Subaru Reaches 1 Million Facebook 'Likes,' Thanks Fans with Video

RAYNHAM, MASS. (10/26/2012)(readMedia)-- The process of reaching 1 million Facebook fans can certainly drain some cash from a company's marketing budget, but getting to that milestone requires real connections between a brand and its customers that cannot be bought. Subaru of America recently showed that it understands that notion when it hit 1 million "likes," thanking its fans for their "love" with a flipbook-style video featuring customer-submitted vehicle photos.

Flashing everything from a new Subaru Outback overtaken by dogs to a mud-covered Subaru model still kicking around from decades ago, the automaker's video displays the caption, "Some journeys are better shared," and concludes with several shots of Subaru employees holding cards that read, "Thanks!" By reaching 1 million Facebook likes for its U.S. division this month, Subaru beat out three of its fellow Japanese automakers, including Mazda, which currently has more than 700,000 likes, as well as Mitsubishi and Suzuki, which each have less than a half-million fans.

"Subaru owners are a proud bunch in large part because of their vehicles' reliability, responsive Boxer engines and extremely capable all-wheel-drive systems," said Chris Dunn, general sales manager of Mastria Subaru, a Raynham, MA Subaru dealer. "In fact, the only Subaru that doesn't feature all-wheel drive is the new BRZ sports car, and that model is currently winning over the brand's many driving enthusiasts."

Designed with a lightweight chassis, a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter Boxer engine and a Torsen limited-slip differential, the rear-wheel-drive 2013 Subaru BRZ is an affordable but competitive option for those aspiring to hit the racetrack on weekends. According to Motor Trend magazine, the BRZ will soon get a chance to appeal to performance enthusiasts on the big screen, as Subaru has reportedly sent as many as five models to the set of the film "Fast and the Furious 6," which premieres next May.

Appearing in an action-film series focused on street racing and heists means that any Subaru BRZ used could be highly customized, whether it is with a full body kit, a lower suspension, or perhaps a supercharger or turbocharger on the engine. Even in stock form though, Motor Trend found plenty to like about the BRZ during testing, comparing the sports car's direct handling, taut ride and firm braking to the popular Mazda MX-5 Miata, but adding that the Subaru has a steadier body when on the move.

The 2013 BRZ has been in high demand since it reached dealerships last spring, helping Subaru top TrueCar.com's 2012 Performance Scorecards for the past four months. From June through September, Subaru has led all automakers in the vehicle-research site's ratings, which factor in sales, pricing, customer loyalty, incentives, market share and the number of days vehicles spend in inventory.

"Subaru is finding ways to attract new buyers with all-new models like the BRZ and XV Crosstrek, but it's also strengthening customer loyalty by updating established favorites like the Impreza and Outback," added Dunn. "It doesn't matter if you're measuring market share or Facebook fans; that approach is a formula for success."

About Mastria Subaru:

Since 2004, Mastria Subaru has served its customers with outstanding Subaru service, sales and parts. With a customer-first attitude and a willingness to go the extra mile, Mastria offers Massachusetts Subaru fans a wide selection of Subarus, whether it is an Outback, Legacy, BRZ, Forester, Impreza, WRX or Tribeca. With a state-of-the-art Subaru service center, their dealership is well equipped to service all your vehicle's repair needs. Located at 1255 New State Highway in Raynham, Massachusetts, Mastria can be reached by phone at 888-820-9015 or online at www.mastriasubaru.com, and they can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MastriaSubaru.