Subaru Australia finished 1997 on a high note, selling 14,282 vehicles, an increase of 68.7% on the previous year.

Considerable focus on All-Wheel Drive, brand development and products that ideally suit the Australian lifestyle are behind the growth.

The result is the second best on record. The following table shows a comparison of VFACTS results for each model in 1996 and 1997:

                         1996                  1997                    % increase

Liberty            4,094                4,353                          6.3                                                                                                                Outback was a big factor for Subaru

Impreza          3,607                5,780                        60.2

Outback            749                 2,007                     168.0

Forester                                    2,139                           -

TOTAL           8,450               14,279                       68.7

Other records also made in 1997 include 1,743 Impreza WRX sales and overall record December sales of 1,632 vehicles.

Subaru’s continued growth over the year is mainly as a result of the continued popularity of the award winning Liberty and Impreza models.

Additionally, the Subaru Forester has made a huge impact with 640 sold in December, a new record. And the Outback continues its sales growth as well as spawning copy-cat vehicles from European and American manufacturers.

This increased popularity of Subarus can be attributed to strong brand development.

Mr Trevor Amery, Managing Director of Subaru said: "Subaru’s strong focus on the growth of the brand and brand equity is being reflected in our record sales results. In a market which has grown 11% in the last year, Subaru has grown 69%.

"We have a great product, great specifications, and a great working relationship with the factory. The many awards the vehicles have won in 1997 is testament of this."