MISSISSAUGA, ON,- Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) today announced that July year-to-date sales of Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive vehicles were up 2.6 percent, with 16,093 units retailed to date in 2011. After achieving its best ever mid-year result with six consecutive months of record-breaking results, total vehicle sales decreased by 18 percent during the month of July with 1,916 units retailed; however, in an industry that's down overall, this month's sales are solely the outcome of a vehicle inventory situation resulting from the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan back in March. Even in this challenging climate, Subaru Canada maintained its position as the fastest growing Japanese manufacturer in Canada for over three years running.
With excitement building around the release of the brand new 2012 Subaru Impreza, a delay in vehicle production was a factor for July sales. Monthly sales dropped by 42.7 percent as inventory for the current model year diminished.
"Due to the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan back in March, we are now facing a challenging inventory situation until production is able to catch up," said Shiro Ohta, president and CEO of Subaru Canada. "In an industry that's down overall, Subaru Canada was still able to achieve its best ever year-to-date sales as inventory is only now temporarily affecting sales growth. This resilience is a testament to the strength of our dealer network as well as everyone at SCI."
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada.
