The past year was especially rough for American automakers but there is some good news: reliability of some Ford models now rivals their competitors from Honda and Toyota. But in CR’s testing, Ford vehicles were not always among the best performers. Although the Flex and Fusion scored highly, most models from Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln rate only midpack. Still, the freshened Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan are excellent overall packages that provide good performance and fuel economy. Consumer Reports recommends 75 percent of the Ford models that were tested, up from 70 percent last year.
New models from GM now rank among the best in CR’s testing, although overall reliability, even among some of the new models, still lags behind most of the competition. GM models that score well in CR’s tests include the Buick Enclave and LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette, Equinox, Malibu, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia.
Chrysler’s grades fell to the bottom of the class, and it is the only automaker to drop from last year in all measures. Most models from the manufacturer have noisy, inefficient, unrefined powertrains; subpar interiors; and poor visibility. The Ram 1500 pickup is the only Chrysler model on Consumer Reports’ Recommended list.
If all that consumers cared about were performance, comfort, and safety, Mercedes and Volkswagen (including Audi) models would go to the head of the class. They have the highest average test scores because they ride and handle especially well, have comfortable seats, and have relatively good fuel economy and acceleration. In recent years those vehicles have lagged in reliability. But that has begun to change, with several models from Mercedes and Volkswagen, as well as BMW, Saab, and Volvo, attaining average or better predicted reliability.
The best vehicles often set the standard for their competitors to follow or improve upon. In the end, it’s the consumer who ends up the ultimate winner.
With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site; the magazine’s auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To become a subscriber, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645. Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org.
Publication date 02/23/10
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Subaru of America, Inc. Surpasses Previous February Sales Record
Premier Subaru is proud to provide more GREAT news from Subaru of America! Imagine, a 38% sales increase for the month of February, 2010! We thank you for considering Subaru, and specifically, Premier Subaru, LLC for your automotive needs.
Subaru of America, Inc. Surpasses Previous February Sales Record
Subaru of America, Inc. Surpasses Previous February Sales Record
Friday, February 26, 2010
Toyota Remains Third in Consumer Reports Brand Ranking - Wheels Blog - NYTimes.com
Huge News! Subaru ties with Honda for the Number #1 position in the Consumer Reports Brand Ranking of Automobiles!
Toyota Remains Third in Consumer Reports Brand Ranking - Wheels Blog - NYTimes.com
Toyota Remains Third in Consumer Reports Brand Ranking - Wheels Blog - NYTimes.com
Monday, February 22, 2010
Yankees GM Brian Cashman Visits UNH - Sponsored by our Owners!
Our owners are very proud that Brian Cashman visited University of New Haven for a talk sponsored by the Robert Alvine Professional Enrichment Program at the University of New Haven.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman Visits UNH
Posted using ShareThis
Yankees GM Brian Cashman Visits UNH
Posted using ShareThis
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Watch out for those "Lifetime Warranties"
The following is an article pertaining to "lifetime warranties". As a dealer, we were approached a year ago by a company that offered such a warranty for vehicles. When they completed their presentation, they spoke about what a great "marketing tool" it was and, "how much more money we can make by offering it". But, frankly, it concerned me. The company that was offering the warranty was barely 3 years old. Additionally, the claimed to be "backed by" an insurance company. Unfortunately, when researched by our lawyers, it was determined that the insurance was "precarious" to say the least. We have prided ourselves in offering at least $1.00 of value for every $1.00 a customer is charged. This model, as well as our ongoing model of working to always "exceed a customers expectations", precluded me from thinking about such a warranty. After all, it is not the sale I am concerned about...It is when the customer approaches us with a problem many miles down the road. A little research will evidence many warranty companies that have gone out of business - taking the promise of a warranty - as well as the customer's money - down the drain. We are in this business for the long haul. We pride ourselves on our A+ BBB Rating. We pride ourselves on our AAA Approval for service and we pride ourselves on over 10 years of customer satisfaction awards in both sales and service.
Ultimately, we found in our research that most companies that do offer some sort of lifetime warranty are not exemplary corporate citizens and have failing customer satisfaction grades, or BBB reports. They chose to offer this warranty to compensate for failures in their own operations. Not the ones, such as Sears, or LL Bean, but the many others along the way.
Now, this is my opinion only, but, I would encourage you to research this point.
At long last, here is the article:
Lifetime Warranties Not Always A Guarantee
Consumers Urged To Read Fine Print Carefully
Posted: 8:20 pm CST February 5, 2010
MADISON, Wis. -- Many people might think a lifetime warranty will protect against product failure as long as they live, but there are some gray areas when it comes to certain warranties.
There is no single legal definition of "lifetime warranty," and that could cause issues for consumers trying to collect on the promise.
When Don Roane's Craftsman ratchet broke, the Sears clerk made good on its lifetime warranty.
"He went and got me a replacement without any question," Roane said.
But that's not always the case, according to Consumer Reports.
Nicole Van Scoten and her fiancé said when they bought their used car, the limited lifetime warranty was the deciding factor. Six months later the transmission blew, but their $7,000 claim was denied.
"We were really angry that they would not honor this warranty," Van Scoten said.
The warranty lists many things that are not covered, including, "damage or failures resulting … from … alteration."
The original owner had made some changes to the car. But the couple said the sales team assured them those changes wouldn't affect the warranty -- something the dealership denies.
"You should never depend on spoken assurances. You have to read that fine print carefully. And don't assume that lifetime necessarily means your lifetime; it may simply mean the expected lifetime of the product," said Greg Daugherty, Consumer Reports money advisor.
And when a warranty says "limited lifetime warranty," it means limited. A piece of furniture, for instance, might be under warranty only for the original purchaser, so the warranty would be void if the furniture is resold.
As for paint, many carry a limited lifetime warranty, but only for the paint itself -- not the much bigger cost of repainting.
One treadmill model has a frame and motor that are covered under a limited lifetime warranty, too. But if a repair is needed, the warranty "does not include … freight charges," and that can get expensive.
The key is to read any lifetime warranty carefully and get oral assurances in writing -- something Van Scoten and her fiancé learned the hard way.
For more information on possible warranty issues, people can check out the Web site consumerist.org, which gets a lot of complaints from consumers about lifetime warranties and follows up on them.
Ultimately, we found in our research that most companies that do offer some sort of lifetime warranty are not exemplary corporate citizens and have failing customer satisfaction grades, or BBB reports. They chose to offer this warranty to compensate for failures in their own operations. Not the ones, such as Sears, or LL Bean, but the many others along the way.
Now, this is my opinion only, but, I would encourage you to research this point.
At long last, here is the article:
Lifetime Warranties Not Always A Guarantee
Consumers Urged To Read Fine Print Carefully
Posted: 8:20 pm CST February 5, 2010
MADISON, Wis. -- Many people might think a lifetime warranty will protect against product failure as long as they live, but there are some gray areas when it comes to certain warranties.
There is no single legal definition of "lifetime warranty," and that could cause issues for consumers trying to collect on the promise.
When Don Roane's Craftsman ratchet broke, the Sears clerk made good on its lifetime warranty.
"He went and got me a replacement without any question," Roane said.
But that's not always the case, according to Consumer Reports.
Nicole Van Scoten and her fiancé said when they bought their used car, the limited lifetime warranty was the deciding factor. Six months later the transmission blew, but their $7,000 claim was denied.
"We were really angry that they would not honor this warranty," Van Scoten said.
The warranty lists many things that are not covered, including, "damage or failures resulting … from … alteration."
The original owner had made some changes to the car. But the couple said the sales team assured them those changes wouldn't affect the warranty -- something the dealership denies.
"You should never depend on spoken assurances. You have to read that fine print carefully. And don't assume that lifetime necessarily means your lifetime; it may simply mean the expected lifetime of the product," said Greg Daugherty, Consumer Reports money advisor.
And when a warranty says "limited lifetime warranty," it means limited. A piece of furniture, for instance, might be under warranty only for the original purchaser, so the warranty would be void if the furniture is resold.
As for paint, many carry a limited lifetime warranty, but only for the paint itself -- not the much bigger cost of repainting.
One treadmill model has a frame and motor that are covered under a limited lifetime warranty, too. But if a repair is needed, the warranty "does not include … freight charges," and that can get expensive.
The key is to read any lifetime warranty carefully and get oral assurances in writing -- something Van Scoten and her fiancé learned the hard way.
For more information on possible warranty issues, people can check out the Web site consumerist.org, which gets a lot of complaints from consumers about lifetime warranties and follows up on them.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Subaru Outback Named a Top 10 Family Car for 2010 by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com
Can it be possible? More great news about the 2010 Subaru Outback! Come and take a test drive in one today at Premier Subaru!
Subaru Outback Named a Top 10 Family Car for 2010 by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com
Subaru Outback Named a Top 10 Family Car for 2010 by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com
Friday, February 5, 2010
Subaru Continues to Break Sales Records and Support Charitable Causes
Premier Subaru is proud to have contributed more than $20,000 to this effort during the second annual Subaru Share The Love Event in December/January. Congratulations to the five charities involved and THANK YOU for all of the excellent work that you have done, and, continue to do.
Subaru Continues to Break Sales Records and Support Charitable Causes
Subaru Continues to Break Sales Records and Support Charitable Causes
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
January GREAT Press On Subaru!
MORE GREAT NEWS ON SUBARU IN JANUARY, 2010!
Subaru continues to receive outstanding reviews from press. Some of our brand’s press highlights in January include the following:
1. Kelly Blue Book (KBB) reported that Subaru vehicles hold their value the best of any
brand. In 2009, the depreciation rate for all vehicles in the market for 2005-2008 model
years was 8.5 percent. However, used Subaru vehicles for these same model years
actually increased in value by 1.3 percent.
2. Cars.com announced on January 15, that the Subaru Outback was voted their “Best
Wagon” for 2010. In addition, the 2010 Forester was also named by cars.com as their
“Best Vehicle for Families”.
3. The Subaru Forester received the R.L. Polk Owner Loyalty Award in the small crossover
utility segment besting RAV4, CRV, Ford Escape, Santa Fe, etc. at the North American
International Auto Show in Detroit.
4. The January 21 New York Times featured the 2010 Legacy and Outback in their
automotive section. The Times noted… “This could be Subaru’s manifest destiny, as the
maker of handy AWD vehicles tries to move beyond its heartland in the great, icy north
to places where frost is seen mainly in the freezer. The new 2010 Legacy Sedan and
Outbacks … have significantly more rear legroom, much better fuel economy and
upgrades in safety …they are not just for Yankee blizzards anymore.
5. Jim Henry, writing on his BNET blog noted, “The longer I’m around the auto industry,
the more I realize the paramount importance of exterior styling. The improved exterior
styling is the best reason I can think of to account for the fact that Subaru just finished
2009 with a record sales year in the U.S. while nearly every other brand struggled”.
Our press just keeps coming in and it gets better every day. It is no wonder why Subaru is
attracting more and more potential customers to our brand.
Subaru continues to receive outstanding reviews from press. Some of our brand’s press highlights in January include the following:
1. Kelly Blue Book (KBB) reported that Subaru vehicles hold their value the best of any
brand. In 2009, the depreciation rate for all vehicles in the market for 2005-2008 model
years was 8.5 percent. However, used Subaru vehicles for these same model years
actually increased in value by 1.3 percent.
2. Cars.com announced on January 15, that the Subaru Outback was voted their “Best
Wagon” for 2010. In addition, the 2010 Forester was also named by cars.com as their
“Best Vehicle for Families”.
3. The Subaru Forester received the R.L. Polk Owner Loyalty Award in the small crossover
utility segment besting RAV4, CRV, Ford Escape, Santa Fe, etc. at the North American
International Auto Show in Detroit.
4. The January 21 New York Times featured the 2010 Legacy and Outback in their
automotive section. The Times noted… “This could be Subaru’s manifest destiny, as the
maker of handy AWD vehicles tries to move beyond its heartland in the great, icy north
to places where frost is seen mainly in the freezer. The new 2010 Legacy Sedan and
Outbacks … have significantly more rear legroom, much better fuel economy and
upgrades in safety …they are not just for Yankee blizzards anymore.
5. Jim Henry, writing on his BNET blog noted, “The longer I’m around the auto industry,
the more I realize the paramount importance of exterior styling. The improved exterior
styling is the best reason I can think of to account for the fact that Subaru just finished
2009 with a record sales year in the U.S. while nearly every other brand struggled”.
Our press just keeps coming in and it gets better every day. It is no wonder why Subaru is
attracting more and more potential customers to our brand.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Join Premier Subaru in Collecting For the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund
Effective January 25, 2010, Premier Subaru, LLC and The American Red Cross have signed an agreement. This Written Agreement provides for a portion of all new and used car sales and a portion of all customer service dollars to be donated to The American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund.
This will last through March 1, 2010.
This will last through March 1, 2010.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Pennsylvania AG Files Lawsuit Against Used-Car Warranty Company - News - Special Finance® - F&I Magazine
Pennsylvania AG Files Lawsuit Against Used-Car Warranty Company - News - Special Finance® - F&I Magazine
Attention all valued customers:
This is a CLASSIC example of why Premier Subaru does not offer extended warranties or service agreements from company's such as this. Have you been approached by a company to purchase a warranty? Please let us know! The automotive landscape is littered with bankrupt automotive warranty companies. Once they go bankrupt, those warranties are worthless. We have a large file of documents that we have provided to the State of Connecticut Attorney General's office over the last 5 years about the types of warranty companies that are written in this article. We have actively sought his pursuit of these organizations. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Attention all valued customers:
This is a CLASSIC example of why Premier Subaru does not offer extended warranties or service agreements from company's such as this. Have you been approached by a company to purchase a warranty? Please let us know! The automotive landscape is littered with bankrupt automotive warranty companies. Once they go bankrupt, those warranties are worthless. We have a large file of documents that we have provided to the State of Connecticut Attorney General's office over the last 5 years about the types of warranty companies that are written in this article. We have actively sought his pursuit of these organizations. Please let us know if you have any questions.
2010 Subaru Outback Wins Best Wagon of 2010 in Cars.com Platinum Awards
HERE IS MORE OUTSTANDING NEWS REGARDING THE 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON!
2010 Subaru Outback Wins Best Wagon of 2010 in Cars.com Platinum Awards
PREMIER SUBARU IN BRANFORD, CONNECTICUT IS PROUD TO HAVE ONE OF THE LARGEST INVENTORIES OF IN-STOCK AND IN-BOUND 2010 SUBARU OUTBACKS IN NEW ENGLAND. COME AND SEE US TODAY!
2010 Subaru Outback Wins Best Wagon of 2010 in Cars.com Platinum Awards
PREMIER SUBARU IN BRANFORD, CONNECTICUT IS PROUD TO HAVE ONE OF THE LARGEST INVENTORIES OF IN-STOCK AND IN-BOUND 2010 SUBARU OUTBACKS IN NEW ENGLAND. COME AND SEE US TODAY!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
WE RAISED OVER $24,000 WITH YOUR HELP!
The initial figures are in...For the 2009 Subaru Share the Love Campaign, Premier Subaru raised $24,750 through the donation of $250 for every new car sold from Thanksgiving until January 5, 2010! Under this program, the money was split (based on customer desire) to one of the following charities:
- Meals on Wheels,
- The ASPCA,
- Habitat for Humanity,
- Boys and Girls Clubs of America,
- National Wildlife Federation
During these difficult times, Premier Subaru was happy to be a part of the holiday giving spirit by participating in this outstanding program. In addition, we raised over 4 cars loads of toys for the TOYS FOR TOTS program.
We thank YOU, our customers, for your involvement in helping these AMAZING programs during these difficult times.
- Meals on Wheels,
- The ASPCA,
- Habitat for Humanity,
- Boys and Girls Clubs of America,
- National Wildlife Federation
During these difficult times, Premier Subaru was happy to be a part of the holiday giving spirit by participating in this outstanding program. In addition, we raised over 4 cars loads of toys for the TOYS FOR TOTS program.
We thank YOU, our customers, for your involvement in helping these AMAZING programs during these difficult times.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Subaru of America Announces Record Breaking Sales Year
Subaru of America Announces Record Breaking Sales Year
More Amazing News from Subaru of America. The entire PREMIER SUBARU Family would also like to thank YOU for YOUR business and confidence in our organization over the last year. During 2009, over 1,200 people placed their trust in us for either their new or used car purchase. We don't take that lightly and will ensure that we work hard to continue to earn your confidence in the years to come.
More Amazing News from Subaru of America. The entire PREMIER SUBARU Family would also like to thank YOU for YOUR business and confidence in our organization over the last year. During 2009, over 1,200 people placed their trust in us for either their new or used car purchase. We don't take that lightly and will ensure that we work hard to continue to earn your confidence in the years to come.
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