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.

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.

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.

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

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).

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.

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 .

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.

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.