Subaru remains the only manufacturer with IIHS top safety pick for all models

- Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today announced that Subaru of America, Inc.* released for the second consecutive year it has been recognized as the only automotive manufacturer with a 2011 TOP SAFETY PICK winner in every vehicle class in which it competes by the Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).
IIHS provides to consumers safety information about vehicles with four-level rating system. Front the previous 2010 assessment, for the first time, good performance in the roof strength to measure protection in a rollover is required to win. TOP SAFETY PICK recognizes vehicles that, in IIHS
testing, does the best job of protecting people in front, side, rear and now rollover crashes based on
“good” ratings, which denotes “good” as the top ranking status possible in Institute tests. Its frontal
crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. 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 effectiveness of the head restraints is evaluated in the rear crash protection. Winners also must have standard electronic stability control (VDC** for Subaru vehicles).

“We know our customers take their safety very seriously and so we are very
pleased that IIHS has recognized us again as the only manufacturer with a TOP SAFETY PICK winner for
all its models,” said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. “This is
an outstanding success and a tribute to the engineering that goes into Subaru products. The IIHS reinforces
to our customers that Subaru maintains the highest standards to produce vehicles that are s fun-to-drive,
durable, reliable as well as safe.” Subaru will further enhance its renowned excellent safety performance by
refining distinctive technologies and continue providing confidence with driving and peace of mind to our
customers.

*Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries
Ltd. Headquartered in
Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles in the
United States.
**Vehicle Dynamics Control
About Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, is a leading
manufacturer in Japan with a long history of technological innovations that dates back to its origin as an
aircraft company. While the automotive business is a main business pillar, FHI’s Aerospace, Industrial Products and Eco Technologies divisions offer adiverse range of products from general-purpose engines, power generators, and sanitation trucks to small airplanes, crucial components for passenger aircrafts, and wind-powered electricity generating systems. Recognized internationally for its AWD (all-wheel drive) technology and Horizontally-Opposed engines in Subaru, FHI is also spearheading the development of environmentally friendly products and is committed to contributing to global environmental preservation.

Subaru Cars and Jeep hit the Top Safety Picks!

Last week the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released its list of the 2011 models that earned top marks in its safety tests. In all, the IIHS named 66 vehicles Top Safety Picks, including 40 cars, 25 SUVs and a minivan. That number is up considerably from last year's list, which was smaller than usual because of tougher IIHS test criteria, including a more stringent standard for crashworthiness in a rollover:
At the beginning of the 2010 model year, only 27 vehicles qualified for the award, but the number grew to 58 as auto manufacturers reworked existing designs and introduced new models. Now another 10 vehicles join the winners' list for 2011. Two discontinued models drop off.
"In just a year, automakers have more than doubled the number of vehicles that meet the criteria for Top Safety Pick," says Adrian Lund, the Institute's president. "That gives consumers shopping for a safer new car or SUV -- from economy to luxury models -- plenty of choices to consider in most dealer showrooms. In fact, every major automaker has at least one winning model this year."
The two automakers with the most qualifying models were Volkswagen and Hyundai, each of whom had nine Top Safety Picks.
But they were far from the only standouts. In fact, the number of qualifying models more than doubling between the 2010 and 2011 model year is a testament to the vibrancy of the global automotive industry, which has shown a remarkable capacity to adapt to some really difficult challenges within one or two model years on a pretty consistent basis.
That's in part, why I think high fuel economy standards are such a no-brainer -- the expertise and ingenuity within the industry are such that even the toughest mileage standards have little chance of getting between auto companies and their profits, thanks to the efforts of thousands of brilliant automotive engineers worldwide.
Another thing that stands out is the number of really affordable cars that got the nod. It wasn't so long ago that if you wanted a car that was really safe, you'd need to shop in the luxury car class. Now, entry-level cars like the Ford Fiesta and the Chevrolet Cruze are among the safest sold.

Here's the full list of winners, in case you're car shopping right now:
Large cars
Buick LaCrosse
Buick Regal
BMW 5 series (except four-wheel drive and V-8)
Cadillac CTS sedan
Ford Taurus
Hyundai Genesis
Infiniti M37/M56 (except M56x four-wheel drive)
Lincoln MKS
Mercedes E class coupe
Mercedes E class sedan
Toyota Avalon
Volvo S80

Midsize cars
Audi A3
Audi A4 sedan
Chevrolet Malibu
Chrysler 200 4-door
Dodge Avenger
Ford Fusion
Hyundai Sonata
Kia Optima
Lincoln MKZ
Mercedes C class
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
Volvo C30

Small cars

Chevrolet Cruze
Honda Civic, four-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control
Kia Forte sedan
Kia Soul
Mitsubishi Lancer sedan (except four-wheel drive)
Nissan Cube
Scion tC
Scion xB
Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback (except WRX)
Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Golf, four-door
Volkswagen GTI, four-door

Minicar
Ford Fiesta sedan and hatchback built after July 2010

Minivan
Toyota Sienna
Large SUV
Volkswagen Touareg
Midsize SUVs
Audi Q5
Cadillac SRX
Chevrolet Equinox
Dodge Journey
Ford Explorer
Ford Flex
GMC Terrain
Hyundai Santa Fe
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Kia Sorento built after March 2010
Lexus RX
Lincoln MKT
Mercedes GLK
Subaru Tribeca
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Venza
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90

Small SUVs
Honda Element
Hyundai Tucson
Jeep Patriot with optional side torso air bags
Kia Sportage
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan

Best Resale Value Rankings for 2011 Cars Subaru Tops Toyota!

  When you’re shopping for a new car, it’s hard to think about selling it someday. But it makes sense. One of the first thing many car shoppers look for is: Will this car have good resale value? A  pair of car-valuation specialists ranked 2011 models according to their resale value.
  Kelley Blue Book and its web site kbb.com , known for used-car valuations, projected future market value of 2011 cars after five years. Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) projected residual values at the end of a typical three-year lease.
  Subaru topped both lists as the mainstream brand with the best resale value, edging out Honda — a brand long known to hold its value well. “The sustained high quality of Subaru’s products as well as its consistent message about the benefits of all-wheel drive” have contributed to loyal customers and high resale value, says Raj Sundaram, senior vice president of ALG.
From Kelley Blue Book:

For many, Subaru is synonymous with all-wheel drive. A smaller group instantly equates the automaker with rally racing and performance. And for a surprising number of people we talk with, any mention of Subaru still conjures the iconic BRAT introduced in the late seventies. Very few, though, associate the automaker with excellent resale value. But this year Subaru tops Honda, Toyota and other usual suspects as our 2011 Best Resale Value Award recipient for best brand. How so? A styling renaissance is putting the vehicles on more shoppers' radars, and what they're discovering are cars and crossovers that are just plain nicer and better-built than they've long thought. Subaru and its symmetrical all-wheel drive are still extra popular in the white and wet parts of the country, but the secret is slipping out and more people are taking notice of a gem they may have overlooked since the BRAT went bye-bye in 1987.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Named '2011 Urban Truck of the Year'

•All-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee sets the standard for premium SUVs and is awarded "2011 Urban Truck of the Year"
•Award is latest in growing list of accolades for 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

•Grand Cherokee hits the sweet spot of real-world capability and on-road refinement

Editors of Decisive Auto magazine and a panel of 15 independent automotive journalists have chosen the all-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee as Decisive Media's "Urban Truck of the Year."

"While faithfully capturing the spirit of its predecessor, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is new and improved in every way," said Lyndon Bell, Editor-in-chief – Decisive Auto magazine. "The Jeep's over-the-road dynamics easily rivals that of its competitors' less capable crossover vehicles. Meanwhile, the Jeep is also perfectly proficient at traversing any terrain. Luxurious interior appointments – along with the fact that drivers aren't penalized into accepting a lower trim level if they opt for the more fuel-efficient engine – speaks volumes to the way Jeep's engineers and product planners incorporated 21st century realities into America's most iconic SUV."

Before choosing Jeep's new premium SUV, the Urban Vehicle judging panel spent several months driving dozens of vehicles in a variety of North American urban settings. Consideration focused on several categories, including styling, practicality and attainability attributes of each vehicle.

"The 'Urban Truck of the Year' award reinforces the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee's broad appeal," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Jeep is pleased that this panel of influential journalists has recognized that the new Grand Cherokee delivers the perfect blend of on-road refinement, superb craftsmanship, world-class design, improved fuel economy, innovative features, and legendary real-world capability."

The Urban Vehicles of the Year will be formally presented at the 15th Annual Urban Wheel Awards on January 9, 2011, leading into the North American International Auto Show activities.

The "Urban Truck of the Year" is the latest in a list of awards the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has recently captured. Other accolades include:

•Consumers Digest "Best Buy"

•Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Award for Off-Road Ability

•Texas Auto Writers Association "SUV of Texas"

•Texas Auto Writers Association "Full-size SUV of Texas"

•Ruedas ESPN "Best SUV"

•Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Nearly two decades ago, Jeep invented the premium SUV segment with the introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. More than 4 million sales later, Jeep improves the formula and hits the sweet spot of Jeep 4x4 capability and on-road refinement with the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers premium on-road performance while maintaining the Jeep brand's legendary four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand two-speed transfer case and towing capability. It also offers improved fuel economy (up to 23 mpg), superb on-road ride and handling, a world-class interior cabin, more than 45 safety and security features, and a variety of advanced technology features.



Jeep Brand

Built on nearly 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all six Jeep models are sold outside North America - and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.
SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC

Hysterical!!!

Subaru Brand Rated 2011 Best Retail Brand by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new and used vehicle information, has announced that Subaru has been awarded 2011 Best Retail Brand and the Subaru Outback has also been named a Top 10 Best Resale Model at the Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value Awards.

The Best Resale Value Awards recognizes current and forthcoming vehicles for their projected retained value five years from now. Since depreciation (or loss of value) is typically a car-buyer's primary expense during ownership, these awards, like all of kbb.com's new- and used-vehicle information, are designed to help consumers make more informed car-buying decisions.
Subaru of America COO, Tom Doll said: "These awards are a testament to the inherent value in Subaru vehicles, value that stems from our class-leading safety, reliability and durability. Purchasing a Subaru has long been a wise choice for consumers and these awards reinforce that decision. "
Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value Awards are based on projections from the Kelley Blue Book® Official Residual Value Guide, determined by an expert staff of automotive analysts. These prestigious awards honor vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their original list price after five years of ownership. Low-volume vehicles and vehicles with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of more than $60,000 are excluded from award consideration, except in the luxury and high-performance categories.
For more information about Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value Awards, please visit
http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/2011-best-resale-value-awards.



About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new- and used-vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated website, www.kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the Fair Purchase Price, which reports what smart buyers are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book® Official Guide. According to the C.A. Walker Research Solutions, Inc. - 2009 Spring Automotive Website Usefulness Study, kbb.com is the most useful automotive information website among new- and used-vehicle shoppers, and half of online vehicle shoppers visit kbb.com. Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com also is a W3 Silver Award winner, sanctioned by the International Academy of Visual Arts. Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, used car values, car reviews, new cars for sale, used cars for sale, and car dealer locations.



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 Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru boasts the most fuel efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. 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.