Fortune Magazine Highlights Subaru’s 45 Years Of Achievements
“It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru” is more than just an advertising tagline – it’s a philosophy for the Japanese car company. And over at Fortune Magazine, the staff chose to delve in, research and determine what exactly it is that makes a Subaru, a Subaru.
After nearly 45 years in the U.S. market, Subaru of America is currently celebrating a number of achievements. Most notably, Subaru became the only manufacturer with an entire product line of vehicles awarded “top safety picks” by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.
Safety has often been a hallmark of Subaru, and until the introduction of the BRZ sports coupe it was almost common knowledge that every Subaru came standard with the security and safety of all-wheel-drive. Today all-wheel-drive continues to come standard on all Subaru Legacy, Impreza, Forester, Outback and XV Crosstrek models. The BRZ forgoes this system in order to appeal to enthusiasts who prefer that power be sent exclusively to the rear wheels.
Subaru’s achievements have not gone unnoticed by the press, and as Fortune Magazine points out “Consumer Reports rates Subaru above Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and every other manufacturer in performance, comfort, utility, and reliability, and says the company makes the best cars in America. ALG (formerly Automotive Lease Guide), the industry’s arbiter of residual value and used-car prices, named Subaru the leader in retained value among mainstream brands.”
Even more importantly, consumer demand for Subaru vehicles continues to increase. While Fortune Magazine notes that, “By itself, the Toyota Camry outsells the entire Subaru lineup,” the magazine also points out that “Subaru is currently running with a 45-day supply, compared with the 65 days that are considered optimal in the auto industry.”
Such a short supply can be attributed to both continued growth by the company within the automotive industry, as well as an intelligent business strategy by corporate bigwigs within Subaru of America.
One part of this strategy is for the automaker to increase U.S. sales to 350,000 units per year by 2016; a goal that seems attainable for the company given the success of the redesigned Subaru Impreza. As Fortune Magazine states: “Sales [of the new Impreza] have doubled from a year ago, and dealers have less than a two-week supply.”
Subaru has come a long way since it first came to the U.S. in 1968 and sold the diminutive 360 microcar. Yet, along the way the company has kept to a core philosphy of selling cars that were quirky, fuel efficient, reliable and fun. Though the company is continuing to expand, Subaru’s relatively dimunitive marketshare of only slightly more than 2% of the automotive market means that the company hasn’t let global domination take over its corporate values.
Subaru isn’t trying to become the next General Motors or Toyota (though Toyota does own 16.5% of Subaru’s parent company Fuji Heavy Industries). Rather than putting sales first Subaru is instead putting the customer first. This philosophy is in many ways what makes a Subaru, a Subaru. To read even more about what makes a Subaru, a Subaru, and to learn more about the company’s history visit fortunemagazine.com.
LAcarGUY Presents The West Hollywood Auto Show On The Sunset Strip
This Saturday and Sunday is The West Hollywood Auto Show on the World Famous Sunset Strip across from The Roxy. In addition to all the coolest new cars, come for the live entertainment, food, fun, photo booth and more surprises, and LAcarGUY is the presenting sponsor.
We will have nine vehicles and a salesman at this even both Saturday and Sunday from each of our stores involved, Fisker Santa Monica, Toyota Hollywood, Subaru Pacific, Lexus Santa Monica and Volkswagen Santa Monica. We will have our tent set up and small give aways available. The cars we will have on display will include:Toyota Rav 4
- Toyota RAV4
- Toyota Prius C
- Subaru XV Crosstrek
- Subaru Outback
- Lexus ES
- Lexus CT
- Volkswagen Jetta
- VW – Beetle
- Fisker Karma
The event is free to the public and starts at 11am each day and runs until 5pm, and we expect huge crowds!
The location is on Sunset Blvd, Across the street from the ROXY Theatre. 8950 West Sunset Blvd.
www.westhollywoodautoshow.com
Hope to see you out there!
Subaru Hybrid Expected Next Year
by Zach McDonald: HybridCars.com
Last year, Subaru announced a new directive with the goal of cutting its lineup’s overall emissions by 30 percent within 5 years. Dubbed “Motion V,” the plan called for technological cooperation with Toyota and the release of a hybrid variant of one existing model in 2013.
Since that announcement, Subaru has been tight-lipped about which model would its first gas-electric powertrain. Early reports speculated that it might be the Legacy mid-size sedan or possibly the newly-remade Impreza, which is currently the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the Subaru lineup. Lately, the most likely candidate has been considered to be the Forester crossover (which is built on the Impreza platform.)
While we may not yet know the model name of Subaru’s first hybrid, what we do know is the car will carry a proprietary gas-electric system designed in-house, as opposed to leased from another company like Toyota. That development is important, not only because it will help to keep down costs for the car, but because it indicates a commitment on the part of Subaru to continue to develop and aggressively market hybrids in the future.
While it has become the norm for every carmaker to offer at least one hybrid or electric model in its lineup, many of these cars are considered “halo” or “compliance” cars, helping their manufacturers to “green” their images or meet regulatory requirements without ever being intended to seriously compete in the market. A common thread among these vehicles is that they often involve leased hybrid technology, but Subaru’s decision to use its own system shows that gas-electrics are likely to play a major role in the Motion V strategy.
The most recent clue we have as to what Subaru’s hybrid technology might encompass came in 2009, when the company debuted its Hybrid Tourer concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. That car carried a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine alongside an electric motor providing 13 horsepower of assist. Power for the motor was provided by a small lithium ion battery pack.
Subaru’s commitment to lowering emissions won’t just be limited to hybrids of course—all new or redesigned models in the lineup are expected to feature significant gains in fuel economy. But to many devoted Subaru drivers who have been calling a hybrid option for years, 2013 can’t come soon enough.
All New 2014 Subaru Forester To Make Debut At Los Angeles Motor Show
Subaru has released the first official photos of the all-new 2014 Forester crossover SUV, which will make its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The new Forester combines a bolder profile than before while offering a roomier interior with virtually the same footprint as the previous model.
The fourth generation of Subaru’s popular Forester will offer a new 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged BOXER® engine producing 250 horsepower. The standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter BOXER engine debuted in the outgoing Forestermodel. Fuel economy will be higher across the line with the debut of a new six-speed manual transmission and available Lineartronic® continuously variable transmissions (CVT).
The all-new five-passenger 2014 Forester preserves the optimal blend of SUV capability and car-like ride and handling that have made the Forester one of the Subaru brand’s best-selling models for the past 15 years. Refined (or New) suspension system delivers agile handling and a highly compliant ride quality. Generous 8.7 inches ofground clearance enhances off-pavement driving capability.
The 2014 Forester will offer an exceptionally roomy interior, featuring increased rear seat legroom, and an enlarged cargo area. In-demand infotainment features will be offered, including smartphone integration, navigation, rear view camera, and harman/kardon® premium audio amplifier and speakers.
Basic Vehicle Specifications
| Engine types and output | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER, naturally aspirated170 hp @ 5,800 rpm 174 lb.-ft. peak torque @ 4,100 rpm2.0-liter 4-cylinder BOXER, direct fuel injection, turbocharging, intercooler
250 hp @ 5,600 rpm* 258 lb.-ft. peak torque @ 2,000-4,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 2.5-liter models: 6-speed manual or Lineartronic CVT2.0-liter turbo: high-torque CVT with 6-speed and 8-speed manual modes and Hill Descent Control |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard for all models |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in. |
| Vehicle length | 180.9 in. |
| Vehicle height | 68.2 in (with roof rails) |
| Vehicle width | 70.7 in. |
| Wheels/tires | 2.5-liter: 17 x 7 in. aluminum alloy with 225/60 R17 all-season2.0-liter turbo: 18 x 7 in. aluminum alloy with 225/55 R18 all-season |
* With premium grade gasoline
Subaru Remains The Only Car Manufacturer With 2012 IIHS Top Safety Picks For All Models
Subaru today announced that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has recognized the all-new 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek as a 2012 TOP SAFETY PICK. Subaru remains the only manufacturer with 2012 IIHS Top Safety Picks for all models.
The all-new XV Crosstrek earned a “good” rating – the top rank – in the moderate overlap frontal, side, rollover and rear impact evaluations.
“The XV Crosstrek brings Subaru all-wheel drive and crossover technology into the small CUV segment,” said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. “Our buyers know that Subaru means safety and adding XV Crosstrek to our 100% list of IIHS Top Safety Picks is proof of that.”
The TOP SAFETY PICK recognizes vehicles that, in IIHS testing, do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rear, and now rollover crashes based on ‘good’ ratings in each category. The IIHS ranks in terms of Good, Acceptable, Marginal and Poor, with ‘good’ as the top rank possible in Institute tests. Winners also must have electronic stability control.
“For three years running, Subaru is the only automotive manufacturer with the distinction of earning IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK awards for every model it builds,” said Institute president Adrian Lund. “It’s tough to win, and we commend Subaru for making safety a top priority.”
Subaru Continues To Grow Thanks To It’s Strongest Ever Lineup Of Vehicles!
There are many reasons that the newest brand and store in the LAcarGUY family is Subaru. The companies focus on the environment, the outdoor lifestyle, and giving back to the community all sync up with LAcarGUY’s values. On top of this Subaru is one of the fastest growing brands in the United States. During the downturn in the economy, and the terrible tsunami that devastated Japan, Subaru’s sales continued to grow, even as others fell off.
Subaru is like that band you’ve loved for so many years and you are baffled as to why they aren’t on everyones radar, they ARE that overnight success 30 years in the making! A combination of durability, dependability and value, along with a fresh new lineup of vehicles are just some of the reasons more and more people are discovering Subaru for the first time.
With September’s sales numbers just in Subaru’s sales year to date are up 25% over 201, year to date, and compared to September 2011, September 2012 saw a 32% increase in sales!
As we said, with newly refreshed models like the Outback, Legacy and Impreza, and the new XV Crosstrek just arriving in our showroom, and of course the highly acclaimed BRZ, it’s easy to see, with the strongest lineup in Subaru’s history, why more and more people are discovering the brand for the first time.
So many other manufactures now tout the availability of all wheel drive, like it’s something that was never available for vehicles other than trucks and large SUV’s, it is something Subaru has been offering across the product line for well over 20+ years! These years of experience are why Subaru has the most refined all wheel drive system in the industry.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience Subaru, we encourage you to come in for a test drive and see for yourself why your next car should be a Subaru, from Subaru Pacific!
Subaru Goes Live With New iPad® Apps
Subaru of America, Inc. announced the release of Dynamic Brochure iPad® apps for the 2012 Subaru Impreza, Impreza WRX/STI, Outback, Legacy and Forester. Fun and interactive consumer tools, the apps showcase the confidence and capabilities of these models.
The iPad® apps feature new, fully photographic exterior and interior 360-degree views that allow viewers to experiment with paint colors and interior trims. The apps also include interactive feature demos, videos and comprehensive specifications.
The all-new Subaru Impreza 4-Door, 5-Door and Impreza Sport, rally-bred Impreza WRX/STI, rugged Outback, intelligent Legacy and the versatile Forester, all come standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a balanced SUBARU BOXER® engine for exceptional handling and capability to match their accommodating interior versatility and comfort. Users can see, hear and explore the Subaru models and the technology right from the interactive iPad® apps.
The 2012 Subaru model iPad® apps build on the success of the industry-leading Dynamic Brochure program, which Subaru debuted in 2011, to give audiences more content and more engaging choices for information, comparison and sharing. The program also supports Subaru commitment to environmentally-friendly practices; the digital brochure platform helps to reduce paper usage, energy consumption, inks, and production waste.
“Subaru is excited to roll out the next generation of our leading-edge, environmentally-friendly Subaru model iPad® apps for 2012. These model app launches will be followed closely by the all-new Subaru Life Book featuring our full line of vehicles in a single app,” said Sondra Shiffer, brochures manager, Subaru of America, Inc.
These iPad® apps can be downloaded for free at:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/subaru-of-america/id390914873
Subaru Pacific Hosts BRZ Sneak Preview Event
Subaru Pacific recently hosted a preview event for the all new BRZ. The BRZ is the first rear wheel drive car from Subaru, and one which is designed from the start to be an enthusiasts sports car. While the BRZ won’t be available for sale for a few weeks, Subaru Pacific gave enthusiasts a chance to get an advanced look at the car, sit behind the wheel, and hang out with other Subaru enthusiasts.
More than just the BRZ, we had a DJ spinning, an ice cream station for the kids, and we raffled off an iZip electric bike!
Have a look at our Flickr page for all the photos from the event, and some of the videos from the event as well. Make sure you are following us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ to make sure you know when the BRZ is ready for delivery!
Subaru Introduces New EyeSight™ Technology
Earlier this week, Subaru of America, Inc. announced the debut of its EyeSight™ driver assistance system which will be introduced on the 2013 Subaru Legacy and Outback models at the New York International Auto Show. EyeSight integrates adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and vehicle lane departure warning, As well, it features the capability to detect obstacles in front of a parked car and limit potential damage in an impact. EyeSight will subsequently be available on other products in the Subaru line-up and will become available later this year.
The Subaru EyeSight system will be one of the most affordable of such technologies available in the U.S. market. Combining safety and convenience features, EyeSight uses two charged-coupled device (CCD) cameras that are mounted inside the car on the upper edges of the windshield. Such positioning, reduces the potential for damage that could occur in bumper-mounted systems.
The technology processes stereo images to identify the vehicles traveling in front, as well as obstacles, traffic lanes, and other items. The video information is relayed to the EyeSight processor, which is also networked with the car’s braking system and electronic throttle control. At speeds of approximately 19 mph, EyeSight’s Pre-Collision Braking System is capable of detecting pedestrians or other obstacles in the vehicle’s path and is capable of self-activating in order to mitigate or even avoid the collision. Under certain circumstances, EyeSight is able to bring the to a complete stop. Pre-Collision Braking is always on in the background to act like a second set of eyes for the driver. It can also be turned off temporarily for off-road or rough road travel. The system is programmed to recognize objects such as vehicles, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
By monitoring traffic lane markers and lines, the Subaru EyeSight system is capable of detecting when a car begins to wander outside the intended lane without a turn signal being used, or if the car begins to sway within the travel lane. Using the turn signal cancels the warning.
On the freeway, EyeSight’s Adaptive Cruise Control system maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front, braking and/or accelerating the car as needed to maintain the driver-selected target speed and traveling distance. Adaptive Cruise Control is functional from 1-87 mph and can fully brake the vehicle to a stop if the system “locks onto” a vehicle ahead.
Other additional EyeSight benefits include the capability of alerting the driver when the vehicle ahead has moved if they have not reacted within several seconds. The technology can also help reduce collision damage by cutting the throttle when it senses an obstacle in front, but the accelerator pedal continues to be pushed. The system is also effective when a driver shifts into “Drive” inadvertently instead of “Reverse” when backing out of a parking space. The stereo camera design of EyeSight provides a detection angle wider than that of radar-based systems.
It is important to keep in mind that EyeSight is not designed as a substitute for driver diligence and attention on the road. The system may not react in every situation and there may be certain operational limitations such as when weather conditions obscure the view of the cameras. Finally, even with the most advanced technology being used, a driver with good vision and who is paying attention will always be the best safety system available.
