More Milestones Reached as Subaru Passes 300,000 Models Sold in 2012

BALTIMORE, MD (12/18/2012)(readMedia)-- Back at the end of October, Subaru of America broke its all-time annual sales record in the United States with two months to spare, and on Dec. 1 the automaker passed 300,000 models sold. This comes after a record November in which Subaru moved 28,206 models for a 60 percent increase year over year. November was also the month that Subaru sold its six millionth vehicle in the United States, a country it has been doing business in since 1968.

The Subaru Outback, Legacy and Impreza each had its best November sales in company history. Leading the pack was the Outback with 10,124 units sold in November, a 39 percent increase over the same month last year. The Legacy saw a 29 percent growth, moving 3,723 units. Meanwhile, the brand's two newest models, the BRZ and the XV Crosstrek, continue to enjoy strong consumer demand after their arrivals at dealerships in the spring and fall, respectively.

"It's been a thrilling year to be a Subaru dealer, and it's nice to see the excitement on our showroom floor being backed up by the national sales numbers," said Greg Ryland, general manager of Russel Subaru, a Subaru dealership in Baltimore, Md. "New models like the BRZ and XV Crosstrek add some fresh faces to the lineup, which continues to be anchored by the always popular Outback."

The Subaru Outback's refresh for the 2013 model year, which includes a more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine and an updated continuously variable transmission (CVT), improved fuel efficiency to an impressive 30 mpg highway. For safety, the newly available EyeSight pre-collision system includes a pair of windshield-mounted cameras that adjust the adaptive cruise control. EyeSight warns the driver when the car drifts out of its lane, begins weaving or approaches another vehicle too quickly, signaling them to apply the brakes to avoid an accident.

While the Outback continued its strong sales, sports-car shoppers have made the new 2013 Subaru BRZ a rare commodity at showrooms. Demand for the BRZ, the automaker's only rear-wheel-drive offering, has outpaced supply since the model went on sale in May, and Automotive News is reporting that Subaru of America will double its allocation to 1,000 units per month over the next four months.

Shoppers weren't the only ones showing their appreciation for the BRZ, as Car and Driver magazine recently named the sports coupe to its 2013 10Best list, citing the BRZ's low center of gravity and well-balanced chassis. The publication also lauded the BRZ's electrically assisted steering, saying how the model is a streamlined example of a true driver's car.

"Subaru has long had a reputation for safety, reliability and versatility, but the BRZ reminded performance-seekers that the brand can also deliver driving thrills," said Ryland. "For the BRZ to land on Car and Driver's 10Best list in its debut year speaks to the immediate impression it made on the critics. However, once our customers take a test-drive, they don't need any critic to state the obvious to them."

About Russel Subaru:

Serving Baltimore area motorists for years as part of Russel Automotive, Russel Subaru offers its adventurous Subaru customers a diverse inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles backed by stellar customer service at every turn. Dedicated to maintaining lifelong relationships with Maryland Subaru lovers, Russel Subaru offers free loaner cars, free lifetime car washes and free shuttle service to every one of their customers. Browse their inventory online at www.russelsubaru.com or in person at 6624 A Baltimore National Pike in Baltimore, MD. They can also be reached by phone at 866-980-7196 and found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RusselSubaru.