Media Information February 2, 2009
Subaru worldwide success in 2008
Subaru was one of only a handful of companies to increase its sales worldwide in 2008.
The Japanese niche brand’s sales were up 5.4 percent to 616, 497 cars last year, while most of the global automotive
industry took a dive.
With its unique boxer engined, All Wheel Drive cars and SUVs, it was the eighth consecutive year that Subaru has
increased its sales worldwide.
The success was based on the improved performance of the new Forester in all major markets and the introduction of
diesel engined Legacy and Outback models in Europe.
The new hatch Impreza, which was launched in 2007, also provided strong growth in North America, while the Exiga
seven-seat Sports Wagon that debuted in Japan, also provided sales growth.
The majority of Subaru’s vehicles – 524,916 – were built in Japan, while the remaining 91,581 were manufactured in
Indiana – mainly for the North American market, although the American factory also builds right hand drive Tribecas.
Sales in the United States, Canada, Australia and major European markets all increased in 2008, going against the tidal
down turn of the global motor industry.
ENDS