SUBARU ANNOUNCES PRICING ON 2014 XV CROSSTREK HYBRID

October 1, 2013

SUBARU ANNOUNCES PRICING ON 2014 XV CROSSTREK HYBRID

• First Subaru Hybrid - based on popular gas model XV Crosstrek, hybrid offers same Capability and Utility
• High-efficiency, Go-Anywhere Crossover with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Well-equipped and priced from $25,995

Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc. has announced pricing on the carmaker’s first-ever production hybrid vehicle, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, arriving in dealerships in late 2013. The Hybrid is based on the successful XV Crosstrek crossover model and retains its all-terrain capability while providing better fuel efficiency and improved driving dynamics.

Starting at $25,995, the 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid offers a roomy, versatile, fun-to-drive crossover that combines bold five-door design with a refined chassis, high fuel economy and everyday comfort.

”The XV Crosstrek model has been an instant hit since going on sale in September 2012, selling approximately 45,000 units in its first year and showing there is a strong market for a compact CUV that provides strong looks, safety, AWD capability and good fuel economy.” said Thomas J. Doll, president, and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “The XV Crosstrek Hybrid will now combine those proven Subaru attributes with hybrid technology and will appeal still further to ecologically-minded consumers,” The sales success of the 2014 XV Crosstrek, mirrors the growth of the Subaru brand overall, which is on track to achieve its fifth-consecutive year of sales increases and top 400,000 vehicle sales in the US market in 2013.

All XV Crosstrek Hybrids are equipped with 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder BOXER engine and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Available in a standard trim and top-of-the-line Touring, models include a 13.4 hp/48 lb. –ft. electric drive motor integrated into the Lineartronic® continuously variable transmission.

The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid builds upon the utility and versatility of the gas model, while offering enhanced handling. Significantly, the hybrid model uses the same Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as in the gasoline model, preserving the all-weather performance that Subaru customers expect. The system sends torque to the four wheels all the time and adjusts the torque distribution in response to acceleration, cornering and road conditions. The Hybrid also retains the 8.7-inch ground clearance and 4-wheel independent suspension of other XV Crosstrek models and adds special chassis tuning for more agile handling.

The cargo area is outfitted as standard with a removable cover as well as removable waterproof cargo tray, tie-down hooks and grocery bag hooks. Subaru dealers offer a number of accessories for the standard roof rails for carrying items such as bicycles and kayaks.

The 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid serves as the top model in this series and features numerous exclusive design features. The rear light clusters and the stop lamps use energy-saving light-emitting diode (LED) technology. The high-grade color multi-function display is exclusive to the XV Crosstrek Hybrid and featured on both models. The 4.3-in. LCD screen can show the hybrid system’s energy flow according to driving conditions. Using switching screens, the display combines driving operation information with entertainment content, including the standard rear vision camera.

The navigation system in the XV Crosstrek Hybrid Touring uses a 6.1-inch touch screen LCD display and voice control, iTunes® tagging, SMS text messaging capability, SiriusXM Satellite Radio® and SiriusXM NavTraffic® (4-month trial subscriptions included). The navigation system also features Aha® Infotainment smartphone integration featuring radio stations, newsfeeds, audiobooks and more. The XV Crosstrek Hybrid includes all the standard equipment from the XV Crosstrek Premium model and adds keyless access and start, automatic climate control system, upgraded instrument cluster, high-grade multi-function display, body-color foldable side mirrors with integral turn signals, leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver stitching, chrome exterior door handles and more. The XV Crosstrek Hybrid Touring, starting at $29,295, model adds a touch-screen navigation system, leather-trimmed seating and a power moonroof.

2014 XV CROSSTREK HYBRID
Model/Trim	Transmission	MSRP	MSRP + destination and delivery
XV Crosstrek Hybrid	CVT	$25,995	$26,820
XV Crosstrek Hybrid Touring	CVT	$29,295	$30,120
Destination & Delivery is $825 and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI and VT. D&D is $945 for dealers in Alaska.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.

STUDY SHOWS MANY PET CAR SAFETY RESTRAINTS TO BE UNSAFE

October 3, 2013

STUDY SHOWS MANY PET CAR SAFETY RESTRAINTS TO BE UNSAFE

Subaru and the Center for Pet Safety Announce Full Study and Crash Testing Results

Sleepypod Clickit Utility Harness Named 2013 Top Performing Harness

Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc. and the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), announced today the results of a collaborative study to test the effectiveness of pet harnesses marketed with safety claims. Sleepypod’s Clickit Utility Harness has been identified as the 2013 Top Performing Harness. The pet harness study was designed by CPS – a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit research and advocacy organization dedicated to companion animal and consumer safety – to mirror the same crash tests used to measure the effectiveness of child safety products. The crash tests uncovered serious flaws in many of the popular pet restraints currently on the market, with many resulting in catastrophic failure. The goal of this study is to enforce the importance of driving safely with pets. In addition, the performance data will assist in the development of the first harness safety standard and test protocols that will serve as guidelines to the pet products industry.

There are currently no performance standards or test protocols in the U.S. for pet travel products. While many pet car restraint manufacturers claim to test their products, without uniform test standards and protocols, these claims cannot be substantiated. Recognizing the severity of this issue, Subaru teamed up with CPS to conduct this study in order to ultimately allow consumers to select independently tested pet products and help them to identify top performing brands. The Center for Pet Safety is actively working toward publishing a harness standard later this year.

“Safety for all passengers, including our pets, is very important to Subaru and to our drivers. Selecting the wrong harness could be just as detrimental as not using one at all,” said Michael McHale, director of communications at Subaru of America, Inc. “Most pet owners don’t know the dangers of not properly harnessing their pet while in the car. With nearly half of Subaru drivers also being dog owners, we want them to be as informed as possible.”

Subaru and CPS enlisted MGA Research Corporation, an independent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) contracted testing laboratory, to conduct rigorous crash testing on commonly available pet safety harnesses using realistic, specially designed crash test dogs. Testing was performed using multiple, specially designed crash test dogs developed by CPS, including a 25 lb. terrier mix, a 45 lb. border collie and a 75 lb. golden retriever. The life-like dog models provided a realistic representation for testing purposes, similar to the testing conducted for human occupant safety.

“Subaru and CPS share a common love for pets and safety, and it is our mission to communicate to pet owners that an effective harness should keep the pet in place to prevent distraction to the driver as well as offer measurable levels of protection to all passengers in the event of a crash,” said Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO of the Center for Pet Safety. “I, like many people, consider my dog to be a part of my family, and dogs need to be secured with harnesses that have been tested for safety the same way car seats and seat belts that protect our family members have been tested, both for the pet’s safety as well as the safety of all passengers.”

The overall results of the testing indicated Sleepypod’s Clickit Utility Harness as the clear top performing harness brand, as it was the only harness tested to consistently keep a dog from launching off of the seat and the only restraint deemed to offer substantial protection to all passengers, including the dog, in the event of an accident. If a pet launches off of the seat, it can strike a human passenger or risk serious contact injury to the dog from internal structures in the car.

“Sleepypod has been researching and crash testing pet safety restraints in autos for six years because we’re serious about safety,” said Michael Leung, Sleepypod co-founder and product designer. “We admire CPS and Subaru for conducting this study on behalf of pet owners and use the CPS testing protocols as an extension of our own safety program.”

Pet owners may purchase Sleepypod’s Clickit Utility Harness on www.sleepypod.com. Subaru will also be offering these harnesses for purchase through its Subaru Gear catalog and at dealers in the near future.

All manufacturers whose products graduated to crash testing in the study were issued courtesy invitations to attend product testing. Those companies that were unable to attend were contacted with their test results, and several companies are already working to make improvements and enhance quality control. To view the full study results please visit www.CenterforPetSafety.org. More information about how to keep pets safe in vehicles can also be found on www.Subaru.com.

The Center for Pet Safety is not affiliated with the pet product industry. The organization uses scientific testing and references Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to study pet products and establish criteria and test protocols to measure whether pet safety products provide the protection claimed by advocates and intended by the manufacturer.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.

About the Center for Pet Safety
The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research and advocacy organization dedicated to consumer and companion animal safety. Based in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, the Center for Pet Safety's mission is to have an enduring, positive impact on the survivability, health, safety and well-being of companion animals and the consumer through scientific research and product testing. For additional information visit www.CenterforPetSafety.org.

2014 SUBARU FORESTER ACES TOUGH NEW CRASH TEST; EARNS NEW IIHS 2013 TOP SAFETY PICK+ RATING

2014 SUBARU FORESTER ACES TOUGH NEW CRASH TEST; EARNS NEW IIHS 2013 TOP SAFETY PICK+ RATING

• All-new The 2014 Subaru Forester is the first vehicle to ace every aspect of the challenging small overlap front crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
• Forester is also the only small SUVs to earn an overall rating of good in the test

May 16, 2013, Cherry Hill, N.J, Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the all-new 2014 Forester has received a Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2014 Subaru Forester is the first vehicle to ace every aspect of the challenging small overlap

front crash test conducted by the IIHS. The Forester is the only one of 13 small SUVs to earn an overall rating of good in the test. This is not the first time that the Forester has stood out in a new IIHS crash test. When the Institute first rated small SUVs for side protection in 2003, the Subaru model performed the best and was one of only two vehicles to earn good ratings.

"With the redesigned Forester, Subaru's engineers set out to do well in our new test, and they succeeded," says Joe Nolan, the Institute's vice president for vehicle research. "This is exactly how we hoped manufacturers would respond to improve protection for people in these kinds of serious frontal crashes."

This award builds on Subaru's safety reputation and is the first IIHS designation for 2014 model year Subaru vehicles. Subaru is the only manufacturer with 2013 IIHS Top Safety Pick for all models and the only brand with IIHS Top Safety Picks for all models for four years running (2010-2013). The 2014 Forester is the third Subaru vehicle to earn the TSP+ award. The 2013 Subaru Legacy and Subaru Outback (built after August 2012) were awarded the Institute's 2013 TSP+ designation in late-2012. The award requires a "Good" or "Acceptable" rating in the Institute's new small overlap frontal crash test in addition to meeting the base "TSP" award criteria.

"Safety is one of our brand tenets and so we are extremely proud to have earned a TSP+ rating for Forester and a third Top Safety Pick + rating for our brand," said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. "The Forester is the most award winning small SUV in America and now we have another designation for this venerable vehicle."

About IIHS

The Institute's frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of a moderate overlap frontal and small overlap crash test. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a 50th percentile male Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

Building on its long-running vehicle ratings program for consumer information, IIHS introduced the small overlap test in 2012 to further improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. Most automakers design their vehicles for good performance in the IIHS moderate overlap frontal test and the federal government's full-width frontal test, but many haven't addressed the problem of small overlap crashes. In a 2009 IIHS study of vehicles with good ratings for frontal crash protection, small overlap crashes accounted for nearly a quarter of the frontal crashes involving serious or fatal injury to front seat occupants.

The small overlap test is a demanding crash that replicates what happens when the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle or an object like a tree or utility pole. In the test, 25 percent of a car's front end on the driver side strikes a 5-foot-tall rigid barrier at 40 mph.

Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on 2-instrumented SID-IIs dummies representing a small (5th percentile) woman, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.

Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry -- the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average size man. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can't be positioned to protect many people.

In the roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 side of a roof at a constant speed. To earn a good rating for rollover protection, the roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle's weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. This is called a strength-to-weight ratio. For an acceptable rating, the minimum required strength-to-weight ratio is 3.25. A marginal rating value is 2.5. Anything lower than that is rated poor.

http://www.michaelhohlsubaru.com/2014-subaru-forester-aces-tough-new-crash-test.htm

SUBARU AMONG ELITE FEW RATED SUPERIOR IN NEW IIHS FRONT CRASH PREVENTION (FCP) TEST

September 27, 2013

SUBARU AMONG ELITE FEW RATED SUPERIOR IN NEW IIHS FRONT CRASH PREVENTION (FCP) TEST

• Subaru Legacy sedan and Outback crossover are the only vehicles to receive highest possible score of six points
• Legacy and Outback are two of seven models from 74 tested to receive highest possible “Superior” rating
• In addition, the 2014 Legacy and Outback models are 2013 TSP+ award winners.

Cherry Hill, N.J. - Continuing its strong performance in crash testing, Subaru has two models, the top-selling Subaru Legacy sedan and Outback crossover, rated as “superior” in the new IIHS Front Crash Prevention (FCP) test program. The FCP program was created as a result of research by the Highway Loss Data Institute indicating that forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, such as Subaru’s EyeSight system, are helping drivers avoid frontal crashes.

The Institute rated models with optional or standard front crash prevention systems as superior, advanced or basic, depending on whether they offer autonomous braking, or autobrake, and, if so, how effective it is in tests at 12 and 25 mph.

• Superior rating is given to vehicles that have an autobraking system such as Subaru EyeSight and can avoid a crash or substantially reduce speeds in both tests.
• Advanced rating applies to vehicles with autobrake that can avoid a crash or reduce speeds by at least 5 mph in one of two tests.
• Basic rating is for vehicles with a forward collision warning system that meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performance criteria.

In all, 74 vehicles (2013-14MY) were tested. Subaru’s Legacy sedan and Outback crossover were among the seven vehicles that received the “highest” possible rating of “Superior” when equipped with optional autobrake and forward collision warning systems. The 13MY/14MY Legacy and Outback were the only vehicles that received the highest possible score of six points.

“We want to help get the most effective systems in as many vehicles as soon as possible. That means a speed mitigation system like Subaru’s EyeSight that can prevent crashes at low and moderate speeds” said David Zuby, IIHS Chief Research Officer.

"Our buyers trust us to provide safety in their vehicles" said Thomas J. Doll, president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. "With all of our 2013 models listed as IIHS Top Safety Picks and now the 2014MY Legacy and Outback models tested to 2013 TSP+ and FCP status, this is further proof that we deliver on that trust."

The Subaru EyeSight system is available on the Subaru Forester, Legacy sedan and Outback models and is one of the most affordable of such technologies available. EyeSight uses two charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras developed by Subaru and is mounted inside the car on the upper edge of the windshield, thus reducing the potential for damage that could occur in bumper-mounted systems, such as radar. The EyeSight system processes stereo images to identify the vehicles traveling in front, as well as obstacles, traffic lanes and other items. The video information is relayed to the EyeSight computer, which is also networked with the car's braking system and electronic throttle control. Below speeds of approximately 19mph, EyeSight is capable of detecting pedestrians in the vehicle's path and can activate to mitigate or even avoid the collision. Under certain circumstances, EyeSight is able to bring the car to a complete stop, thus avoiding a collision.

About IIHS
The Institute's frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of a moderate overlap frontal and small overlap crash test. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a 50th percentile male Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

Building on its long-running vehicle ratings program for consumer information, IIHS introduced the small overlap test in 2012 to further improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. Most automakers design their vehicles for good performance in the IIHS moderate overlap frontal test and the federal government’s full-width frontal test, but many haven’t addressed the problem of small overlap crashes. In a 2009 IIHS study of vehicles with good ratings for frontal crash protection, small overlap crashes accounted for nearly a quarter of the frontal crashes involving serious or fatal injury to front seat occupants.

The small overlap test is a demanding crash that replicates what happens when the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle or an object like a tree or utility pole. In the test, 25 percent of a car’s front end on the driver side strikes a 5-foot-tall rigid barrier at 40 mph.

Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on 2-instrumented SID-IIs dummies representing a small (5th percentile) woman, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.

Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry -- the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average size man. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can't be positioned to protect many people.
In the roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 side of a roof at a constant speed. To earn a good rating for rollover protection, the roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle's weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. This is called a strength-to-weight ratio. For an acceptable rating, the minimum required strength-to-weight ratio is 3.25. A marginal rating value is 2.5. Anything lower than that is rated poor.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com. Media can visit www.media.subaru.com

New 2014 Subaru Forester is our top-scoring small SUV

New 2014 Subaru Forester is our top-scoring small SUV

May 21, 2013 6:00 AM

A new small SUV champion has been named: the 2014 Subaru Forester. This redesigned model earned an impressive road-test score of 88 points (out of 100 possible), besting last-year's model by eight points and trouncing the previous leader, the Honda CR-V, by 11 points. Yeah, it's that good.

What makes the accomplishment even more impressive is that this popular category has seen most sales leaders introduce new models, such as the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4, or update existing ones, like the Mazda CX-5. Despite competition that won't rest, Subaru has stood out from the class. (Read our complete Subaru Forester road test.)

The Forester succeeds by focusing on the fundamentals with a space-efficient design, large windows, and big square doors. The result is the easiest access and the best view out of almost any vehicle we've recently tested. It also has one of the roomiest rear seats in the class, with copious amounts of head and leg room.
By adapting various fuel-efficient technologies, including replacing the antiquated four-speed automatic transmission with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Forester now delivers quicker acceleration, as well as a class-leading 26 mpg overall and 35 mpg on the highway in our tests.

We bought a Forester 2.5i Premium for testing, with a $26,814 sticker price. This proved to be a good value that included heated front seats, large sunroof, backup camera, and a power driver's seat. Because above-average reliability is anticipated based on our analysis, it is CR Recommended.

The final jewel in the Forester's crown is that it was the only small SUV out of 13 tested to earn a top score of Good in the new small overlap crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
If you're looking for a safe, practical, fuel-efficient small SUV, read our complete Subaru Forester road test and take one for a test drive. 

2014 SUBARU FORESTER ACES TOUGH NEW CRASH TEST; EARNS NEW IIHS 2013 TOP SAFETY PICK+ RATING

2014 SUBARU FORESTER ACES TOUGH NEW CRASH TEST; EARNS NEW IIHS 2013 TOP SAFETY PICK+ RATING

• All-new The 2014 Subaru Forester is the first vehicle to ace every aspect of the challenging small     overlap front crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
•  Forester is also the only small SUVs to earn an overall rating of good in the test

May 16, 2013, Cherry Hill, N.J, Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the all-new 2014 Forester has received a Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2014 Subaru Forester is the first vehicle to ace every aspect of the challenging small overlap
front crash test conducted by the IIHS. The Forester is the only one of 13 small SUVs to earn an overall rating of good in the test. This is not the first time that the Forester has stood out in a new IIHS crash test. When the Institute first rated small SUVs for side protection in 2003, the Subaru model performed the best and was one of only two vehicles to earn good ratings.

“With the redesigned Forester, Subaru’s engineers set out to do well in our new test, and they succeeded,” says Joe Nolan, the Institute’s vice president for vehicle research. “This is exactly how we hoped manufacturers would respond to improve protection for people in these kinds of serious frontal crashes.”

This award builds on Subaru’s safety reputation and is the first IIHS designation for 2014 model year Subaru vehicles. Subaru is the only manufacturer with 2013 IIHS Top Safety Pick for all models and the only brand with IIHS Top Safety Picks for all models for four years running (2010-2013). The 2014 Forester is the third Subaru vehicle to earn the TSP+ award. The 2013 Subaru Legacy and Subaru Outback (built after August 2012) were awarded the Institute’s 2013 TSP+ designation in late-2012. The
award requires a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating in the Institute’s new small overlap frontal crash test in addition to meeting the base “TSP” award criteria.

"Safety is one of our brand tenets and so we are extremely proud to have earned a TSP+ rating for Forester and a third Top Safety Pick + rating for our brand," said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “The Forester is the most award winning small SUV in America and now we have another designation for this venerable vehicle.”

About IIHS

The Institute's frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of a moderate overlap frontal and small overlap crash test. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a 50th percentile male Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

Building on its long-running vehicle ratings program for consumer information, IIHS introduced the small overlap test in 2012 to further improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. Most automakers design their vehicles for good performance in the IIHS moderate overlap frontal test and the federal government’s full-width frontal test, but many haven’t addressed the problem of small overlap crashes. In a 2009 IIHS study of vehicles with good ratings for frontal crash protection, small overlap crashes accounted for nearly a quarter of the frontal crashes involving serious or fatal injury to front seat occupants.

The small overlap test is a demanding crash that replicates what happens when the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle or an object like a tree or utility pole. In the test, 25 percent of a car’s front end on the driver side strikes a 5-foot-tall rigid barrier at 40 mph.

Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on 2-instrumented SID-IIs dummies representing a small (5th percentile) woman, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.

Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry -- the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average size man. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in
which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can't be positioned to protect many people.

In the roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 side of a roof at a constant speed. To earn a good rating for rollover protection, the roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle's weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. This is called a strength-to-weight ratio. For an acceptable rating, the minimum required strength-to-weight ratio is 3.25. A marginal rating value is 2.5. Anything lower than that is rated poor.

Michael Hohl Subaru State and County Employee Purchase Program

Welcome State and County Employees, 

Michael Hohl Subaru in Carson City is proud to announce the launched of the Michael Hohl Subaru State and County Employee Purchase Program. This is a Special Purchase Program exclusively available to Nevada State and County employees.  In order to effectively manage the needs of this special group, we have established a website dedicated specifically to this program.


For more information, please go to:

NVEMPLOYEEPROGRAM.COM 

This site will provide updated information and details regarding new and pre-owned vehicles that qualify for the state employee program and the special pricing we have in place just for you!
Please go to nvemployeeprogram.com, check it out and then hit the "Contact" tab or call Homi Moghadam, Subaru State Employee Program Manager, at the number listed to find out more details.   

Thank you for your service to our community and this great state of ours.

Sincerely, 

Homi Moghaddam

Subaru State Program Manager

Michael Hohl Subaru
(775) 434-0627

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Thank you for taking the time to share your Completely Satisfied experiences with others.  Please select one or all of the following websites to provide your positive feedback.  

If you had a less then great experience or are having trouble with a rating/review site, please contact our Customer Relations Manager Josh Fullen at (775) 434-0400 or by email at josh.fullen@michaelhohl.com .    

                           

World Premiere of the "SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT" at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show

March 5, 2013

World Premiere of the "SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT" at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show

Geneva -  Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, unveiled the "SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT" today at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show (Press day: March 5 and 6; Open to the public from March 7 through 17 in Switzerland).

"SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT" is a future-generation crossover concept that represents the new design direction and technologies that will take the Subaru brand into the future. "VIZIV" is a coined word inspired by the phrase "Vision for Innovation" to express Subaru's future vision of innovation and the future direction of the brand.
The special site on the Subaru Global Site (http://www.subaru-global.com/ms2013/geneva/) will be updated with information relating to the Geneva International Motor Show. This will include images of the "SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT" as well as a movie of Subaru's press conference.

? Exterior Design

A future-generation crossover concept providing high efficiency and performance on all road surface conditions and driving environments has been created with a new Subaru design philosophy.
The basic design features simple and clean surfaces and lines. The aim was to create the ideal balance between a solid-looking body and a condensed cabin.
The front-end design boldly emphasizes the motifs common to Subaru products. The larger and outwardly projecting grille provides the keynote of the front-end design, and is the point from which the entire front end connects into a solid, dynamic design.
The simple and powerful motifs of the sides create a new Subaru design element. The grand outward sweep of the integrated fenders and the solid door panel forms create a dynamic side view design.
The upper cabin highlights the window graphics evocative of the shooting-brake body style. It contrasts with a solid body panel design, creating a sporty, lean silhouette.
The rear design also features the same Subaru motifs used in the front. The rear combination lamp features an iconic Subaru motif, and the hexagonal panel surrounded by lamps projects outward in the center.
The "Mistral Silver Metallic" exterior color highlights the dynamic, stylish exterior design of the "SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT".

? Interior Design

Like the exterior, the interior invokes the promise of dynamic road performance. While great care was taken to design a highly refined environment, interior space was also designed to embody Subaru's renowned functionality, peace of mind and fun for all occupants.
The cockpit features an instrument panel layout designed primarily for ease of driver operation and vehicle control. The instrument panel displays the operation status of Subaru's own driving assist "EyeSight" system.
The tachometer and speedometer in the center combine functionality and sportiness, featuring a unique cylindrical design and outstanding visibility.
Custom information displays in front of the front passenger seat and in the rear seating area let passengers share the thrill of being in the driver's seat.

? Packaging

To implement Subaru's development concept of human-centered engineering, the two-door, four-seat stylish and sporty body was given a packaging design enabling four adults to ride comfortably even on long road trips.
The 100% motor-driven rear wheels eliminate the need for a propeller shaft, creating a lower floor that offers ample legroom for rear seat occupants despite its compact size.

? Power Units

"Subaru Boxer Diesel Hybrid", as a proposal to the future of Subaru power units, was mounted in the "SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT". The powertrain is a plug-in hybrid system that combines a 2.0-litre Subaru Boxer diesel engine and high-torque-compatible Lineartronic (CVT) with a front motor that provides both vehicle drive and power generation, and two independent rear motors for vehicle drive only. By achieving solid environmental and road performance with this powertrain, Subaru's "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind" driving experience will be further advanced.
The powertrain selects the best time to use each power unit according to its strengths and the driving application, achieving high fuel economy. The motors start and drive the vehicle during low-speed or city driving, while the diesel engine and high-efficiency Lineartronic take over on the highway.
"Hybrid SI-DRIVE" system has an "Eco-Cruise" mode that provides coordinated control in conjunction with the "EyeSight" driving assistance system in addition to "Intelligent" and "Sports" modes. Engine and motor power are subjected to fine-tuned control according to the travel conditions captured and detected by the EyeSight's stereo camera, creating an intelligent driving feature designed for safety and environmental friendliness.

? AWD (All-Wheel drive) System

"Independent-rear-motor-driven symmetrical AWD" system which is leading the way to a future generation of Subaru AWD technology has been adopted for the SUBARU VIZIV CONCEPT. Subaru is constantly refining its unique AWD systems according to the development philosophy "Four-wheel management". "Independent-rear-motor-driven symmetrical AWD" system provides fine-tuned control of the four wheels to match the travel environment and road surface conditions.
Two motors exclusively developed for rear wheels' drive control the rear right and left drive power freely. Coordinated management system of the front and rear motor controls the division of drive power between the front and rear wheels. It increases Subaru's trademark active safety performance. Turning the steering wheel increases the drive power applied to the rear, creating a handling characteristic that responds nimbly to driver operations. Turning the steering wheel back increases the drive power applied to the front, creating a handling characteristic that emphasizes stability.
In stop-and-go city traffic, all wheels are driven by the motors when starting from rest, providing high starting torque and powerful acceleration, but low fuel consumption with quiet ride.
By independently controlling the drive power applied to the left and right rear wheels, the rear drive system provides more torque to the outside rear wheel and less to the inside rear wheel when cornering to generate inner-directed yaw momentum on the vehicle and achieve extremely quick and smooth "on-the-rail cornering". Besides helping acceleration and all-terrain performance, this groundbreaking AWD system also uses drive power to help turn the vehicle. Along with its thrilling handling and cornering that responds faithfully to driver operations, it also offers outstanding handling stability that ensures a high level of secure feeling and confident drive.
Minimum turning radius can be compact due to "Independent-rear-motor-driven symmetrical AWD" system, thus superior maneuverability has been achieved.

Major Specifications
Overall Length X Width X Height (mm): 4,320 X 1,900 X 1,510
Wheelbase (mm): 2,640
Engine Type: 2.0-litre Horizontally-Opposed Subaru Boxer diesel engine
Transmission Type: Lineartronic (CVT)
Electric Motor Type: Interior Permanent magnet synchronous motor; Front: 1 motor; Rear: 2 motors
Battery Type: Lithium-ion batteries
AWD System: Independent-rear-motor-driven symmetrical AWD
Tires: 245/45 ZR20
Seating Capacity: 4

Subaru Releases “Launch Control”

April 22, 2013

Subaru Releases “Launch Control”

• Action packed new web-series with an all-access pass behind the scenes of the Subaru Factory Rally and RallyCross Teams

Cherry Hill, N.J., -  Subaru of America Inc. has released the first episode of “Launch Control”, a bi-weekly web video series that chronicles Subaru Rally Team USA and the Subaru PUMA RallyCross Team as they prepare for and compete in a fast-paced 2013 race season spanning the globe. With a mix of in-car video, car prep and driver interviews, “Launch Control” is the story of two teams, everything it takes to win and everything that gets in the way.

In the debut episode of “Launch Control,” Subaru Rally Team USA driver and defending Rally America Champion David Higgins is training for the upcoming season at his home in Wales, UK, while the crew at Vermont Sports Car, the Subaru technical partner managing both teams, is hard at work in the shop preparing the 2013 Subaru WRX STI team cars for a the season ahead.

If there is a team that knows what goes into winning a championship, SRT USA would be it. Subaru’s 2012 Rally America championship victory marked their second in a row and their sixth in seven years.

RallyCross, on the other hand, is relatively new for the team. Competing in the emerging Global RallyCross Championship the team must tackle new venues, new race formats, new rules and new cars. Challenging the established RallyCross teams from Europe, the learning curve for team drivers Bucky Lasek, Dave Mirra and team leader and three-time European RallyCross Champion Sverre Isachsen, has been steep.

“Launch Control” will follow the trials and triumphs of these two teams throughout their 2013 seasons and give viewers a behind the scenes look at the efforts of the drivers, engineers and mechanics as they fight for victories.

“Launch Control” can be viewed at Subaru of America’s YouTube channel youtube.com/Subaru with new episodes launching every other Wednesday. The series can also be viewed on the Driving Sports Network which can be found on iTunes, Blip.tv, Roku, Mevio, and DivX TV among others.

Episode 2 will air on May 1st

View Episode 1: http://subar.us/14wp86F

SUBARU REPORTS BEST-EVER APRIL SALES

May 1, 2013

SUBARU REPORTS BEST-EVER APRIL SALES

• April 2013 is best April sales month in Subaru history
• Sales of 32,943 units represent a 25 percent increase over April 2012

Cherry Hill, N.J., -  Subaru of America, Inc. today reported 32,943 vehicle sales for April 2013, which represents a 25 percent increase over April 2012 and the best-ever April sales month in company history. Year-to-date sales for Subaru total 125,470– a 17 percent increase over the same period in 2012. These results build on strong sales from 2012 where Subaru achieved five consecutive years of sales increases and exceeded 300,000 annual sales in 2012 – a first in company history.

April sales for the all-new 2014 Forester increased 65 percent over April 2012 Forester sales. XV Crosstrek and BRZ sales were also notably strong at 4433 and 812, respectively.

“Demand for the all-new 2014 Forester has been especially strong,” said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “We expect to see sales for the Forester and XV Crosstrek continue to grow throughout the year.”

Carline	13-Apr	12-Apr	% Chg	13-Apr	12-Apr	% Chg
	MTD	MTD	MTD	YTD	YTD	YTD
Forester	9366	5666	65.30%	30510	22540	35.40%
Impreza	4692	6791	-30.90%	19124	27891	-31.40%
Impreza WRX	1508	1352	11.50%	6027	4181	44.20%
Legacy	3286	3799	-13.50%	14615	15916	-8.20%
Outback	8730	8548	2.10%	36831	35608	3.40%
Tribeca	116	154	-24.70%	620	742	-16.40%
BRZ	812	0	n/a	2600	0	n/a
XV Crosstrek	4433	0	n/a	15143	0	n/a
TOTAL	32943	26310	25.20%	125470	106878	17.40%

“Our 25 percent increase in sales was primarily driven by the all-new 2014 Forester and strong performance across the rest of the model lines,” said Bill Cyphers, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. “We look forward to adding the XV Crosstrek Hybrid – Subaru’s first-ever hybrid – to our line-up.”