Subaru Ushers in Spring with Best April Sales Ever

BALTIMORE, MD. (05/14/2012)(readMedia)-- Spring's fresh flowers blossomed right alongside Subaru sales last month, as the automaker recently reported its best April sales ever at U.S. Subaru dealerships. With the help of a six-percent sales jump last month compared to April 2011, Subaru surpassed the 100,000-vehicle mark for the year, which is the fastest the company has hit that milestone in its 44-year history.

Subaru's sales spiked by almost 16 percent year-over-year through April, boosted greatly by sales of the redesigned 2012 Subaru Impreza and the Subaru Legacy midsize sedan, which is up 12 percent year-to-date. Sales of the Impreza compact have increased 157 percent through April compared to the same period last year, and April alone saw 124 percent more Impreza buyers than the same month last year.

"The Impreza went from 27 miles per gallon to 36 miles per gallon on the highway in just one model year, and right now a fuel-efficient car is worth its weight in gold," said Greg Ryland, general manager of Russel Subaru, a Baltimore, Maryland Subaru dealer. "The car is also lighter and faster than its predecessor, but it's the little things that really put the new Impreza over the top, like the improved interior materials and additional front passenger room."

It was that variety of new features that led auto researcher NADAguides to recently name the 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium five-door wagon one of its top ten most versatile new cars under $20,000 for 2012. To be eligible for the NADAguides Most Versatile Cars List, vehicles needed to meet or outperform their segment when it came to fuel economy, warranty and depreciation. Each vehicle's versatility was determined by NADAguides' review of standard and optional equipment, passenger capacity, legroom and all-wheel-drive capability.

NADAguides lauded the Impreza's versatile-by-nature hatchback configuration, as well as its standard all-wheel-drive system that helps drivers maintain control under poor road conditions. The new Impreza was also awarded points for its fuel economy, which improved by more than 30 percent compared to the previous generation, and its larger interior space, with 97.5 cubic-feet of passenger room and 22.5 cubic-feet of cargo volume.

As the next trim up from the base model, the 2012 Impreza 2.0i Premium comes with a variety of useful features that impressed editors at NADAguides. A six-speaker audio system and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity are standard, while options like a voice-activated navigation unit and heated front seats can increase the comfort and convenience factor. Meanwhile, safety technologies like traction control and a tire pressure monitoring system shore up the vehicle's capability during inclement weather.

"Versatile vehicles need to be able to play just as hard as they work, and the Impreza is one of the best at doing just that," added Ryland. "Whether you're driving to work in the rain or preparing for a weekend getaway on gravel country roads, the Impreza can get you wherever you're going."

About Russel Subaru:

Serving Baltimore area motorists for years as part of Russel Automotive, Russel Subaru offers its adventurous Subaru customers with 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.