SUBARU SHOWS GROWTH BUCKING NEGATIVE INDUSTRY TRENDS

• Subaru new car sales show growth across

first quarter of 2018 by 5.5 per cent • Industry new car sales down by 12.4 per

cent in first quarter of 2018 • Launch of all-new XV model in January 2018

proved successful for network • Class leading safety credentials, accolades and fresh brand campaign aid in building brand trust and awareness Subaru UK has shown growth in new cars sales across the first quarter of 2018, countering the negative industry new car sales trends as reported by the SMMT in March. With growth for the safety-focused SUV brand, Subaru UK shows positive progress in a competitive new car market which has seen the manufacturer grow by 5.5 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2017. This shows a stark contrast to the industry as a whole, as sales fell by 12.4 per cent in the first quarter. Surpassing first quarter targets by 19 per cent, Subaru sales have been bolstered by the launch of the all-new XV model which accounted for more than a third of Subaru sales overall in the quarter. The all-new XV, underpinned by the iconic boxer engine and symmetrical all wheel drive partnering, garnered success early on in the quarter, being awarded Best In Class Safest Small Family Car 2017 by Euro NCAP. The successes continued as the all-new XV received a high commendation from WhatCar? in the ‘Safest Car Of 2018’ segment of the annual awards, truly showing that Subaru is ‘Better Where It Matters’. Chris Graham, managing director for Subaru UK, said: ‘Subarus are about safety, reliability and capability at their core, which is what customers know and expect. We’ve invested a lot of time, effort and resource into showcasing those core elements this year and it’s great to see that our hard work is paying off. ‘The new product is going down positively with customers, our loyal network is growing and thriving, and it’s only the end of the first quarter. 2018 has already proved a successful year for Subaru UK and with exciting prospects still to come, we’re delighted that we’re out-performing the UK market in terms of growth in 2018 so far.’ Subaru UK continues to push for growth throughout the remainder of 2018, a stance taken to revive the manufacturer’s presence in the UK and build on brand awareness amongst customers. Subaru UK is also benefiting from forward orders taken for the second quarter, a position the network have not experienced in 10 years or more. The brand also announced, earlier in April, the addition of four new appointments to the Subaru network, with sites based across the UK. ‘Better Where It Matters’ is the guiding ethos for all Subaru models in the UK, with safety, capability and reliability at their core. Armed with a sturdy SUV line-up and the safest small family cars in Europe, Subaru is pushing against the UK new car sales trend. For more details on the Subaru range contact Argyll dealer S&S Services on 01292 880080