New_scooby_04

iTrader: (4)

I'd agree. It's quite simple really:

People who want a quick, tarty and good value car get an Evo or Scooby

People who want a grown up car, buy an Audi/BMW etc..

Subaru just can't compete with Audi for fit and finish and brand status etc... all they are doing by trying to go upmarket is alienating the fanbase that made the marque so popular! That fanbase was hardly composed of Scallys; most Subaru owners were professional late 20, early thirtysomethings, frequently in IT! Scallys don't generally have 26 grand to spend on a new Subaru!

Like any good value quick car, made to last, they just found favour with Scallys as they aged.

If Subaru think such individuals won't be maxing the latest generation of Scoobies because of the new grown up look, they're mistaken. The "sophisticated" new looks are nothing that some aftermarket garish spoilers and bodykits won't fix lol!

It'll just happen sooner as the rubbish residuals will bring them within the financial reach of the undesireables that much quicker.

Silly, Silly Subaru. Play to your strengths!

Ns04

Chris L

Very sad day :-(

And I don't know how good a position Prodrive will be in, seeing as they have put 20% of their company up for sale as well. Although I wouldn't be surprised if they aren't involved in some way to buy the Honda F1 team.

Chris L

I'll correct that - it's 20% of Aston Martin that is up for sale and not Prodrive

Petem95

Sad news

I can see Ford following suit as well seeing as Ford are not far off being bankrupt. Comes a point where they must think whats the point, and maybe just cancel WRC for a few years until the financial crisis has blown over?

Same goes for F1 really - I know the early testing times dont always tell that much, but Toyota's times are not exactly looking hot. My money is on Toyota to pull out of F1 next (possibly before the season begins), and after them you'd probably think BMW would be next to go.

billyray911

iTrader: (4)

Subaru have been having a crisis of personality for the past few years.They havent moved with the times with regards car design,pricing etc etc and instead of playing to their strengths they have tried to be all things to all people.
By dumbing down with their new cars,they have alienated their audience most of whom are not as brand loyal and seem to be looking at other marques for a more complete package.
Combining this with the high cost of maintaining a scooby,it really does spell a crisis period for them.
I still love my car but with subaru and its identity issues,it doesn't feel 'special' anymore.
Hey ho...Guess i'll just wait for prices to really plummit and get myself a bargain!!!

BULLITT

It has been on the cards for a while ever since their was mention of a rule change in WRC that would see the top class changed to RWD and S1600 cars to FWD. Subaru stated from day one that they would pull out of WRC if this was to come as they will not compete in motorsport in a car that the public cannot buy. Subaru has aimed its product in a particular direction, their trademark is the 2ltr Turbo boxer engines and 4WD and they want to stay true to this trademark.

On business terms the pull out is a sensible decision, both Subaru and Prodrive invest heavily in the WRC and with the global economy the way it is and with SWRTs current performance record, it is a safer option to pull out of the WRC now rather than invested millions, possibly bankrupting the team (and ultimately Prodrive) to try and keep going and/or develop a new car.

Subaru have had a good long stint in the WRC with many victories and have had many legends driving for them over the last 17 years. I'm sure they will be back when the FIA realise they made a big mistake changing the rules for the WRC.

I've always liked Subarus been a strong supporter of Subaru World Rally Team long before I could drive and I'm glad I own one now to continue that support