April has followed January’s lead and become another record-breaking month for Subaru in New Zealand, with a massive 40% increase over the previous April record set in 2010.
Last month’s sales success follows on from a record 2015, where Subaru was 25% ahead year-on-year versus 2014.
This year continues to build on the momentum of 2015, with Subaru sales well ahead of industry statistics at the end of April. The automotive industry has reported growth of almost 4% year-on-year in 2016, with Subaru recording record sales, resulting in a 31% increase in sales versus 2015 year-to-date.
Subaru’s incredible results are testament to the strong appeal of the current product line up and ongoing investment in technology from its Japanese manufacturer Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI). The Subaru Outback continues to be the company’s number one seller, with 52% of Subaru’s overall sales attributed to the new generation Outback, which is in its second year of sales in New Zealand.
Subaru of New Zealand Managing Director Wallis Dumper says Outback sales show no sign of slowing down.
“It is hardly surprising given Kiwi’s active and adventurous lifestyles. Subaru’s Outback is the perfect car for families as it provides plenty of space, is well-equipped with smart technologies, has a state-of-the-art infotainment system and a new soft-touch interior trim. Outback also combines the plush comfort of a passenger vehicle with the off-road capability of an SUV.”
“Like all our Subaru vehicles, Outback is equipped with the invisible advantages of Symmetrical All Wheel Drive and a Boxer Engine, which ensures great handling on New Zealand roads, where our cities swiftly turn into mountains, forests and beaches. And our straight roads turn into hairpins, potholes and gravel just as swiftly,” Mr Dumper adds.
The new generation Legacy sedan is also proving to be a rising star and now makes up almost 10% of Subaru’s model line-up share - compared to its overall 5.3% share in 2015. Given that Subaru sales used to be dominated by the Legacy wagon - which was discontinued in 2015 - the Legacy sedan’s generation change has catered for a gap in the market.
“Subaru Legacy is a great value car for New Zealanders at only $49,990 for the 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder model. Legacy delivers power and control at your fingertips, with the added bonus of All Wheel Drive, which will appeal to the drivers of current big Aussie six cylinder cars that are existing the kiwi market” Mr Dumper says.
The Legacy sedan is also available as a 2.5 litre, 4 cylinder model, for only $39,990.
All other models in the Subaru range performed strongly against their average monthly sales, contributing to the huge April result.
“Normally April is quite a disruptive month for Subaru New Zealand, as many of our customers are families, and people are away on vacation during the two-week school holiday break. However, April 2016 delivered a result that has exceeded expectations. It is also the second best month for sales in 2016 year-to-date, following our record-breaking January,” Mr Dumper says.
Motor Industry Association Chief Executive Officer David Crawford says “healthy regional economies in Auckland and Christchurch combined with continued strong net immigration and competitive pricing drove the strongest new vehicles registrations in the month of April since 1982.”
New vehicle registrations for the industry in April 2016 were up 7% year-on-year versus April 2015.
For further information, please contact Subaru of New Zealand Public Relations - Catherine Pattison (027) 4455 389 or email catherine.pattison@subaru.co.nz