Subaru Efficiency Sets The Standard....

Set amid tawny popcorn and soybean fields, weathered barns, and rusty silos, the Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant cuts a swath. A 3.4-million-square-foot monolith abutted by railroad tracks, SIA has a mountain of compost and the occasional coyote skittering through the surrounding 832 acres of woodland.

Step inside, though, and you'll discover why this might be the most exemplary car factory in America

In its 22-year history — a period that has spanned three recessions, a global financial crisis, massive U.S. auto bankruptcies, and the departure of Isuzu, a founding partner, from the operation — SIA has rolled out more than 3 million vehicles and has never resorted to layoffs. Instead, it's given workers a wage increase every year of its operation.

Staffers also enjoy premium-free health care, abundant overtime ($15,000 each, on average, in 2010), paid volunteer time, financial counseling, and the ability to earn a Purdue University degree on-site — all in a state that has lost 46,000 auto jobs and suffered multiple plant foreclosures in the past decade.

And the truly astonishing thing is how it achieved all this: through a relentless focus on eliminating waste. "This is not about recycling, or a nice marketing to-do," says Dean Schroeder, a management professor at Valparaiso University who has studied the plant. "This is a strict dollars-and-cents, moneymaking-and-savings calculation that also drives better safety and quality."

SEE THE REST OF THE STORY HERE....
by ROBEN FARZAD
 @Bloomberg BusinessWeek

The World's Worst Weatherman...

All-wheel drive is to North End Subaru's brand identity what cheesecake is to Junior's. And that has a lot to do with why the brand has been so strong, traditionally, in snow states. But in recent years, Subaru has made inroads in other regions as it has focused as much on cars on the Legacy platform as on its core Forester and Outback crossovers for which the brand has been known.

Now the Cherry Hill, N.J. automaker is making its symmetrical all-wheel drive underpinnings central to a humorous new campaign that makes light of nature's vicissitudes, or at least the TV weather announcers who bring us the predictions.

The campaign, "The World's Worst Weatherman," has the central idea that you can't count on predictions, but at least you'll be able to get around if you have a Subaru. Via AOR Minneapolis-based Carmichael Lynch, it includes TV, the home page at Subaru.com, Facebook, mobile applications and YouTube.

The ads feature a borderline incompetent weatherman, reminiscent of the Ted Baxter character on "The Mary Tyler Moore" show of the '70s -- who can't even get his geography correct, much less talk turkey about weather. In one spot, he starts to talk about weather in Washington, "our nation's capital," except he's pointing to the state. He mispronounces Boise but is obviously proud that he knows the city is in Idaho. In another video, he has absolutely no idea what the temperature numbers mean on the weather map, and the newscasters roll their eyes.

There are also Subaru-produced videos at subaru.com/weather that position Subaru against Toyota, Ford, Nissan and Honda for harsh-weather handling. The site also has games: "Conversation Starters," offering opening lines having to do with other things than the weather; "Time Wasted," a calculator for how much time you spend worrying about the weather; and "Weather Odds" that works out the probability of a person encountering inclement weather in their current location.

Alan Bethke, director of marketing at Subaru, says the campaign has a role in expanding the brand beyond the snowbelt, which has been Subaru's traditional stronghold.

"It's about getting people to understand what the Symmetrical AWD System can do for them, regardless of where they live -- not just in snow and ice. It's good for any road condition. Even for a dry road, it enhances the way the vehicle handles." He says that the brand, which has had three record sales years, recession notwithstanding, has also seen its share grow in the southern states.

Melissa Schoenke, account director at Carmichael Lynch, says the campaign includes five national TV ads that are also available for dealers. "There are also ads more appropriate to certain parts of the country," she says, adding that the creative will reflect the season. "Right now there's an emphasis on rain." Rather than a one- or two-month effort, the campaign will be extended and reflect the changing seasons, per Bethke. "We see it as something long-term; with fall and winter coming into play we see it as something with a long shelf life."

Subaru of America, Inc. Supports MS 150

In late September, thousands of bicyclists made their treks in southern New Jersey to help raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Subaru has supported this MS 150 ride for more than 12 years.

Named official vehicle of the MS 150, Subaru provided:

• Twelve vehicles for the organization’s use
• Teams of volunteers
  
  • More than 20 employees participated in the ride as a bike team
  • Approximately 60 employee volunteers helped at rest stops, which were stocked with fruit, snacks, and beverages

Ken Block and his Subies....

 North End Subaru favorite Ken Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino have both been taken to a hospital for examination after the Monster World rally Team driver crashed heavily during yesterdays Rally of Portugal shakedown stage.

A spokesman from the Monster team said: "Both Ken and Alex have been taken to hospital in Faro for precautionary checks. All I know is that they rolled, but they're okay." 

Just for fun let's take a look at a few of Ken's Subaru adventures...

 

 

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 Partners With KICKER® for Performance Audio Upgrades

Northend Subaru is pleased to announce that Subaru of America, Inc. will partner with KICKER Performance Audio, a 30-year industry leader in mobile audio, to supply Subaru customers with original equipment (OE) upgrades for specific models.

The high-performance Subaru audio upgrades made by KICKER are compatible with all 2008-2011 Impreza™ sedans, Impreza WRX™ sedans, 2011 WRX STI™ sedans, and all 2008-2011 Impreza, Impreza WRX and WRX STI 5-door™ vehicles with navigation or non-navigation audio systems.

"KICKER has been providing the industry with quality after-market audio accessories for many years," said Jay Gelletly, Subaru Accessories Marketing Manager. "We are pleased to offer another high quality upgrade for our vehicles that our enthusiasts will enjoy."

The audio system includes a 10-inch powered subwoofer in a molded enclosure made to fit in the trunk or cargo area of the specific model leaving plenty of trunk cargo space available. The subwoofer is powered by an integrated 100-watt, high-efficiency digital amplifier that is tuned to specifically match the size of  the enclosure; resulting in deep, powerful bass from a small space, enhancing overall performance and accuracy system-wide.  The amplifier connects into the existing Subaru audio system using a true plug-and-play wire harness.

The audio upgrade kits are now available through Subaru dealerships. The upgrade kit may either installed at the factory port processing facility, or at the dealership prior to delivery.  

Subaru Offers 1.9% Financing Incentives for February

During February, Subaru is offering 1.9% financing incentives and low cost leases on the whole lineup of all-wheel-drive cars and SUVs. If you’re still fighting snow where you live, a capable Subaru is probably looking very good right now.

The 2011 Subaru Impreza is available during February with 1.9% financing for 24 months. The 2011 Impreza can also be leased for $179 a month on a 42-month lease with $1,178 due at lease signing.
During February, the turbocharged 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX is available with a $299 per month lease incentive on a 42-month lease with a down payment of 1,998. The WRX is also available with 1.9% financing incentive for 24 months
.
The 2011 Subaru Legacy comes with the choice between a 1.9% interest rate for 24 month loans or $199 monthly lease payments for 42 months with a $1,498 down payment due at lease signing.
This month, the 2011 Subaru Outback can be leased for $279 a month with a $1,979 down payment on a 42-month lease. The 2011 Outback can also be bought with a 1.9% interest rate incentive on 24-month car loans.

The 2011 Subaru Forester is available with a $229 per month lease incentive with a down payment of $1,929 on a 42-month lease. The 2011 Forester is also available with a 1.9% financing incentive on 24-month loans.
During February, the 2011 Subaru Tribeca is available with a 1.9% interest rate incentive for 24 months. The Tribeca can also be leased for $359 a month on a 36-month lease with $3,269 due at lease signing.

New Subaru Owners Generate Nearly $15 Million for Nonprofits

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Feb. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that with the help of new Subaru owners, the company generated $5 million for charities across the country during its third annual "Share the Love" event.

Subaru is donating $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased (up to a maximum of $5 million) from November 20, 2010 through January 3, 2011.  Customers who purchased or leased during this time determined how the charitable gifts would be invested by designating one of five nonprofit organizations ranging from animal cruelty prevention to youth mentoring to environmental protection:

• The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
• Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Habitat for Humanity
• Meals On Wheels Association of America
• Ocean Conservancy

The Share the Love event has generated nearly $15 million in donations over three years for the company, which celebrated record sales in 2010 and is continuing the trend in 2011. "We are proud to have once again maximized our budget for the event," said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and CMO, Subaru of America, Inc.  "We are excited to continue a program that engages our customers in giving back to the community." 

About the Charities

About ASPCA
For more than 143 years, the ASPCA has been dedicated to helping animals live better lives, whether it's rescuing animals from abuse, introducing and enforcing more humane legislation, sharing resources with shelters or making advances in veterinary medicine.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters
For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life.  Most children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters are in single-parent and low-income families or households where a parent is incarcerated.  As the nation's largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers ("Bigs") and children ("Littles"), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country.

About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit organization that welcomes to its work all people, regardless of religion, race or ethnicity, to build simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with those who lack adequate shelter.  Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built or rehabilitated more than 350,000 houses, providing shelter for more than 1.75 million people in nearly 90 countries around the world.

About Meals on Wheels Association of America
Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) works every day with thousands of local Meals On Wheels programs and hundreds of thousands of volunteers who all share in the mission to end senior hunger. The organization provides the tools and information its programs need to make a difference in the lives of others. It also gives cash grants to local senior meal programs throughout the country to assist in providing meals and other nutrition services.

About Ocean Conservancy
Since 1972, Ocean Conservancy has promoted healthy oceans by informing, inspiring, and empowering people to speak and act on behalf of the ocean. Many people don't know that the ocean is the source of much of the food, water, and oxygen we need to live—it's the life support system for our planet.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of approximately 600 dealers across the United States.  Subaru boasts the most fuel efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards.  All Subaru products are manufactured in zero- landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit subaru.com.

Subaru Competition Winner Collects His Subaru WRX STI...

Subaru UK, in conjunction with PistonHeads, has given away a brand-new four-door Subaru WRX STI as part of an attention-grabbing online competition.

2011 Subaru WRX STI

rants were invited to submit a written article detailing the vehicles that would make up their 'Dream Garage'. The judges were looking for passion and knowledge, as well as interesting photography. A 30-word explanation as to why they wanted to win the Subaru WRX STI was also required.
The winning entry came from 41-year-old Project Manager, Rob Ellis, from Oxford. He said: "I absolutely love it to bits - what a driver's car! The short-throw gearbox, the seats; it's just fantastic. I've got two young children, so the practicality of the four-door is very welcome, but the car still looks great and I can utilise the performance when the chance presents itself. I'd like to thank Subaru UK and PistonHeads for this superb prize."
He collected his new pride and joy from Cross Roads Subaru in Shipston-on-Stour. The keys were handed over by UK Marketing Director, Kenyon Neads, and General Manager of Cross Roads, Ben Shimmin.
Neads commented: "Rob's submission was chosen due to his sheer passion for all things automotive, including Subaru. It stood head and shoulders above the rest with insightful, well-rounded observations about his current and dream cars supported by stunning photography. Well done Rob."