Motor Image Pilipinas (MIP), the exclusive distributor of Subaru in the Philippines capped off 2009 with a total sales output of 942 units, marking a 56 percent growth in 2009. It also registered the biggest sales growth in the automotive industry last year based on the latest figures from the Chamber of the Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI). Subaru has been the fastest growing automotive brand in the country consistently increasing every year since it opened in 2006.

Since its arrival in 2006, Subaru sales in the Philippines have consistently increased year after year reaching a high of 100 percent growth in 2008. Last year, strong sales of the SUV model, the Forester, keyed the growth of Subaru sales with sales increasing by 98 percent from the previous year ending 2009 with sales of 634 units.

The Impreza model range was consistent with total sales almost similar to its volume in 2008 with 227 units. The all new Legacy and Outback, which were introduced only last October, finished the year with a combined total of 64 units. The Legacy also got the nod of the Car Awards Group and won the much-coveted Car of the Year-Philippines for 2009.

Despite the difficulties of last year brought about by the global economic recession, Motor Image Pilipinas still managed to exceed its own expectations and finished the year on a strong note. Motor Image Enterprises Group Chief Executive Glenn Tan attributes the growth to its strong model line-up and focus on customer expectations.

Tan said: “Outperforming the other companies is not exactly our priority but rather as a result of our commitment to give our customers the newest models from Subaru. We have also focused on maintaining our high level of after sales support, from on time delivery and availability of genuine Subaru parts through world class and well-trained technicians.”

This year, the first Subaru dealership outside Metro Manila will open in Cebu. Located in the automotive row of A.S. Fortuna in Mandaue City, the new Subaru dealer aims to deliver the same level of high-quality brand new vehicles and world-class after sales support to the booming Visayas market. Motor Image is also set to open another dealership in Metro Manila within 2010.

The Subaru Greenhills showroom and service center is located along EDSA, San Juan and is open from Monday to Sunday. A complete line-up of test drive vehicles is also available to all customers.