CHERRY HILL, N.J., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ — Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that it had the company’s best sales month ever with a 52-percent increase in August sales. The company sold 28,683 units this August versus 18,932 units in August 2008 and had an 11-percent gain year-over-year. Subaru sales for August 2009 also showed a 31-percent increase over July 2009 Subaru sales, which was also a record month for the company.

Record-breaking results for three Subaru models include: a 76-percent increase in sales for the Subaru Forester with 11,870 units sold, a 30-percent increase in sales for the Subaru Impreza with 6,590 units sold and a 49-percent increase in sales for the Subaru Legacy with 3,569 units sold for the month. In addition, Subaru received the distinction of being named the only automotive manufacturer with 2009 “Top Safety Picks” for all 2010 models by
the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). To receive the “Top Safety Pick” designation, a manufacturer has to continually improve its crash safety requirements and each product has to be at the top level of crash protection in front, side and rear crash impacts.

“While the CARS program helped fuel our August results, the fact that this is our third consecutive record month reinforces that our products have connected with consumers,” said Tim Colbeck, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. “Well before our success with the CARS program, we were having great results and I am confident that with the newly introduced 2010 Subaru Outback and Legacy models, we will continue to be successful.”

“Subaru has the perfect products to capitalize in the ever-growing crossover utility segment with the new 2010 Outback and Forester models,” said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. “In the sedan segment, we have an unprecedented opportunity to gain sales and market share with the all-new 2010 Subaru Legacy. The Legacy, built on an all-new platform with a longer wheelbase and increased width for greater interior room also achieves 31 mpg highway. When combined with those attributes and All-Wheel Drive technology, as is standard with all Subaru vehicles, we think it is the best overall value in the sedan segment,” Doll continued.