Hyundai, Kia, Subaru and Suzuki are all showing gains in sales (and market share) in these tough times. A lot of it is luck (as in timing), but also in having the right products at the right time--and they are are not saddled with a large percentage of huge profit-sucking vehicles in their product portfolio.
Yeah, Subaru has the Tribeca, which is still hurting them despite the refresh from a year ago. Even so, their market share is up from about 1 percent or so to about 1.52 percent. Still not huge by any means, but it is certainly heading in the right direction. Their all-new Impreza and Forester models are selling at a record rate. Hyundai's market share is now up to 4.22 percent, Kia is at 2.39 percent, and Suzuki is at 0.83 percent; all records for each of these brands.
Here's AutoObserver's take: Down Market Equals New Records for Second-Tier Asian Automakers
More good news is expected for Subaru in future months as the much-needed refresh of the '09 WRX is getting good initial reviews on the Subaru fan sites (unlike last year when the car debuted). Better news still is the '09 WRX price will begin close to that of the '08 model.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2009 Subaru WRX Priced Below $25,000
Subscribe
LA Auto Show on Twitter (use #LAAS08)
Recent Posts
Archives
Manufacturers
Auto Shows
More Categories
Links
If only Subaru would have stuck with the Baja and removed the ugly body cladding I expect Subaru would have a fuel efficient AWD vehicle capable of replacing full size trucks for the the many, many buyers of full size trucks that did not need them.
Tribeca I've always been skeptical of it's need at Subaru.
I agree. If they still had the Baja—but updated, they'd be really sitting pretty.
The all-new Forester it the market at just the right time. I'd love to see a new Baja built off this new Forester platform.
Subaru updated the Forester very wisely. It's bigger and more useful, but not too much heavier, and it didn't lose any of its easy of use or efficiency.
The new model is up nearly 50% so far, and may be doing even better if they could meet demand for the hot X Limited models. So they're selling a higher-priced product mix as well.
As fuel prices are likely to stay high, I fully expect to see more sales of premium content models with the most fuel efficient engine. That explains the shortage of Limited models with the base engine.
Sounds like good news for Subaru on the Forester. Top ratings from CU and the IIHS don't hurt, either!
As for others in their lineup:
The Tribeca has less interior room and higher cost when compared to 3-row CUV's like the Rav4. Subaru should consider replacing Tribeca with the Exige.
Subaru could also use a DCT in their lineup.