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Subaru puts China production on hold amidst slowing growth

Subaru's 2015 sales and production forecast estimates the Japanese brand to sell about 60,000 vehicles in China this year, a 10 percent rise. However, a recent decision not to build a factory there might make future growth more difficult. Given the changing state of the market, the automaker doesn't seem concerned by the potentially lost sales. According to Bloomberg, even if the Chinese government gave permission for Subaru to build its planned joint venture factory with Chery, the Japanese brand would not take advantage of it. "Since the profits are split with your partner, you would have to double the sales to maintain the profits you earn by exporting from Japan," said Akira Mabuchi, the company's executive in charge of China, according to Bloomberg. Subaru is in the odd position of being the only major Japanese automaker without a joint venture partner to build cars in China, but the massive year-over-year growth there seems to be slowing. Auto sales in China were up 6.9 percent in 2014, according to Bloomberg, compared to 14 percent in 2013. Also, Chinese consumers have been famously averse to buying Japanese vehicles with only half of the consumers there even willing to purchase one. Instead, the company is focusing on the US market, according to Bloomberg. The decision makes sense. While Subie's sales in China shrunk 2 percent in 2014 to about 55,000 vehicles, the company grew 21 percent in the US to 514,000 units. The automaker already has plans to add capacity to its factory in Indiana. News Source: BloombergImage Credit: Jae C. Hong / AP Photo Plants/Manufacturing Subaru

Custom-built Subaru Impreza is set to break Isle of Man record

Last week Prodrive showed off the 2016 Subaru WRX STI it built for a record attempt at the Isle of Man TT's Snaefell Mountain Course. And now Subaru is officially going back to the Isle of Man to break its own record. Once again Mark Higgins will drive the Impreza around the 37.7-mile road course. Higgens piloted record runs in 2011 and 2014. The most recent run established the current 19-minute, 15.9-second best time. This new car "will be considerably faster than the previous car," according to Dominick Infante, Manager of Product Communications for Subaru America. That's because the previous attempts were in mostly-stock versions of the Impreza WRX STI. The new car is a completely rebuilt, track-only special. Details on the engine and other specifics like aerodynamic tweaks are being held until the car's official launch. The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy is an annual time-attack motorcycle race on the small island located between the United Kingdom and Ireland. This year the event runs from May 28 to June 10. There are no sanctioned automotive races on the Isle of Man, so Subaru is essentially running the course for our entertainment. And as you can see in the video below from last year, it's riveting. We can't wait to see if the new car will break the 19-minute barrier. Subaru Racing Vehicles mark higgins

Subaru Viziv Future Concept conceptualizes the future

Well, here's a rugged little thing. It's the latest in Subaru's Viziv series of concepts, unimaginatively called the Viziv Future Concept. But never mind the name, what we have here is a forward-thinking SUV that packs a new hybrid powertrain, downsized turbo engine, and reworked version of Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. That said, there's little to learn about these reworked systems, with Subaru's own press blast saying a whole lot of nothing about the new technologies found within the Viziv. Only the updated AWD system gets an explanation, with Subaru saying the "propeller shaft has been eliminated by mounting the single motor concentrically on the rear axle in a compact layout. In addition to AWD capabilities, a flat floor is realized for an expansive, comfortable interior space." What does the Viziv mean for Subaru? It's hard to say. Initially, this concept looks like a neat take on a next-generation Forester, but let's also remember that Subaru plans to re-join the three-row SUV segment soon with a proper replacement for the Tribeca. In any case, it's a tough-looking thing, and something we could easily see fitting in with Subaru's range of rugged all-rounders. Related Video: Subaru VIZIV Future Concept (world premiere) Subaru VIZIV Future Concept is a SUV-type concept model embodying the future vision of car development for "enjoyment and peace of mind" that Subaru wants to provide to customers. Along with a package of design features that motivate the owner to get out and get active, this car gives a look at next-generation technologies that will further enhance the reputation of Subaru for "enjoyment and peace of mind" in driving. Among them are the automatic driving technology resulting from the ongoing evolution of EyeSight, and the power unit combining a downsized turbo engine with a hybrid system. Subaru remains focused on providing cars that enrich the lives of customers, as the start of an exciting new chapter. The Subaru VIZIV Future Concept gives a glimpse at the future Subaru has in mind for the brand. 1. Design The design concept is "Subaru & Active Life". Giving concrete form to the Subaru Dynamic & Solid design theme, the design clearly shows the value of "enjoyment and peace of mind", while generating the urge to go out and actively discover the wide world. Exterior The body as a three-dimensional solid form is given a clear polished surface enhancing the impression of high density and sturdiness.