SUBARU SAYS GOODBYE TO ITS JAPAN HEADQUARTERS
The Subaru building located in west Shinjuku had been home to Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.and its automobile brand since 1966. But with the completion of its new office building in Ebisu, a few train stops away, the conglomerate bid farewell to its old quarters earlier this month.
Before saying goodbye, Fuji Heavy Industries put on a two-night show in mid-August using the entire building as the screen for a projection-mapping movie.
"We were in the building for 48 years, and we wanted to express our gratitude to the neighbors and our customers through the event," a spokeswoman at Fuji Heavy Industries said.
The projected images included animations of dancing Subaru cars, fireworks, underwater worlds and outer space voyages
SUBARU ANNOUNCES PRICING ON 2015 BRZ® AND SPECIAL EDITION BRZ SERIES BLUE
BRZ Series.Blue launches as special edition with 1,000 units for US market
Cherry Hill, N.J.,
May 29, 2014 - Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing for
the 2015 BRZ. Starting at $25,695, the BRZ lineup focuses on the fundamentals
of great sports car design: low vehicle weight, an ultra-low center of gravity
and precision steering. Powered by a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter BOXER engine, the
Subaru BRZ marked a return to the fundamentals of sports car design,
emphasizing low vehicle weight, an ultra-low center of gravity and precision
steering.
New for 2015 is the introduction of the BRZ Series.Blue limited to 1,000 cars
for the continental United States. An exclusive combination of STI®-branded
functional aerodynamic body design, black-painted STI-branded 17-inch wheels
and unique interior trim creates a striking look for the BRZ Series.Blue, which
arrives in Subaru dealerships in July. Subaru will offer 500 painted WR Blue
Pearl and 500 in Crystal White Pearl exclusively with a 6-speed manual
transmission.
The BRZ Series.Blue boosts the car's aerodynamic performance with black
STI-branded front, side, and side-rear under spoilers, which contribute to
additional front downforce, and underbody panels that, while not seen, reduce
the coefficient of drag (Cd) from 0.28 to 0.27.
The Series.Blue also brings impressive appearance upgrades that enhance its
performance image. Emphasizing the BRZ's pure sports car nature, red-finish
brake calipers can be seen behind the spokes of the STI- branded black alloy
wheels. The BRZ Series.Blue builds on the BRZ Limited model and features
exclusive trim and special details throughout. Its leather and Alcantara
upholstery includes blue leather seat bolsters and head restraints.
Blue stitching accents the seats and the blue and black leather-wrapped
steering wheel, as well as the shift lever boot and leather-wrapped parking
brake handle. The blue motif carries to the center console kneepads and door
trim, accented by an embroidered silver BRZ logo on the front seatbacks.
Carpeted floor mats pick up the BRZ logo and blue stitching, as well. The 2015
BRZ Blue.Series 6MT starts at $29,490.
Handling has been improved for 2015 with revised suspension dampers for
smoother motion and absorption to help achieve optimum contact to uneven roads
for a more enjoyable driving experience. Also contributing to the BRZ's
handling are 4-wheel independent suspension and 17" summer tires with 15-spoke
dark gray-finished aluminum-alloy wheels.
For the 2015 model year, all BRZ trims receive larger stainless tailpipe tips,
simulated carbon-fiber center dash panel, and roof-mounted and body color shark
fin antenna. The BRZ Premium 6MT has a starting price of $25,695. This is only
a $100 increase compared to the 2014 model year.
The 2015 BRZ Limited 6MT starts at $27,695. The only factory option for the BRZ
Limited model is the 6-speed automatic transmission priced at $28,795. Both are
also a $100 increase compared to the prior model year.
Subaru's signature exterior color, WR Blue Pearl is updated while popular
colors Ice Silver Metallic and Crystal White Pearl have been added to the BRZ
line.
Available in Premium or Limited trim levels, BRZ models all boast performance
features, such as the sport-tuned suspension with front strut brace and TORSEN
limited-slip differential.
The Subaru BRZ Limited offers additional comfort and amenities. The BRZ Limited
model adds a body-color trunk spoiler, standard fog light and Alcantara trimmed
interior and Keyless Access. Inside, the seats are upholstered with Alcantara
inserts and leather bolsters. Aha® infotainment smartphone integration included
with the standard navigation system.
The BRZ Limited substitutes a dual-zone automatic climate control for the
Premium model's manual HVAC system, and its standard All-Weather Package
includes dual-mode heated front seats and heated side mirrors. A full security
system augments the engine immobilizer that is standard in the Premium model.
In the Limited, the dual visor vanity mirrors are illuminated, and front door
courtesy lights illuminate when the doors are opened.
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May 5, 2014 2015
SUBARU WRX AND WRX STI EARN IIHS 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK
With the addition to the 2015 WRX, Subaru now has six models that have earned 2014 safety awards from IIHS - three with TOP SAFETY PICK and three with TOP SAFETY PICK+ including its Legacy sedan and Outback models with optional EyeSight?. Subaru has more 2014 IIHS Top Safety Picks than any other brand.
The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Subaru WRX is one of the brand's performance models and comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder 268 horsepower engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and is priced at $26,295. The higher-performance WRX STI model is priced at $34,495 and features a turbocharged, 2.5-liter boxer four cylinder engine that produces 305 hp.
In addition to the standard model, the WRX STI is offered in Launch Edition. Limited to just 1,000 units over the first three months of production, and offered exclusively in WR Blue with gold BBS® alloy wheels and blue trim throughout the interior. All WRX STI models feature Alcantara seating surfaces and standard LED exterior lighting, and the Limited trim adds leather, a power driver's seat, a moonroof and a premium Harman/Kardon audio system. Navigation and higher-end audio are optional on other models.
"Safety is one of our brand tenets and so we are extremely proud to have earned a TSP rating for our performance models" said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. "we are committed to providing engaging driving together with safety and this award is testament to that commitment."
About IIHS
The Institute's frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of a moderate overlap frontal and small overlap crash test. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a 50th percentile male Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.
Building on its long-running vehicle ratings program for consumer information, IIHS introduced the small overlap test in 2012 to further improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. Most automakers design their vehicles for good performance in the IIHS moderate overlap frontal test and the federal government's full-width frontal test, but many haven't addressed the problem of small overlap crashes. In a 2009 IIHS study of vehicles with good ratings for frontal crash protection, small overlap crashes accounted for nearly a quarter of the frontal crashes involving serious or fatal injury to front seat occupants.
The small overlap test is a demanding crash that replicates what happens when the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle or an object like a tree or utility pole. In the test, 25 percent of a car's front end on the driver side strikes a 5-foot-tall rigid barrier at 40 mph.
Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on 2-instrumented SID-IIs dummies representing a small (5th percentile) woman, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.
Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry -- the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average size man. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can't be positioned to protect many people.
In the roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 side of a roof at a constant speed. To earn a good rating for rollover protection, the roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle's weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. This is called a strength-to-weight ratio. For an acceptable rating, the minimum required strength-to-weight ratio is 3.25. A marginal rating value is 2.5. Anything lower than that is rated poor.
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- Bolder design for roomiest, most capable Outback ever
- Fuel economy at the top of AWD crossover class with estimated ratings of 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway for Outback 2.5i
- Lineartronic® CVT now standard on all models
- Revised chassis and new Active Torque Vectoring for greater agility
- Enhanced Active AWD and new X-Mode for increased capability
- Quieter, more refined ride and new amenities
- New available Rear Vehicle Detection System featuring Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- New version of EyeSight® driver assistance system with improved camera performance
April 17, 2014 - New York - Subaru of America, Inc. today introduced the all-new 2015 Outback, the fifth generation of the World's First Sport Utility Wagon®, at the New York International Auto Show in the Jacob K. Javits Center. The 2015 Outback offers the roomiest interior, most capable chassis and highest fuel-efficiency in the model's 20-year history. Its bold new design delivers an even more compelling blend of on-road agility, off-pavement control, ride comfort, interior refinement and safety technology.
The 2015 Outback arrives in Subaru dealerships in summer 2014. The 175-horsepower 4-cylinder Outback 2.5i model is available in Standard, Premium and Limited trim lines, accompanied by the top-of-line 6-cylinder 3.6R Limited with 256 horsepower. All trim lines add more standard amenities, conveniences and new infotainment systems... ( read full release )
SUBARU SETS FEBRUARY SALES RECORD
Subaru of America, Inc. has announced continuing record sales with February sales of 34,909 vehicles, a 24% increase over February 2013.
Increased availability of the strong selling Forester and Crosstrek models helped sales as both models continued their strong performances. Subaru expects this sales momentum to continue throughout the year, with the debut of the all-new 2015 Legacy mid-size sedan which is due to launch later in 2014. The continued growth in Subaru sales is the result of strong retention and attracting new buyers - 60% of Subaru buyers are new to the brand.
Thomas J. Doll, president and COO of Subaru of America said; "Our sales momentum continues and we are launching new models at record pace. We have a lot to look forward to in 2014."
H. William Cyphers, senior vice president of sales said; "With an-all new line-up due by mid year, we can expect our strong sales performance to continue for the remainder of the year and put us in great position to achieve our target of 460,000".
Subaru Introduces All-New 2015 Legacy Sedan
- Roomiest Legacy ever with largest passenger cabin in the midsize segment
- Fuel efficiency at the top of AWD midsize sedan class with estimated ratings of 26 mpg city / 36 mpg highway for 2.5i model
- Higher level of comfort, quiet and refinement
- Revised powertrains and standard Lineartronic® CVT on all models
- New standard Active Torque Vectoring for greater agility
- New EyeSight driver assistance system with improved camera performance
- New available safety technology including rear radar with Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- New infotainment technology with available 12-speaker premium audio
Chicago, IL, February 6, 2014 - Subaru of America, Inc. today introduced the all-new 2015 Legacy, delivering a more compelling blend of standout design, interior refinement, safety technology and higher fuel efficiency along with the largest interior passenger volume in the midsize sedan segment. Still the only car in its class with All-Wheel Drive as standard, the 2015 Legacy continues the brand's safety leadership by introducing an improved EyeSight system and available rear radar system that supports new driver-assistance technologies.
Offering a choice of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder BOXER engines, the 2015 Subaru Legacy comes standard with Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. With estimated ratings of 26 mpg city / 36 mpg highway / 30 mpg combined, the 2015 Legacy 2.5i matches or exceeds fuel economy of some midsize models that come only with front-wheel drive. The 6-cylinder model also sees fuel economy improve by 10 percent or more, with new estimated ratings of 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 23 combined.
For full release and images, click here.
Subaru Sets January Sales Record
- Automaker carries sales momentum into new year
- Forester sets January record - up 64%
- XV Crosstrek sets January record - up 74%
Cherry Hill, N.J., February 3, 2014 - Subaru of America, Inc. has announced record January sales as it looks to continue its strong sales performance into 2014. The company, which has set sales records for the past five consecutive years, announced its best ever January sales of 33,000 vehicles, a 19% increase over January 2013.
Increased availability of the strong selling Forester and Crosstrek models helped sales as both models continued their strong performances. Subaru expects this sales momentum to continue throughout the year, with the recently announced all-new 2015 Legacy mid-size sedan set to debut at the Chicago auto show this month and more new models due to launch later in 2014.
For full release and sales chart, click here.
Subaru improves EyeSight for 2014
By: Jake Lingeman on 1/27/2014
Subaru has updated its EyeSight system for future models. The system integrates adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and vehicle lane-departure warnings. The pre-collision system can detect a vehicle in or entering a car's path, and if the driver hasn't applied the brake, the system will do so. It can also be turned off temporarily.
The safety system now features color stereo cameras that can see 40 percent longer and wider than the previous version. It can also detect brake lights and can function when the speed differential between cars is 30 mph, as opposed to 19 mph as in previous versions. The upgrade will be offered on new models later this year.
Read more here: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20140127/CARNEWS/140129816
Travis Pastrana Rejoins Subaru Rally Team USA with Defending Champion David Higgins for 2014 Rally America Championship
Cherry Hill, N.J., January 14, 2014 - Subaru of America announced today defending five-time Rally America Champion David Higgins will have a new teammate for the 2014 Rally America Championship, former Subaru Rally Team USA driver Travis Pastrana.
"Subaru is very excited to bring back both of our former rally champions. Between David and Travis, Subaru Rally Team USA has won the Rally America Championship seven times in the last eight years. Having them together this season will give us our best chance at defending our title stated Rob Weir, Motorsports Marketing Manager.
In 2013, Subaru Rally Team USA's David Higgins with co-driver Craig Drew won a season-long battle against Ford, to win their third Rally America driver's title in a row and the Manufacturer's title for Subaru of America. "It's going to be great having Travis back with the team. He has a massive following and it will be great for the sport to have him back. Amazingly, between all our championships in the USA we have never really competed against each other, aside from an odd event or two. I know we will work well together, but also have a healthy rivalry too" said David Higgins.
For full release and images, click here.
2015 SUBARU WRX® STI® LAUNCH EDITION COMMEMORATES THE BRAND'S COMPETITION HERITAGE
- 1,000 to be offered, all painted WR Blue Pearl
- Special cabin trim with blue highlights
- Built on standard, lightest STI model
- Gold-painted BBS® forged alloy wheels
- STI Short-Throw Shifter
- Keyless Access & Start
Detroit, January 14, 2014 - Subaru of America, Inc. will usher in the new-generation 2015 WRX STI by offering the STI Launch Edition, designed to appeal especially to loyalists who have made the STI a high-performance icon. Exclusive features amplify the special nature of the STI within the performance-car community. Subaru will offer 1,000 of these models in North America.
All 1,000 of the WRX STI Launch Edition models will be painted WR Blue Pearl and come equipped with gold-painted 18-inch BBS® alloy wheels, an iconic color combination long associated with Subaru competition cars. As on all 2015 WRX STI models, the wheels carry 245/40R18 summer performance tires.
Built on the standard and lightest WRX STI model, the STI Launch Edition is exclusively equipped with special interior colors and trim and gets a standard STI Short-Throw Shifter for the 6-speed manual transmission. The Keyless Access & Start system, which is offered as an option on WRX STI Premium and Limited models, is included as standard with the STI Launch Edition.For full release, click here.
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. REPORTS BEST DECEMBER EVER AND ALL-TIME RECORD SALES FOR 2013
- New sales record of 424,683 exceeds 2012 record by 26%
- Fifth consecutive all-time best sales year
- December 2013 sales up 9.6% over Dec ember 2012
- Forester and XV Crosstrek sales up 62% and 626.6% respectively for the year
Cherry Hill, N.J., January 3, 2014 - Subaru of America, Inc. has reported record sales of 424,683 vehicles for the 2013 calendar year. This is an increase of 26.2% over the previous record of 336,441 vehicles, which was set in 2012. This fifth consecutive record also represents the largest ever single-year increase in volume for the brand.
The company also reported sales for December 2013 of 40,172 vehicles, marking the best December ever for the company, and an increase of 9.6% over December 2012.
The Forester, all-new for 2013, and the newly-introduced XV Crosstrek model lines both significantly contributed to the company's strong sales in 2013 and delivered all-time best results. The Forester and Outback model lines both achieved over 100,000 sales for the first time in the company's history.
For full sales release and sales chart; click here.
Subaru shaking niche status with strong share gain in U.S.
LOS ANGELES, Jan 6, 2014 - Subaru, the auto unit of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., added the most U.S. market share of any foreign carmaker last year as the brand long known for quirky all-wheel-drive vehicles continued to win more mass-market fans.
A revamped Forester crossover and new XV Crosstrek wagon helped boost annual U.S. sales for the Fuji unit by 26 percent, matching 2012's gain and ending 2013 with a record 424,683 deliveries.
Subaru's market share rose 0.4 point to 2.7 percent, an improvement topped only by Ford Motor Co.'s 0.45-point increase, according to Autodata Corp.
"Subaru is still somewhat out of the mainstream, but they're at that crossroad where they have to decide which direction they want to go," said Alec Gutierrez, an analyst at Kelley Blue Book in Irvine, California. "Do they keep a kind of cult status or go further into the mainstream?"
For full article; click here.
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. CONTINUES SUCCESS, REPORTS BEST EVER NOVEMBER
- November sales up 29.8% over last November
- Forester best month ever
- XV Crosstrek best month ever
- One millionth Forester sold since model's inception in 1997
Cherry Hill, N.J., December 3, 2013 - Today Subaru of America, Inc. reported best-ever November sales. Subaru sold 36,621 vehicles in November and 384,511 total vehicles in 2013. The company broke its previous sales record of 336,441 in October with two months remaining in the calendar year.
The MotorTrend 2014 Sport/Utility Vehicle of the Year-Forester and the XV Crosstrek both set all-time monthly sales records during the month. Subaru sold 13,410 and 5,311 units respectively during the month of November.
For full sales release; click here.
5 Reasons Why 2014 Subaru Forester Sales Could Keep Climbing
by Gaurav Basu, The Motley Fool Nov 30th 2013 9:00AM Updated Nov 30th 2013 9:04AM
Fuji Heavy Industries has every right to gloat over the latest achievements of its automotive division, Subaru. The company's 2014 Forester recently won the Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year for 2014. In the contest's six-year history, this is the Forester's second win, and Subaru's third, in that hotly contested category.
As critics rave about the compact SUV's design, engineering, and performance, buyers are queuing up before dealer lots. Before launching the 2014 Forester, Subaru had in mind a monthly sales target of 8,000 Foresters in the U.S. -- but it underestimated the new Forester's appeal. Subaru easily sold around 10,000 units every month, and in August and October sales went north of 12,000 units.
While investors surely love this winning streak, they may also wonder whether it's sustainable. Fortunately for Subaru, there are plenty of reasons why this run will likely continue.
To read the '5 Reasons' and full article please click here.
Subaru Runs Laps Around The Rest Of The Auto Industry
Subaru continues to be in a class by itself in terms of higher sales, having already set an all-time U.S. sales record as of October. Sales for November and December will merely pad the record and make it even bigger.
Sales for November and December will merely pad the record and make it even bigger. Subaru of America Inc., based in Cherry Hill, N.J., was expected to report November sales on Tuesday, Dec. 3 along with the rest of the industry.
After 10 months, Subaru's U.S. sales were 347,890. That tops the previous record for an entire year of 336,441 in 2012. It was also the fifth all-time annual sales record in a row, and the sixth year in a row U.S. sales increased. According to Subaru, no other brand increased U.S. sales each of the last six years. Subaru is a subsidiary of Japan's Fuji Heavy Industries.
Not only are sales through the roof, Subaru is not relying on discounts to fuel higher sales. Tom Doll, president and COO, said Subaru's incentives are among the lowest in the industry. Analysts attribute Subaru's success to a strong, consistent brand image, redesigned models with more attractive exterior styling, favorable word of mouth and highly loyal customers.
Click here to read the full article.
2015 SUBARU WRX® MAKES WORLD DEBUT AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
- New platform offers a stiffer, more agile chassis for Subaru global performance icon
- New torque-vectoring system reduces understeer
- New 268-hp 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo BOXER engine
- New standard 6-speed manual transmission
- New Sport Lineartronic® CVT with manual modes
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 20, 2013 - Subaru of America, Inc. today introduced the 2015 WRX, a more powerful and better handling version of the brand's iconic highperformance model, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Powered by a new 268-horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo BOXER engine, the 2015 WRX debuts the model's first sixspeed manual transmission and a new, optional performance automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartronic CVT with two manual modes.
With its bold new wide-body sedan design and expanded performance envelope, the 2015 WRX marks a major evolutionary step for the rally-bred performance car that has become a global automotive legend. For 2015, the Subaru WRX employs a new torquevectoring system that supplements the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Torque vectoring allows for improved cornering speeds and handling. The new and stiffer chassis, larger brakes, performance-tuned suspension and a driver-focused interior remain integral to the WRX performance character. The new powertrain also yields higher fuel efficiency than the previous model.
For release and images; click here.Subaru adds to its list of IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award winners
ARLINGTON, Va. - The 2014 Subaru Impreza and its near-twin, the Subaru XV Crosstrek, earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for good performance in each of the Institute's crashworthiness evaluations, including the small overlap front test.
Beginning with 2014 models, Subaru made structural changes to improve occupant protection in small overlap frontal crashes. These changes and ratings apply to the Impreza wagon and 4-door sedan as well as the XV Crosstrek, which is available only as a wagon. For the full release and video click here.2015 SUBARU LEGACY CONCEPT TO MAKE WORLD DEBUT AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
Cherry Hill, N.J., November 14, 2013 - Subaru of America, Inc. announced today it will debut the Subaru LEGACY CONCEPT at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. The new LEGACY CONCEPT celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Subaru Legacy and provides a look at the styling cues for future Legacy models.
Adorned with a custom Ocean Silver Metallic paint scheme, the LEGACY CONCEPT features a more coupe-like silhouette. The LEGACY CONCEPT is a modern interpretation of the Legacy and features a more distinguished front design with a new hexagonal grille and a sharper hawk-eye headlamp design.
For full release and images; click here.
SUBARU BREAKS PREVIOUS BEST YEAR AND SETS FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEARLY SALES RECORD
Cherry Hill, N.J., November 1, 2013 - Today Subaru of America, Inc. reported that the company has surpassed its previous annual sales record with two months of reporting remaining for the year. Subaru sold 34,483 vehicles in October and 347,890 total vehicles in 2013. The previous record for annual sales was set in 2012 with 336,441 vehicles sold. This new record means that 2013 will be the fifth consecutive year of sales records for Subaru of America and the sixth consecutive year of sales increases. Subaru is the only manufacturer to increase sales each year for the last six years.
October sales for Forester increased 137 percent, reaching 12,581 vehicles sold. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2014 Forester a 2013 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Forester was also named Motor Trend 2014 Sport/Utility Vehicle of the Year - a second win for Forester and a third win for the Subaru brand.
For full release and sales chart; click here.
SUBARU FORESTER SCORES SECOND MOTOR TREND SPORT/UTILITY OF THE YEAR® WIN
- Subaru is first (and only) manufacturer to win SUOTY three times
- Most wins in Sport/Utility category
- Only automaker with back-to-back wins in category
Cherry Hill, N.J., October 10, 2013- Motor Trend announced today that the Subaru Forester won Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year for 2014.
Subaru is the only manufacturer to win this title three times, the most wins in the Sport/Utility category. In the past six years of competition, Subaru has had three winners, the 2014 Forester, 2010 Outback, and the 2009 Forester. The 2013 XV Crosstrek also ranked as a finalist in 2012.
MOTOR TREND editor-in-chief Ed Loh, said, "The 2014 Subaru Forester beat a highly competitive field of SUVs because it best met our award's six key criteria. Smart design, thoughtful engineering, and a compelling performance on road and off were the keys to the Forester's win. Our editors were particularly impressed by the powerful yet efficient turbocharged engines, the intelligent and sporty CVT transmission, and the excellent visibility and interior package found within the Forester. Practical, affordable, efficient and fun-to-drive - Forester truly ticked every box".
In addition to the Subaru Forester, the 2014 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year competition included twelve other all-new or significantly updated SUVs:
- Acura MDX
- Audi Q5
- BMW X1
- Buick Encore
- Dodge Durango
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Kia Sorento
- Land Rover
- Range Rover Sport
- Mini Paceman S ALL4
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Toyota RAV4
"We are honored to receive the MOTOR TREND Sport/Utility of the Year award for the third time," said Thomas J. Doll, president, and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. "Our product, engineering, sales and marketing teams all work hard to provide the best products and experiences we can for our owners. Receiving this distinction from MOTOR TREND truly adds credence to our mission." To read the full article, click here.
STUDY SHOWS MANY PET CAR SAFETY RESTRAINTS TO BE UNSAFE
Subaru and the Center for Pet Safety Announce Full Study and Crash Testing Results
Sleepypod Clickit Utility Harness Named 2013 Top Performing Harness
Cherry Hill, N.J., October 3, 2013 - Subaru of America, Inc. and the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), announced today the results of a collaborative study to test the effectiveness of pet harnesses marketed with safety claims. Sleepypod's Clickit Utility Harness has been identified as the 2013 Top Performing Harness. The pet harness study was designed by CPS, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit research and advocacy organization dedicated to companion animal and consumer safety ? to mirror the same crash tests used to measure the effectiveness of child safety products. The crash tests uncovered serious flaws in many of the popular pet restraints currently on the market, with many resulting in catastrophic failure. The goal of this study is to enforce the importance of driving safely with pets. In addition, the performance data will assist in the development of the first harness safety standard and test protocols that will serve as guidelines to the pet products industry.
There are currently no performance standards or test protocols in the U.S. for pet travel products. While many pet car restraint manufacturers claim to test their products, without uniform test standards and protocols, these claims cannot be substantiated. Recognizing the severity of this issue, Subaru teamed up with CPS to conduct this study in order to ultimately allow consumers to select independently tested pet products and help them to identify top performing brands. The Center for Pet Safety is actively working toward publishing a harness standard later this year.

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