Autoblog

Subaru Tribeca getting the axe?

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Subaru, Rumormill

Could it be? Could Subaru finally be killing the Tribeca?

We'll admit it. We've been waiting for this day since we first spied the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca. So has every other too-clever-by-half automotive journalist who slammed Subie's range-topper when it debuted in late 2005, looking like it had been styled by whatever group-think team General Motors had canned for unleashing the Pontiac Aztek on the world. We never thought Plan B9 From Outer Space would last this long to begin with, and we wouldn't be surprised if someone told us that Subaru has been keeping the slow-selling, three-row crossover in production just to keep the automotive journalist peanut gallery from gloating. We do love to gloat.

Of course, the report from Motor Trend is nothing more than a rumor at this stage, and Subaru's official response is that there will be a 2013 model year Tribeca. And who knows, maybe the powers that be at Fuji Heavy Industries will shove another delightfully refreshed model year down the pipeline. Volvo's been doing it for years.

Subaru Tribeca getting the axe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab unearths Subaru Tribeca-based 9-6 prototype from the archives

Noah Joseph — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:36:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Saab, Subaru

Go back a few years ago to when Saab and Subaru were the quirky stepchildren in the General Motors family. That was before GM sold its stake in both, and when the beancounters in Detroit wanted to try something different. They took a Subaru Impreza wagon/hatchback, gave it some new bodywork and presto! the Saab 9-2x was born.

That wasn't the only tie-in between the two that was mooted, however. A second Saabaru was under consideration, based on the maligned Subaru Tribeca. The planned vehicle was scrapped before it had the chance to live, but following much demand from the Trollhättan faithful, Saab has taken the resulting 9-6 prototype out of hiding, put it on display at its own museum and published these photos through its Inside Saab blog for all to see. As you can see, the prototype (like the 9-2x) received an extensively reworked nose in line with the Saab look, but the interior would've been largely carried over had it reached production.

The emergence of the 9-6 prototype has some interesting timing, as Saab itself recently confirmed plans for an expanded lineup that includes a 9-6x - a model that we don't see sharing anything with the castoff crossover seen here. Scope it out in our high-res image gallery.

Saab unearths Subaru Tribeca-based 9-6 prototype from the archives originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda6, Subaru Tribeca headed for the exit ramp?

Chris Shunk — Tue, 10 May 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Mazda, Subaru

Mazda6 and Subaru Tribeca - Click either image for high-res gallery

The Subaru Tribeca and Mazda6 haven't exactly set the U.S. auto market ablaze, and a report in AutoWeek (citing Japan's Nikkan Kogyo) claims that both models could meet an untimely demise.

The Tribeca has been unpopular seemingly since the day it was introduced as the B9 Tribeca, and recent sales figures show that the Subaru crossover has only found 910 new homes so far in 2011. Subaru attempted to increase interest in the CUV by giving it a new face, but buyers have been mostly unimpressed. And since other Subaru models are selling like hotcakes, the Tribeca is doing little more than taking up space at the automaker's Indiana assembly plant. The automaker has reportedly already stopped research and development on the next generation Tribeca, which definitely isn't a good sign.

While the Tribeca has been something of a sales catastrophe, the Mazda6 hasn't been quite as big of a dud, but it has serially underperformed. Mazda was looking to move about 100,000 units per year out of its Flat Rock, MI plant, but sales haven't been quite so robust. The Japanese automaker sold only 45,168 units in 2010, which has led to speculation that Mazda may quit producing the model at the facility.

Mazda hasn't divulged any plans regarding the 6, but speculation is that the automaker could move out of Flat Rock altogether, leaving the facility to Ford, which produces the Mustang at the plant. One rumor has Mazda moving to a new facility in Mexico, where labor costs are much lower than in the States.

If Subaru opts to stop making the Tribeca in the U.S., the CUV is likely dead forever. That's not necessarily the case with the Mazda6, though, as Mazda could potentially import the mid-size sedan from other markets. Neither Subaru or Mazda have announced any plans about either vehicle or their production plans in North America.

Mazda6, Subaru Tribeca headed for the exit ramp? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 May 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca to bow at New York Auto Show

Chris Shunk — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 08:26:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Crossover, Subaru

2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca

The current Subaru B9 Tribeca is a lot like the person with whom your mother wants to set you up. It has a "nice personality," but "good looks" never comes up in conversation. The B9 has been a disappointment to both Subaru fans and company executives who were hoping for much better sales numbers. Help may be on the way, however, with improved power, fuel economy, and looks (we hope).

Subaru is set to unveil part two of the crazy experiment they call the B9 Tribeca at the New York Auto Show. The scribes over at Automobile are reporting that the B9 Tribeca will lose some of its ugly with a more conventional grille and wider, narrower headlights. It'll also sport a new 3.6L V6 engine with 254 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, which beats the current model's 3.0L by 9 hp and 32 lb-ft. The new V6 will also provide 10% better fuel economy while running on regular gasoline instead of the current model's premium fuel.

We're happy to hear the B9 Tribeca will gain new power and improved fuel economy, but we're not going to commit to a blind date until we see some pictures.

[Source: Automobile]

2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca to bow at New York Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2007 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru asks Indiana for $212 million in tax abatements

Chris Paukert — Thu, 25 May 2006 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Subaru, Toyota

Subaru is out for millions in Indiana. The automaker is soliciting the city council in Lafayette for $212 million worth of tax abatements so that it can convert its Tippecanoe plant to accommodate Toyota Camry production.

Among other things, Subaru has pledged to install some $205 million in machinery, along with another $7M earmarked for installation of a new loading dock and stamping press.

The company expects to build 40,000 Camrys next year, with an eye towards a full 100,000 units down the road, while affording about 1,000 additional laborers the opportunity to earn a crust.

[Source: The Associated Press via Mlive.com; CBSNews.com]

Subaru asks Indiana for $212 million in tax abatements originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 May 2006 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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