Subaru vehicle sales up 56 percent in 2009

Motor Image Pilipinas, the lone distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines, posted the biggest sales growth in the local market on the back of its strong product lineup and its consistency in meeting customer expectations.

Sales of Subaru vehicles rose 56 percent to 942 units in 2009--the highest growth rate based on data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers in the Philippines, Inc. Listed after Subaru are Mitsubishi Philippines which grew 32.5 percent with total sales of 23,247 units; Suzuki Philippines, 20.4 percent with 2,182 units, and Honda Cars Philippines, 20.1 percent with 17,168 units.

Motor Image Pilipinas attributed its strong performance on the popularity of the Subaru Forester sport-utility vehicle and the steady performance of the Subaru Impreza range.

Subaru sales were also aided by the introduction of the new Legacy and Outback, which were launched in October. The Subaru Legacy was cited as the Philippine Car of the Year by the Car Awards Group.

"Outperforming the other companies is not exactly our priority but rather as a result of our commitment to give our customers the newest models from Subaru," said Glenn Tan, Motor Image Enterprises Group chief executive. "We have also focused on maintaining our high level of after sales support, from on time delivery and availability of genuine Subaru parts through world class and well-trained technicians."