Subaru Increases Sales In 2003
Subaru is confident of another buoyant year in 2004 after lifting its sales by 5.8 percent in 2003.
"Our growth last year was steady despite the fact we did not have the majority of models in our Legacy range available
for three months," said Wallis Dumper, the General Manager of Subaru of New Zealand.
The new top of the range twin scroll titanium turbocharged Legacy GT was launched in July, but it was not until the
start of October the other models in the Legacy range became available.
The Forester was Subaru's single biggest selling model in 2003, partially due to the fact the until now, all conquering
Legacy line up was not available all year.
In 2003, 1629 new Subarus were sold in New Zealand for a 2.3 percent share of the market. With 1540 new car sales in
2002 the brand increased its volume by 5.8 percent.
And Mr Dumper is pleased Subaru outperformed all the European brands including its main direct rivals, a situation that
has not always occurred in the past.
Subaru also outsold some of the volume selling products in the market, although the company's policy continues to avoid
chasing fleet and lease deals at large discounted prices.
Marketing of the new Legacy and Outback range has pushed the high quality of the car's fit and finish which compares
more than favourably with many European marques.
"I believe more people are recognizing the value for money and quality in a new Subaru," said Mr Dumper, "along with our
traditional advantage of the active safety benefit of our Symmetrical All Wheel Drive and our trade mark Boxer engines."
Subaru has started 2004 with the introduction of the six cylinder Outback 3.0R models this month.
"They provide incremental sales and later in the year we have further models in the Impreza and Legacy ranges coming on
stream," said Mr Dumper.
"We are looking for a modest increase in sales again this year and with all models in the Legacy range now available,
believe it is achievable."