The Hampshire-based dealer has refurbished its Jaguar used car site to create a six-car showroom and five-bay workshop for the brands and is expecting annual new and used sales of around 250 units, with the Legacy Outback the most popular model.
The retailer, which also has Land Rover and Jaguar showrooms, purchased a petrol station forecourt opposite its site to move the Jaguar used car business. This gave it space to add the new franchises.
“Subaru fits in very well with our current two marques, especially the 4x4, hunting, fishing and shooting area,” says dealer principal Winton Webber.
“The cars are highly regarded by customers and very reliable. It is ideal for us because the manufacturer is aiming for smaller volumes with higher profit margins, not volume for volume’s sake.”
Subaru plans to expand its retail network from 90 to 120 over the next two years, with city sites a key target. Last year it sold 8,800 vehicles and so far this year it has sold 4,500, with full year figures predicted at 9,000-9,500. That’s dipped 1,500 since February, when Subaru national franchise development manager Terry Leach told AM 11,000 was the target, blamed on the depressed retail market.
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