With sales in the doldrums in both the wider world and in its native Japan, Fuji Heavy Industries' head suit (read CEO), Ikuo Mori, today announced a new medium range business plan (2007-2010) aimed at reviving Subaru. During the course of his announcement, Mr. Mori outlined his vision for future Subaru models. Not only did he promise the renewal of at least one vehicle per year from Subaru's line-up of core models (Legacy, Impreza, etc.), but he also, rather cryptically, announced the company's intention to introduce 'a vehicle capable of carrying a large number of people.'
A train perhaps? Well, no, not exactly. The new vehicle, currently scheduled to go on sale in 2008, is widely assumed to be a minivan/MPV, designed to boost sales figures in Japan, where capacious people carriers with freight-train aesthetics (see the Honda Step Wagon, or Toyota Alphard should proof be required) are all the rage. As with the aforementioned Toyota Alphard and Honda Step Wagon, this new Subaru MPV may only be introduced as a Japanese domestic market vehicle. However, even if such a Subaru MPV were to fail in receiving a global launch, it will surely be making its way to Russia, and the right hand drive markets of the UK and Oceania as a second-hand grey import.
Following confirmation of Subaru's plans to reintroduce the trusty Justy - albeit as a rebadged Daihatsu Boon/Sirion - toward the end of 2007, it was also revealed that in addition a new entry level compact car with environmentally friendly credentials is under development, and due for global release in 2009/2010.
On a more technical note, it also appears that plans are afoot, as of 2008, to begin shoehorning turbo diesel versions of Subaru's legendary boxer engines into future models, in a bid to satisfy the European predilection for oil-burners and thus increase vehicle sales in Europe.
Finally, Mr. Mori also laid down his corporate cards in revealing Subaru's plans to increase its corporate and manufacturing presence in North America. In addition Mr. Mori also mentioned that investigations are currently underway to examine the feasibility of establishing Subaru manufacturing hubs in Europe and Australia.
Although there is little in this announcement to appease those who are fond of Subaru's more manic automotive offerings, it is worth bearing in mind that if the above business plan fails to boost flagging sales, there may well be no money left in the piggy bank to develop future rally-replica Subarus. So here's hoping the above business plan brings about the necessary about-turn in sales, so that rallyists and gentleman farmers the world over can sleep easy and put their fears to rest.
