Subaru Hits All-Time Sales Record for 2009 and will Expand Forester Line

Subaru of America, Inc. sold 216,652 vehicles for 2009 – a 15-percent jump over calendar year 2008. They have announced new versions of its top-selling Forester compact crossover SUV at the North American International Auto Show, which runs January 11-24 at Cobo Center. The Forester was Subaru’s top-selling model in 2009, with 77,781 sold — a 28-percent increase over 2008.

The new option packages will be available in February and further demonstrate the market agility that allows Subaru to respond quickly to customer trends.  The Forester has a NHTSA 5-Star Ratings and IIHS Top Safety Pick. The Forester 2.5X with Special Edition Package adds 16-inch alloy wheels and roof rails for a discounted package price of $400 over this model’s $20,295 MSRP.

The Forester 2.5X Limited, already luxuriously equipped with leather appointed interior, 10-way power driver’s seat, automatic transmission, panoramic power moonroof and other amenities, offers a new Navigation System and Convenience Package for $2,300. At $500 more than the regular Navigation System, the new option also includes the Forester line’s first-ever HID headlights, plus a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, one-touch folding rear seats and a cargo area cover.

In addition to the new option packages, the Forester also features other enhancements for 2010, including a standard 10-way power driver’s seat for the 2.5X Premium and Bluetooth wireless capability for the available navigation system in Limited trim lines. Forester is offered in five trim lines for 2010. The Forester 2.5X, powered by a 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine, is one of the best values in the crossover SUV segment. The 2.5X Premium adds a 10-way power driver’s seat, large panoramic power moonroof and interior enhancements and offers an available All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated side mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer). The Forester 2.5X Limited includes the All-Weather Package and offers more luxury and an available navigation system. For powerful, sporty performance, the 2.5XT Premium and 2.5XT Limited are powered by a 224-hp turbocharged/intercooled Boxer engine.