Subaru grows 96% in 1st half of 2009

MANILA, Philippines – Sales of Motor Image Pilipinas (MIP) for the first half of the year reached 399 units, marking a 96 percent growth in performance. The exclusive distributor of Subaru in the country also reported the biggest sales jump among all major automotive brands based on the latest figures from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI). Subaru is coming off from a 100 percent increase in sales in 2008 and continues to sustain its strong performance in 2009.

Motor Image’s sales from January to June of this year marked the strongest sales performance in the Philippine automotive industry which registered a modest growth of 4.4% based on the latest CAMPI figures. Subaru’s 96 percent growth in performance is the biggest so far in the automotive industry followed only by Mitsubishi which posted the biggest growth among CAMPI members at 27 percent. Subaru’s total sales of 399 units for 2009 almost doubled its sales during the same period in 2008. The strong sales performance of its compact SUV, the Forester keyed MIP’s growth despite the economic slowdown that has affected the automotive industry.

Since its introduction in July of last year, the Forester has been the most in-demand model with sales reaching 248 units for the year, making up for 62 percent of Subaru’s total output. The 2009 model’s new design and trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive configuration continues to generate strong demand outselling other compact SUV models in its class. The highly-respected Motor Trend magazine in America recently awarded the Forester as its 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year citing its “uncompromising safety, go-anywhere capability and lasting durability”.

In 2008, Motor Image posted a year-end performance growth of 100 percent, biggest by any automaker last year. Subaru has since become a mainstream automotive choice for those familiar with its symmetrical all wheel drive and horizontally opposed boxer engine layout. Started in 2006, Motor Image Pilipinas has continued to sustain its growth in the market with Subaru establishing itself as the premier sports-luxury brand in the country.

Motor Image is set to further expand its market with the opening of a Subaru dealership in Cebu City later this year. The soon-to-open Subaru dealer will provide a complete showroom and after-sales facility for all Subaru customers and owners in the Visayas region. Despite previously having only one dealership, Subaru has managed to attract customers from different parts of the country including Ilocos, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao. It reflects the growing popularity of Subaru and its trademark symmetrical all wheel drive technology which is perfectly suited for the country’s various terrains and weather conditions.

Motor Image also continues to strengthen its after-sales support operations by increasing its inventory of genuine Subaru parts and accessories. With a regional support network from Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan, Subaru owners are guaranteed a continuous and on-time availability of parts and accessories ensuring an enjoyable and worry-free ownership experience. The service technicians of Motor Image are regularly given trainings in the Subaru Academy in Singapore and its Fuji Heavy Industries headquarters in Japan.

The Subaru Greenhills showroom and service center is located along EDSA, San Juan and is open from Monday to Sunday. A complete line-up of test drive vehicles is also available to all customers. For inquiries and test drive appointments, interested parties may call 727-8333. They may also visit its website at www.motorimage.net.