Subaru US Sales, Another All-Time High

Subaru has released monthly sales results and has broken its US record for annual sales, set last year. The company was the only brand to boost its sales on the US market for three years in a row, selling 20,792 vehicles last month and 237,126 units for the past 11 months.

Last year's record of 216,652 vehicles sold was topped this year with a month to spare. November sales gained 22 percent over last year's same month. Company officials said records were set for the Forrester and Outback crossovers and Legacy sedan.

“Our core product lines continue to do very well because they fit nicely into the marketplace,” said the company's COO, Tom Doll. “When gas prices started to increase, the trend was to move into smaller and mid-size SUVs. People looking for vehicles with utility now consider Subaru.”

Doll said Subaru is also spending little on incentives, about $1,000 per vehicle on average. Subaru's selling performance was attributed to growing awareness of the brand, thanks to the "Love" marketing campaign and awards for high retail and residual value.

ALG, Automotive Lease Guide, estimated that 2011 Subaru cars and trucks will hold an average of 53.2 percent of their initial price after 3 years. Subaru scored higher than any other brand. Another respected publication predicts Subaru vehicles will hold 39 percent of their value after 60 months, the highest score among brands with at least four models.

Sales of Subaru's smallest car, the Impreza, were up 33 percent in November. A replacement is due for the 2012 model year.

Subaru is confident it can exceed 250,000 sales this year with December sales getting a boost from the annual "Share the Love" event. Subaru will donate $250 for every vehicle sold to one of five charities, including Habitat for Humanity and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Doll said Subaru will contribute a total of $5 million to the five charities.