Thanks to the horrendous Metro traffic, there may be those among you who have gotten the chance to notice the types of cars on the road. No, not because you’re interested in four-wheeled vehicles, but because you’re actually looking for something to do to pass the time. While doing so, you may have noticed the sheer number of Subarus on the road, particularly the Forester and the XV.
True enough, these two crossovers are Motor Image Pilipnas’ best-selling nameplates. But did you know that the Philippine distributor thinks that it could sell more units this coming year? While it has rolled out around 3,000 units in 2016, Mr. Glenn Tan, Executive Director of Tan Chong International, Motor Image parent company believes they could do better. The goal, he says, is roughly 4,000 Subarus.
Subaru is pinning its hopes on its two latest models that are set to enter the Philippine motoring landscape real soon. The Subaru Impreza, which had its regional launch in Singapore last week, will break cover in our market come March. Priced at around P1.38 million, the four-door sedan (which will be the initial model available) will come with a 2.0-liter, 156hp boxer engine and Symmetrical All-wheel drive. Needless to say, it will offer the hallmark sporty and surefooted drive that all Subarus, whether Forester or WRX STI, are known for.
The bigger news, however, is the arrival of the all-new, second-generation XV. Just like its Impreza platform-mate, the XV will utilize the new Subaru Global Platform, as well as Dynamic Solid design cues. Beyond the marketing fluff, these essentially promise a more striking look and drive that’s just as good. Set to be unveiled in Geneva this March, we should see a new XV in dealerships by September this year.
Mr. Glenn Tan, Executive Director, Tan Chong International Ltd.
Speaking of dealerships, the Tan Chong boss wants to expand the showroom network, bringing the brand closer to more people. This, together with more aggressive marketing, new models and the continued push of marques like the hot Levorg, the top-selling Forester, and WRX and WRX STI—the symbols of all things Subaru, are just part of the strategy to help Subaru reach its goals for 2017.
With all these in place, we may just see more Subarus on the road—gridlock or otherwise.
