RE: [Paddlewise] ACA and Subaru

Dear Paddlewise Participants:

ACA has noted your comments regarding the Subaru vehicle classification.
Subaru has received some negative publicity regarding the upcoming new
redesigned 2005 model year Outback to be launched this February at the
Chicago Auto Show.

We are very aware of the situation yet convinced that Subaru is very
committed to safeguarding our environment.

Below is the official release from Subaru of America.  Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Gerald L. Babao
American Canoe Association
7432 Alban Station Blvd., Suite B-232
Springfield, VA 22150
703.451.0141, Ext. 23 (phone)
703.451.2245 (fax)
http://www.acanet.org
 						FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBARU RELEASES STATEMENT REGARDING 2005 MY OUTBACK CLASSIFICATION

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Jan. 13, 2004 - Subaru of America, Inc. today released
the following statement in response to various media reports regarding the
vehicle classification of its new Outback Sedan and Wagon:
The primary reason the 2005 model year Outback will be classified according
to NHTSA as a light duty truck is because it was completely redesigned to
meet customer demand for more SUV-type features.
Subaru pioneered the crossover vehicle category back in 1995 with the Legacy
Outback - the World's First Sport Utility Wagon.  Today, the crossover
category is the fastest growing segment in the auto industry.  Through our
market research, we know that customers don't want to sacrifice fuel
economy, comfort, ease of entry, or ride quality; but desire SUV-like
features such as dark-tinted side rear windows, higher ground clearance, and
approach and departure angles suitable for off-road driving.  Customers
frequently choose Subaru Outback over conventional truck-based SUVs because
of its outstanding fuel economy, performance, handling, and safety.  The new
Outback will continue to deliver the best of both worlds to the popular
cross-over segment and remain a strong alternative to SUVs.
The new Outback, to debut at the Chicago Auto Show in early February, was
designed to be a light duty truck.   In fact, both the Outback Wagon and
Sedan will exceed the NHTSA light duty truck standards on 4 of 5
requirements including break over angle, departure angle, running clearance,
and axle clearance.
Subaru has always made fuel economy a top priority in its product
development process.  Subaru has a track record of producing superior
crossover vehicles that meet stringent federal safety and emissions
standards.  The new Outback is no exception. The base model Outback is
expected to have improved gas mileage for model year 2005, while we will
also offer a model with enhanced performance characteristics for those
customers that have expressed that desire.  The new Outback Sedan and Wagon
will meet federal emissions
-- more -

standards for light duty truck - which is as stringent as emission standards
for light duty vehicles as defined by the EPA and ARB. However, final
testing by the EPA for emissions compliance and fuel economy label
calculations for model year 2005 Outback has not yet been completed and
therefore is not available.
Subaru is committed to developing advanced technologies that improve fuel
economy and emissions as evidenced by the new Sequential Series Hybrid
Electric (SSHEV) propulsion system in the B9SC and the urban commuter
electric vehicle R1e concept cars featured at this year's Detroit Auto Show.
In addition, the new Outback released later this year will feature advanced
engine technologies such as Active Valve Control System (AVCS) that improves
overall engine efficiency.  Further, the newly designed Outback body
structure reduces overall vehicle weight by as much as 180 pounds.
Subaru always has been and will continue to be committed to safeguarding the
natural environment that so many of our customers avidly enjoy.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy
Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered near Philadelphia, the company
markets and distributes all-wheel drive Subaru vehicles, parts and
accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United
States.  Subaru is the only car company that offers symmetrical all-wheel
drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its product line. For
additional information please visit www.media.subaru.com.





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