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Subaru confirms 3-row crossover for Indiana plant for 2018

There's a new vehicle coming to Subaru's Lafayette, IN, factory, as the all-wheel-drive specialist confirmed the site will build a new three-row crossover. The vehicle, which will actually be larger than the long-departed, three-row Tribeca, will begin construction in 2018. This announcement from Subaru follows a report from Automotive News last week that the company would introduce a US-specific seven-passenger CUV. That same report pointed to the Indiana factory as the source of the new model. It's unclear if this new model will revive the Tribeca name. All the company would say is that it "will likely carry a name synonymous with outdoor adventure, consistent with the company's other successful crossovers." "We are delighted to be bringing even more Subaru manufacturing to the US," Subaru of Indiana Automotive executive vice president Tom Easterday said in a statement. "The new model will also result in increased investment at SIA and at several of our suppliers across the country." Alongside the unnamed new CUV, Subaru's Lafayette, IN, factory already builds the Legacy and Outback. By the time the full-sizer arrives, the factory will also be responsible for the redesigned Impreza. Read on for the official announcement from Subaru. November 9, 2015 SUBARU CONFIRMS NEW 3-ROW CROSSOVER TO BE MADE IN U.S. AT INDIANA PRODUCTION PLANT Subaru of Indiana Automotive will receive 3-row in 2018 as its fourth model Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru has confirmed that a new 3-row crossover model, effectively replacing the retired Tribeca, will be produced at its SIA plant in Lafayette, Indiana. The all-new crossover is expected to be built beginning in 2018 and will be a larger vehicle than the Tribeca, with full third-row capability. The new vehicle has not yet been named, but will likely carry a name synonymous with outdoor adventure, consistent with the company's other successful crossovers; Outback, Forester and Crosstrek. When production of the new model begins, Subaru will have four models produced in the U.S.: Legacy, Outback, a new Impreza compact sedan and 5-door model beginning production in late 2016, and this new crossover. Subaru production in Indiana is projected to be approximately 228,000 units in 2015, and annual capacity is scheduled to grow to 394,000 with the introduction of the Impreza model. Subaru is currently enjoying its seventh consecutive year of sales records and expects to close 2015 with over 550,000 sales, with sales tripling since 2007.

Acura may go all AWD in bid to mimic Subaru's success

Acura's struggles have been well publicized. The Honda-owned luxury brand doesn't seem sure of where it's going or what it's trying to accomplish, with its cars and marketing lacking a coherent theme. Now, a new report from Automotive News claims that the brand could follow the success of Subaru and (to a lesser extent) Audi, and adopt all-wheel-drive as standard across its model range.
"I think that's the way we should go," Acura boss Koichi Fukuo told Automotive News.
Acura already offers some form of all-wheel drive on every vehicle in its line aside from the lamentable ILX sedan. That could change as Acura begins rolling out next-generation versions of its still relatively new stable of sedans and crossovers.

Consumer Reports says Toyota, Ford, Honda and Chevy are big winners in brand perception survey

According to Consumer Reports, the automotive brands that stand out in the minds of car buyers are, in order: Toyota, Ford, Honda and Chevrolet. This news comes after the magazine polled its readers, asking them to take into account vehicle quality, safety, performance, value, fuel economy, design/style, and technology/innovation - which are the factors that car shoppers are most influenced by.
It's important to note that this award is only about perception. In other words, it's perceived quality, not actual quality. "Often, perception can be a trailing indicator, reflecting years of good or bad performance in a category, and it can also be influenced by headlines in the media," said Jeff Bartlett, Consumer Reports deputy automotive editor.
The brand that made the biggest jump in perception amongst Consumer Reports readers is Tesla, which posted an impressive 47-point gain to finish in fifth place. Subaru is also notable for finishing in the top 10, despite being one of the smaller manufacturers doing business in the US. Scroll down below for all the details from Consumer Reports, if you're so inclined.