2005 Subaru Impreza Wrx Sedan 4-door 2.0l on 2040-cars

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Should Subaru stay niche or go mainstream? [w/poll]

Out of all the automakers doing business in the US, Subaru is the one that has carved out the most interesting niche for itself in the minds and lifestyles of buyers. Outdoorsy types, dog lovers and active families alike flock to Subaru's rugged nature and all-wheel-drive utility - and they're fiercely loyal, which is probably why Subaru has become a success story.
But Subaru is still a relatively small player in the US market, and with recent profits surging, parent company Fuji Heavy Industries is facing a dilemma: continue on with the successful niche market Subaru has carved out for itself, or attempt to go mainstream and give big players like Nissan and Toyota a run for their money. According to Carscoop, Japan Times and Bloomberg News are reporting that Fuji Heavy is beginning discussions this month to determine which direction Subaru will take.

West Coast labor dispute hampers Japanese automakers' US plants

The ongoing labor dispute between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and port owners along the West Coast is starting to affect more Japanese automakers building vehicles in the US. The issue already forced Honda and Subaru to take the expensive option of airlifting some parts into the US weeks ago, and according to USA Today, Toyota and Nissan have begun doing so, as well. The choice hasn't been cheap, though, and Subaru's chief financial officer estimated that the decision cost around $60 million more per month than sending components by cargo ship. The effects continue to radiate, according to USA Today, and shortages of some models are possible. Honda is slowing production at its factories in Ohio, Indiana and Canada because the automaker doesn't have enough transmissions and electronics for some vehicles. Toyota already cut back on overtime at some factories. Nissan has only seen a small effect from the issue, though, because of its local suppliers. Dock workers and port owners have been negotiating on a new contract since last year, and the union has organized work slowdowns in response. According to USA Today, the automakers could move shipments to Canada or Mexico, but it would take longer for parts to arrive. News Source: USA TodayImage Credit: Mark Ralston / AFP / Getty Images Earnings/Financials Plants/Manufacturing UAW/Unions Honda Nissan Subaru Toyota shipping port labor dispute

Subaru recalls 3k Legacy and Outback models for fluid leak

Subaru is recalling 2,893 examples of the 2015-2016 Legacy and Outback because of a potential transmission fluid leak on the two models. The affected vehicles carry build dates between July 3 and July 25, 2015 for the Legacy, and until July 27 on the Outback. According to a Subaru document posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (as a PDF), during production, the seal cap in the propeller shaft yoke may have been deformed. This could cause a transmission fluid leak, and "there is a possible risk of fire" if the liquid drips onto the exhaust, the report says. Dealers will replace the entire prop shaft on these models, and repairs will start on August 28. New examples will carry a stop-sale until fixed. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Transmission Oil Leak Report Receipt Date: AUG 10, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V502000 Component(s): POWER TRAIN Potential Number of Units Affected: 2,893 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) SUBARU LEGACY 2015-2016 SUBARU OUTBACK 2015-2016 Details Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc. SUMMARY: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke. CONSEQUENCE: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire. REMEDY: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.