Tiny Subaru Reaches 1 Million Vehicle Sales for the First Time; They Thank US Consumers with a New SUV

Subaru, one of the smallest global automakers, hit a major milestone this week. Subaru Corporation announced global sales of Subaru vehicles rose 11.1 percent to 1,065,000 units, surpassing the one million mark for the first time. Subaru’s fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 and the final numbers have been tallied. They can thank U.S. consumers.

Subaru needs to thank U.S. consumers for the big milestone where it sells around 60 percent of its global production. The rest is split between, Japan, Australia, Canada and Europe. The small Japanese automaker has seen a significant rise in sales in the U.S., where Subaru has carved out a niche with their all-wheel-drive crossovers. Subaru of America will thank U.S. consumers in a big way.

Outback, Forester and Crosstrek lead the way

The Subaru Outback, Forester and Crosstrek are the top three models sold by Subaru of America (SOA). Subaru sales in North America marked an all-time record for the 8th consecutive year. SOA is celebrating their 50th anniversary in the U.S. next year where the majority of the brand’s growth has occurred. They have a celebration planned with new anniversary models coming in 2018. They also have a new SUV coming.

The 2018 Subaru Outback wagon, Impreza compact and Legacy sedan are all manufactured at Subaru of Indiana Automotive’s (SIA) plant in Lafayette where the upgraded-facility celebrated their 30th anniversary on May 3. The maker of the SUV-alternative Outback, Legacy sedan and Impreza sedan and 5-Door compacts has ramped up production of its cars in the US. SIA stopped production of the Toyota Camry to make room for the new Impreza when the first model rolled off the line in November. There’s more new models coming.

What’s next for Subaru?

U.S. consumers will see the new-generation 2018 Crosstrek arriving this summer and will feature refreshed exterior styling, it will grow slightly in size, ride on an all-new platform, and enjoy better fuel economy with a new direct-injection 2.0-liter boxer engine. It will also come with several Eyesight upgrades, including the addition of Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist, and Reverse Automatic Braking when an obstacle is detected backing up.

New Crosstrek Hybrid

A new Crosstrek Hybrid is coming with fuel-sipping technology that’s being developed now. Subaru says the new hybrid Crosstrek has been in the works for quite some time. The hybrid model will arrive later in the year after the new-generation Crosstrek gas model makes its dealer launch. Go to Page 2.

There’s more coming from Subaru Corporation. A new 3-Row crossover called Ascent is already in the developmental stages and it should be ready for U.S. families late 2017 as a 2018 model. It will also be built at the Subaru plant in Indiana and will be the largest vehicle Subaru has ever produced. It’s being designed specifically for the North American market and won’t be sold anywhere else around the globe. The Japanese automaker will thank U.S. consumers in a big way with the new 3-Row Ascent SUV.

Photo credit: Subaru