Subaru Global Production Up 166.9 Percent in Q1

Subaru reported consistent sales growth for March and for the first quarter of 2010, both in its home market of Japan and in export ones. The global production for March increased for the fifth consecutive month year-on-year, due to the strong sales of Legacy and other models.

The production of domestic and overseas passenger cars set an all-time March record, at 61,024 units, up 179 percent as compared to March 2009. In the first three months of this year, Subaru produced 164,009 vehicles, accounting for a 166.9 percent increase.

Despite decreased production due to a sharp decline of market demand in the first half of fiscal year 2010, the overseas production for the period April 2009 through March 2010 increased year-on-year for the first time in two years, due to the boosting production of new Legacy which went on sale worldwide in the second half of fiscal year 2010.

In Japan, total domestic sales for March increased for the sixth consecutive month year-on-year, due to the strong sales of new models such as the new Legacy and Exiga. In March 2010, Subaru sold 27,426 vehicles on its home market, up 111.7 percent from the same month last year. In Q1, sales amounted to 54,205 units (+108.9%).

As for the export figures, total exports from Japan in March grew due to increased shippings to U.S., Canada and China. Subaru exported 25,988 cars in March 2010, up 149.5 percent as compared to March 2009. Q1 exports reached 77,700 units (+147%).