Subaru Sales Rise with the Mercury for a Record June

BALTIMORE, MD. (07/16/2012)(readMedia)-- While much of the country was bearing record-breaking heat last month, U.S. Subaru dealerships were experiencing record-breaking sales. The automaker posted its best June sales ever and extended its streak of sales growth to seven months. Boosted by the popularity of its redesigned Impreza and its new, fast-selling BRZ sports car, Subaru's sales of 27,702 units last month were 40 percent higher than June 2011.

Subaru's U.S. sales are now up 24 percent year-over-year through the first half of 2012, with 164,304 vehicles sold. Though all Subaru models saw year-over-year increases in June, a good portion of last month's uptick can be attributed to the redesigned 2012 Subaru Impreza, which sold 5,181 units for a 147-percent increase. Year-to-date, Impreza sales have increased 167 percent year-over-year, moving 14,937 units.

"The redesigned Subaru Impreza is definitely striking a chord with Baltimore drivers," said Greg Ryland, general manager of Russel Subaru, a Baltimore, Md. Subaru dealer. "They have always loved the added confidence its all-wheel-drive system brings when road conditions are bad in winter, but the new model's improved fuel efficiency now allows owners to save more money when gas prices rise in the summer."

The 2012 Subaru Impreza's redesign has helped expand the market for the model. Receiving 36 mpg on the highway, the new Impreza returns nine more miles per gallon than its predecessor, helping the compact's fuel-economy match up more favorably with the less-capable front-wheel-drive vehicles in its class. Adding to the car's broader appeal is a sleeker exterior and two more inches of legroom for passengers in the back seats.

While the Impreza continues to be a standout seller in showrooms, Subaru's all-new sports car, the BRZ, has been quickly making waves. Just released in late April, the 2013 Subaru BRZ sold 818 units in June, surpassing the 1,000-unit mark for the year. In fact, the new Subaru tied for the title of fastest-selling car in the United States last month, spending an average of just five days on the lot according to Cars.com.

The new BRZ is a departure from the all-wheel-drive staples in the Subaru lineup. Developed in partnership with Toyota, the BRZ is Subaru's first rear-wheel-drive vehicle since the 1950s, providing an affordable yet engaging option for driving enthusiasts. With a lightweight body, a low center of gravity and an all-new 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower engine, the Subaru sports car has steadily earned positive reviews since going to market.

"It's a very exciting time to be a Subaru dealer with all the new models coming out," added Ryland. "The redesigned Impreza, the new BRZ and the upcoming XV Crosstrek compact crossover are each geared toward attracting a new type of buyer. Consumers are realizing that Subaru is much more than just an all-wheel-drive brand; it offers stylish, high-quality vehicles for a variety of drivers."

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/MarylandSubaru.