PREMIER SUBARU CLIENT ADVISORY
February 17, 2009
CONSUMER AUTO INCENTIVE INCLUDED IN FINAL STIMULUS BILL (H.R.1)
AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009
Effective February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Incorporated therein is the Consumer Auto Incentive.
What Taxes Are Deductible?
- State Motor Vehicle Sales
- Local Motor Vehicle Sales
- Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes
What Customers Qualify For The Deduction?
- Individual customers with modified adjusted gross income of less than $125,000 or joint-filers making less than $250,000 a year in 2009 would qualify for the deduction.
- Deductible as an “above the line” (for itemizers and non-itemizers) deduction on Federal Tax Return.
Effective Date:
- New vehicle purchases shall apply on purchases on or after the date of enactment (February 17, 2009) until December 31st, 2009.
What New Vehicles Qualify For The Deduction?
- Any new vehicle under 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight (all Subaru vehicles are eligible).
- New vehicles of any model year – when the original use commences with the taxpayer.
- Any new vehicle sold for under $49,500 qualifies for the full deduction. Consumers may deduct sales taxes on the 1st $49,500 of any vehicle sold above this price.
THIS IS A GENERALIZED SUMMARY. For more specific information on eligible customers, taxes and applicability, consumers are encouraged to consult with a qualified tax attorney or professional.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Subaru Designs Custom Impreza WRX STi For Rally Champ Travis Pastrana!
Subaru Designs Custom Impreza WRX STI for Rally Champ Travis Pastrana
- Pastrana Won His Third Consecutive Rally America National Championship for Subaru in 2008
- Special WRX STI Fortified with SPT and STI Parts
- Carbon Fiber Hood and Rear Wing
- Custom Interior with High-Power Audio System and Xbox
Subaru of America, Inc. will show a one-of-a-kind Subaru Impreza WRX STI designed for its factory rally driver Travis Pastrana at the Chicago Auto Show, February 13-22 in McCormick Place. Subaru worked with Pastrana to create a brilliant yellow "199" liveried WRX STI to commemorate his third consecutive Rally America National Championship. Pastrana is scheduled to appear at the Chicago Auto Show to sign autographs in the Subaru booth February 14th and 15th.
Winner of nine X Games Gold Medals, two for X Games Rally competition, Pastrana's street ride had to be as formidable on the road as his racing WRX STI is on the rally circuit. The Travis Pastrana WRX STI is not only a visual stunner, but also amps up performance capability of the stock production Impreza WRX STI. Vermont SportsCar, technical partner for Subaru and builder of the team's rally cars, customized the WRX STI using an array of Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT) and STI parts, along with unique custom pieces. The SPT and STI engine, exhaust, chassis and interior parts showcased on the Travis Pastrana WRX STI are available for any WRX STI through authorized Subaru dealers.
Travis Pastrana: Rally Star
Pastrana was already a motocross champion and X Games gold medal winner when he launched a rally career in 2003. He began driving for the Subaru-backed Vermont SportsCar rally team in 2004.
On August 5, 2006 Pastrana won the gold medal in the first rally car competition at the X Games and was signed to lead the new Subaru Rally Team USA in 2006. Pastrana secured his third consecutive Rally America National Championship driver's title with a win at the 2008 Rally Colorado round of the championship.
Pastrana was already a motocross champion and X Games gold medal winner when he launched a rally career in 2003. He began driving for the Subaru-backed Vermont SportsCar rally team in 2004.
On August 5, 2006 Pastrana won the gold medal in the first rally car competition at the X Games and was signed to lead the new Subaru Rally Team USA in 2006. Pastrana secured his third consecutive Rally America National Championship driver's title with a win at the 2008 Rally Colorado round of the championship.
Pastrana WRX STI: Back-Road and Highway Star
Commissioned by Subaru, Vermont SportsCar started the Travis Pastrana WRX STI with a stock 305-horsepower 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Pastrana's new WRX STI delivers even sharper handling response than the stock model. An SPT front strut tower brace and SPT lower chassis brace help to further tighten handling response. The stock wheels and tires are replaced by BF Goodrich G-Force Super Sport A/S 275/35 ZR18 tires on Work Evolution XD-9 18 x 9-in. wheels in custom satin black. Red STI Brembo brake calipers with white "STI" decals are visible behind the spokes.
The rally-bred WRX STI exterior design lights up with custom yellow paint and graphics. The carbon fiber hood and carbon fiber rear wing are unique to the Pastrana's WRX STI. As on the stock production WRX STI, the functional hood scoop streams outside air to an intercooler. The Sport Mesh Grille is available for all WRX STI owners. Likewise, the STI front chin spoiler and the exhaust finishers are available through Subaru dealers. A set of PIAA 2100 HID driving lights and rally-spec mud flaps underscore the aggressive rally-bred design of the 5-door WRX STI.
Engine Compartment
Under its custom carbon fiber hood, this WRX STI is equipped with a number of modifications including a performance-tuned ECU and custom Down Pipe to unleash a bit more power from the DOHC 2.5-liter intercooled turbo Boxer engine. A turbo boost gauge facilitates tuning. The SPT billet aluminum battery hold-down and billet aluminum oil cap are rendered in the trademark SPT blue color.
Interior
The custom blue Alcantara interior upholstery, the trademark of the original U.S.-spec WRX STIs, is accented with Pastrana's traditional yellow piping and "199 Pastrana" embroidered logos in yellow thread to match vehicle exterior. Likewise, custom yellow stitching is used to accent the steering wheel, shifter boot and parking brake handle boot. An STI short-throw shifter provides an even more direct connection to the 6-speed manual gearbox. Carbon fiber patterned interior trim highlights the dash, doors and console. A rally map light and co-driver foot rest bring a bit of Pastrana's Subaru Rally Team USA car into his new street WRX STI.
During a rally, Pastrana listens to a continuous stream of navigation commands from his co-driver. In his new custom WRX STI, he can listen to anything he wants -- loudly. The audio system is based on an Eclipse AVN 6620 navigation/DVD/CD/MP3 stereo head unit and uses Kicker amplifiers and speakers, including:
Kicker ZX700.5 4x75 watt and 1x400 watt stereo amplifier
Kicker RS65.2 6.5-in. component speakers, front
Kicker RS56.2 5.25/6-in. component speakers, rear
Kicker Solo-Baric L5 10-in. subwoofer in a custom subwoofer/amplifier enclosure
An Xbox 360 is also mounted under the front passenger seat, rounding a package that is as entertaining as its owner. Pastrana and his co-driver can play the Colin McRae DIRT video game using custom yellow controllers.
Motorweek Award Given To The 2009 Forester!
On what is rapidly becoming a regular occurence, I am please to enclose the following press release acknowleding an award given to the 2009 Subaru Forester from the PBS show MOTORWEEK!
Subaru Forester Wins MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award for Best Small Utility
PRNewswireCHERRY HILL, N.J.
- Award Joins Growing List of Accolades for Subaru of America's Most Popular Model -
CHERRY HILL, N.J., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2009 Subaru Forester has been recognized with the MotorWeek Driver's Choice Award for Best Small Utility. The team at MotorWeek, a weekly magazine series produced by Maryland Public Television, evaluated vehicles for this year's awards based on performance, technology, practicality and dollar value. The winners, including the new Subaru Forester, represent what MotorWeek considers to be the best in each class.
"We are excited that MotorWeek has recognized the new Subaru Forester with their Driver's Choice Award," said Tom Doll, executive vice president of Subaru of America, Inc. "This award is really a tribute to our designers and engineers, who have created a versatile, all-wheel drive vehicle that is fun to drive, offers great value, in a unique combination that drivers appreciate in these difficult economic times."
Other awards received by the 2009 Subaru Forester include: Motor Trend's 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year; Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick" - Small SUV; and the Polk Automotive Loyalty Award for consumer loyalty in the Compact SUV category.
About MotorWeek
MotorWeek, the original television automotive magazine series, is one of the nation's leading sources for automotive industry news, new car information and driving entertainment. The award-winning series, seen nationwide on PBS, PBS HD, SPEED and V-me, is sponsored by Cars.com, Valvoline and Goodyear. The weekly series is produced by Maryland Public Television. For more information on MotorWeek and the Drivers' Choice Awards, visit www.pbs.org/motorweek.
Subaru Forester Wins MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award for Best Small Utility
PRNewswireCHERRY HILL, N.J.
- Award Joins Growing List of Accolades for Subaru of America's Most Popular Model -
CHERRY HILL, N.J., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2009 Subaru Forester has been recognized with the MotorWeek Driver's Choice Award for Best Small Utility. The team at MotorWeek, a weekly magazine series produced by Maryland Public Television, evaluated vehicles for this year's awards based on performance, technology, practicality and dollar value. The winners, including the new Subaru Forester, represent what MotorWeek considers to be the best in each class.
"We are excited that MotorWeek has recognized the new Subaru Forester with their Driver's Choice Award," said Tom Doll, executive vice president of Subaru of America, Inc. "This award is really a tribute to our designers and engineers, who have created a versatile, all-wheel drive vehicle that is fun to drive, offers great value, in a unique combination that drivers appreciate in these difficult economic times."
Other awards received by the 2009 Subaru Forester include: Motor Trend's 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year; Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick" - Small SUV; and the Polk Automotive Loyalty Award for consumer loyalty in the Compact SUV category.
About MotorWeek
MotorWeek, the original television automotive magazine series, is one of the nation's leading sources for automotive industry news, new car information and driving entertainment. The award-winning series, seen nationwide on PBS, PBS HD, SPEED and V-me, is sponsored by Cars.com, Valvoline and Goodyear. The weekly series is produced by Maryland Public Television. For more information on MotorWeek and the Drivers' Choice Awards, visit www.pbs.org/motorweek.
Monday, February 2, 2009
2010 Legacy Concept - A HUGE HIT FOR SUBARU!
The 2010 Subaru Legacy Concept was a huge hit for Subaru during it's introduction at the recent Detroit Auto Show. The concept car is larger than the existing Legacy - being about the same size at the current Toyota Camry. It looks great. The line are wonderful and the vehicle is very stylish. In a previous blog posting, I have listed a copy of Subaru's official announcement describing the 2010 Subaru Legacy Concept vehicle. However, I came across these videos. One of these videos shows the lines of the vehicle and how it looks in motion. The second video is a commentary from the actual designer of the car. Too many times, consumers are unable to see who really designed a vehicle and the reasons for the design intent. This is a great video so that you can see why the designer designed the 2010 Subaru Legacy in this manner.
This is all so important since the styling cues you see in this vehicle should be very visible in the production version of the 2010 Subaru Legacy!
2010 Subaru Legacy Concept - Running Footage:
2010 Subaru Legacy Concept - Designer Instruction:
This is all so important since the styling cues you see in this vehicle should be very visible in the production version of the 2010 Subaru Legacy!
2010 Subaru Legacy Concept - Running Footage:
2010 Subaru Legacy Concept - Designer Instruction:
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Subaru: A Rare Bright Spot Amid Automakers' Gloom
The following article appeared today on CNN and TIME.COM (Time Magazine's website).
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009
Subaru: A Rare Bright Spot Amid Automakers' Gloom
By BILL SAPORITO
Subaru's customers are, the company admits, a little oddball. How else do you explain the fact that Subaru of America was the only car company to increase unit sales last year? Subaru buyers tend to be overeducated; they buy less car than they can afford and hang on to it forever. "They pay cash, and then you never see them again," says Tim Mahoney, Subaru of America's chief marketing officer. At least not for an average 7.3 years, when they return like migrating carbirds to buy another one. Recession or not.
You know, of course, that Detroit is on its knees. But Stuttgart, Tokyo and Seoul aren't faring particularly well either. Toyota's U.S. sales were off 16% last year. Yet Subaru was positive to the tune of 491 cars. The company sold 187,699 vehicles last year, led by value-driven models like the Forester SUV and Outback wagon ($19,995 to $22,295) and the muscled-up Impreza WRX ($24,995), a small sedan. (See pictures of the remains of Detroit.)
That's an increase of just 0.3% over 2007. But in a disastrous year for the industry, it boosted Subaru's market share to 1.92%, from 1.2%. In the auto industry, that's a huge increase — and a higher market share than Cadillac, for instance. Subaru did it without giving away the store too. For 2008, the company decided to roll back its list prices and back off the rebates. The sticker price of the 2009 Forester, for instance, was lowered to $19,995, from $21,295. "We had to bring down our incentive costs and stop selling based on the deal," says Tom Doll, executive vice president of the company, which is a division of Japan's Fuji Heavy Industries.
Loyalty can help you do that, and Subaru has leveraged its existing customers, who identify more with their cars than perhaps is healthy. "If you stop a Subaru owner at sporting event, ski slope, shopping center, they'll tell you, 'I love this car,' " says Mahoney. And being the opinionated-bumper-sticker type, they are more likely to recommend the brand than even Toyota or Honda owners.
Certainly, it's a perfect era for a car company that is green (it boasts zero-landfill production plants), safety-focused, and can deliver a fair amount of value and performance. In the snow belt regions of the Northeast and intermountain west, Subaru has long had a following because of its all-wheel-drive portfolio.
But Subaru has successfully expanded both its geography and demography, becoming a more national car company and getting a broader customer base.
To accomplish both, the company expanded its safety-first image to one that includes better performance and more fun. After all, who wants to motor around in the equivalent of all-wheel-drive bubble wrap? California, a vital auto market, discovered Subaru courtesy of models like the Impreza WRX. All-wheel drive is terrific in the Sierras, but in the Los Angeles Basin, it's more about performance, which the 265-hp, intercooled, turbocharged WRX could address. The muscle models scored well with younger drivers and allowed Subaru to get more exposure for its full line.
Having more than weathered the dreadfully bad 2008, Subaru officials aren't planning on lowering sales this year. At Detroit's North American International Auto Show, Subaru unveiled a concept car that will likely evolve into a midsize sedan version of its Legacy. And on a broader note, Doll says that more available credit and Barack Obama's stimulus package should get additional buyers into showrooms. Of course, if all else fails, there are always those folks who bought an Outback 7.3 years ago — and are ready to return.
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009
Subaru: A Rare Bright Spot Amid Automakers' Gloom
By BILL SAPORITO
Subaru's customers are, the company admits, a little oddball. How else do you explain the fact that Subaru of America was the only car company to increase unit sales last year? Subaru buyers tend to be overeducated; they buy less car than they can afford and hang on to it forever. "They pay cash, and then you never see them again," says Tim Mahoney, Subaru of America's chief marketing officer. At least not for an average 7.3 years, when they return like migrating carbirds to buy another one. Recession or not.
You know, of course, that Detroit is on its knees. But Stuttgart, Tokyo and Seoul aren't faring particularly well either. Toyota's U.S. sales were off 16% last year. Yet Subaru was positive to the tune of 491 cars. The company sold 187,699 vehicles last year, led by value-driven models like the Forester SUV and Outback wagon ($19,995 to $22,295) and the muscled-up Impreza WRX ($24,995), a small sedan. (See pictures of the remains of Detroit.)
That's an increase of just 0.3% over 2007. But in a disastrous year for the industry, it boosted Subaru's market share to 1.92%, from 1.2%. In the auto industry, that's a huge increase — and a higher market share than Cadillac, for instance. Subaru did it without giving away the store too. For 2008, the company decided to roll back its list prices and back off the rebates. The sticker price of the 2009 Forester, for instance, was lowered to $19,995, from $21,295. "We had to bring down our incentive costs and stop selling based on the deal," says Tom Doll, executive vice president of the company, which is a division of Japan's Fuji Heavy Industries.
Loyalty can help you do that, and Subaru has leveraged its existing customers, who identify more with their cars than perhaps is healthy. "If you stop a Subaru owner at sporting event, ski slope, shopping center, they'll tell you, 'I love this car,' " says Mahoney. And being the opinionated-bumper-sticker type, they are more likely to recommend the brand than even Toyota or Honda owners.
Certainly, it's a perfect era for a car company that is green (it boasts zero-landfill production plants), safety-focused, and can deliver a fair amount of value and performance. In the snow belt regions of the Northeast and intermountain west, Subaru has long had a following because of its all-wheel-drive portfolio.
But Subaru has successfully expanded both its geography and demography, becoming a more national car company and getting a broader customer base.
To accomplish both, the company expanded its safety-first image to one that includes better performance and more fun. After all, who wants to motor around in the equivalent of all-wheel-drive bubble wrap? California, a vital auto market, discovered Subaru courtesy of models like the Impreza WRX. All-wheel drive is terrific in the Sierras, but in the Los Angeles Basin, it's more about performance, which the 265-hp, intercooled, turbocharged WRX could address. The muscle models scored well with younger drivers and allowed Subaru to get more exposure for its full line.
Having more than weathered the dreadfully bad 2008, Subaru officials aren't planning on lowering sales this year. At Detroit's North American International Auto Show, Subaru unveiled a concept car that will likely evolve into a midsize sedan version of its Legacy. And on a broader note, Doll says that more available credit and Barack Obama's stimulus package should get additional buyers into showrooms. Of course, if all else fails, there are always those folks who bought an Outback 7.3 years ago — and are ready to return.
Monday, January 12, 2009
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.
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
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
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
$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.
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.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
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.
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