The year is finally drawing to a close, and most automakers will look back at 2008's dismal sales figures with disdain. Crumbling market share for domestic U.S. brands led to the year's biggest story -- that of a Federally-funded automotive bailout. Import brands didn't fare much better, with Toyota, Nissan and Honda all posting distinctly lackluster sales figures towards the end of the year.
At least one automaker is set to buck the overall negative trend, as Subaru executive vice president Tom Doll says that its U.S. arm will post a modest sales increase for 2008, and incentives weren't a big part of Subaru's success. New products like the Impreza and Forester led the way, and an increased marketing push helped the aging Legacy improve on its 2007 numbers. Regardless of its minor victories for '08, the Japanese automaker isn't expecting any miracles in 2009 with its New Year's resolution of simply maintaining current levels. Good luck.
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]
At least one automaker is set to buck the overall negative trend, as Subaru executive vice president Tom Doll says that its U.S. arm will post a modest sales increase for 2008, and incentives weren't a big part of Subaru's success. New products like the Impreza and Forester led the way, and an increased marketing push helped the aging Legacy improve on its 2007 numbers. Regardless of its minor victories for '08, the Japanese automaker isn't expecting any miracles in 2009 with its New Year's resolution of simply maintaining current levels. Good luck.
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]
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