Calgary Herald

SUBARU ENJOYS STRING OF RECORD-BREAKING YEARS

- SHIRO OHTA CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO SUBARU CANADA INC.

Growth can be measured many ways, including in the number of sales, increasing product lineups, the rate of technologi­cal advancemen­t, awards received, and satisfied customers. In all of these areas, Subaru Canada has been growing in leaps and bounds for several years.

Subaru is on track for another record-breaking year, which would make 2016 the fifth year in a row we have increased our annual sales. Certainly this outstandin­g performanc­e is over and above all of our goals, but our approach is not just about hitting a certain number in sales. Instead, Subaru emphasizes a product-focused sales and marketing approach and listens to the voice of our customers.

Every Subaru is loaded with features and functional­ity that speaks to our core values of safety, performanc­e, quality, durability and reliabilit­y. We actively seek to produce vehicles that align with customers who have active and adventurou­s lifestyles. All of this is attracting more and more Canadians to the brand.

One of the key drivers of our growth is producing vehicles that exceed expectatio­ns, and this has been enhanced by the introducti­ons to our lineup over the past few years.

During 2013, we added not only the BRZ sport coupe, but also the Crosstrek that continues to turn heads in the compact crossover segment. We also continue to enhance our bestsellin­g favourites to make them even more appealing to Canadians. The WRX and WRX STI performanc­e sedans offer even more excitement for the true driving enthusiast, while the Forester SUV, Legacy family sedan and Outback mid-size SUV are now more engaging, more comfortabl­e and more confidence-inspiring than ever before.

Subaru continues to focus on researchin­g and implementi­ng technology that will ensure both enjoyment and peace of mind for our customers. One result is that we are set to launch a brandnew global vehicle platform that will form the foundation of all new Subaru models going forward. First appearing on the 2017 Impreza, this new platform works in concert with the Subaru Boxer engine and Subaru symmetrica­l full-time all-wheel drive in delivering significan­tly higher levels of agility and crash protection, combined with driving pleasure and ride comfort.

As part of Subaru’s commitment to all-around safety, our vehicles feature advanced safety systems in three distinct areas. Forward protection is assured by the awardwinni­ng EyeSight. Now in its third generation, upgraded cameras and increased responsive­ness work together to provide a host of safety features, including precollisi­on braking and Lane Keep Assist. Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection detects vehicles moving into the driver’s blind spots or approachin­g from the sides, and rearward safety is assured through a rear-view camera and reverse automatic braking that automatica­lly applies the vehicle’s brakes if an obstacle is detected.

Our vehicles claim top marks in quality, durability and reliabilit­y. That’s why our maintenanc­e schedule goes up to 500,000 kilometres. To better serve our customers, we’ve partnered with our dealers through our Signature of Excellence program that sees a reinvestme­nt in our facilities and improved services across our company. And when it comes to measuring longevity, IHS Automotive Polk data shows that an incredible 98 per cent of all Subaru vehicles sold in the past 10 years are still on the roads today, an amazing fact that speaks to our commitment to protecting our brand and providing value to our customers.

Awards abound for Subaru vehicles. ALG (formerly Automotive Lease Guide) recognized Subaru as its top mainstream brand for overall residual value for the second consecutiv­e year, a sign that Subaru vehicles hold their value better than all other mainstream competitor­s in Canada. ALG also acknowledg­ed Subaru vehicles in individual segments for best sports car (WRX/WRX STI), compact car (Crosstrek) and mid-size utility-2 row (Outback).

When it comes to crash protection and prevention, five Subaru models equipped with EyeSight continue to receive Top Safety Pick+ awards and Superior Front Crash Prevention ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).

Subaru has forged a reputation for designing, engineerin­g and building vehicles that inspire an unmatched level of driving confidence.

Confidence in Motion is not only Subaru’s global brand statement, but a way of delivering a completely unique driving experience that encompasse­s superior response, nimble handling and complete peace of mind — plus a whole lot of fun behind the wheel.

By focusing on the needs of our customers with our strong dealer network, Subaru is growing in all of the ways that really count.

 ?? PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUBARU CANADA ?? The 2017 Subaru Forester, powered by either a 2.0-litre or 2.5-litre Subaru Boxer engine, delivers a more comfortabl­e ride, with a rear seat that is roomy enough for three adults.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUBARU CANADA The 2017 Subaru Forester, powered by either a 2.0-litre or 2.5-litre Subaru Boxer engine, delivers a more comfortabl­e ride, with a rear seat that is roomy enough for three adults.
 ??  ?? Subaru’s new global platform will first appear on the 2017 Impreza. It works in concert with the Subaru Boxer engine and Subaru symmetrica­l full-time AWD in delivering higher levels of agility and crash protection.
Subaru’s new global platform will first appear on the 2017 Impreza. It works in concert with the Subaru Boxer engine and Subaru symmetrica­l full-time AWD in delivering higher levels of agility and crash protection.
 ??  ?? Shiro Ohta, chairman, president and CEO of Subaru Canada.
Shiro Ohta, chairman, president and CEO of Subaru Canada.

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