Subaru sets sales record

Subaru of New Zealand has achieved an all-time annual sales record in 2018 with 3,632 new Subarus sold in 2018 - an increase of 8.8 per cent compared to 2017's total of 3,338. 

The Outback continues as the number one seller, making up 36.5 per cent of the total sales and Subaru’s second-generation compact SUV, the XV, performed well in its first full year of sales - up 78.5 per cent on 2017. 

After its New Zealand launch in August, the new fifth-generation Subaru Forester tripled sales in its first full month of sales in September.

By December 31, its sales were up by 18.4 per cent year-on-year. The Forester was also named the AA Driven New Zealand Car of the Year Best in Class Medium SUV.

As the popularity of SUVs continues, sales of Subaru’s three-model SUV range, plus the Legacy and the Impreza - all drove the brand ahead by 8.8 per cent year-on-year versus the automotive industry which was up by 1.1 per cent.

New partnerships were also signed last year, with Subaru supplying vehicles to Federated Farmers and also partnering with the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays family fun run event, which takes place on March 3, 2019 and prominent Kiwi personality Matilda Rice joined the Subaru family as a brand ambassador last year.