Monday, June 29, 2009

CLASS LEADING FUEL ECONOMY BY THE 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK! WOW!

Subaru of America, Inc. Announces EPA Figures for 2010 Outback

- Subaru Outback Wagon Achieves 29 mpg Hwy -

- Offers Better Fuel Economy Than Many Front-Wheel Drive Competitors -

CHERRY HILL, N.J., June 29 -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced the EPA fuel economy results for the all-new 2010MY Outback. The 2010 All-Wheel Drive Subaru Outback achieves up to 24 mpg combined and 29 mpg highway, even while interior volume is up over 7-percent.

Specifically the Outback 2.5i CVT now exhibits better fuel economy (EPA combined) than such competitors as the Toyota Venza, Volvo XC70, VW Passat, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer.

The 2010 Subaru Outback now scores better on EPA fuel economy than the much smaller Suzuki SX-4 AWD and has significantly more power coming from its 170HP 2.5L 4-cylinder Boxer engine.

"The all-new 2010 Subaru Outback combines great on- and off-road capability, comfortable space, incredible cargo carrying ability and fuel economy all for a great price," said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and CMO of Subaru of America, Inc. "We think this new Outback will really raise the bar in the crossover segment."

With its unique Boxer engine, segment-leading 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and fold-away roof rack crossbars, the all-new Subaru Outback has an entry-level price of $22,995 (excluding destination and delivery). The Outback provides an alternative for customers looking for more room than a midsize sedan and features the off-road capabilities of an SUV, with the fuel economy of a small car.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

OUTSTANDING FUEL ECONOMY BY SUBARU!

Subaru of America, Inc. Announces EPA figures for 2010 Legacy

- Subaru Legacy Sedan achieves 31mpg Hwy -
- Best MPG figures for mid-size AWD in U.S. Market -
- Better economy than many front-wheel drive competitors


CHERRY HILL, N.J., June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America today announced the EPA fuel economy results for 2010MY Legacy. The 2010 All-Wheel Drive Legacy achieves up to 26 mpg combined and 31 mpg highway, despite having grown in size in almost every dimension.

Specifically, the Legacy 2.5i CVT now exhibits better fuel economy (EPA combined) than such Front-Wheel competitors such as Honda Accord, Mazda6i, VW Passat and Hyundai Sonata. Furthermore, the new Legacy is now the highest rated midsize AWD sedan (EPA combined) in the U.S. market for 2010MY.

Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and CMO of Subaru of America said, "We are thrilled that the all-new 2010 Legacy not only offers more space and a more rewarding drive than the competition, but it also delivers better fuel economy at a very competitive price."

The Subaru Legacy comes with Subaru's legendary Boxer engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, quick-ratio steering and a new double-wishbone suspension system. The 2010 Legacy has an entry-level price of $19,995 (excl. delivery) and will provide an alternative for customers looking for more from the mid-sized sedan segment.

2010MY EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
Legacy 2.5i 6MT 19 mpg city / 22 mpg combined / 27 mpg hwy
Legacy 2.5i CVT 23 mpg city / 26 mpg combined / 31 mpg hwy
Legacy 2.5GT 6MT 18 mpg city / 21 mpg combined / 25 mpg hwy
Legacy 3.6R 5AT 18 mpg city / 21 mpg combined / 25 mpg hwy

Travis Pastrana and The Subaru Road Racing Team





It was great to attend the Subaru National Dealer Meeting in Washington, DC this past weekend (June 13, 2009). This was a great meeting since is conincided with the release of the all-new 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback. Two amazing vehicles. Furthermore, it was great to see Travis Pastrana again. Of course, Travis is exceedingly cool and loves the Subaru product. He also takes the time to sign autographs (I think I have 5 of them now!) and even spoke with one of his largest fans, Stanley Nitkowski (who works for us) on my cell phone.

During the meeting, I also met Joe Aquilante, a professional racer turned team owner, of Phoenix Performance. This road race team has garnered multiple SCCA Club Racing National Titles with the STI platform and is currently campaigning the prestigious Grand American KONI Challenge series in a Street-Tuner-Classed Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Spec B. It was great to meet Joe and his entire team. I enjoyed seeing them race the Subaru at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut. If you have an opportunity, please check them out during this year's racing season.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

We have it! Get a sneak peak at the 2010 Subaru Legacy!




See It Here Now! The 2010 Subaru Legacy Sedan is at Premier Subaru in Branford, Connecticut!

This outstanding 2010 Subaru Legacy Sedan is a fresh arrival, and, it's here early! The 2010 models are not scheduled for introduction until the end of July, 2009 or Early August, 2009. We have an all new 2010 Subaru Legacy Limited with the Harmon/Kardon audio package and a power moonroof. The vehicle is awesome! Come and see it on our showroom floor today and SEE THE FUTURE OF SUBARU!





Wednesday, May 27, 2009

The New 2010 Subaru Forester Information Has Been Announced!

Subaru of America, Inc., announced pricing on the 2010 Subaru Forester. The newly redesigned Forester - introduced last spring - hit an all-times sales record for the company as it was the right vehicle, at the right time, for people looking to downsize from larger SUVs without giving up valuable cargo room. Among its many accolades, the Forester was named Sport/Utility of the Year by Motor Trend magazine.

As with all Subaru models, the 2010 Forester comes equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

The 2010 Forester once again blends positive SUV attributes including a high seating point and interior versatility with passenger car comfort, superior handling, fuel efficiency and is available in both 2.5 liter naturally aspirated and 2.5 liter turbocharged models. The naturally aspirated models are available with a manual or automatic transmission. 2.5X and 2.5XT turbocharged models come standard with automatic transmission. The naturally aspirated model is available in three trim levels; 2.5X, 2.5X Premium and 2.5X Limited models. The 2.5XT turbocharged version is available in two trim levels; 2.5XT Premium and 2.5XT Limited models.

Model Pricing Highlights:The 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X has a starting price of $20,295 and comes with AM/FM stereo with single disc CD player and 4 speakers, (3) 12 volt power outlets, 215/65 R16 96H All-Season tires, Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), daytime running lights, engine immobilizer, carpeted floor mats, multi-functional center console box and sliding arm rest, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, rear window wiper and washer, remote keyless entry and tilt steering column.

There are a number of options available for the 2010 Forester. (Availability varies by trim level):

All-Weather Package $400 includes: heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer and heated exterior mirrors

GPS navigation system $1,800 includes: AM/FM/CD/DVD, 7" LCD touch-screen, hands-free Bluetooth phone, auxiliary audio and video input jacks

The 2.5X Premium has a starting price of $22,795. Standard equipment includes all 2.5X model features (where applicable) plus a standard 10-way power driver's seat, 17-inch Alloy Wheels, 225/55 R17 95H All-Season tires, privacy glass, panoramic power moonroof, roof rails, steering wheel mounted audio switches, reclining rear seatback function and rear seat retractable rear tray. Optional: All-Weather Package.

The 2.5X Limited equipped with automatic transmission has a starting price of $25,995. Standard equipment includes all 2.5X Premium model features (where applicable) plus leather-trimmed upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle, chrome exhaust tips, automatic climate control system, AM/FM stereo with 6-disc changer and 6 speakers, fog lights, cargo floor mat, and All-Weather Package. Optional: GPS navigation system.

The 2.5XT Premium equipped with automatic transmission has a starting price of $26,495. Standard equipment includes all 2.5X Premium model features (where applicable) plus a 2.5 liter turbocharged engine with Active Valve Control System, decorative engine cover, chrome exhaust tips, fog lights, rear spoiler, telescopic steering column, unique 17-inch alloy wheels, exclusive upholstery, AM/FM stereo with 6-disc changer and 6 speakers and aluminum-alloy accelerator and brake pedal covers.

The 2.5XT Limited equipped with automatic transmission has a starting price of $28,495. Standard equipment includes all 2.5XT Premium model features (where applicable) plus leather-trimmed upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle, automatic climate control, a 10-way power driver's seat and All-Weather Package. Optional: GPS navigation system.

Accessory items for all 2010 Forester models will be available soon on www.subaru.com.
Destination and Delivery charge is $695 for all 2010MY Forester models in the Contiguous 48 States. The MSRP of PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) models is $300 more than the federal specification model.

Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Subaru Forester Named One of the 'Best Family Cars for 2009' by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com

Subaru Forester Named One of the 'Best Family Cars for 2009' by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com
May 22, 2009:
The 2009 Subaru Forester today was named to the "Best Family Cars for 2009" list by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com. The award is the culmination of six months of test-driving and analyzing dozens of vehicles, plus feedback from parents who own and drive the vehicles on a daily basis. As part of a rigorous evaluation, each vehicle was judged on safety, performance, interior, exterior qualities and family-friendly features. Focusing on the Subaru Forester's safety attributes, the article detailing the awards -- which appears in the June 2009 issue of Parents -- highlights the vehicle's standard all-wheel drive and stability control, as well as the Forester's designation as a Top Safety Pick by the Information Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
"When Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com team up to review a vehicle, you can be sure you are getting a thorough evaluation from both parenting experts and automotive professionals," notes Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO for Subaru of America, Inc. "We are doubly pleased that the Subaru Forester's safety features and family-friendly design have won over not only the experts, but also the parents who rely on our vehicles to keep their families safe."

This latest recognition by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com joins a growing list of accolades for the Subaru Forester, which was also named a "Best Bet for SUVs and Crossovers" by Cars.com and recognized by Kiplinger's Personal Finance 2009 Car Buyer's Guide as "Best New Crossover" in the category of "Small Crossovers." Other awards received by the 2009 Subaru Forester include: Motor Trend's 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year; a "good" rating (the highest available rating, indicating a vehicle's roof is more than twice as strong as minimum federal safety standards require) in the new IIHS roof strength test and the MotorWeek Driver's Choice Award for Best Small Utility.
Right now, Premier Subaru is having an unprecedented sale on the all-new 2009 Subaru Forester. This includes "model year discounts" and low interest financing to qualified buyers. Premier Subaru, the State's only AAA Approved Subaru dealers, has the largest inventory of 2009 model year Foresters in New England.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

AT LONG LAST, PROGRESS AGAINST WARRANTY MARKETING COMPANIES!

AT LONG LAST, PROGRESS IS BEING MADE AGAINST THE WARRANTY MARKETING COMPANIES.

For over 5 years, I have written letters to the Office of the Attorney General here in the State of Connecticut, as well as other Federal and State agencies regarding the punishing tactics of various automotive "warranty marketing companies". These completely unrelated companies use abusive tactics in order to "scare" customers into believing that either the manufacturers' or dealer warranty has expired on their vehicle. At that point, they make a "full court press" pitch to sell these unsuspecting customers extended warranties for their vehicles.

Unfortunately, we have had customers that have purchased these warranties. The coverage, we have found, is basically non-existent. Furthermore, the cost they paid for them is extreme. I firmly believe in the value of an extended service agreement. However, it needs to be BENEFICIAL to the customer, not a "scam".

I am providing below a copy of an article from today's NEW YORK TIMES regarding some, long awaiting, federal action against these people. As always, I WELCOME your calls and emails regarding this subject. I appreciate all of you who have participated with calls to me.

Court Issues Order Against 3 Car-Warranty Marketing Firms
By JENNIFER 8. LEE

A federal court in Chicago issued a restraining order on Friday against three companies accused of aggressively making automated calls to sell car warranties across the country, the Federal Trade Commission announced.

The order, which also froze the companies’ assets, came in response to a lawsuit filed by the commission on Wednesday.

In legal filings, the commission said the robocall campaigns had brought in $10 million in sales as a result of the calls and mailings, which falsely gave people the impression that their car warranties were expiring.

The companies systematically dialed random numbers across the country, violating the National Do Not Call Registry, the commission said. The companies also regularly faked their own caller ID numbers, so it was unclear where the calls were coming from.

The two companies named by the commission are Voice Touch and Transcontinental Warranty, both operating largely out of Florida.

Judge John F. Grady of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois issued a temporary restraining order against Voice Touch as well as a business partner, Network Foundations, prohibiting them from making further calls. He also issued a separate temporary restraining order against Transcontinental.

Also named in the restraining orders are Christopher D. Cowart, the owner of Transcontinental; James and Maureen Dunne, the owners of Voice Touch; and Damian Kohlfeld, an owner of Network Foundations.

In freezing the companies’ assets, the court also appointed receivers over Transcontinental and Network Foundations to ensure that documents were preserved and assets not dispersed. The restraining orders are in effect until a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for May 29.
Senator Charles E. Schumer, who himself had received a robocall on his cellphone, said, “For the first time in months, millions of New Yorkers and people across the country will finally have some relief from these annoying calls with potentially thousands saved from falling into this scam.”

Monday, April 20, 2009

2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback! WOW!












Over this past weekend, a group of us decided to drive down to the New York Auto Show and personally inspect that all-new 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback. This annual visit, by this group, is now somewhat a tradition. We go down together, walk the show and end up out at a great NYC restaurant for a late dinner. So, on Friday, Bob Bennett (from Subaru), Brian DuBosar (our General Sales Manager), Jose Columna (my neighbor!), Ken Scanzio (from Subaru, and a newcomer) and myself embarked upon our annual visit together.

The first thing I noticed was how so much of the "ever present" excitment was, well, not present. Obviously, what we have read in the paper about the terrible results in the auto industry were very visable at this show with smaller booths and fewer concept cars. In accordance with our tradition, we walked the booths of the other manufacturers' first - then - decided to visit the Subaru booth.

The lack of excitement evidenced thoughout the show was definately not in the Subaru booth. The crowds were heavy and the lines were long in order to sit in either the new 2010 Subaru Legacy or the 2010 Outback. The introduction of the 2010 Outback was actually a "surprise", as Subaru had only notified the press that the 2010 Legacy would be introduced.

As a dealer, I always "hold my breath" at a new model introduction. I get nervous and think to myself things like "Is it possible they can improve upon the award winning models we already have?". Well - Congratulations Subaru Engineers - you did it. Both of these cars are, simply, amazing. In fact, we were so happy with the new product, that we had to "cap off" the evening with a great dinner at Ben Benson's Steakhouse!

I am looking forward to receiving the first of these vehicles in August of this year. We will share information on these vehicles as we get it to ensure that you are "in the know".

By the way, don't look past the current 2009 Subaru Legacy and Outback. If you like the current design and features (they are loaded with standard features this year!) please see us for a great deal with low rate financing!

Monday, April 13, 2009

2010 Subaru Outback Makes a Surprise Debut!

2010 Subaru Outback Makes Surprise Debut at New York International Auto Show

- Roomiest Outback Ever with New Levels of Comfort and Refinement
- Bold New Design Language Redefines Sport Utility Wagon
- New 6-speed Manual and CVT Transmissions for Outback 2.5i Models
- New 256-hp 3.6-liter 6-Cylinder Engine in 3.6R Models

NEW YORK, Subaru of America, Inc. made a surprise introduction today, revealing the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback® at its media conference at the New York International Auto Show. The fourth-generation of the World's First Sport Utility Wagon® is a roomier and more capable interpretation of the vehicle that launched the crossover trend 15 years ago. Distinguished by bolder and crisper styling, the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback delivers enhanced performance, comfort and economy with the introduction of an all-new chassis and the new Subaru Lineartronic™ CVT (continuously variable transmission). Capability is enhanced with a segment-first swing-out roof rail and crossbar design and an improved 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The all-new 2010 Subaru Outback is smart-sized compared to other crossover vehicles, featuring mid-size interior volume in an easy-to-maneuver and off-road capable wagon body. Interior volume has been increased by almost 8 percent in a package that is actually shorter than the outgoing model. The wheelbase has been increased by 2.8 inches and improves rear seat legroom by almost 4 inches. A new rear double wishbone suspension improves chassis dynamics and rear cargo space. The 2010 Outback is 2 inches wider to improve passenger comfort, has more headroom and is more fuel efficient than the outgoing model.

The 2010 Outback, while still clearly related to its predecessors, marks a departure in design toward a new, bolder look. The 2010 Outback also has a greater road presence with a wider track and expressive wheel arches. Built on an all-new platform, the 2010 Outback has a 2.8 inch longer wheelbase, now 107.9 inches, for a smoother ride and increased interior space. Rear seat legroom is increased by nearly 4 inches to 37.8 inches. With a 2.0-in. increase in vehicle width, the 2010 Outback offers greater hip and shoulder room. Total passenger room is increased by 8 cubic feet, now 105.4 cu. ft., and maximum cargo capacity (with rear seatbacks folded) is up by 6 cubic feet to 71.3 cu. ft. The Outback also features a rear cargo area that is deeper and wider than in many small SUVs and easier to access through its wide aperture rear hatch.

Remarkably, the roomier 2010 Outback is almost one inch shorter than the previous model, due to reduced front and rear overhang dimensions. The new Outback is also four inches taller than the previous model, increasing headroom and cargo area height. The new packaging preserves the maneuverability, agility and parking ease that Outback customers value.
Building on the tremendous success of previous Outback models, the 2010 Outback caters to a wide variety of customer tastes and needs. The Outback line for 2010 will include three 2.5i models powered by a revised 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine. The efficient Outback 2.5i models offer a new standard 6-speed manual transmission, or the available Lineartronic™ CVT. Both transmissions help to improve acceleration, response and fuel economy. Three new range-topping Outback 3.6R models are powered by a new 256-hp 3.6-liter 6-cylinder Boxer engine teamed with a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission.

All Outback models for 2010 are equipped as standard with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), which combines stability and traction control capability. The all-new electronic Hill Holder System, also standard on all models, holds the vehicle in place until the driver applies the throttle to pull away from a stop. Previous systems held the car in place for only a few seconds. Subaru is the only company that features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its product line.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Congratulations to the "other" Bob Alvine

My father, the other "Bob Alvine" is Chair of the Board of the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science. This institute was launced in 1997. Every year, the Henry C. Lee Institute sponsors the Arnold Markle Symposium. This year marks the 18th year.

Dr. Lee, with the help of a few criminal investigators, police chiefs, district attorneys, friends and family of State's Attorney Arnold Markle launched the symposium in the memory of Arnold Markle, who always supported the need for post gradute training. Today, this ongoing annual tradition has become one of teh most celebrated training programs throughout the law enforcement community.

In honor of this great event in law enforcement, I thought I would copy below the welcoming comments from my dad, the "other Bob Alvine" for the symposium which starts on April 12th.

Dear Friends and Guests,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science at the
University of New Haven, it is my sincere pleasure to welcome you to this year’s Markle
Symposium, proudly honoring the memory of the esteemed State’s Attorney Arnold Markle.
I want to thank you for attending the Symposium, and I congratulate you on selecting one of
the most acclaimed law enforcement seminars in the world.

The Henry C. Lee Institute was launched in 1997 following the work of a small group of individuals who created a strategic business plan for it. I was designated as chair of that group and vividly remember the Institute’s early days. It was a small initiative that grew with the help of the excellent leadership and reputation of Dr. Lee, and with grant funding and fundraising.
We are delighted that with the University’s support, the Lee Institute will be moving into a
beautiful new building on the University’s campus in 2010. A forensic museum and learning
center will feature, among other valuable documents, the largest archive of information available
on the slaying of Robert Kennedy, and other significant milestones in forensic science. It
will be a center for research and learning available to law enforcement professionals, forensic
scientists, educators, researchers and students. As chair of the Institute since its inception, I
am pleased to have been part of this one-of-a-kind resource.

I am honored to mark the enormous growth of the Markle Symposium from its inception
at the University to an event that grew so large we were able to move it off campus to these
wonderful facilities. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribe has been gracious enough to offer their
convention facilities at Foxwoods Resort Casino in gratitude for some of the investigatory
work Dr. Henry C. Lee had done in the past for them.

I want to thank Dr. Henry C. Lee and our distinguished speakers who have made the Markle
Symposium such a success. I also wish to thank the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe at Foxwoods
for their hospitality and support. We are truly delighted to welcome Symposium participants
from all over the world.

Sincerely,

Robert Alvine, Chair of the Board, the Henry C. Lee Institute for Foresic Science

Good job!