IwannaSportSedan Posted March 10, 2007 Author Share Posted March 10, 2007 While I agree with you on some things, I think you have a mispercetion of Subaru. While I have never talked to management I would have to assume that a Subaru is a "niche" car. It isn't a mainstream car, and never will be. The fact that all of their cars have AWD pretty much negates them from being sold in volume in many of the states were the weather is fine all year round. AWD is not necessarily an atribute to scoff at. As more cars come with AWD touted as safety, even with traction in the dry, and stability, it is becoming more mainstream. Subaru and AMC Eagle aren't the AWD cars that people think of anymore. There will always be more of a demand in more inclement climates, you are right about that. I am not really talking about Subaru climbing out of their niche. I am saying that other mainstream manufacturers are climbing IN to Subaru's niche. Subaru is going to have a tough battle to defend that niche marketshare against a much bigger player. I personally think Subaru is fine where they are at and they will continue to move forward. Subaru's continue to get built better and are slowly refreshed. I don't think most people care if subaru has a coupe, or if the legacy isn't a wagon. I see about 10 billion outbacks for every 1 legacy wagon I see. I also see about 1 billion legacies for every 1 legacy wagon I see. Who knows, but I think you are being unrealistic if you think subaru is trying to become the next "GM." Subarus are being built better, safer, and as reliable as ever, and recently more powerful. Most people, as you previously said, are not buying subarus in the main stream. Subaru owners tend to know what they want. I know what I want, and I eventually want a coupe. LOTS of subaru owners tend to want the practicality of a wagon. more than one-one-billionth of the owners here have wagons, and love them. And other markets still get them, with much lower numbers of units sold. Every other market, aside from Japan proper, are smaller than the US market. The US market is the only one that lost the Legacy wagon. Why cut off your nose to spite your face? I don't want Subaru to become the next GM. No way! But GM might be climbing into Subaru's AWD practical Niche with a good looking coupe. Subaru has no coupe, and thus, has no way to compete to defend their niche. In a faster paced world, slower model updates, and receding option content is the wrong direction for a company that is trying to GROW their US Market share. They need to be doing it better and cleaner than the other car company, not writing checks that their product can't cash. (due to non-essential problems like options, colors, and lack of inventory. the core product is sound, but isn't immortal.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrok Posted March 10, 2007 Share Posted March 10, 2007 How long has subaru been around? How long have they had the same company model? They have been around this long why would they all of a sudden disappear when the same company model has got them this far? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IwannaSportSedan Posted March 10, 2007 Author Share Posted March 10, 2007 Oldsmobile was the oldest horseless carriage manufacturer in the US. Plymouth was around quite a long time, too. Just because a company has had longevity doesn't mean it is guaranteed to survive in the future, if it makes poor business choices. It isn't going to fold overnight. but that doesn't mean that current trends are the right ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beanboy Posted March 10, 2007 Share Posted March 10, 2007 Why would they be in trouble? Look at the changes in the market over the past ten years: Plenty of car-based SUVs/tall wagons with many more coming to market Haldex and related systems offers a fairly cheap way to adapt FWD platforms to AWD Electronic stability control Better winter tires Other companies have increased the size of the cars Average V6 family car is decently fast Average family car now has a solid dose of luxury features available -B http://www.standardshift.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NSFW Posted March 11, 2007 Share Posted March 11, 2007 This looks like the AWD coupe I've been looking for since about 1998. It would make a sweet refresh for the AWD coupe my girlfriend is driving now, if it becomes real. I'd rather it be a Subaru, but I'm not picky... I do wish I had the $XX,XXXX to buy the new Nissan GTR though. That looks like the car I've always wanted... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spray Posted March 14, 2007 Share Posted March 14, 2007 If there is indeed an AWD high powered coupe branded as a Saab I might just have to sell my subaru Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gfxdave99 Posted March 14, 2007 Share Posted March 14, 2007 Gimme dose wheeelz If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough. - Mario Andretti Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spray Posted March 14, 2007 Share Posted March 14, 2007 How about this car, with Saab AERO-X wheels. Cheque please. I was at the private Canadian debut of the Saab Aero concept...friggin hottest car ever made. Honestly just build this, exactly like this, scale down the interior a tad, and you'll make bajillions. http://www.trollhattansaab.net/images/aero-x/Aero%20X%20canopy%20up%20dark%20hangar%20hi.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IwannaSportSedan Posted March 16, 2007 Author Share Posted March 16, 2007 The raised line around the hood, and the huge b-pillar are a tad odd. but it is a saab thing. This is an amazing looking car, that is fo' shizzle. (in defference to the blingin' dubs, yo!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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