2011 - Subaru Legacy on 2040-cars

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Subaru supplies running low as automaker struggles to keep up with US demand

Consumers in the US are gobbling up Subaru models, a trend that may result in dealer shortages if the Japanese automaker isn't able to meet the surging demand. A quick look at the numbers reveals a 25.2 percent year-over-year jump in April US sales, and a 17-percent gain for the first quarter of 2013. The sales are so strong that the company's CEO, Yasuyuki Yoshinaga, told the Wall Street Journal that Subaru will exceed its 2016 goals (380,000 US units sold) by the end of the company's current business year. The US market has grown to be one of Subaru's best, with the company now logging about half its global sales on our shores.
While strong sales are good problem to have, the automaker has relatively limited production capacity, which may leave dealers with sparse inventory. Certain models, such as the popular Forester crossover (shown above), could hit 10,000 units this month with the plant at full capacity (far above its target of 8,000 units). On average, the US car industry has a 60-day supply of vehicles on hand, but inventory for the new Forester is at just 16 days. "If this situation persists, we'll face a supply shortage," Mr. Yoshinaga told the WSJ.
Despite being one of the smallest Japanese automakers by volume, this is all positive news for Subaru and parent Fuji Heavy Industries, which projects a second straight year of record operating profit thanks to strong US sales and a weaker yen.

Subaru confirms 3-row crossover for Indiana plant for 2018

There's a new vehicle coming to Subaru's Lafayette, IN, factory, as the all-wheel-drive specialist confirmed the site will build a new three-row crossover. The vehicle, which will actually be larger than the long-departed, three-row Tribeca, will begin construction in 2018. This announcement from Subaru follows a report from Automotive News last week that the company would introduce a US-specific seven-passenger CUV. That same report pointed to the Indiana factory as the source of the new model. It's unclear if this new model will revive the Tribeca name. All the company would say is that it "will likely carry a name synonymous with outdoor adventure, consistent with the company's other successful crossovers." "We are delighted to be bringing even more Subaru manufacturing to the US," Subaru of Indiana Automotive executive vice president Tom Easterday said in a statement. "The new model will also result in increased investment at SIA and at several of our suppliers across the country." Alongside the unnamed new CUV, Subaru's Lafayette, IN, factory already builds the Legacy and Outback. By the time the full-sizer arrives, the factory will also be responsible for the redesigned Impreza. Read on for the official announcement from Subaru. November 9, 2015 SUBARU CONFIRMS NEW 3-ROW CROSSOVER TO BE MADE IN U.S. AT INDIANA PRODUCTION PLANT Subaru of Indiana Automotive will receive 3-row in 2018 as its fourth model Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru has confirmed that a new 3-row crossover model, effectively replacing the retired Tribeca, will be produced at its SIA plant in Lafayette, Indiana. The all-new crossover is expected to be built beginning in 2018 and will be a larger vehicle than the Tribeca, with full third-row capability. The new vehicle has not yet been named, but will likely carry a name synonymous with outdoor adventure, consistent with the company's other successful crossovers; Outback, Forester and Crosstrek. When production of the new model begins, Subaru will have four models produced in the U.S.: Legacy, Outback, a new Impreza compact sedan and 5-door model beginning production in late 2016, and this new crossover. Subaru production in Indiana is projected to be approximately 228,000 units in 2015, and annual capacity is scheduled to grow to 394,000 with the introduction of the Impreza model. Subaru is currently enjoying its seventh consecutive year of sales records and expects to close 2015 with over 550,000 sales, with sales tripling since 2007.

Subaru recalls 100K turbocharged models for fire risk

The Basics: Subaru is recalling a total of 100,127 turbocharged cars over a fire risk. The affected vehicles include the 2007 to 2009 Subaru Legacy and Outback, 2008 to 2014 Impreza, and 2009 to 2013 Forester. All of the cars are equipped with the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Problem: The turbocharged vehicles have a faulty relay that could cause the secondary air injection pump to fail. If the relay fails, the pump would work continuously, possibly overheat, and melt, increasing the risk of a fire. Injuries/Deaths: None have been reported. The Fix: Subaru dealers will replace the defective secondary air injection pump relay at no charge. If you own one: Subaru will notify affected owners to schedule a fix. Owners can also call Subaru's customer service line at 1-800-782-2783 to confirm if their vehicle is affected. Related Video: News Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Government/Legal Recalls Subaru Crossover Hatchback SUV Sedan