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 Greening of Premier Subaru!

If you have been by our dealership, you have definitely noticed the construction work. Premier Subaru is in the middle of a $750,000 renovation of its dealership facilities to improve our buildings for our customers, employees and the environment. While we only did a complete renovation only five years ago, this time around we are able to work on some things that we really wanted to do. Part of this renovation has been to ensure that we are as green an operation as possible. These renovations dovetail with our ongoing environmental initiatives. In "greening our dealership", Premier Subaru has done the following through construction improvements and through process improvements:

- Changed interior lighting to the most energy efficient lighting possible
- Replace exterior lights with the most energy efficient lighting possible
- Replaced the paper hand towel dispensers in our lavatories with hand air dryers
- Installed secured shredder boxes to ensure that all discarded office papers are kept in locked cabinets, shredded and recycled.
- Installed advanced waste oil furnaces to actually be able to heat portions of our facility using waste motor oil, as opposed to discarding it.
- Installed advanced heating/cooling systems to ensure that the buildings are heated and cooled in the most energy efficient manner possible.
- Using cloth shop towels for mechanical repairs, which are washed and reused, as opposed to towels that are discarded.

In addition, we invested in enhanced technology to ensure that we move towards less "paper" and more "electronic" documents. To that end, we are also working hard to ensure that we have our client's most accurate and up to date email addresses. This will enable us to begin a process where we email you service reminders and notices, as opposed to printing them and mailing them. If you would like to receive your service reminders by email, please email us at info@premiersubaru.com with your email address and we will update the system.

We appreciate the environment. We have been supporters of environmental organizations and we try to "practice what we preach".

Thank you for your business and your continued confidence in our organization.

Subaru of America, Inc. Announces Sales Results for Best Month Ever

-- The Company Posted a 34-Percent Increase in Sales for July --

Cherry Hill, N.J., August 3, 2009 – Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that it had its best sales month ever with a 34-percent increase in sales in July. The company sold 21,839 units this July versus 16,271 units in July 2008 and had a 4-percent gain year-over-year. Subaru sales for July 2009 also showed a 17-percent increase over June 2009 Subaru sales.

The introduction of the new 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles kept the momentum going for the car company as it continues to outpace the industry. The Subaru Legacy posted a 34-percent increase, the Outback a 33-percent increase, while the Impreza posted a record sales month and the most gains with a 41-percent sales increase, with the Forester continuing to bring in strong sales with an increase of 36-percent, which also represented a monthly record.

“July’s record results built on the momentum we've established this year. The month started strong and gained momentum with the 2010 Legacy and Outback launches. We were in a position for a very good month already, but when the CARS program hit, things went to the next level,” said Tim Colbeck, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. “Our success this month reflects the strength of the Subaru model line-up. The Subaru Impreza and Forester models set monthly records while the brand new Legacy and Outback are off to a strong start.”

"We have been consistent with everything we have done to build not only safe, durable, fun-to-drive vehicles, but also the Subaru brand," said Tom Doll, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. "Our sales reflect that our brand has solidly connected with customers and we look forward to building great relationships with them as well

CASH FOR CLUNKERS IS ON AT PREMIER SUBARU!

HURRY WHILE THE MONEY IS AVAILABLE! THE CARS PROGRAM (CASH FOR CLUNKERS) IS ON AT PREMIER SUBARU!

We are happy to have served over 30 customers who have taken advantage of the Government's Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), or, informally known as Cash for Clunkers! We are happy to report that, just today, 8 of these vehicles were taken to the junkyard for recycling after we have rendered their engines useless. This is a GREAT program that, originally, was tried successfully in Europe and Japan.

We encourage you to take advantage of this program. Premier Subaru is one of the originally approved CARS dealers. We know the "in's and out's" of this complicated program and are here to assist you!

Autobody Issues? Its your car, your choice who will fix it!

Connecticut motorists are finally being told the truth: they have the right to determine where they will have their vehicles repaired in the event of an accident.

A new law, effective this past January 1st, reinforces motorist's rights to have their auto repaired by a qualified, licensed, competent auto body shop of their own choosing.

Some repair shops that insurance companies refer policy owners to often charge less, but, that's because they may use substandard parts and cut corners on repairs so even consumer safety may be in jeopardy. Deceptively referring consumers to insurance company "preferred" shops has been illegal for decades, but, far too often the insurance companies have been able to bully unsuspecting consumers.

This new law is the rest of years of efforts by the Auto Body Association of Connecticut in conjunction with Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, to whom we and the motoring public owe our thanks.

Specifically, the new law requires that motorists who have been involved in an accident with vehicle damage must be notified that they have a choice of repair facilities. This notification must appear on insurance identification cards, on estimates supplied by the insurance company or repair shops, and also be clearly posted on signs in all body shops.

It's your car, your choice.

This is a giant step forward. It will go a long way to help educate consumers that they don't have to be afraid of insurance companies. It's your car, and your choice of where to have it repaired.

Now, its up to consumers to take advantage of this new legislation. Consumers still must have the courage to go to the repair facility of their choice. Don't be fooled by inaccurate suggestions of out-of-pocket costs or statements about repair delays.

A knowledgable consumer should call or visit more than one repair facility when in an accident, in order to learn which shop is qualified to repair your car properly. This is critical when you want to maintain the value of a vehicle after the repair, or, simply ensure that the safety features in your vehicle operate as designed.

Beware of low ball estimates! You have the right to a proper repair! The facility with the lowest estimate may base that estimate on using substandard, after-market parts, that are not authorized for use in many vehicles. Or, in many cases leave out necessary procedures needed to bring your car back to pre-loss condition. In fact, the warranty on many new cars will become void if the car is repaired with non-approved parts.

One last thing. We have seen some terrible repairs done by auto body shops. If you are in doubt, or, would like us to assist you in locating a reputable body shop near your home, please call us.

All-new 2009 Subaru LEGACY CONCEPT
Debuts at the 2009 North American International Auto Show
- Concept car hints at future Legacy design language -
- Features Symmetrical AWD and 3.6-liter Boxer engine -

Detroit -- January 11, 2009 – Subaru of America, Inc. revealed the 2009 Subaru LEGACY CONCEPT today at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The new LEGACY CONCEPT is a hint at the future of Legacy design. The design showcases the sport sedan heritage of the Subaru Legacy, but in more modern and purposeful package.

Marking the 20th anniversary of the Subaru Legacy, the LEGACY CONCEPT has been developed to showcase the Legacy’s sporting capabilities and features Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system mated to a Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. The design concept is based on a larger 108.3 in. wheelbase designed to maximize interior space and provide comfortable accommodations for four adults.

The theme of concept design is "Presence", represented by the aggressive front facia and solid yet expressive body. Four powerful and defined wheel arches emphasize the dynamism of Symmetrical AWD. Sharp design lines carve out a substantial mass as they flow from the hood, across the roof to the trunk, while the sharp body lines project a sense of strength. Wedge-shaped Side Rear Vision Cameras are featured and provide a sense of flow from the momentum of the A-pillar lines. A character line runs from just before the A-pillar and sweeps up to the tail just above the taillamps.

This grille design incorporates a central wing motif that defines the Legacy’s Subaru brand identity. The Subaru logo separates a deep central grille shape that is accented by sharp headlamps with a dual vertical-row layout of multiple LED lamps. In addition, the slim, vertical fog lamps set in a large front valance with angular air intakes add a jewel-like touch to the front design. The LEGACY CONCEPT is finished in a special High-luster “Ultimate Silver” paint to accentuate the design's angular shapes.

The interior design features a striking four-seat layout that showcases the "High Definition" design theme. Comfort and style are achieved with a mix of touch-screens, cameras and modern surface coverings. The high-tech look blends with comfort through four separate seating areas, a high roofline and generous legroom for all passengers. The center console features a large touch-panel display that concentrates various functions for simplified use, while the flowing shape extends vertically to emphasize the feeling of strength and solidity in union with the exterior. A steering wheel and shift lever have been adapted to accentuate the sporty nature elemental in the Legacy’s DNA.

In-car entertainment is featured through monitors with multiple functions that are located in the center console, as well as in the rear of the front seat headrests to provide comfortable functionality as well a calm design that creates a relaxed ambiance for passengers. The monitor for the Side Rear Vision Camera has been situated toward the front of the roof to maximize rear visibility. The design is capped off with seats covered in pearl white leather that give off a blue sheen, while black metallic leather has been used for the door trim to create contrast with the instrument panel.

The Legacy was introduced globally in 1989, produced in Japan and Lafayette, Indiana. Since that date until November 2008, the total global production has exceeded 3.6 million vehicles making it Subaru's core model. During that period, Subaru’s core technologies of a Horizontally-Opposed engine and Symmetrical AWD have served to further the basic elements of automotive performance while continuously evolving for unparalleled handling, stability, and safety. This LEGACY CONCEPT incorporates the Legacy heritage while also serving as a concept model that provides an image of the new driving comfort and reliability that will continue to serve as a touchstone for Subaru.

Specifications:
Body size (Overall: Length x Width x Height): 188.8 x 71.7 x 59.0 inches
Wheelbase: 108.3 inches
Engine: 3.6-liter six-cylinder Horizontally-Opposed engine
Tire size: 225/45R19
Occupancy: Four persons

$21,250 Raised by Premier Subaru!

I am pleased to announce that, during the Subaru "Share the Love" Campaign, sales through Premier Subaru contributed $21,250 to the following five charitable organizations: National Wildlife Federation, Meals on Wheels, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the ASPCA and Habitat for Humanity.

During these difficult economic times, I want to thank those new customers who purchased a new Subaru vehicle during this program. With your purchase, this money will be contributed to these five excellent organizations.

Thank You! We Collected Over 450 Toys For TOYS FOR TOTS!

THANK YOU! Together with Premier Subaru, and it's employees, we collected over 450 brand new toys for the Toys For Tots Program for this year.

This is the 9th year Premier Subaru has participated in this remarkable program and we are so honored to have collected more toys this year, then, in previous years. Premier Subaru started the collection off with a donation of $1,000 worth of toys. Premier Subaru's employees also participated with additional donations. We thank all of those customers, and local organizations, such as St. Mary's School, who dropped off toys for this program, especially during this difficult year.

7,551 AND COUNTING!

Thanks to all of you that continue to opt-in to receive our monthly newsletter. Brian Canell, our "Editor" really does a terrific job in putting together a product that has some good and helpful articles, as well as some that allow you to get to know our team a little better. Right now, over 7,500 people receive our newsletter throughout the area. Heck, we now boast a higher subscription rate than most of the weekly area papers! Please - let us know how we can improve this. This newsletter is not for us - it is for you - our clients and prospective clients, as well as our friends. Thanks for your support of this newsletter and, thank you Brian for a "job well done'!

STATE INVESTIGATES WARRANTY SALES CALLS - AT LONG LAST!

Please note the following article from The New York Times. This is something that we have tried to help our client’s with for over 3 years. We have many letters written to the Attorney General’s Office requesting them to look into this matter on behalf of our clients. Please feel free to share this with customers, as needed.

November 9, 2008
States Investigate Warranty Sales Calls
By CHRISTOPHER JENSEN
ATTORNEYS GENERAL in several states are investigating what they suspect are telephone sales scams promoting extended car warranties, often by calling cellphones or numbers that are on do-not-call lists.
The Connecticut attorney general, Richard Blumenthal, said his office had received “a huge number of complaints — hundreds of complaints.” Connecticut is part of a large, multistate investigation into such calls, he said.
Another of those states is Iowa. “They are trying to trick you into believing that the communication is coming from the auto manufacturer and that your warranty is about to expire and you need to do something to extend that warranty,” said William L. Brauch, a special assistant attorney general and director of the consumer protection division in Iowa.
But automakers are not behind the policies, Mr. Brauch said, and after buying such a policy it may be difficult to get reimbursed for a repair.
“A number of these companies tend to routinely deny paying, they come up with various interpretations, shall we say, of the agreements, which they say justify them not covering whatever the problem might be,” he said.
Mr. Blumenthal said the investigation was looking at whether the policies were legitimate as well as the use of misleading and deceptive sales practices. That includes telling people that their warranties have expired and that urgent action is needed.
Investigators are also looking at violations of the federal do-not-call registry, Mr. Brauch said.
In many cases the callers are hiding the telephone number from which they are calling.
“They are using what are called ghost, or spoof, telephone numbers,” Mr. Blumenthal said. “They use technology that masks the source of their calls, which is troubling because consumers can’t call them back.”
The originating phone number that showed up in recent calls to some New Yorkers was traced to a disconnected phone in Nebraska. It belonged to an illegal immigrant who was arrested in a raid on a meat-packing plant and was deported, said Leah Bucco-White, a spokeswoman for the Nebraska attorney general’s office.
Last year, a company from Howell, N.J., agreed to pay $120,000 in fines to resolve complaints filed by the New Jersey attorney general, Anne Milgram, that it had engaged in unfair and deceptive marketing in the sale of automotive warranties and that it had violated do-not-call regulations.
The company, Corfacts Inc. (also known as Metro Marketing, National Warranty Division and Warranty Warehouse.com) did not acknowledge wrongdoing. But Corfacts signed a consent order and agreed not to violate the state’s consumer protection or do-not-call laws.

Food Drive Going On Now!

Hi everyone. It’s that time of year that we show how thankful we are for all the blessings that we have in our lives. One of the best ways to show how grateful we are is to share of ourselves with others.

This year Premier Subaru, LLC would like to help the Branford Food Council.

We will be accepting non-perishable and non-expired food items to help those less fortunate that ourselves.

Please bring your donation to either food box in the accounting office or our service department during this week and next. We will be delivering our collection on November 21, 2008.


It is in giving that you receive.
Thank you for all your support.

WILD TIMES, HUH?

We are living during unprecedented economic times right now, no doubt. Besides the real estate market, which has really taken it on the chin during this slow down, the car business has been hit hard. We are witnessing declines in automotive sales approaching 50% during a single month. Some car lines have been hit especially hard due to their lack of fuel efficient vehicles.

Now, why would a car dealer write about this?

Well, why we are keenly aware of these economic times, we are living in the land of Subaru - Premier Subaru, specifically. I am of the belief that, during periods of slower economic growth, only the strongest survive. The strongest brands, the strongest businesses, the strongest employees. Year to date, Subaru is one of only two brands in the entire automotive industry, that has posted gains during this year. I believe the reason for that is pretty simple. Subaru has been a car company that has stuck to their business model producing the most fuel efficient line of all-wheel-drive vehicles sold in the United States. The value proposition of a Subaru is amazing. The standard features far exceed those sold in other vehicles. The all-wheel-drive system is simply amazing and todays models are better than ever. Together, this is an inviting package for any customer. The result is increasing sales during a decreasing economy.

The same goes for us here at Premier Subaru. Our team of employees is really second to none. Our business model is conservative. Since the first day we opened our doors over 8 years ago, we have invested in our facilities, our equipment and our employees. The result is a large investment in our customer. Our customer is our single most important and valuable asset. I am proud to say that, as of today, we have sold over 9,000 vehicles and serviced more than 97,200 cars. Continuing to take care of these assets allow us to also maintain our growth pattern during a down economy.

As we proceed through the next test of our economy, the bailout and the election, to name a couple, all of us here at Premier Subaru will continue to work towards offering our customers the best value for their dollar, period. Our ongoing relationship with you, our customer and most valuable asset, is our primary key to making it through these tough economic times and beyond.

Tropical Storm Hanna No Match for Our Nama!

This weekend (September 4,5,6 and 7th), our very own Barbara Mullen (also referred to as "Nama" by her grandchildren and, now adopted by Premier employees), will be tending our tent and new vehicle display at the North Haven Fair (http://www.northhaven-fair.com/). The North Haven Fair gets "hundreds of thousands" of visitors over a 4 day period. Premier Subaru has been a part of this fair for 9 years. For all of these 9 years, Barbara has been setting up our "always festive" and "extremely informative" portible car dealership at the fair! It is a great way for customers and "want to be customers" to get introduced to the Subaru product line and to us. Countless people now know "Barbara from the Fair"! In addition to the thousands of people who are introducing themselves to us for the first time, hundred of customers always stop by and say hello. (Or, do all these people drop by to enjoy Barbara's alway ready supply of candy).

Well, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Hanna, who decided to arrive right in the middle of our fair activities, Barbara is not there on Saturday the 6th. Not that she didn't want to be. She did. But, of course, I told her to skip it as she really shouldn't be out in the middle of a tropical storm, under a tent. Plus, as a sidebar, I am sure that there is some sort of OSHA regulation prohibiting car salespeople from being outside during the middle of a tropical storm at a muddy fairgrounds and trying to keep dry under a "largely metal" tent!

Well, don't fear! On Sunday, September 7th, Barbara will be back at the Fair and in our Portable Dealership (fancy way of saying "tent") and looking for all of her customers, and those applying for a position as a customer, to stop by and say "hi"! If you can't make it to the North Haven Fair - please stop and see us in two weeks at the Guilford Fair!

Congratulations Stan Nitkowski!

As a customer or friend, you absolutely know Stanley Nitkowski. Stan has been with our company since just about the beginning. During his time with Premier Subaru, Stan has sold about 1,000 new and preowned vehicles. He has also made friends with so many of our customers and ascended to the position of Sales Manager. Well, Stan has just been invited by Subaru of America, as well as the regional distributor Subaru of New England, to participate in an event called the Subaru "Summer Sizzler". By being invited to this event, Stanley has been recognized as one of the leading sales consultants in New England. During this event, Stanley will be helping to fomulate the format and content of sales training for the rest of the sales consultants in New England. During this event, Stanley will participate in presentations by dignitaries of Subaru of America (Linden Calder- Director of Sales Training and Michael Whelan - Sales Training Operations Manager), as well as presentations by Subaru of America's new Advertising Agency, Carmichael Lynch. We are proud to have Stanley attend such an important event that will help the learning experiences and training process for all sales consultants in New England.

Don't Forget! August 7-10, 2008 Join Us For Shakespeare!

Please don't forget to join Premier Subaru, who is a supporting sponsor, of "Much Ado About Nothing" which is being put on at the Guilford Green from August 7-10, 2008. This is an exciting and outstanding performance! Below is the official announcement of this tremendous event!

Shakespeare on the Shoreline: The Shoreline Arts Alliance is pleased to be bringing the CT Free Shakespeare company back to the Guilford Green on August 7 - 10. This summer's William Shakespeare play is Much Ado About Nothing, a romantic comedy complete with music and set in the 1970's. The story is loaded with mismatched lovers, squabbling brothers, a verbally challenged constable and "battle of the sexes." The Watergate Scandal provides a perfect backdrop for this story of mistaken identiy, deception, and trickery. Curtain is at 7:30pm each evening and as is customary with this theatre company, there will be a living intermission each night where the actors come off the stage to mingle with and entertain the audience. Bring family and friends, blankets and chairs and picnic dinners (concession also available) to our 7th summer of presenting 'theatre under the stars' on the beautiful Guilford Green.

Another Successful Blood Drive on July 17, 2008- Thank You To All Of The Donors!

Premier Subaru would like to thank all of the donors who gave blood during our latest blood drive on July 17, 2008. According to the American Red Cross, blood supply was at a critical low during this period, as such, we were happy to provide the facility, volunteers (thanks to Gino Diaz our Facility Manager) and even some donors, including myself! Please stay on the lookout for future blood drives. It costs you nothing, but, can save so many lives.

FHI Showcases its Subaru Plug-in STELLA Concept, a New Prototype Electric Vehicle, at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the successful development of its Subaru Plug-in STELLA Concept model, a prototype electric vehicle (EV). FHI will provide five units of the Plug-in STELLA Concept for use at the Hokkaido Toyako Summit to be held July 7 through 9, 2008.

Four of the five will be used to transport government officials and other participants at the summit, while one vehicle will be displayed at the Environmental Showcase,
an exhibition and demonstration area in the International Media Center, and it will also be available for test drives.

In addition, FHI will provide one STELLA Concept model to the Japan Post group for use in mail collection and delivery in the vicinity of Toyako during the summit.

The Subaru Plug-in STELLA Concept combines the EV system employed in the R1e, (which recently debuted in the U.S. at the New York International Auto Show), with the mini car, Subaru STELLA. The resulting vehicle represents an optimized model that features STELLA’s compact packaging and superb utility.

FHI plans to use the Plug-in STELLA Concept in the development and test-marketing of the next generation of EV in Japan in the near future.

FHI jointly developed the Subaru R1e with Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. (TEPCO), a leading utility in Japan, and the vehicle’s performance has been tested since June 2006. 40 units of the R1e model, equipped with lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries, have been used by TEPCO as part of its corporate fleet and by the Kanagawa Prefectural Government, providing performance results that further advance FHI’s EV development work. Such data collected under real-world conditions has helped FHI refine the concept of the next-generation EV and make further improvements in convenience and comfort under everyday driving situations.
FHI has placed emphasis on its mission to pursue the perfect integration of a pleasant and reliable driving with environmental considerations. While seamlessly improving the power units design and introducing such cleaner engines as the Horizontally-Opposed diesel engine in Europe (available since March 2008), the company has positioned EVs as another viable solution for environmental preservation, and it plans to accelerate its EV development work