Subaru Maintains Record Sales Pace in First Half of 2013

RAYNHAM, Mass., July 19, 2013 — Led by its popular lineup of crossovers, Subaru saw record U.S. sales in the first half of 2013, moving more than 200,000 units for a 25 percent increase year-over-year. The Subaru Outback continues to be the brand's best-seller, with more than 61,000 models finding new homes through June. However, the recently redesigned Subaru Forester attracted the larger sales increase during that time, rising 37 percent in volume compared to the same period in 2012.

Both the Subaru Outback and the Forester capped off the first half of the year with record June tallies, achieving year-over-year sales gains of 32 percent and 41 percent, respectively. The new 2014 Subaru Forester has provided a significant boost to the brand's lineup since going on sale in March, offering buyers more interior space, improved fuel economy and smoother handling thanks to its retuned suspension. With its stronger and more rigid frame, the 2014 Forester also recently received the highest crash-test rating of any small SUV while earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

"For the 2014 model year, Subaru enhanced all the core strengths of the Forester while giving it a slightly bolder style, and buyers have been responding since the day it went on sale," said Chris Dunn, general sales manager of Mastria Subaru, a Greater Boston Subaru dealer. "The funny thing, though, is that even with the success of established favorites like the Forester and Outback this year, the most impressive sales performance may be coming from the all-new Subaru XV Crosstrek."

Designed as a more rugged version of the Subaru Impreza hatchback, the XV Crosstrek combines 8.7 inches of ground clearance and 51.9 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with a fuel-economy rating of 33 mpg on the highway. Buyers have instantly taken to the compact crossover, with its sales thus far roughly doubling what Subaru had anticipated. Through the first six months of 2013, the XV Crosstrek has sold more than 25,000 units in the United States, quickly becoming the fourth-best seller in the automaker's lineup.

Subaru could see even more demand for the XV Crosstrek when a hybrid model goes on sale late this year. As the brand's first gas-electric vehicle, the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid will pair a responsive 2.0-liter Boxer engine with an integrated electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Expected to be the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive hybrid in America, Subaru predicts the model will account for 10 to 15 percent of overall XV Crosstrek sales.

"Given the popularity of the XV Crosstrek so far and the environmental consciousness that we see from our customers on a regular basis, we think the hybrid model will be extremely popular in Massachusetts," added Dunn. "The gas-only XV Crosstrek is selling so well because it offers drivers true capability in compact form, and the hybrid version will provide that same advantage while using even less fuel."

About Mastria Subaru:
Since 2004, Mastria Subaru has served its customers with outstanding Subaru service, sales and parts. With a customer-first attitude and a willingness to go the extra mile, Mastria offers Massachusetts Subaru fans a wide selection of Subarus, whether it is an Outback, Legacy, BRZ, Forester, Impreza, WRX or Tribeca. With a state-of-the-art Subaru service center, their dealership is well equipped to service all your vehicle's repair needs. Located at 1255 New State Highway in Raynham, Massachusetts, Mastria can be reached by phone at 888-820-9015 or online at www.mastriasubaru.com, and they can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MastriaSubaru.