- YTD Sales Increase of 2-Percent, March Sales Down 3-Percent -
CHERRY HILL, N.J., April 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that year-to-date sales were up 2-percent with 41,532 units sold in 2009 versus 40,881 units sold in 2008. For the month of March there was a 3-percent sales decrease over last year's March results.
The 2009 Subaru Forester continues its record-breaking streak with its best monthly sales ever. Sales for the Forester increased 47-percent over last year's March Forester sales -- a total of 6,802 units sold in March 2009, versus 4,615 units sold in March 2008.
"In March, Forester set an all-time sales record, capping a month where it received the top rating for Roof Strength from IIHS and won the best new small Crossover from Kiplinger Personal Finance," said Tim Colbeck, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. "The Forester has been a major driver of our success this year, leading the brand to a 2-percent year-to-date sales increase over 2008. As our market share grows to record levels this reinforces that the safety, durability and value of Subaru products continue to resonate with consumers."
Mar-09 Mar-08 % chg March-09 YTD March-08 YTD % chg
Legacy 1,554 2,205 -30% 4,060 5,125 -21%
Outback* 3,609 4,378 -18% 8,513 11,599 -27%
Impreza 3,725 4,446 -16% 9,602 11,179 -14%
Forester 6,802 4,615 47% 17,942 9,988 80%
Tribeca 559 1,041 -46% 1,415 2,989 -53%
Total** 16,249 16,685 -3% 41,532 40,880 2%
* Includes Legacy Wagon
** 2008 total does not include 1 Baja sale in 2008
"Subaru products have the highest safety ratings and resale values available and represent a total low cost of ownership for our customers," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president, COO and CFO for Subaru of America. "Our products continue to break sales records because of their AWD capability, versatility, outstanding fuel economy and also because they are fun to drive."
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2007. In addition, Subaru boasts the most fuel efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero- landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.
Contact:
Heather Ward
Subaru of America, Inc.
856-488-5093
hward@subaru.com
Michael McHale
Subaru of America, Inc.
856-488-3326
mmchale@subaru.com
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