Author Topic: The dummying of Subaru  (Read 10480 times)

Offline Snowman

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The dummying of Subaru
« on: April 13, 2007, 07:45:29 am »
The end is near    :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/12/is-toyota-preparing-to-purchase-fuji-heavy-outright/

Winding Road is reporting that a recent change in Japan's anti-trust regulations might mean that Toyota has a clear shot at acquiring a controlling interest in Fujji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru. Lest you think this might be some pie-in-the-sky notion, Subaru admits it could use the help. Toyota already has an 8.7% minority share in Subaru's parent company. With the changes in restrictions, Toyota could make a move and gobble up Subaru and all of its awd motorsports prowess.

TheCarConnection interviewed Subaru CEO Ikuo Mori, who basically admitted that Subaru might not be long for this world without Toyota's cash infusion. That doesn't mean we'd see badge engineering between the brands anytime soon, however. This wouldn't be like its partnership with GM according to the spokesperson. No 9-7X-like crossover projects are expected, but changes are in the works. Subaru apparently has set its sights on Southern California as a new focal point for the future of the company. And some extra cash would certainly help Subaru achieve its goal of increasing worldwide sales by 15% over the next three years

Offline 2latecrew

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2007, 08:29:48 am »
Well if Toyota gets a hold of Subaru at least they won't have to worry about there being any more reports from CR of "oversteer". AWD Camary's for everyone!

UmroAyyar

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #2 on: April 13, 2007, 08:52:55 am »
Toyota and FHI denied that FHI would be acquired by Toyota.

I can't remember the original piece, this is the only relevant article I can find at the moment.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=abe7FojiTjLE&refer=japan
« Last Edit: April 13, 2007, 09:01:41 am by UmroAyyar »

Offline Snowman

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #3 on: April 13, 2007, 09:33:18 am »
Toyota and FHI denied that FHI would be acquired by Toyota.

I can't remember the original piece, this is the only relevant article I can find at the moment.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=abe7FojiTjLE&refer=japan

In business the default response is denial until it is over. A quick way for Toyota now is to acquire rather than expand already stretched resources in the attempt to overtake GM for No. 1. Subaru is already performing engineering services for Toyota. :'(  :'(  :'(
« Last Edit: April 13, 2007, 09:36:04 am by Snowman »

Offline JSCC

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #4 on: April 13, 2007, 09:53:03 am »
I don't think it is a bad idea for Toyota to take over Subaru.
As long as Subaru's engineering deparment stay mostly independent, asking it to be 100% independent would be impossible.

Infusion of cash => more R&D => better quality => more production => lower cost => lower prices for more engineering!

New WRXs for CAD$30,000, are you happy?  ;D

Exterior design-wise........ :hide:
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Offline JSCC

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #5 on: April 13, 2007, 09:58:14 am »
As previously predicted, more brands but less owners (parent companies).

At the end? Maybe 1 Euro company, 1 USA company, 1 Asian company.

"Romance of the Three Kingdoms"!


Offline mmret

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #6 on: April 13, 2007, 10:06:07 am »
As previously predicted, more brands but less owners (parent companies).

At the end? Maybe 1 Euro company, 1 USA company, 1 Asian company.

"Romance of the Three Kingdoms"!



BenzMWagen AG?
You can't just have your characters announce how they feel.
That makes me feel angry!

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UmroAyyar

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #7 on: April 13, 2007, 10:08:24 am »
Toyondasanzukidashi

Offline 2latecrew

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #8 on: April 13, 2007, 12:19:33 pm »
I don't think it is a bad idea for Toyota to take over Subaru.
As long as Subaru's engineering deparment stay mostly independent, asking it to be 100% independent would be impossible.

Infusion of cash => more R&D => better quality => more production => lower cost => lower prices for more engineering!

New WRXs for CAD$30,000, are you happy?  ;D

Exterior design-wise........ :hide:

You don't need Toyota to buy Subaru to get a WRX for CAD$ 30,000 ..you just need to drive across the border and buy from a US dealer.  ;D

Offline mrthompson

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #9 on: April 13, 2007, 12:27:18 pm »
Vee Dub should buy Subaru.....lolz!   :D


Well, there goes Subaru's quirkiness and personality.

Offline Snowman

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #10 on: April 13, 2007, 12:33:55 pm »
Vee Dub should buy Subaru.....lolz!   :D


Well, there goes Subaru's quirkiness and personality.

Yes... :'( :'( I need a hug.

Offline initial_D

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #11 on: April 13, 2007, 12:47:35 pm »
Vee Dub should buy Subaru.....lolz!   :D


Well, there goes Subaru's quirkiness and personality.

Yeaharh ... that totally makes sense. Why would Toyota buy Subaru, they are like competitors, it is just silly! 8)

Well, with Toyota's help, maybe Subaru can be in Top Form in the WRC and rule again.  :)

Offline Snowman

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #12 on: April 13, 2007, 01:21:40 pm »
Vee Dub should buy Subaru.....lolz!   :D


Well, there goes Subaru's quirkiness and personality.

Yeaharh ... that totally makes sense. Why would Toyota buy Subaru, they are like competitors, it is just silly! 8)

Well, with Toyota's help, maybe Subaru can be in Top Form in the WRC and rule again.  :)


WRC is 95% dricver 5% car

Offline initial_D

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #13 on: April 13, 2007, 01:36:07 pm »
So you are saying Petter is no longer competitive? Best days are behind? :) And the 2 newer drivers for Citroen and Ford (one is a rookie and the other has 2 years of experience) are better? They are more competitive in rallies and have the points to prove.  :)

Offline Snowman

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #14 on: April 13, 2007, 01:38:26 pm »
So you are saying Petter is no longer competitive? Best days are behind? :) And the 2 newer drivers for Citroen and Ford (one is a rookie and the other has 2 years of experience) are better? They are more competitive in rallies and have the points to prove.  :)

Yes. Hollywood is too busy worrying how white his teeth are.

Offline initial_D

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #15 on: April 13, 2007, 01:42:42 pm »
Maybe he can be a Mega Star in Bollywood.  :) Singing and showing some teeth.  ;D ;D Petter got married right after he won WRC championship, then ...  :think: :think:

Offline G0dspd

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #16 on: April 13, 2007, 02:26:32 pm »
This can't be good.  Subaru will simply become AWD derivatives of Toyota models.  :(
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Offline johngenx

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #17 on: April 13, 2007, 04:09:10 pm »
Who didn't see this coming?  Subaru following VW into "we ARE an upscale brand, dammit!"  The Tribeca is a huge flop, and the expensive Legacy products are just not selling.  The Impreza is a great product, but sits in a no-where land of products.

Subaru was kickin' arse when it reinvented itself back in 96/97 with the Outback products, and then lost its way when it decided it was an Acura/Lexus competitor instead of Honda/Toyota.

Right now, in Canada, the Impreza needs to be $21,995 for the wagon, $25-29K for the Forester non-turbo line and the non-turbo Legacies need to be $27-30K.

avtoller

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #18 on: April 13, 2007, 04:14:02 pm »
 :iagree: Right on, John.

Mitlov

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Re: The dummying of Subaru
« Reply #19 on: April 13, 2007, 04:16:31 pm »
Basically, Subaru needs to sell cars in Canada at the same relative price that they sell them in the United States.  Here, the Impreza is priced squarely against the Civic.  The Legacy four-cylinder is priced against Camry and Accord 4-cylinders, and the Legacy GT is barely more expensive than well equipped V6 Camrys and Accords.  Subaru doesn't do great in the States because most people here don't see the value in fuel-economy-draining AWD (and with good reason, in places like Texas and California).  But in Canada, with that pricing, Subaru could become one of the leading manufacturers.