Subaru Reports A Huge 47 Percent Drop In Sales-One Model Stays Warm

Subaru of America reported a huge 47 percent drop in sales compared with the same period last year, but one model faired better. The Camden, N.J. automaker moved just 32,611 vehicles off dealer lots in March 2020 compared with 61,601 last year.

The huge downturn is due to the COVID-19 global health crisis impacting the entire automobile industry.

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With no end in sight to the worldwide pandemic, this is sure to bring an end to Subaru’s goal to hit twelve consecutive years of sales records in 2020. With social-distancing and shelter-at-home orders in many communities and cities, many Subaru dealers are closed and it’s “limiting car buying across the board,” said Jeff Walters, Senior Vice President of Subaru Sales.

The 2020 Subaru Forester fairs better than other models

A surprise for Subaru is the 2020 Forester compact SUV that’s been the hot model for Subaru. For March, the compact SUV saw a drop of “only” 33.7 percent compared with the top-selling Outback wagon that saw a 53.8 percent drop in sales. The next best selling model, the subcompact Crosstrek SUV, was down 47.5 percent, and the new Ascent family hauler declined 49.1 percent for the month as many families opt to delay planned purchases.

How did other Japanese automakers do in March? It was dismal for all automakers. Toyota was down -36.9 percent, Honda -48.0 percent, Mitsubishi -52.0 percent, Mazda -41.8 percent, Nissan who reports quarterly dropped FQ1 -29.6 percent, and Hyundai -43.0 percent (South Korea).

Owners still need to have their vehicle serviced

You may not be shopping for a new car, but you still need to get your Subaru vehicle in for service. Some dealers are now providing alternative methods of vehicle service, including pick-up and drop-off, expanded service loaner fleet, and mobile repair. Subaru says dealers that remain open are “following the most up-to-date guidelines from the CDC, adapting services and undertaking enhanced measures for cleaning and sanitation to help support the safety of employees and customers.”

If you are struggling to make your car payment on your Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, or another all-wheel-drive model, the automaker is offering a Payment Deferment Program and you could qualify. You can contact your Subaru dealer or click here for Subaru Motors Finance information.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on our Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Subaru Report. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru news and updates at Torque News!

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Photo credit: Subaru USA