Subaru Breaks February Sales Record, Continues Steady Growth

BALTIMORE, Md., March 15, 2013 — After finishing 2012 on a high note by marking its fourth consecutive year of sales growth, Subaru has continued its upward trend with two months of 2013 now in the books. The automaker achieved a record February by selling 28,163 units last month, an 11 percent increase over the same month last year. Thus far in 2013, Subaru is on pace to post yet another record-breaking year, with combined sales for January and February rising 16 percent year-over-year, totaling 55,826 units.

Subaru expects its record-setting track to continue, thanks in part to the redesigned 2014 Subaru Forester, which will be arriving at dealerships this month. Sporting a bolder, more angular nose, elevated seats and more passenger and cargo space, the next-generation Forester is designed to appeal to a broader market while still catering to the weekend adventurers who have been dedicated to the crossover for years. Fuel efficiency has increased with the addition of two new transmissions, including a six-speed manual and a Lineartronic CVT, while a new 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine is available with 250 horsepower.

"The Forester already has an excellent reputation for versatility and capability, and the newest generation builds on those things while simultaneously improving fuel economy and ride," said Greg Ryland, general manager of Russel Subaru, a Subaru dealership in Baltimore, Md. "Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, Subaru is taking an already-popular model and making it more appealing across the board. That could mean several more record sales months for the brand this year."

Subaru's latest sales record was announced shortly after its annual Share the Love event was declared a success, with the automaker donating just over $5 million to charity this year. Over the past five years, Subaru has raised $25 million for nonprofits through Share the Love, supporting organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity and the Special Olympics. This year, proceeds from the event were donated to the Alzheimer's Association, the ASPCA, Make-A-Wish, the Meals On Wheels Association of America and the USO.

Held during the holiday season each year, the Share the Love program sets aside $250 for charity with each new Subaru purchased or leased. Buyers during that time period can choose which of the five featured nonprofits will receive their donation. This past season, Subaru reached out to its Facebook fans to select two of the organizations, with voters choosing the Alzheimer's Association and the USO.

"One of the best parts about being involved with Subaru is giving back to the community, both at the local level and the national level," added Ryland. "The Share the Love event gets individual dealerships working with local customers to find them a great deal that supports a great cause, whether it is supporting a soldier stationed overseas or helping someone suffering from Alzheimer's right here in Baltimore."

About Russel Subaru:
Serving Baltimore area motorists for years as part of Russel Automotive, Russel Subaru offers its adventurous Subaru customers a diverse inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles backed by stellar customer service at every turn. Dedicated to maintaining lifelong relationships with Maryland Subaru lovers, Russel Subaru offers free loaner cars, free lifetime car washes and free shuttle service to every one of their customers. Browse their inventory online at www.russelsubaru.com or in person at 6624 A Baltimore National Pike in Baltimore, MD. They can also be reached by phone at 866-980-7196 and found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RusselSubaru.