Subaru and MESP, Inc. partner on Mud Run Series

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., March 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

MESP, Inc. is proud to announce a multi-year partnership with Subaru of America, Inc. as the Presenting Sponsor of the Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series, held annually in nine cities across the nation.

Subaru will be the Official Automobile partner for the series. "Subaru and MESP, Inc. share the same drive and passion for outdoor activities," states Michael Epstein, president of MESP, Inc. "The partnership will be a perfect fit because of their unique identity with active lifestyle consumers and their willingness to help this unique consumer achieve their thirst for fun, fitness, friendship and adventure."

The Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series presented by Subaru consists of nine events in major cities around the country in which athletes compete in 5k and 10k runs through a fun off-road, muddy course with military style obstacles. This unique event has proven to test participants in conquering several challenges and mud pits on their way to the finish line all while supporting the troops through Operation Gratitude.

Operation Gratitude, the series official charity partner, is an organization that sends individual care packages enclosed with snacks, entertainment items and personal appreciation letters to U.S. Service Members deployed overseas.

Subaru recently announced its own PR (personal record) with another year of record sales in 2010. "Given the reliability and durability of our all-wheel drive products, Subaru owners continue to be passionate about outdoor events," said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Subaru of America. "This in turn drives our commitment to support runners, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts, and it's why this partnership is a great fit."

Subaru owners also seek new outdoor experiences. "This run provides a very unique race opportunity," says Melissa Trotto, outdoor lifestyle sports marketing coordinator for Subaru. "Through this partnership, we will help people meet their fitness goals and have fun at the same time."

Subaru Lampoons Supermodel Ads With Sexy Sumo Wrestlers

 NORTHEND SUBARU — In a hilarious volley that appears to be aimed at Nissan and Lexus, Subaru of Canada has debuted a 2011 Forester ad populated by thong-wearing sumo wrestlers. The ad lampoons the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue automotive tie-ins featuring supermodels launched earlier this week by Subaru's Japanese competitors.

The Subaru ad is being met with praise by online auto observers. "Unlike the bikini-wearing models in other ads, you're not left wondering where the car is," wrote Motor Authority on Thursday. "If anything, your eyes seek out the Forester, if only for aesthetic relief." It notes that the hood of the Forester appears to be "surprisingly strong," bearing up well under the tremendous weight of the sumo wrestlers.

With "Boys Wanna Be Her" from the 2006 album Impeach My Bush by Peaches pounding in the background, the Subaru ad shows the sumo wrestlers in a variety of seductive poses. They frolic on the hoods of the Foresters, eating ice cream, nibbling on strawberries and assuming the lotus position while the car is parked on a beach.

"Sexy Comes Standard" is the advertisement's tag line.

Earlier this week, Lexus unveiled a much more serious video showing a Lexus LFA facing off against a bikini-clad Dutch supermodel in a tie-in with the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Nissan also partnered with the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, debuting a tongue-in-cheek video pitting supermodels wearing heels and bikinis in a comparison test with the Nissan Juke.

Just the Facts:

• Subaru of Canada debuts a 2011 Forester ad populated by sexy sumo wrestlers, lampooning the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue tie-ins at Nissan and Lexus.
• The sumo wrestlers are shown on the hood of the Forester, seductively eating strawberries and being hosed down with the car at a car wash.
• "Boys Wanna Be Her" from the 2006 album Impeach My Bush by Peaches provides the spicy musical accompaniment to the commercial.