There are few things an automaker likes to do more than beat its sales goals. In Subaru’s case, it is crushing them.
The latest news from the Japanese car brand is that it will hit its North American sales targets a full five years ahead of schedule. In the automotive world, that’s like getting into Harvard fresh out of elementary school; it just doesn’t happen.
Currently, the Outback and Forester are Subaru’s hottest selling models, which were both redesigned in 2014.
In response, Subaru plans to ramp up production and will introduce new vehicles in the U.S. earlier than it had planned. The sales target has also been raised to 600,000 vehicles by the end of the March, 2016. That also means capacity at Subies Lafayette, Indiana plant will be pushed to 394,000 units annually by the end of next year to satisfy demand.
Subaru’s President, Yasuyuki Yoshinaga (who is actually the president of Subaru’s parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries) had this to say, “If only we had more cars, we could be selling more.” Leaders of automotive brands only dream of uttering such words.
Subaru will kick off a new global platform late next year that will underpin models like the next-generation Impreza and will eventually be the bone structure for all models in its lineup. This move will help the automaker reduce costs via greater manufacturing efficiencies.
Down the road, Subaru will roll out a new seven-seat SUV that will replace the Tribeca and a plug-in hybrid model. Additionally, Subaru will move to direct-injection for each of its gas-powered engines to improve fuel economy figures.
