September 2020

Subaru News, Reviews and Articles, Updates, Events, Comments

a completely 100% unofficial unauthorized unapproved website. info always subject to change, correction, updating

-

C lick for the Finance Rate webpage

NW Puget Sound, Seattle area only

Financing is through Subaru/Chase with no prepayment penalty, no loan fees, no buy down fees, on approval of credit. Subaru new car finance and interest rates for the greater Puget Sound, Washington State area only

This page is for the NW-Seattle area Subaru financing. No prepayment penalties, no loan set-up fees, all rates on approval of credit

Please contact your local dealer for rates and programs in your area

September 1-30, 2020

announced Sept 1, 2020

Changes for Sept 2020

All 2021 and 2020 September rates continue with no changes from August, July, June, May, April, March rates

2021 Ascent and Crosstrek leases available

2019 rates ended June 1



Shopping?

low rates starting 0%- 2.49% depending on all 21s and 20s

2020 Outback and Ascent excellent cash price deals



Finance rates July, 2020

note- these are the rates offered by Subaru dealers in the greater Puget Sound, Seattle, NW area, through Chase Bank, on approval of credit.

Please contact your local dealer for rates and programs in your area

Some dealers will advertise a lower rate but always read the fine print, which should disclose that the rate is being 'bought down', similar to paying points on a mortgage. Buying the rate down will affect dealer cost and the consumer price. Always read the fine print in any ad.

Subaru financing is through Chase, with no loan setup or early payoff fees. On approval of credit.



2021 models

Ascent .90%x24-48mo 1.90% 60-72 mos.

Crosstrek 1.90%x24-48mo, 2.49% 60-72 mos.



2020 models

Ascent 0%x24-48-60-63mo, .90%x72 mos

Outback 0%x24-48-60-63mo, .90%x72 mos

Crosstrek .90%x24-48 mo, 1.90%x60-63-72 mos

Forester 0%x24-48-60-63mo, .90%x72 mos

Impreza 0%x24-48-60-63mo, .90%x72 mos

Legacy 0%x24-48-60-63mo, .90%x72 mos

WRX, STI .90%x24-48mo, 1.90%x60-72 mos

BRZ .90%x24-48mo, 1.90%x60-63-72 mos



2019 model rates June 1, 2020 All 2021 and 2020 September rates continue with no changes from August, July, June, May, April, March rates2021 Ascent and Crosstrek leases available2019 rates ended June 1 2018 model rates ended 4/1/19



> Lease rates- available on all 2019s. 2018 leases ended

> Payment calculator I GTP Guaranteed Trade Value- an easy way to trade in your Subaru

> Find a Subaru dealer Alabama-Montana; Nebraska - Wyoming; Canada; Mexico. Dealer news and updates wanted.

> Buy a Subaru in Shoreline/North Seattle or the greater NW. Discounted prices. I've been selling Subarus since 1996.

> Have a Subaru? Get your Subaru Badge of Ownership

> Navigation map updates 2012/newer models with navigation can buy updates. 2016 and 2017 navigation models get 3 years of free updates www.SubaruMapUpdates.com



ABOUT CARS101.COM

This website is created and maintained by Joe Spitz. I've been selling Subarus in the Shoreline (N. Seattle), Puget Sound and greater Northwest area since 1996. If you're anywhere in the area and buying a Subaru, call me and lets talk about what you want.

Note- this unofficial independent, unauthorized Subaru research website is designed to help you learn about Subarus. It's not authorized, approved, sponsored, or supported in any way by Subaru or a Subaru dealer anywhere. Comments and links have been edited and summarized. All info subject to change, correction, frequent updating. Comments, tips, and corrections are welcomed and appreciated.



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Subaru News, Reviews, Articles, Updates, Links, Events, Photos, Comments

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contact info or call 206 769-7821 I much more news

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12/2/17 upgraded- 2018 Forester 2.5 Premium CVT Black Edition now includes Eyesight

Available on the Forester 2.5i CVT, Option Pkg #17 'Black Edition + eyesight' replaces Option Pkg #16 'Black Edition' (without Eyesight).

Pkg #17 is available starting December 2017, and adds Eyesight, Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The Black Edition also has black 18" alloys (similar to the 2.5i Touring silver alloys), front grill with gloss black accent bar (like 2.0XT models), black cloth with leatherette bolsters (like 2.0XT Premium), Paddle shifters (the first 2.5 to get them!)

2.5i Premium CVT Black Edition features

> Eyesight, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert

> All Weather Package (heated seats, mirrors, wiper de-icers)

> CVT transmission paddle shifters. This is the first time the Forester 2.5 CVT has been available with Paddle Shifters, with full transmission control,

> Steering Responsive LED low/high headlights, auto dusk-to-dawn headlight setting,

> fog lights, black trim

> welcome lighting,

> 18" black alloys,

>black black black black... black cloth with leatherette bolsters, black leather steering wheel with silver stitching, gloss black CVT shift knob, gloss black shift plate, gloss black interior dash trim, gloss back front grill accent bar, gloss black exterior mirrors, black rear gate logos

> single stainless exhaust tip

> cargo tray

Available in Silver, Dark Gray, White, and yes Black exterior colors

2018 Forester photos and more



12/1/17 November sales total is 51,721, a scant 1% increase over 51,308 11/16, but once again it's an increase and that makes for 72 consecutive months of increased volume.

Its also makes for 45th month in a row over 40,000 cars ad 9th in a row over 50,000 cars.

YTD 584,614 is 32,659 ahead of YTD Nov 2016 551,995, and closing in on final 2016 year total 615,132



The top volume for the month is Forester, then Outback and Crosstrek. The Forester matched last years count, and the Crosstrek was up a healthy 23% which continues its recent surge of popularity.

But the Outback sold 3,408 fewer cars this November 2017 than last year (2016). Thats a substantial drop both for a flagship model and especially one that has the newest (android Auto, Apple Carplay) and best functioning audio technology that Subaru offers.

The surprising car for the past 7 months has been the Impreza, with 6684 in November, 6773 October, 6324 September, 7462 August, 7777 July, 7858 June and 8546 in May.

It would help dealers if Subaru pared down the number of models (2.0i, Premium, Sport, Limited, 4 door, 5 door, manual CVT, and Option Packages) but the Impreza is a consistent seller if not a star.

November totals

Outback 14,361 cars sold 11/17, a 3408 drop (-19%) from 17,769 sold 11/16

Forester 14,662 cars sold 11/17, a 66 car increase (0%) over 14,596 sold 11/16

Crosstrek 10,151 cars sold 11/17, a 1,880 increase (+23%) over 8,271 sold 11/16

Impreza 6,684 cars sold 11/17, a 4,652 increase (+229%) over 2,591 sold 11/16

Legacy 3,245 cars sold 11/17, a 2,569 drop (-44%) under 5,814 sold 11/16

WRX STI 2,362 cars sold 11/17, a 229 drop (-9%) under2,591 sold 11/16

BRZ 256 cars sold 11/17, an increase of 21 cars (9%) over 235 sold 11/16





11/30/17 all new Subaru Floor Liners are now available in stock or to order at dealers.

These black rubber high-sided floor liners replace the flat rubber floors mats Subaru has had in one version or another for many years.

They're available for Outback, Legacy, Crosstrek and Impreza, and sold in a set of four (2 front, 2 rear).



new, available 11/30/17 Crosstrek, driver side, shown here.





11/28/17 Subaru recalls some 2018 Crosstrek for incorrect driver's floor mat brackets that might move.

Owners will be notified by mail



11/18/17 Share the Love #10

Once again, Subaru will once again donate $250 per car sold from Nov 16, 2017 to Jan 2, 2018 to the customer's choice of charity with 6 to select from.

The selection this year is the same 4 national charities chosen by Subaru in previous years, plus 2 local charities chosen by the selling dealer.

The 4 national charities to choose from are ASPCA, National Parks Foundation, Meals On Wheels, and Make-a-Wish. Then two more selected by the selling dealer.



Subaru Share The Love Event logo, 11/16/17-1/2/18





11/9/17 Seattle Auto Show

Thursday 11/9 to Sunday 11/12

Enter your name and email at the kiosk in the Subaru display to get a coupon for $500 off your best price on a new Subaru. Its real.





11/5/17 recall... 2015 WRX and STI with Harman Kardon trunk subwoofer, made 1/17/14-4/19/17. 9,178 cars

Items in the trunk may cause the subwoofer wiring to contact the subwoofer metal frame, the subwoofer could overheat possibly resulting in an electrical short or fire.Dealers will inspect the subwoofer wire, install a retainer clip, and, as necessary. recall #WTQ-76.





11/2/17 October sales totals

October eeks out an increase

Sales totals 54,045, up a very slight 285 cars over 53,760 October 2016.

285 isn't much, but at least its not a drop and keeps the highly vaunted monthly sales increase moving forward with the 71st consecutive month-over-month increase, and the 44th month in a row with volume over 40,000 (with a few months topping 50,000 cars along the way).

Outback, Forester and Crosstrek top the sales list once again because more than anything, Subaru is a wagon company that does well designed utility. Functional wagons and hatchbacks, with a dollop of decent looks are why people like Subarus. Legacy, Impreza and WRX STI sedans are good cars but except for all wheel drive, they don't offer much that can't be had elsewhere for less. Why Subaru dropped the aspirational WRX STI hatchback is still befuddling, but it will return one day.

Crosstrek is more popular than ever and in very short supply.

Subaru will tease us with more 7/8 passenger Ascent info before the LA auto show debut later this month



October saw Outback and Forester volume sharply down, with Crosstrek and Impreza volume sharply up.

Legacy, WRX STI, and BRZ were mostly the same (a little up, a little down).

October sales

Outback 15,786 cars sold 10/17, down 2222 cars (-12%) under 18,008 10/16

Forester 13,430 cars sold 10/17, down 1900 cars (-12%) under 15,330 10/16

Crosstrek 10,871 cars sold 10/17, up 2504 cars (+30%) over 8,367 10/16

Impreza 6,733 cars sold 10/17, up 3,702 cars (+124%) over 3,723 10/16

Legacy 4,538 cars sold 10/17, down 598 cars (-126%) under 6,136 10/16

WRX STI 2,416 cars sold 10/17, down 163 cars (-6%) under 2,579 10/16

BRZ 271 cars sold 10/17, down 59 cars (-18%) under 330 10/16



YTD October 2017

Outback 156,277 cars, up 11,843 cars over 144,434 YTD 10/16

Forester 145,460 cars, down 522 from 145,982 YTD 10/16

Crosstrek 87,685 cars, up 10,508 cars over 77,177 YTD 10/16

Impreza 71.322 cars, up 23,242 over 48,080 YTD 10/16

Legacy 41,999 cars, down 11,532 under 53,532 YTD 10/16

WRX STI 26,572 cars, down 1,178 cars under 27,750 YTD 10/16

BRZ 3,578 cars, down 114 cars under 3,692 YTD 10/16





10/25/17 Share the Love #10

Once again, Subaru will donate $250 per car sold from Nov 16, 2017 to Jan 2, 2018 to the customer's choice of charity, with 6 to select from. The selection this year is the same 4 national charities chosen by Subaru with 2 local charities chosen by the individual dealer. The 4 national charities to choose from will ASPCA, National Parks Foundation, Meals On Wheels, and Make-a-Wish.





10/3/17 September 2017 sales

55,120 cars for the month, a very slight increase of 202 cars over 54,918 Sept 16 but its enough to say its the 70th consecutive month of increased monthly sales. Thats an impressive record.

The 18 Crosstrek sales were up a healthy 51% over the previous Sept (2016).

Outback sales dropped a minor 4% (down 648 cars) for the month compared to Sept 2016, but Forester dropped 17%. The 2017 Forester will continue to be popular due its practical, tall greenhouse cabin with easy to see out of rear windows, reasonable price, and 0% financing but its dated audio technology (ie no Android Auto, Apple Carplay, no active rear view steering lines, original small blind spot symbols) will hinder sales for some people, especially buyers who care about technology and are shopping other brands. And some buyers will take a look at the slightly larger Outback with all its new features and decide that's the way to go.

September totals

Outback 16,330, a drop of 648 cars (-4%) under 16978 cars 9/16

Forester 13,262 cars, a steep drop of 2621 cars (-17%) under 15,882 cars 9/16

Crosstrek 12,491 car, a whopping increase of 4,230 cars (+51%) over 8,261 9/16

Impreza 6,324 cars, up 1538 cars (+32%) over 4,786 cars 9/16

Legacy 3,902 cars, down 2,125 cars (-35%) under 6,027 cars 9/16

BRZ 301 cars, 1 car over 300 cars sold 9/16

sales YTD September 2017 vs 2016

Outback 140,491, up 14,065 cars over 126,426 YTD 2016

Forester 132,030 up 1378 cars over 130,652 YTD 2016

Crosstrek 76,814, up 8004 cars over 68,810 YTD 2016

Impreza 64,589, up 19,519 cars over 45,070 YTD 2016

Legacy 37,461, down 9935 cars under 47,396 YTD 2016

WRX, STI 24,156, down 1015 cars under 25,171 YTD 2016

BRZ 3,307, down 55 cars under 3,362 YTD 2016





9/9/17 Estimated arrival dates for new or upgraded models

2019 Forester- all new, October 2018

2019 WRX, STI... no timeline, all very hush-hush but sometime in 2018

2019 Ascent 7/8 passenger- all new model May/June 2018

Plug-in hybrid, all new, no details yet, November 2018





9/5/17 August sales

Subarus best month ever. #1. August 2017 sets a new record with 63,215 cars

August YTD 423,728, which is 31759 cars (8%) over YTD 2016 391,969

August 2017 sales

The clear volume leader is Outback with 20,327 cars, mostly due to the audio and safety upgrades (Android Auto, Apple Carplay, improved blind spot detection symbols etc).

Crosstrek got the same upgrades as the Outback and sales are 12,823, up 45% over 8/2016.

People expect this new technology to be on cars. We're already seeing some late model, almost new Outbacks and Crosstreks traded in for the new 18s. It makes sense if you like the new features and want to keep the car long term. The Subaru GTP trade in values are strong, and while trading a near new car costs money, with a strong trade in value on one end and discounted price on the 2018 on the other end, the amount is reasonable given the new features. And going forward, the new 2018 Outback, Crosstrek, and Legacy will hold their value better than the 17 and prior models which instantly seem dated. (disclosure: I'm a believer, and traded the wife's 16 Crosstrek for an 18, and am considering trading my 17 Outback for an 18).

Forester sales were down 21% under August 2016, mostly due to the decent bu not dated systems. The Forester wont get the upgrades until next October 2018 on the big 2019 model 5 year redesign.

Outback 20,327, up 2969 cars (+17%) over 17358 8/16

Forester 15528, down 4130 cars (-21%) under 19658 8/16

Crosstrek 12823, up 4036 cars (+46%) over 8787 8/16

Impreza 7462, up 2143 cars (+40%) over 5319 8/16

Legacy 4210 cars, down 1590 cars (-27%) under 5800 8/16

WRX, STI 2528, down 666 cars (-21%) under 3194 8/16

BRZ 337, up 35 cars (+12%) over 302 8/16





8/21/17 2018 Crosstrek full color brochures are now at dealers



8/10 Mike Scarf's Auburn Subaru, in Auburn, Washington, has been sold.

Mike Scarf retired, he owned the dealership since 2006, and sold it August 7, 2017 to Rairdon Auto Group (Greg Rairdon). It's been renamed Rairdon's Subaru of Auburn.



8/2/17 July sales total 55,703, a 6.9% increase over July 2016's 52,093

Subaru continues to grab new buyers from other brands as it moves forward with upgraded features including Android Auto and Apple Carplay on the 2 018 Outback, Crosstrek, and Legacy. The 18 Forester will do well because its a great, practical car but many people will wait for the 19 redesign..

There's a still a very strong supply of 17 Outbacks available with deeply discounted prices and 0% financing to 63 months on approval of credit.

The 18 Crosstreks are just starting to arrive and are a giant upgrade- smoother and quieter, better blind spot detection, and of course the new audio systems are a game changer and are selling as fast as they arrive.

The WRX and STI are always popular because they're the WRX and STI.

I do wonder about changes on the 18 BRZ. The BRZ is beautiful car that everyone looks great in, and is fun to drive, but small and hard to get in and out of.

July 2017 sales:

68th month of increased sales compared to the previous year. 41st month of sales over 40,000.

YTD 2017 360,513 cars, an increase of 28,962 cars (+8.7%) over 331,551 YTD 106

Outback 17,581 up 2877 cars (+20%) over 14704 7/16

Forester 15,283 up 427 cars (+3%) over 14856 7/16

Crosstrek 7,972 down 508 cars (-6%) under 8480 7/16

Impreza 7,777 up 2577 cars (+50%) over 5200 7/16

Legacy 3,785 down 1427 cars (-27%) under 5212 7/16

WRX/STI 2,933 down 355 cars (-11%) under 3288 7/16

BRZ 372 up 19 cars (+5%) over 353 7/16





7/29 2018 Crosstreks now arriving at dealers



7/29 2018 Legacy brochures now at dealers



7/25 2018 Impreza orders now available.

ETA for most models if ordered now is September.

2018 prices, specs, options page



7/21 2018 Impreza prices and specs announced.

Orders not accepted yet

All models MSRP increased $100, destination increased $40, so the price goes up $140. Option Packages and prices are the same.

No major model or features changes. Premium, Sport, and Limited model headlights are now auto-on with front wiper use. A few new colors, crimson red and magnetite gray, replace a few old colors, venetian red and carbide gray. Limited model tires get a slightly higher speed rating (89v).





7/11/17 Starting on June 22, 2017 Subaru is extending the CVT's warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles from 5 years or 60,000 miles, starting at date of first sale on

2010-2105 Outback, Legacy

2012-2015 Impreza

2013-2015 Crosstrek

2014-2015 Foresters

2015 WRX

Current owners should receive a letter, or call your local dealer, have your VIN handy.





7/4/17 June 2017 sales total 52.057 cars.

67 months of consecutive sales increases, 40th month of sales over 40,000.

YTD is 304,810, an increase of 24,352 cars (+9.1%) over 279,458 YTD 2016.

Subaru is also announcing rates on 2018 models even before the cars arrive. They're determined to keep the volume up which is necessary because most dealers are scrambling to find parking spots for all the cars Subaru is shipping. So if you're buying a new 2017 Outback or Forester, now is time.. 2017 model clearance, low finance rates, and a great supply....



June sales

Top volume for the month is 2017 and 2018 Forester, continuing to prove people will buy better and more functional (the Forester) over pretty and less functional (other similar sized competitor cars that may be prettier but aren't as useful) even if the 2018 Forester is falling behind the technology curve. Also the

The 2017 Outback has a strong 0% finance rate for 48 months in June (increased to 60/63 months for July, announced on 7/1) which is helping sales as many people wait for the 2018 with its big upgrades including LED steering responsive headlights, more visible blind spot detection symbols moved to the mirror housing (from the mirror itself), and of course the Android Auto and Apple Carplay.

The big gainer %-wise is the Impreza as more people find out about the new model, and the initial major audio concerns are dealt with, with a 57% increase over June 2016 sales. While the sedan and new Sport models do well, it's the 5 door Premium and Limited models which get the most attention and that's as it should be since they're the two models with standard roof rack rails.

The new 2018 Crosstrek will soon be available and sales are expected to be very strong, and it should become Subaru's #3 volume after Forester and Outback.

The 2018 WRX and STI are available, no major changes to the WRX. The STI gets an important brake upgrade and a hefty $900+ price increase including destination.

The BRZ is till the best looking car (Subieoyta) Subaru makes if a small 2wd car mountain/coast road carver has a place in your garage.



Forester 15,440, up 3,411 cars (+28%) over 12,029 6/16

Outback 14,019, up 602 cars (+4%) over 13,417 6/16

Impreza 7,858, up 2864 cars (+57%) over 4,994 6/16

Crosstrek 7,822, up 164 cars (+2%) over 7,658 6/16

Legacy 3,834, down 1158 cars (-24%) under 5023 6/16

WRX, STI 2655, down 475 cars (-15%) under 3130 6/16

BRZ 429, up 82 cars (+24%) over 347 6/16





7/1 July Finance rates

Subaru is wasting no time with 2018 model rates, announcing them even before the new models are available.

2017 Outback 0% now to 60/63 months!

2018 Forester now 1.90%x60

Most other rates remain the same.

Lease specials on 2017 Outback, Forester, Legacy, BRZ Series.Yellow, and Impreza Sport

2018 Crosstrek rates announced so the car must be arriving this month.

all rates on approval of credit





6/27 2018 Forester brochures now at dealers





6/23/17 2018 Outback and Legacy specs, prices, options, colors, and orders are now available



6/21/17 2018 Forester finance rates announced

2.90% x 24-36-48-60-63-72 months.

There are still a lot of 2017s available so this is a good time to get one plus there's 0%x 48mo and .90%x60mo available through June 30th here in the NW, on approval of credit. New rates for July will be announced after that and given its clearance time, there's no reason to expect the 17 rates to change and one might have even thought the 0% would have already been extended for 60 months for June to help clear the inventory.

In the meantime, 0% and .90% are great rates on the 17s.

And the 18s rates will come down (hopefully soon) as the 17s sell out.



6/21/17 2017 Impreza orders close Friday, June 23rd at 11pm EST.

2018 model orders will start mid to late July with ETA in September.

No words on any changes or upgrades





6/20/17 the first 2018 Foresters are arriving.

now is the time to get a 17 with 0% interest, oac





6/15/16 2018 Crosstreks can now be ordered, and we have the features, options and prices.

Many orders placed right now will arrive in August or maybe late July.

The model line continue as 2.0i base, Premium, and Limited.

New for 2018 is a 2.0i base model with the CVT transmission.

All models have Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The 2.0i and premium have a 6.5" audio system, the Limited has a significantly better 8" system.



Note- the 2.0i and Premium audio systems do not have a CD player! Subaru is forcing the Crosstrek buyer upscale, thus the only model with a CD player is the Limited.





6/13/17 WRX and STI color brochures now available at dealers





6/12/17 2018 Forester Premium Option Package #16 "Black Edition" is now available to order

Premium with Option Package #16 $1,150 MSRP gets you...

Steering Responsive LED headlights, Paddle shifters, Fog Lights, 18" black alloy wheels, black cloth with leatherette trim (like the Forester 2.0XT Premium), black leather wrapped steering wheels, and black interior and exterior trim etc.

Its called the Black Edition but is available in Black, Dark Gray, Silver, and Crystal White exterior colors.

The big reasons to get this package are the steering responsive LED headlights for much improved night driving, and the Paddle Shifters.

The Paddle Shifters are all new and long overdue on the 2.5 model until now (they are on the XTs of course). They give the driver the ability to use the 4 cylinder engine to its best capacity when power is needed for passing, accelerating on freeways, towing, driving in snow etc etc.

Unfortunately the Black Edition package does not include standard Blind Spot Detection and rear cross traffic alert or eyesight but otherwise this is a nice package and adds something new to the 18s (which are the same as the 17s).

The Forester Premium is a little behind the safety curve. Blind spot detection should really be standard on all Premiums but its not...its only available as part of Premium Option Packages #14 and #15 with Eyesight.





6/4/17 2018 WRXs starting to arrive here and there....

I drove a WRX manual transmission with the optional short throw shifter and its smoother shifting, less notchy...





6/3/17 May 2017 sales total 56,135, a record for May, and strong 12% increase (6052 cars) over May 2016

That's straight 66 months in a row of increasing sales, and the 39th month in a row of sales over 40,000

YTD 2017 is 252,753, an increase of 19,893 cars (+9%) over YTD 2016 232,860 cars

June will be a big month for Subaru as people take advantage of year end deals on the high volume Forester and Outback. The 0% incentivized finance rate is helping keep sales strong, and dealers are very overstocked and looking to move Outback and Forester (though not all packages are overstocked). And July could bring some new deals to help move 17s before the 18s show up, but theres no guarantee.The redesigned 2018 Outback, Legacy, and Crosstrek will all arrive later this summer with the Android Auto and Apple Carplay among other good changes and improvements.

The now 8 month old Impreza is starting to catch on as more people (re)discover it. They really are nice driving cars. Consumer Reports just did a positive write-up on it in the July issue . Too bad the base Impreza 2.0 and Sport 5 door model don't have roof rails.

May sales....

The top seller for the month is the Forester with a margin of 1087 cars over the Outback.

The big change for the month is the Impreza with 8546 and outselling the Crosstrek.

The all new 2018 Crosstrek is due later this summer and many people are waiting for it so the 17 is slowing down.

The 2018 Forester is due soon (July) with few changes.

The 2018 Outback and Legacy are both due in August with major upgrades and improvements including Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Its worth waiting for.

The 2018 WRX and STI are expected any day now.

The BRZ is... uncommon. There aren't many around (one here, one or two there etc) for people to even look at.



Forester 16,280, an increase of 971 cars (+6%) over 15,309 May 2016

Outback 15,193, and increase of 2,789 cars (+22%) over 12,404 May 2016

Crosstrek 8,250 cars, an drop of 217 cars (-3%) under 8467 May 2016

Impreza 8,546 cars, an increase of 2,618 cars (+44%) over 5928 May 2016

Legacy 4,628 cars, a drop of 637 cars (-12%) under 5265 May 2016

WRX, STI 2801 cars, and increase of 474 cars (+20%) over 2327 May 2017

BRZ 437 cars, an increase of 54 cars (+14%) over 383 May 2016





6/2/17 Chaplin's Subaru in Bellevue, Wa is now officially Michael's Subaru of Bellevue

Michael's also has Michael's Toyota in Bellevue, Wa, Magic Toyota and Magic Nissan in Edmonds, Wa



6/1/17 2018 WRX and STI interest rates and leases announced.

June rates on the 18s are 2.90% up to 60/63 months, this is the same as on the 17s.

Also 2018 WRX, STI leases are also available. On approval of credit. NW area.

The 2018 WRX, STIs are arriving this month

All 2017 Outback, Forester, Legacy, Crosstrek, WRX, STI, BRZ rates remain the same as May with no changes





5/22/17 2017 Outback, Crosstrek and Legacy factory orders end tomorrow 5/23 at 9pm EST.

That's very little advance notice.

If you want a specially equipped 2017 Outback, Crosstrek or Legacy, please order today or tomorrow because after that its too late.

This also means the 2017 model sell-down is right now for best supply and price.

Dealers have a lot of inventory, especially Outbacks and that means they're motivated sellers.

2018 orders will start in late June, with a delivery ETA perhaps of late July but realistically August.

The 2018 Outback, Crosstrek, and Legacy are all getting some excellent upgrades.

The Crosstrek will be all new, a Crosstrek version of the 17 Impreza, and the Outback and Legacy are getting a new front grill, headlights, interior trim and other minor upgrades but the big news is the improved audio systems with Android Auto and Apple Carplay!

If those features are important, then you'll want to wait for the 18s.

No more 2018 details, prices, or specs have been announced yet but they will be available once the orders start.

Subaru will offer financing as the 18s arrive but the rates probably won't be as low as what the 17s have, at least at first, and depending on how many 17s are still on lots.





5/18/17 2018 Forester prices and features announced. Orders now accepted

Despite just two days ago (5/16) saying 2018 Foresters would be orderable on 5/22, Subaru today announced the 2018 prices and started accepting orders.

ETA for cars ordered now would be July.

Destination increased $40 to $915 (AK $1065)

Most prices increased $200

There are very few changes for 2018,

Model lineup remains the same.

The big news is the 2.5i Premium CVT Package #16 Black Edition gets Paddle shifters which is a huge improvement! It gives the driver full transmission control for improved safety and performance getting on the highway, passing on 2 lane roads, towing a small trailer, improved snow driving and downhill control. This is long overdue and is the first Forester 2.5L CVT with paddles shifters. The 2.0XT CVT models have always had paddle shifters.

Audio systems remain the same with no Android Auto or Apple Carplay. Sorry, you'll have to wait for the 19s.

Colors remain the same.

Sephia Brown is still on Touring models only but is now available with either black or the Saddle Brown interior.

Audio systems remain the same with 6.2" on the 2.i base models, and the 7" system on all others. No Android Auto or Apple Carplay this year (sorry).

2.5 Premium CVT models come in a new "Black Edition". Available starting August, the 2.5 Premium Black Edition (its package #16) includes paddle shifters (finally full transmission control on a 2.5, its long over due!), steering responsive LED headlights, fog lights, black cloth with leatherette bolsters, black leather steering wheel with silver stitching, black interior and exterior trim and logos, 18" black alloys, cargo tray, stainless exhaust tip.

This is similar to the 500 black 2017 Crosstrek Special Edition models that were available earlier this year.

Limited models get standard cargo/luggage area cover

2.5 and 2.0XT Touring models get standard Eyesight and Navigation





5/16/17 2018 Forester order system should be open on 5/22 with ETA in July.

Very few changes expected for the 2018s- there will be no Android Auto or Apple Carplay. Sorry. That will all come on the 2019 Forester due next year



5/11/17 Subaru sells 1,000,000 cars worldwide in a single year for the first time

"Subaru Corporation announced they have reached 1 million vehicles sales for the first time ever. They will thank U.S. consumers with a new SUV.

Subaru, one of the smallest global automakers, hit a major milestone this week. Subaru Corporation announced global sales of Subaru vehicles rose 11.1 percent to 1,065,000 units, surpassing the one million mark for the first time. Subaru’s fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 and the final numbers have been tallied. They can thank U.S. consumers.

Subaru needs to thank U.S. consumers for the big milestone where it sells around 60 percent of its global production. The rest is split between, Japan, Australia, Canada and Europe. The small Japanese automaker has seen a significant rise in sales in the U.S., where Subaru has carved out a niche with their all-wheel-drive crossovers. Subaru of America will thank U.S. consumers in a big way.

Outback, Forester and Crosstrek lead the way. The Subaru Outback, Forester and Crosstrek are the top three models sold by Subaru of America (SOA). Subaru sales in North America marked an all-time record for the 8th consecutive year. SOA is celebrating their 50th anniversary in the U.S. next year where the majority of the brand’s growth has occurred. They have a celebration planned with new anniversary models coming in 2018. They also have a new SUV coming.

The 2018 Subaru Outback wagon, Impreza compact and Legacy sedan are all manufactured at Subaru of Indiana Automotive’s (SIA) plant in Lafayette where the upgraded-facility celebrated their 30th anniversary on May 3. The maker of the SUV-alternative Outback, Legacy sedan and Impreza sedan and 5-Door compacts has ramped up production of its cars in the US. SIA stopped production of the Toyota Camry to make room for the new Impreza when the first model rolled off the line in November. There’s more new models coming.

What’s next for Subaru? U.S. consumers will see the new-generation 2018 Crosstrek arriving this summer and will feature refreshed exterior styling, it will grow slightly in size, ride on an all-new platform, and enjoy better fuel economy with a new direct-injection 2.0-liter boxer engine. It will also come with several Eyesight upgrades, including the addition of Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist, and Reverse Automatic Braking when an obstacle is detected backing up.

New Crosstrek Hybrid A new Crosstrek Hybrid is coming with fuel-sipping technology that’s being developed now. Subaru says the new hybrid Crosstrek has been in the works for quite some time. The hybrid model will arrive later in the year after the new-generation Crosstrek gas model makes its dealer launch..."

read the entire article from torquenews.com





5/10/17 About the Takata airbag recall

Subaru has a website with news about the Takata airbag recall, and a link to type your VIN in to see if your car is involved.

Then call your local or selling dealer to get information and timing about airbag availability

Consumerist magazine just did a wrote an article Consumerist





5/6/17 an article about Subaru incentives and 0%

"Even Red-Hot Subaru Offers Deals On Some Cars. Subaru is America’s hottest car company. However, even it offers very attractive deals to pull in customers, a sign that no car company is immune from the incentive wars which have swept the industry.

Subaru sales car unit sales rose 11.3% in March to 54,871 and for the first three months of the year are up 9% to 144,250. First quarter car sales industry wide rose fell 1.6% to 4,033,045. Kelley Blue Book expects Subaru’s April numbers to be as impressive as those of the first quarter

Subaru excels in the manufacturer of high gas mileage, low price, and durable cars. And, it is famed for it four-wheel drive technology which has been one of the company’s hallmarks for years. The base price of its cars runs from $18,395 for the Impreza sedan to $26,695 for its WRX sports car. Subaru has only seven basic models–the Impreza, Legacy, Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, BRZ, and WRX.

One of the most popular hooks used to draw new cars companies is 0% APR financing. Bank cars loans often carry interest rates of 3%. The car companies which offer the deals take some risk that interest rates will spike over the next several years. Subaru offers 0% financing on its 2017 Legacy, Outback, and Forester. The Impreza and Crosstrek have financing of 1.9% APR, a sign the car is selling crisply. The fast WRX sports car has a 2.9% APR offer.

Each of the offers carry standard disclaimers:...

... Other car companies have much more aggressive offers. Incentives are near an industry wide high point, as U.S. auto sales slow after nine years of expansion. The attractiveness of Subaru’s models must not be quite enough in management’s opinion. It has been sucked into the incentive vortex"

read the original article by Douglas A. McIntyre, April 30, 2017 on 247wallst.com





5/2/17 April sales totals 52,368, an increase of 1,988 cars (8%) over 50,380 April 2016

Subaru rolls along the sales freeway at a steady speed, with April 2017 being the best April ever, the 65th consecutive month of increased sales, and the 38th consecutive month over 40,000.

Top volume for the month is the Forester at 14,761, a 2% increase over April '16, and the Outback with 14,469, a 1% increase over April 16 sales.

But the big winner for the month is the Impreza with 8,038, more than double April 2016 volume and easily surpassing the Crosstrek's 7218. This is probably the biggest month Impreza has ever had, or at least in a long time. Perhaps having a staggering 240 Impreza model, transmission, and color combinations is working.

The Crosstrek was down 5% from April 2016. The all new 2018 coming late summer that was shown at the NY auto this month and with many new features (Apple Carplay, Android Auto, better blind spot detection symbols etc etc) some potential Crosstrek buyers are waiting.

The Legacy is down 21% for the month. Its a great buy with 0% and good lease programs, but Subaru sedans still struggle, and Subaru cut back the supply earlier this year. It should increase when the updated 2018 model is released this summer, again with Android Auto and Apple Carplay.

Forester 14,761, an increase of 261 cars (2%) over 14,490 April 16

Outback 14,469 cars, an increase of 175 cars (1%) over 14,294 April 16

Impreza 8.038 cars, an increase of 3,202 cars (66%) over 4,836 April 16

Crosstrek 7218 cars, down 389 (-5%) under 7,607 April 16

Legacy 4,399 cars, down 1,192 (-21%) under 5,591 April 16

WRX, STI 3,039, down 57 cars (-2%) under 3,096 April 16

BRZ 444 cars, down 22 cars (-5%) under 466 April 2016





5/2/17 May- low finance rates continue.

This is a good time to shop for a WRX/STI, or Outback, Forester and Legacy since the 2018 versions of all these are due in the next 2-3 months.





5/1/17 Step up ... an article from automotive news about the future according to Subaru President Tom Doll

There's a lot to read between the lines.

from Automotive News' Jack Walsworth "Subaru dealers continue to set sales records in the U.S., but they are not keeping up in their service departments, the brand's U.S. president says.We just don't have enough service capacity," Subaru of America President Tom Doll told Automotive News during the New York auto show in April. "With all the vehicles that we've sold over the last five to seven years, the retailers need to invest their profits in expansion."

Subaru's sales success is outpacing retailer capacity investments, he said.

Led by two of its most successful nameplates, the Outback and Forester, the automaker sold 615,132 vehicles in the U.S. last year, a 5.6 percent increase from the previous record of 582,675 sales in 2015.

To put the brand's capacity dilemma in perspective, Subaru sold 182,898 Outbacks alone in 2016 in the U.S. That is nearly equal to the brand's total sales volume in 2006 -- 200,703.

Since late 2013, Subaru has offered financial incentives to its retailers to expand and invest in their service departments. Doll said more than 400 of the brand's 630 U.S. stores have opted into the Fixed Operations Expansion program, exceeding the automaker's expectations. But the network's service capacity is not keeping pace with the growing opportunity.

"I always say all profit is temporary," Doll told Automotive News. "If you're not investing the bulk of that profit back into the business, at some point, you're going to fall further and further behind."

Doll added that in some metropolitan areas, service departments already are operating on double shifts and weekends but still can't keep up with demand due to the high sales volumes.

"Now they need a bigger footprint," Doll said. "If they've maxed out adding shifts or adding technicians and service advisers or expanding their hours, now they have to actually build out. If you ever go to some of our locations in the Pacific Northwest or Southern California, we're in great spots. The issue is they're too small. Given the size that we're selling, we need them to expand their footprints a little bit."

With Subaru targeting a 9 percent sales surge in 2017 for a ninth straight year of record U.S. results, it's clear there's going to be even more service customers in the future.

Additionally, two key model introductions are on the horizon, a redesigned Crosstrek and the three-row Ascent, which both figure to further cash in on the crossover craze and contribute even more sales to the brand.

The Ascent alone, which fills a glaring product gap, could boost the automaker's U.S. sales by as much as 60,000 vehicles annually.

read the original article by Jack Walsworth





4/30/17 an article on the 2018 Ascent, from Forbes

Like other articles, this one is short on hard specifics but is proves that subaru has people talking, and that's their goal

"At 17-feet in length, and catering for up to eight passengers, the Ascent is the biggest production vehicle Subaru has ever built. And if initial reaction to the SUV is any indication, the Ascent could turn out to be the brand’s most popular model. Revealed this month at the New York International Auto Show, the huge 8-seater SUV is destined for the North American market by 2018...." read the entire article



4/28/17 2018 Crosstrek- a few specs and photos

Initial features and some photos from the NY Auto Show are available on my 2018 Crosstrek webpage

The cars are not expected anytime soon, the ETA is late summer so this is very early information.

The 2017s are available now and a great car (I've had a 2013 and a 206 Crosstrek)



4/26/17 2018 WRX and STI orders are now available.

The ETA given for orders placed today is June (late June), but that's subject to change



4/25/17 2018 Crosstrek mini-booklets from the NY Auto show arriving at dealers, limited quantity



4/24/17 Ray Magliozzi of Car Talk writes about tires sizes and tread depth, and why its important to all wheel drive.

The conversation was about replacing only 1 (damaged) tire instead of all 4

"....When a mechanic measures your tire and says it’s a 9, it means that you have 9/32 inch of tread left. Most tires start out with about 12/32. When you get to 2 or 3, you’ll see the tire’s wear bars.

Stopping distances are much longer on wet roads when tread depth gets below about 4/32. And performance on snowy roads degrades below 5/32. Since you bought an all-wheel-drive vehicle, I’m guessing weather is an issue where you live. That means those 7s are already getting near the end of their useful lives. Also, you are endangering your all-wheel-drive system by using tires of different sizes.

So what do you do? Manufacturers have different recommendations about how similar tires should be to one another (check your own owner’s manual). But most suggest a tread difference of no more than 2/32 or 3/32 inch.

One solution is to simply keep the new tire you bought and buy three more. That’s the best option from a mechanical point of view. Another option is to have that new tire “shaved” to match its axle-mate. That involves taking a new tire and paying a tire store $30 to turn it into a tire with 15,000 miles on it."





4/22/17 2018 WRX and STI prices, models and features announced on 4/20.

Orders are not yet available (soon, but not yet) with delivery expected in June.

Prices increase $300-$900.

All models get a new front grill and front bumper, front power windows power off-delay, fixed position roof rack crossbar mounting points on all models, rear seat center armrest with cupholder, revised/retuned/tweaked electric power steering, clutch, and suspension.

The most requested feature, Android Auto and Apple Carplay, is not on the 2018 WRX or STI.

New features vary by model, and include LED steering responsive headlights, LED fog lights, Recaro seats, 19" alloys, pushbutton start, upgraded brakes and brake rotors.

WRX Premium gets the larger 7" audio which is a significant improvement (faster processor, better audio, better backup camera display etc) over the 6.2' system from last year thats still in the WRX. Premium manual transmission gets a new optional Performance Package with Recaro seats (power driver's seat), Jurid brand brake pads, red front and rear brake calipers, and no moonroof (saves weight, slightly lowers center of gravity) for msrp $2050

Optional Eyesight (on WRX Limited CVT) gets all new new features including Eyesight Assist Monitor (EAM) which displays Eyesight information on the inside of the windshield, and Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH) which usesd the electric parking brake to hold the when stopped in traffic or at a light

WRX Limited gets LED low/high beam steering responsive headlights, LED fog lights, pushbutton start, power lumbar support added to the power driver's seat

WRX LImited CVT with optional Eyesight gets new features including

> Eyesight Assist Monitor (EAM)- displays Eyesight information on the inside of the windshield

> Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH) used the electric parking brake to hold the when stopped in traffic or at a light

> High Beam Assist (HBA)- a sensor will switch between high and low beams depending on outside light and approaching traffic

STIs get upgraded Brembo front/rear brakes, larger and drilled front and rear rotors, 19" alloys. New option packae includes Recaro front seats and pushbutton start

STI Limited gets the recaro front seats

Note- Android Auto and Apple Carplay is not available

check out my 2018 WRX and STI features, prices, and options





4/22/17 Earth Day 2017

Many Subaru dealers have a small garden tool display, with free paper disks with seeds embedded

photos here





4/19/17 Pan Grier to be star-in-residence at the Dining Out For Life fundraiser to benefit HIV/Aids event hosted by Subaru, in Charleston SC, April 27th

Pan Grier has been a movie star since the early 1970s in Coffy and as Foxy Brown in 1974s Foxy Brown.

She has been involved with Dining Out For Life for 7 years according to the Subaru press release.

Read about Pam Grier and the Charleston fundraiser

DiningOutForLife in your city





4/17/17 2017 Forester orders close 4/27 11pm, for June delivery

2018 orders will open "mid-April" for July delivery and we'll have some information on the 2018s at that time.

Not all 2017 models will be available to order, it will depend on how many are ordered.

Note- today is 4/17 which is mid-April so we should be more information soon.





1/12/17 the all new 2018 Subaru Ascent 7 passenger lives! Finally....

This is a big deal for Subaru. A 7 passenger opens a whole new market for them and will help keep momentum.

It's the first new vehicle since the 2013 Crosstrek which was a hit, and the 2013 Scion/Subaru-Toyota/Subaru BRZ which is absolutely great looking but not a hit. Speaking of the BRZ, I'm hoping people looking for a rear drive sports car with great handling will check out the 2017 BRZ Limited with the new Performance Package.

The rumors about this long awaited 7 passenger being called Ascent were right after all...

Introduced today at the NY at the NY Intl auto show, the new 7 passenger will be built in Lafayette and available next spring.

This will be the 3rd model based on the new global platform. 1st was the current 17 Impreza, 2nd the new 2018 Crosstrek due fall 2017 (already people are waiting for it!), 3rd will be this Ascent due next spring, 4th the new 2019 Forester due June (?) 2018, then the 2020 Outback and Legacy due in 2019. And reportedly an electric car at some point.

Engine- a new turbocharged 4 cylinder engine. No hp and no 6 cylinder has been announced.

The current 2017 2.0 4cylinder turbo Forester XT has 250hp, the WRX has 268hp.

Dimensions

2018 Ascent is 198.8" length x 78.3" width x 72.4" height, wheelbase 117"

The 2017 Outback is 189.6" length, 81.9" width, 68.1" height, wheelbase 108.1"

The Tribeca (2006-2014) was 191.5" length, 73.9" width, 67.7" height (incl crossbars), wheelbase 108.2",

The Ascent is longer, but the important dimension is the longer wheelbase which allows for more middle and rear seat room, and better rear seat access. We'll have to wait for final dimensions to know if the Ascent will be a practical and functional 7 passenger or if will be a larger 5+2. This is important distinction- a 7 passenger has room for 5 people with rear seats 2 adults could ride in (at least for a short trip) whereas a 5+2 has room for 5 plus 2 small people tightly crammed into the 3rd row for short trips.

No 6 cylinder was mentioned and it might not be offered. A turbo 4 cylinder could be a fine choice if it has enough power, if it takes regular gas, if it will tow, and if it gets good enough fuel economy to offset any lack of power at all speeds.

The Tribeca was promoted as a 7 passenger when it was really a 5+2, and people (including car reviewers, bloggers, and the salespeople expected to sell the car etc) who looked at Subaru's grand new 7 passenger went away shaking their heads. If they had come expecting to see a 5+2 (instead of a 7passenger) they would have had more favorable first impressions,

The first Tribeca (2006) used Subaru's 3.0L H6 which put out 250@6000rpm, torque 219@4200rpm on Premium gas. It just wasn't enough power and was quickly replaced in 2008 models with the 3.6L with more power on regular gas. But it was too late. Buyers never returned in enough quantity.

Hopefully Subaru isn't coming out with a small engine to again test the American buyer's desire for easy highway on-ramp acceleration, quiet cruising, and then plenty of passing power at all speeds, using regular gas.

If the 3.6L had been in the 2006, people (including car reviewers, bloggers, and the salespeople expected to sell the car etc) would have had a much better first impression about the car's driving, and a new Tribeca 5+2 3.6L might still be available today.

Other new standard Ascent features reportedly include the safety upgrades including Eyesight, Blind Spot Detection/Rear cross traffic alert, reverse auto braking, 8 USB ports, either middle row bench or captains chairs, 5000lb towing capacity (from the turbo 4cyl?). Available Spring 2018.





4/8/17 The Crosstrek and Impreza hatchbacks are riding a new wave of popularity.

New? Not really. Hatchbacks and small station wagons have always been around, they just got side-lined by SUVs and Crossovers.

Hatchbacks and wagons have about 5.5-6" ground clearance (normal for a car), the Crossovers and small SUvs sit higher (like the Impreza vs Crosstrek, old Legacy wagon vs Outback). The larger Ford Explorer replaced the Crown Victoria wagon.

Small station wagons have always been around. I think the difference between a hatchback and a small wagon is the hatchback is shorter, and the hatch's gate is more sloped. The hatchback's slope is good for fuel economy which is why they replaced the station wagon's squared-off but more practical tailgate. The Scion, Honda Element, Nissan Cube, Kia Soul are all small, high roof, square back small station wagons.

Think Impreza hatchback to a Legacy wagon. And new Impreza hatchback is almost the same size as the old Legacy wagon (except the Legacy's more squared off rear gate allowed for much more cargo and dog space).

But I also think small wagons will come back, like car and house colors, clothing and hair styles, they all come and go and then come back again ... and I think we'll see new small wagon with high MPG wagons again, simliar size/shape as the old Corolla/Matrix, Escort, Legacy, Camry, Civic, Accord etc and going into the more distant past, the Datsun 510, Toyota Corona, VW Squareback, Toyora Tercel, Chevy Vega, Ford Pinto, AMC Eagle and Pacer, Chevy Nova II, Ford Falcon etc etc.

If Subaru really wanted to increase Impreza/Crosstrek sales, they'd make a version with a slightly squared-off rear like the Foresters.

> here's a recent article on the current crop of hatchbacks from Casey Williams of the Detroit Free Press and seen in the Seattle Times

"Before there were crossovers, there were hatchbacks. Now that crossovers have proved to be America’s preferred vehicle, its shorter predecessor is making a comeback.

A new generation of exciting five-doors follows a simple formula: Take an athletic commuter car, pack in a bigger cargo area, and toss in lots of stuff. And, it’s a segment that roundly offers a manual transmission for driving enthusiasts.

New models from Honda, Chevrolet, Subaru, Toyota and some old favorites help rejuvenate a segment that used to be for the young and penniless.

“Hatch buyers are better educated, make more money and are used to products with more oomph,” says Steve Majoros, marketing director for Chevrolet cars and crossovers. “They are also more urban than rural and are a bit older because of income. Hatchbacks add a dimension of personality and design — factors people are demanding in cars today.”

According to Majoros, hatchbacks represent about 10 percent of model sales. Exclusivity, bolstered by some automakers offering hatchbacks only in certain regions, created its own demand.

For years, Civic owners and fans have seen the sporty Civic Hatchback in Europe as something of a forbidden fruit,” says Jessica Pawl, spokeswoman for Honda. “We’ve found the hatch buyer is looking for something a little more individualistic, aimed toward their active lifestyle.”

Millennials and Gen-Xers, raised on SUVs and crossovers, look to hatchbacks as efficient transportation that can slip through traffic during the daily commute, yet carry bicycles, surfboards or camping gear on weekends.

Hatchback compacts are typically shorter and slightly heavier than their sedan counterparts, and cost about $500 more...."

read the entire article about the various models





4/6/17 2018 refreshed Outback to be at the NY Auto Show, along with the new Crosstrek.

NY International Auto Show (NAIS) April 14 - Apr 23 . Its going to be a busy show!

A multitude of upgrades make this upgraded Outback worth waiting until July for.. Upgraded audio systems with android auto and apple carplay. Steering Responsive headlights, Rear view camera steering angle lines, Auto locking doors, 10 second power off delay, new interior color added (gray). improved blind spot symbols, quieter, smoother riding....

The 18 Outback keeps the same model lineup - 2.5i, Premium, Limited, Touring, and 3.6 Limited and Touring. All CVTs.

There are a lot of new features but the biggest change is a seemingly little thing... its automatic locking doors. They're are now (finally) available. I think its the most asked for feature and this will be the first Subaru to have it. Most people just assume the doors lock automatically when the car is driven. Now they will.

New 6.5" and 8" audio systems with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Optional navigation is TomTom with three years of free map updates. The 6.5" system is on the current 17 Impreza and is better than the 6.2" system it replaces, but the 8" system is significantly better and hopefully will be on the 18 Outback Premium in addition to the Limited and Touring models.

New interior Titanium Gray. Continuing are the Slate Black and Warm Ivory, and Java Brown on the Touring models.

New rear seat USB outlets for the back seat passengers.

The rear view backup camera now displays steering lines that move as the steering wheel is turned, indicating where the car is heading in reverse

Steering Responsive Headlights are now available, and are much better than the steering responsive fog lights on the 2017s.

Lane keep assist now starts at 37mph instead of 40,

The blind spot symbols are larger, brighter, and moved from the far side of the mirror to the inner side of the mirror housing for increased visibilty

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) detects individual tire pressure changes so you don't have to check all 4 tires for the one that's low.

Thicker front driver and passenger window glass to reduce wind noise

Redesigned 18" wheels on Limited and Touring. 2.5i and Premium models continue with 17" silver alloys.

Climate control temperature readings are now on the two dual front zone left/right side dials, and the clock display is larger again

Subaru Starlink audio system (Android or iPhone required) includes Aha, Pandora, iHeart radio, Stitcher, Calendar, Music Player, News and Weather and now includes the same new features found on the 17 Impreza including Magellan navigation (by subscription), eBird local sightings and bird watching locations, Best Parking to locate and compare parking rates, Yelp, Glympse location sharing with friends, Quick Guide car informaton and guide, Eventseeker local events, and RightTrack by Liberty Mutual monitors driving habits (but you have to opt in for this one).

Upgraded steering, suspension and CVT transmission to improve steering feel, ride, and transmission response.





4/5/17 March sales and YTD sales

It was a tough month for most car companies, especially those depending on sedans

Most news articles anticipate 2017 car sales to be down or flat compared to 2016.

What is selling are SUVs, crossovers, and pickup trucks.

Down for the month- Hyundai - 8%, Ford -7.5%, Fiat Chrysler -5%, Toyota -2%, Honda -1%.

Up for the month- Nissan +3%, VW up almost 3%, GM up almost 2%.

But Subaru is known for SUVs and wagons... Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza....

Subaru's total 54,871. That's an 11% increase over the 49,285 cars sold a year ago March 2016, and the 64th consecutive month of monthly sales increases.

In a down month for car sales, that's excellent. Even exceptional

Will Subaru be able to continue their growth as they produce more and more vehicles? Increased inventory could lead to even more downward price pressure and discounting to make room for incoming stock and also to compete with other brands deep discounts and rebates. Will Subaru continue to hold back on customer cash rebates? The 0%-1.49% finance rates work like cash rebates, but not all buyers finance and they expect deals in lieu of financing.

The next 6 months will see the 2018 models arriving and that always helps sales. Some people wait for the last of the outgoing models hoping for a clearance price, and others shoppers are waiting for the new models and changes... like the Android Auto and Apple Carplay many new 18 models will get.

When? Outback, Legacy, Forester, and WRX STI arrive around June-July, and the all new Crosstrek around September. WRX and STI specs and prices are expected soon (mid April), and the all new 2018 Crosstrek will be unveiled at New York April auto show after which some folks will postpone buying a 17 Crosstrek, and other folks won't care about all the new features on it. The 17s models will continue to sell.



March sales by model

Top sales goes to the Outback, outselling the Forester by 103 cars.

The Crosstrek held firm at 7120 which is pretty much what it did 3/16.

Legacy is the only model down for the month (down 654 cars, -12%). The 18 model might help.

The low volume BRZ should be helped with a Spring weather boost and as people discover the new Limited with Performance Package, and the Series.Yellow (only 500 made)

Outback 15,909, up 1,787 cars (+13%) over 14,122 3/16

Forester 15,803 up 1,519 cars (+11%) over 14,284 3/16

Crosstrek 7,120, up 147 cars (+2%) over 6,973 3/16

Impreza 7,653, up 2,460 cars (+47%) over 5,193 3/16

Legacy 4,897 down 654 (-12%) under 5,551 3/16

WRX, STI 3,050 up 313 cars (+11%) over 2,737 3/16

BRZ 439 up 14 cars (+3%) over 425 3/16



March YTD sales by model

Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, WRX/STI, and Impreza are all up for the year or at least holding firm.

Down is the BRZ and Legacy.

Outback 42,572 YTD 2017, up 5,301 cars (+14%) over 37,271 YTD 2016

Forester 41,476 YTD 2017, up 3,049 cars (+8%) over 38,427 YTD 2016

Crosstrek 20,238 YTD 2017, up 688 cars (+4%) over 19,550 YTD 2016

Impreza 18,584 YTD 2017, up 4,577 (+33%) over 14,007 YTD 2016

Legacy 12,703 YTD 2017, down 1,775 cars (-12%) under 14,478 YTD 2016

WRX, STI 7,690 YTD 2017, up 237 cars (+3%) over 7,453 YTD 2016

BRZ 987 YTD 2017, down 224 cars (-18%) under 1,211 YTD 2016





4/4/17 2018 Crosstrek teases

Subaru released some early teaser info on the 18 Crosstrek that will be shown at the NY Auto show on 4/14 and then go on sale later this summer (Sept?).

There will be a lot more information soon but here are some of the details

Its going to be a good upgrade .... more power, better ride and handling due to the all new and much stiffer platform and slightly larger overall size, Active torque vectoring will improve cornering, Xmode will improve downhill slick road driving, better audio with Android Auto and Carplay, Eyesight gets steering responsive headlights, available Reverse auto brake with back-up beeper (the beeper is the important part), Rear view camera gets visual steering lines to aid backing up, the Tire pressure monitoring will tell you which tire is low, and the Limited finally gets a power driver's seat (but its only 6 way which means no lumbar support).



Not all cars will get all the features but overall it all looks good!

The details will tell the full story but can Subaru keep the price down?



upgraded 2.0L with direct injection and 152hp, up from 148hp

upgraded transmissions- either a 6 speed manual which replaces the 5 spd, or a CVT with Paddle Shifters with 7 gear-settings which replaces 6 gear-settings

Size:

Wheelbase is now 104.9" which 1.2" longer. A longer wheelbase has better ride and handling.

Length and width- its .6" longer and .9" wider for slightly more interior room and better ride and handling.

Models

> 2.0i base 6 speed manual

6.5" am/fm/bluetooth audio with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity

Power windows with auto up/down driver and front passenger windows.

Tilt-telescoping steering wheel with audio and cell bluetooth controls

Manual height adjust drivers seat

Trip computer, Alarm system, roof rack rails, 17" machined alloy wheels, black unpainted outside mirrors, rear window privacy glass etc etc

> 2.0i Premium

ADDS to 2.0i base

6 speed manual or optional CVT with Paddle Shifters and Xmode

All Weather Package with heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, front wiper de-icers

Leather wrapped steering wheel,

Starlink emergency connectivity (first year free)

Either black cloth interior or gray cloth, with orange stitching

Optional packages... Moonroof, Eyesight, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert driver safety

> 2.0i Limited with CVT with Paddle Shifters and Xmode

ADDS

Power driver's seat. (but I'm disappointed that its only a 6 way seat which means no lumbar support!)

LED headlights and LED daytime running lights

8" audio with CD player, Apple Carplay, Android Auto connectivity

Power driver's seat, 6 way

18" machined alloy wheels

Leather trimmed interior

Steering responsive headlights (these are excellent)

Automatic climate control

Keyless access/pushbutton start

Exterior chrome trim

Turn signal outside mirrors

Optional Eyesight includes high-beam headlight assist (high beams are auto on/off)





4/3 Fuji Heavy Industries officially becomes Subaru Corporation.

Also sells off its' Subaru Industrial Products (previously known as Robin) to Yamaha effective this coming September 2017.

Costco is still selling Subaru brand pressure washers



From Janes "Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) - one of Japan's 'big three' Tier 1 defence manufacturers - has changed its name to Subaru Corporation.

The group, which has produced Subaru vehicles since the late 1950s, said the name change is effective from 1 April.

Subaru said the move supports its bid to strengthen the branding of the corporation, which in turn reflects the group's strong growth in the automotive market in the past decade.

At a ceremony to mark the name change in Tokyo, Subaru unveiled both a new version of its Impreza car and a large-scale model of the Bell 412EPI helicopter - or Subaru (Bell) UH-X - which the company is developing for the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF)."

From Automotive News "This is not the first name change in the company’s history.

Chikuhei Nakajima established the Aircraft Research Laboratory in 1917.

In 1918, it was was renamed the Nakajima Aircraft Factory.

In 1931, it was incorporated as Nakajima Aircraft Co. Ltd.

After World War II, the company reorganized as Fuji Sangyo Co. Ltd. in 1945 and made the switch from aircraft manufacturing to civilian goods, the company said.

In accordance with the Enterprise Reorganization Act in 1950, Fuji Sangyo Co. Ltd. split into 12 companies, which included Fuji Kogyo , Fuji Jidosha Kogyo and Utsunomiya Sharyo .

Those three companies would then join Omiya Fuji Kogyo and Tokyo Fuji Sangyo to form Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. on July 15, 1953.

Fuji’s automobile business began in 1958 with the introduction of the Subaru 360 minicar."





4/1/17 2018 Crosstrek will be at the NY International Auto Show (NAIS) April 14 - Apr 23.



4/1/17 Sales tax in Washington State's King, Pierce and Snohomish counties, basically the I-5/Puget Sound area (Tacoma, Seattle, Everett, Bellevue, Redmond etc) increases .5% starting 4/1/17 due to the Sound Transit 3 funding bill passed last November. Yearly car licenses fees increased March 1st



3/29. March special finance and lease rates extended though 4/3



3/20/17 WRX and STI orders will close on Wednesday March 22 10pm EST, 7pm PST

With only 2 days advance notice, Subaru announced today 3/20 that Wednesday 3/22 is the last day to order a 2017 WRX or STI with delivery expected in May.

2018 models will be available to order mid April with delivery expected in June.

Model upgrades, specs, and prices will be available at that time.



3/20/17 Spring is here... the first day of spring



3/17/17 on cars and data

All cars record and store data related to airbag deployment including vehicle speed, seatbelt use, steering wheel position etc. This information is in Event Data Recorder. The Subaru owner's manual has a small section about it,

But Subaru hasn't said what data is collected by the various other Subaru Starlink functions or connected 3rd party services.

The Starlink emergency connectivity function (the overhead blue and red buttons on many Subarus, powered by SiriusXM, with an ATT antenna connection) monitors the cars functions and location and will notify the vehicle owner and dealer if there's an issue.

Then there's the Subaru Starlink app. Its almost all new Subarus. You use it by downloading the Starlink app onto an Android or iPhone paired to the car. Some of the Starlink app cloud functions are location based (Starlink functions are not all the same, they vary by model). One of the Starlink functions, Right Track, Is by Liberty Mutual insurance and monitors your driving (you have to sign up for this this one to work). There are other apps for weather, sports teams, stocks, news and etc.

Starlink audio systems- SiriusXM radio knows where you are and what you listen to.

Navigation- if you use navigation, it knows where you are and where you've been.

This is just something to be aware of, Subaru already knows who buys their cars, where they live and etc, and doesn't have any deep secret agenda with this information that we should be overly concerned about, certainly no more so than what the cell phone companies or computer search engine companies know.



Here's a general article on the subject from the Seattle Times. It is not about Subarus but is something to be aware of.

"You probably know that you should delete all the data off your phone before you give it away and wipe the hard drive on your computer before you sell it.

But have you considered all the data stored on your car, and what you should do with it when you get rid of the vehicle? Maybe not.

Tony Aquila, CEO of Solera Holdings, a company that collects and analyzes data from cars, thinks you ought to be focusing on the privacy threat your car represents.

“You can learn more about you from your car than you can from your house,” Aquila said.

As Aquila and others note, cars have become mobile computers. Not only do they have numerous processors within them, they also have sophisticated arrays of sensors and many now can be connected to data networks or the internet. Cars these days are constantly collecting data and in many cases are transmitting it to car manufacturers and others.

“There’s a tremendous wealth of data there about how you drive and where you go and when you go there,” says John Simpson, director of the privacy project at Consumer Watchdog, an advocacy group. “It is potentially tremendously revealing.”

Cars have been collecting data since at least the late 1970s, when environmental regulations required manufacturers to keep track of and limit vehicle emissions. The amount of data cars generate and store has grown exponentially since then.

Many of the major components in cars, like brakes, engines and even tires, now have sensors on them that collect data about how they’re being used. Many cars now have navigation systems that track where drivers go. Many have sophisticated infotainment systems that store users’ address books and include apps that may collect and store other personal information.

And cars are starting to collect even more data than that. Many now have cameras and radar systems that can detect other vehicles. Some now have cameras inside the cockpit that attempt to determine whether drivers are too drowsy to drive. The number of sensors and data collected will only increase with self-driving vehicles.

Privacy advocates worry not only about what could be done with all the data that cars are collecting, but also that much of it is being gathered without users’ explicit permission.

“Most people have no clue that the information is being collected,” says Dorothy Glancy, a law professor at Santa Clara University who has focused on the issue of privacy in cars.

Car manufacturers, their partners and even policymakers have largely focused on the positive benefits of this data collection. Most cars made in the last decade have so-called “black boxes” that save pertinent information taken from sensors immediately before accidents that can be used to help determine their cause. And nearly all vehicles made since the mid-1990s also have on-board diagnostic ports that auto service providers use to diagnose problems.

Meanwhile, manufacturers have been pitching connectivity in cars as a way to provide popular apps and services and as an important service and safety tool. Manufacturers can use the information to alert owners when they’re due for a service checkup or when they ought to replace their tires or brakes.

But the information gleaned from cars could be used in other ways that many people might find troubling. It could be used in states other than California to charge people different interest rates based on how they drive. It could be used to determine whether someone was having an affair.

Similar data could also be used to revoke drivers licenses or potentially by employers in ways that could affect drivers’ employment, if you speed or regularly drive under the influence. And it could be combined with other data to market all kinds of services to consumers. And that’s not to mention that the connections used to transmit data could also be used by hackers to seize control of a car.

While a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Washington, Miro Enev showed that researchers could identify individual drivers with only five to 10 minutes worth of data from the brake sensor in a car. A data scientist who now works for Nvidia, Enev worries that so-called deep learning techniques, where artificial intelligence is applied to large databases to find interesting patterns, will be used to analyze all the data being collected from cars. What manufacturers and their third-party partners discover may not be used for the benefit of car owners.

“It becomes a very slippery slope as far as what is possible,” Enev says. “It’s basically a big can of worms.”

The original article





3/15/17 2017 WRX and STI orders are starting to be closed off.

Without any notice from Subaru, some 2017 WRX and STI models are no longer available to be ordered, depending on model, option package and color.

Currently WRX (code HUN), WRX Premium (code HUO), and STI (code HUS) models are still available to be ordered.

Availability of all other models depends on the color and/or Option Package selected, with some less common models and colors most likely to show no longer orderable.

Contact your local dealer to check inventory and if a specific car can be ordered .





3/13/17 Impreza recall- a software update for rear view camera, audio, and touch screen issues

Subaru is recalling more than 25,500 model year 2017 Impreza cars to address rear-view camera display screens that can go blank or freeze, leaving owners without the ability to know what is happening behind them when backing up.

more? http://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2017/subaru-recalls-2017-impreza-rear-view-camera-screens-fail.shtml





3/9/17 From Everett to Seattle to Tacoma, license and registration fees double starting this month March 1st, and the sales tax goes up starting next month, on April 1st, all due to the new regional Sound Transit 3 bill.

Residents in the greater Puget Sound urban areas of Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties will see a major jump in yearly license fees due to the Sound Transit 3 bill that was voted on and passed last November.

License plate and registration fees for new cars, as well as late model yearly renewal fees, will almost double. Fees will be based on the original MSRP value of the car regardless of actual price paid or where the vehicle was purchased. In the case of Subaru that means all new license plates/registration and most near new model renewals for the core Pierce, King, and Snohomish residents will increase to around $325-550.

And also due to Sound Transit 3, starting on April 1st 2017, sales tax in the same Puget Sound urban areas in Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties will increase by .5% (ie current sales tax will increase by .5%). Add the current sales tax, plus the statewide Washington State .3% transportation tax, and the new .5%, and that means most people buying (buying only, not leasing) from dealers in the Puget Sound urban area will pay 10%-10.5% sales tax depending on the exact municipality where the dealer is located. Note- the sales tax on leases is based on the buyer's address, not where the car is purchased.



3/7/17 We have to wait until April for details on the US spec 2018 Crosstrek

The European version of the 2018 Crosstrek is called by its original name, the XV, and is at the Geneva Auto Show starting today. There will be some differences between the European and US versions and we'll have to wait for the NY International Auto Show (NAIS) April 14 - Apr 23 for details on our model.

The 18 Crosstrek is a raised up version of the Impreza so there a number of similarities and, like the Impreza, is based on the new global platform.

Here are other new features on the European one

New colors... the prototype on display in Geneva is orange, but will we see that here?

An electric parking with the CVT

Tighter steering ratio 13:1 vs current 14:1

Active torque vectoring on some models

XMode electronic downhill descent control on CVT models

Read more... http://www.subaru-global.com/ms2017/geneva/







3/4/17 Every April, Consumer Reports puts out the Annual Auto Issue full of reviews, critiques, and recommendations.

It's available at bookstores and news stands, and online now.

Read about their suggested buys/don't buys for tires, the coming self, or near-self driving cars, about confusing automatic transmission controls, new electronic safety devices, and the best new and used cars values, the repair frequency for all the individual models etc etc.

The best companies- to come up with a list of top car brands overall, they combined a mix of road test scoring, reliability, owner satisfaction, and the percent of a company's models they recommend. And the #1 car brand for the second year in a row is... Audi. Then comes #2 Porsche, #3 BMW, #4 Lexus, #5 Subaru (which dropped from last year's #2 ), #6 Kia, #7 Mazda, #8 Tesla, #9 Honda, #10 Buick. The list continues on to #31 plus there are comments and explanations for the rankings.

Their Top 10 new car picks include Miata (sports car), Chevy Impala (large sedan), Audi Q7 (luxury SUV), Prius (compact hybrid), Honda Ridgeline (truck), Toyota Highlander (midsize SUV), Chevy Cruse (compact car), Toyota Yaris iA (subcompact), Kia Optima (mid size sedan), and the Subaru Forester is the top small SUV.

In the very useful specific model reliability ratings, Subaru does ok but some models suffer from an average repair rating as they age.

There are some oddities in the magazine- some top cars are barely mentioned, others mentioned frequently etc, but overall CR, and especially this April issue, is always a handy guide when you're considering a new car.



3/2/17 February 2017 sales

45,500 for the month, a 3489 car increase (8%) over 42,011 over February 2016

That's 63rd of monthly increase over the previous year

YTD is 89,379 cars, an increase of 6267 cars (+8%) over YTD 2016's 83112 total

Countdown- with a year goal of 670,000 cars (-) January 43,879, (-) February 45,500 that means there are only 580,621 cars to go.

February by model

Outback and Forester remain the top sellers, with the Outback slightly ahead by 657 cars.

The Crosstrek again holds its own with a minimal gain. Perhaps teasing the 2018 model so early has hurt current sales as people hold out for a redesigned Crosstrek with a power seat, upgraded audio with Android Auto and Apple Carplay etc due this Fall

The 2017 BRZ Limited with very nice optional Performance Package, and the Limited Series.Yellow models are now available and should help sales in March. While only 500 of the Series.Yellow bumbleBRZs will be made, any volume helps when only 344 cars were sold in February.

The 2017 Impreza is doing well, despite some 8' audio system issues.

Outback 13,477, an increase of 1,525 cars (+13%) over 11,952 2/16

Forester 12,820 an increase of 581 cars (+5%) over 12,239 2/16

Crosstrek 6,611, an increase of 482 cars (+8%) over 6,129 2/16

Impreza 5,826, and increase of 1,394 cars (+31%) over 4,432 2/16

Legacy 3,924, a drop of 530 cars (-12%) under 4,454 2/16

WRX, STI 2,498, and increase of 118 cars (+5%) over 2,380 2/16

BRZ 344 and drop of 81 cars (-19%) under 425 2/16





3/1/7 March special finance rates- no change

Subaru's low finance rates Washington State area for March 2017 remain the same with 0% available on Outback, Forester and Legacy, 1.90% on Crosstrek, BRZ, and Impreza.

This is the ;last month for low rates on 2016 models but there are probably none left.



3/1 advertising

from autoweek

"1979: Subaru wagons start aiming at campers, dog owners

Subarus are bigger and have AWD now, but the targeted demographic hasn't changed much

The idea of a non-truckish four-wheel-drive station wagon was still a radical one in 1979, though American Motors was gearing up to release the Eagle for the following model year. Subaru started selling four-wheel-drive Leone wagons for the American market in the 1975 model year, and they found a devoted niche following in places with lots of snow and outdoorsy behavior. Here's a magazine ad for the Subaru 4WD wagon from April, 1979.

Like the four-wheel-drive Toyota Tercels and Honda Civics that came a few years later (but unlike the true all-wheel-drive Eagle), this Subaru had to be switched between front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive using a lever, and the lack of a center differential meant that drivers couldn't run four-wheel-drive on dry pavement without risk of tearing up the tires or worse. This proved to be too confusing for many American drivers, but enough dog-owning camping aficionados purchased these cars to lay the groundwork for the big-selling all-wheel-drive Subarus of our current century.

read the entire article and see some ads



2/27/17 A 3 year old 2014 Outback is one of the most dependable midsize SUVs according to JD Power.

"Participants in the annual J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) are the original owners of 3-year-old vehicles and they report problems related to design and defects. By analyzing this data, J.D. Power identifies what has gone right and what has gone wrong with these cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans. Each year, the company’s findings are published in the VDS.

To provide consumers with an easily understood, visual representation of the findings, J.D. Power calculates Power Circle Ratings to convey a model’s performance in the VDS, relative to its competitors. Consumers can then make smarter decisions about the used vehicles they buy."

read the entire article.





2/24 Impreza gets top Safety Plus rating from IIHS.org

The new Impreza gets Good or superior rating in all categories.

4 door sedan http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/subaru/impreza-4-door-sedan

5 door wagon http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/subaru/impreza-4-door-wagon





2/21 Impreza advertising- more Subaru loves love and loves that love sells

Carmichael Lynch launched a pair of new spots for Subaru which chart familiar territory for the brand.

The sentimental “Moving Out,” shows two parents watching their young child packing up his stuff into their Subaru Impreza, apparently moving out. When the spot pivots to the reveal, accompanied by the line, “We always knew that our Subaru Impreza would be there for him someday, we just didn’t think that ‘someday’ would come so fast,” it certainly doesn’t come as a surprise.

Still, the approach has worked for the brand in the past and highlights the family friendly vehicle’s durability in an emotional way.

Another spot focuses on another key brand selling point and advertising staple: its safety features. In this case, “Rewind” takes a look at how a nasty accident could have been avoided with the vehicle’s obstacle detection feature. A third spot, “More,” will rollout next week and feature both a puppy and a baby.

“The all-new Impreza advertising campaign focuses on the intimate experiences that unite us all,” Subaru of America senior vice president, marketing Alan Bethke told Adweek. “With major gains in handling performance, crash safety and ride comfort, the 2017 Impreza offers customers a smooth and trusted ride, ready for wherever the road takes them.”.....

Senior Vice President-Marketing: Alan Bethke, National Advertising Manager: Brian Cavallucci, Advertising Production Specialist: Michelle Shoultes Agency: Carmichael Lynch

the entire article



2/20/17 BRZ Limited Series.Yellow aka the BumbleBRZ (only 500 of the Series.Yellow will be made) and Limited with Performance Package #02 now arriving at dealers.

These are both excellent upgrades with better handling and brakes





2/18/17 Subaru of America announces a months-long plan to celebrate its 50th Anniversary (1968-2018) coming up on February 15, 2018

which is the day Subaru of America was reportedly founded (February 15, 1968).

As part of the celebration, some 2018 models will have a 50th Anniversary special edition (models and details to be announced later).

And next month, on April 1, 2017, Subaru's parent company Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), formed in 1953, will cease to exist. In an acknowledgement of the tidal wave of subsidiary Subaru's success (mostly in the US), Fuji will rename itself Subaru.

The once small part of Fuji now claims the corporate title.

Most people never heard of Fuji Heavy Industries and would have assumed Subaru was always made by Subaru anyway, so this change makes some sense. But Fuji (soon Subaru) makes a wide array of things, including helicopters, buses, parts for Boeing jets, throught Subaru Industrial Power Products they make all sorts of small motors and equipment such small home generators, pressure washers etc. Subaru brand home pressure washers are even currently still for sale at Costco (I saw them today). They made small engines for Polaris ATVs from 1968-1998. Check out www.subarupower.com/subaru-history.

As part of this refocusing however, the entire Subaru Industrial Power Products division has been sold to Yamaha US effective October 2017.





2/15/17 Subaru gets approval from California DMV to test self driving cars.

From yahoo.com "The parent company behind Subaru--the Japanese automaker that produces the popular Outback wagon and has mastered the art of pulling on consumer heartstrings with ads featuring dogs--now has a permit to test self-driving cars on public roads in California.

Subaru’s parent company is Fuji Heavy Industries . FHI announced in November at the L.A. Auto Show that it is changing its name to Subaru Corporation. The name change will occur in April.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles, which issues autonomous vehicle permits, recently added Subaru to the growing list of companies testing self-driving cars on its public roads, an addition first reported by TechCrunch.

There are now 22 automakers, suppliers, and tech companies with autonomous vehicle testing permits. Other companies with autonomous vehicle testing permits includes Waymo, Delphi, Nvidia , Ford , GM’s Cruise Automation , and Mercedes .

There’s been at least one hint that Subaru’s parent company Fuji Heavy Industries has been preparing for a future that involved autonomous vehicles.

Last year, FHI announced that all of Subaru’s next-generation vehicles--including its sedans and crossovers, gas-powered, and future all-electric cars--will use the same design platform. The common platform, which will help FHI reduce manufacturing and engineering costs, is designed to improve stability and comfort while reducing noise and vibration.

At the time, FHI said these kinds of performance and handling improvements will be necessary to achieve the enhanced straight line stability required in autonomous vehicles."

The original article, the Ca DMV list of self driving cars





2/12/17 Subaru isn't sponsoring the NW Flower and Garden show this year!

After many years of being a major sponsor of the Northwest Flower & Garden Show held yearly in Seattle, Subaru is not involved. Lets hope this is a one year aberration. The show demographics is really perfect for Subaru buyers. It's very well attended and Subarus displays were fun and got a lot of attention.

But this year Toyota is the auto sponsor. Sigh. Maybe Toyota paid more or maybe Subaru is so focused on the Impreza TV ads that they just forgot to sign up (who knows). So if you want to see some great gardens, assorted plants, yard art, gardens tools and ephemera, and a very large selection of exotic plants and bulbs for sale, and yes, a Toyota or two but not me, the show is Feb. 22-26. www.gardenshow.com



2/9/17 Will President Trump's trade policies affect Subaru ...

from the Nikke Asia Review

"Mazda, Subaru brace for Trump's trade policies. Smaller automakers more exposed due to limited US production

< Tokyo- With U.S. President Donald Trump demanding that even Japanese automakers put "America first," Mazda Motor and Subaru maker Fuji Heavy Industries are growing concerned over the potential impact of tariffs and other trade protections that could limit access to the world's largest car market. "We don't know what direction things will go," Mazda President and CEO Masamichi Kogai told reporters Sunday when asked about Trump's pledge to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. "What's important for us is to develop more attractive products and boost sales."

Ford Motor CEO Mark Fields, one of the loudest critics of the Japanese auto market, had once served as president and CEO of Mazda as part of the companies' past partnership. "I have no particular comments" regarding Fields, Kogai said.

Mazda expects to sell 1.55 million cars worldwide for the fiscal year ending in March, with the U.S. accounting for 15%, or about 230,000 units. But roughly 80% of the vehicles it sells in the country are shipped from Japan and the rest from Mexico. Exchange rates have a huge impact on sales.

Trump is calling for a 35% tariff on cars made in Mexico, which would make it a significant burden to build vehicles in the country. For an automaker of Mazda's size, building a new plant in the U.S. will be a challenge. It could face a tough decision depending on what Trump's policies shape up to be.

Six Japanese companies -- Toyota Motor, Nissan Motor, Honda Motor, Mitsubishi Motors, Fuji Heavy and Mazda -- currently sell autos in the U.S. market. Toyota had previously promised to invest $10 billion in the country, and made another announcement Jan. 24 on its roughly $600 million investment in a plant in Indiana. President Akio Toyoda has also met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Fuji Heavy's only overseas factory is located in Indiana. The automaker just doubled annual output capacity there in December to around 400,000 vehicles, hiring an additional 1,500 or so workers and bringing the total to about 5,500. It plans to ramp up capacity to 440,000 units by fiscal 2018.

Fuji Heavy has doubled annual sales in the U.S. to about 615,000 units in the five years through 2016, accounting for 60% of global sales. Its exports from Japan were hit hard by the strong yen earlier this fiscal year, but the recent softness in the currency is expected to mitigate the expected drop in profits. The company is hoping to sell up to 670,000 vehicles in the U.S. in 2017. But it is looking to produce just around 60% of the vehicles locally -- less than Toyota and other big automakers. It will be affected significantly by any tariffs or movements in the exchange rate....

read the entire article



2/7/17 Redesigned Monroney stickers introduced in early 2017

Subaru started using a redesigned Monroney window price sticker in early 2017. The new sticker is less colorful, and the right side is devoted to the specific car and features.





2/2/17 January 2017 sales

Subaru rolls on, selling 43,879 cars in January 2017, up 2,778 cars (+7%) from 41,101 January 2016.

With a goal of 670,000 cars, that means there are only 626,121 cars to go.

Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek continue as Subaru's top sellers (most Subaru buyers look at wagons/crossovers), Legacy slumps 13%, the 2017 Impreza is doing ok despite concerns about the audio system's performance.

Outback 13,186, up 1,989 (+18%) over 11,197 1/16

Forester 12,853, up 949 cars (+8%) over 11,904 1/16

Crosstrek 6,507 cars , up 59 cars (+1%) over 6448 1/16

Impreza 5,105 car, up 723 cars (+16%) over 4382 1/16

Legacy 3,882, down 591 (-13%) under 4473 1/16

WRX, STI 2,142 cars, down 195 cars (-8%) under 2,336 1/16

BRZ 204 cars, down 157 (-43%) under 361 cars 1/16





1/23/17 2018 Crosstrek will be remodeled, based on the new 2017 Impreza.

First showing at the Geneva auto show starting March 7.



1/18/17 Subaru expects continuing growth in 2017

With all the growth comes greater need for larger dealer service/maintenance facilities or and faster assistance/advice and repair turnaround, and for Subaru has been talking about that for a while. One of the things about the cult of Subaru is that the new cars have always been a bit hard to get, dealers don't have lots of unsold inventory sitting on lots. It is good, and it felt good, to get that new car. You can expect that to change as Subaru produces and pushes more and more and more cars to dealers in their race for yearly growth. At what point are bragging rights simply that?

Here's an article from Automotive News "Subaru is targeting a 9 percent sales surge in 2017 for a ninth straight year of record U.S. results, despite a plateauing overall market.

And then comes the real big jump.

The arrival of a long-awaited three-row SUV in 2018 could add as many as 60,000 units annually, pushing the brand well above 700,000 units. The runaway sales are putting Subaru on pace to hit U.S. sales of 850,000 vehicles in 2020, up 38 percent from 615,132 last year.

“We’re not done yet,” Subaru of America President Tom Doll said of his brand’s red-hot performance, at the Detroit auto show. “I should be more cocky than I am, probably.”

Subaru is cashing in on the market shift to crossovers, with an all-wheel-drive lineup anchored by the Outback and Forester. The likely arrival of a redesigned Crosstrek this year will further bolster sales, as will the overhauled Impreza, the ad campaign for which begins in late February.

The biggest risk, Doll said, is the threat of dealership service capacity falling behind the rampant expansion.

“We have grown so fast over such a short time, the service part of our network hasn’t kept up,” Doll said. “That’s where we’ve made a lot of investments in fixed operations expansion.”

Dealers have until March 31 to sign up for the nationwide fixed operations expansion program. So far, about half of U.S. Subaru dealers have opted in, Doll said. Participation rates are highest in markets where Subaru has a historical presence and still sees robust growth, including around Philadelphia, Washington, Denver, Seattle and Portland.

So far, about 15 percent of the service facility expansions have been completed. The build-out should be finished in 2019, Doll predicted." The original article



1/10/17 2018 WRX and STI get some upgrades, at dealers around May

Same engine, same power, sedan only (no 5 door).

all models- new door panels, thicker/quieter door glass,

WRX- new front grill, new suspension, improved shifter and power steering, optional Performance Package on Premium models includes power Recaro seats, upgraded JURID brake pads, redesigned wheels, and deletes the moonroof. WRX CVT with optional Eyesight gets upgrades including an all new LED windshield display.

STI- new front grill, new steering responsive headlights, 19" wheels, upgrade Brembo yellow painted brake calipers, larger drilled rotors, new electronic DCCD, Recaro power front seats standard on STI Limited and optional on STI



1/4/17 132 cars. That's the number of cars Subaru beat their 2016 goal of 615,000 for the year by.

2016 total 615,132. 9th year of year-over-year increase

2015 total 582,675

2016 was a huge year for Subaru. Their best year ever. 615,132 is an increase of 32,457 cars (6%) over 2015's total 582,675

How do they do it?

Crossovers are very popular and that's what Subaru is known for- Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and 5 door Imprezas.

And emotion based marketing (dogs, children growing up, fond memories etc), aggressive finance rates (0%) and lease programs, and dealer's discounting prices...



December sales total 63,177, a new one month record, and the 6th month in a row over 50,000

Outback 20,695 cars, a new single month record for any model. Up 4628 cars (29%) over 16,067 Dec 2015

Forester 18,015 cars, Up 1218 cars (7%) over 16,797 dec 2015

Crosstrek 10,299 cars, A Crosstrek monthly sales record. Up 2139 cars (26%) over 8090 Dec 2015

Legacy 5960, up 201 cars (3%) over 5759 Dec 2015

Impreza 5126 cars, down 933 cars (-15%) from 6059 Dec 2-15

WRX, STI 2938 cars, down 151 cars (-5%) under 3080 Dec 2015

BRZ 214 cars, down 199 cars (-48%) under 413 Dec 2015



2016 sales totals

Outback 182,898 cars, up 30,604 cars (+20%) over 152,294 cars 2015

Forester 178,593 cars. Up 3401 cars (2%) over 175,192 cars 2015

Crosstrek 95,677 cars. Up 6750 (+8%) over 88927 2015

Legacy 65,30, up 4859 cars (8%) over 60447 2015

Impreza 55,238, down 11,547 (-17%) under 66785 2016

WRX, STI 33279, down 455 cars (-1%) under 33734 2015

BRZ 4141, down 1155 cars (-22%) under 5296 2015



The top seller for the year is the Outback with 182,898 cars, which is 4305 more than the Forester (178,593). The Forester might have sold more but with so many models, Option Packages, and colors (117 choices), inventory is a problem.

Coming in behind the Outback and Forester is the Crosstrek. Look for increased sales when the upgraded 2018 model is available late this Summer or early Fall.

The redesigned 2017 Impreza is now available with Android Auto and Apple Carplay audio systems (look for that on many, but not all, 2018 models).



12/30/16 The 9th Share the Love Event ends on January 3, 2017

note- Subaru contributed app $23,400,000 to all the 2016 Share the Love charities this year



12/23/16 on 12/21 Subaru broke the 600,000 mark and passed 2015's total sales total with another 11 days to go in the calendar year

"Subaru announced that is has set its eighth consecutive sales record ahead of the year-end close on January 3 by selling 582,675 vehicles as of December 21 .

The automaker has been on a long streak of sales success with consecutive sales increases dating back to 2009."

With the all new 2017 upgraded Impreza creating buzz, 0% financing on it's most popular models (Outback and Forester), and extremely aggressive under-invoice prices, Subaru is riding 2016 to yet another record.



12/18/16 Subaru parent company Fuji Heavy Industries sells off its small engine company Subaru Industrial Products (previously known as Robin) to Yamaha in order to focus on Subaru cars.

Yamaha Motor Corp USA’s Outdoor Power Equipment division has announced the acquisition of Subaru Industrial Power Products. The acquisition is a result of an agreement between parent companies Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., both of Japan, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 1, 2017. Fuji Heavy Industries is ceasing the production and sale of multi-purpose engines, etc. at the end of September 2017.Acquisition of technology will let unit sell EH Series V-Twin Overhead Valve multi-purpose engines both within Japan, overseas. YMUS will continue after-sales service for Fuji Heavy Industries' multi-purpose engine business in North America

The press release from earlier this year

"Fuji Heavy Industries recently announced a name change to Subaru Corporation along with an operational change that will focus all engineering and financial resources on the quickly growing automobile division. The Industrial Power Products division will close after fulfilling all order commitments for 2017. Product parts and support will remain available indefinitely.

Subaru Industrial Power Products and Subaru Automobile have seen tremendous growth in recent years. With more demands for resources, the company will focus on the automobile division — in efforts to continue leading the industry in a number of automotive categories around the globe.

To make the transition as smooth as possible for its customers, Subaru intends to continue to supply spare parts for a reasonable period to meet market requirements. Additionally, customers will see no change in quality assurance of products.

Effective immediately, FHI suspends all new development projects of the industrial business. This includes not only newly received inquiries but current on-going projects as well.

FHI will temporarily maintain the production, supply and servicing of existing models... "





12/12/16 Owning stock in Fuji/Subaru sound good if you like their cars and while they make good cars, is it a risky investment?

here's one opinion, by columnist Mr Berko

"Dear Mr. Berko: It's good to see your column back again in a South Florida publication. Two years ago, we bought a Subaru Outback crossover. We liked it so much that we bought a Subaru Forester as a second car late last year. I'd like to buy Subaru stock, but I can't find it listed anywhere. Where can I find it? And please tell me whether you think the stock is worth buying. — NE, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Dear NE: You're looking in all the wrong places. Though you probably know that the demand for Subaru's Outback and Forester models is so strong that Subaru is in the process of expanding its American plant to produce another 100,000 vehicles by the spring of 2017, you probably didn't know that w