As fleet managers are ordering 2014 model year vehicles, what is Subaru telling its clients with respect to models, availability and order to delivery time?
Subaru’s sales are record setting every month with continued high demand, but order to delivery (OTD) times will not be impacted as additional production and fleet sales planning are a priority. Senior management is continually taking steps to increase production and transfer allocation originally set for China and Europe to the US. We are already delivering 2014 All New Forester small SUV, Legacy mid-size sedan, and Outback mid-size Crossover.
Subaru has enjoyed enormous acclaim with respect to safety; how this played out with fleets?
Yes, the 2014 all new Forester small SUV, the 2013 Legacy mid-size sedan, and Outback mid-size Crossover have each achieved IIHS Top Safety Pick+! This is the highest award from IIHS. Subaru has always had top honors and high rating by IIHS and NHTSA. The latest reviews and tests have just reemphasized our attention to safety as a high priority. The vast majority of our customers place a high emphasis on safety, and this has supported our sales growth.
Tell us about Subaru’s residuals and total cost of ownership
Our residuals have been some of the strongest of all manufacturers, and within our respective classes, whether the market nationally is good or not. Subaru’s reputation and limited volume at the auctions have propelled us to very high value whether they are 24, 36 or 48 months old. It makes a significant difference in our low TCO’s, along with our high gas mileage.
There’s a reason Subaru is the only OEM to have five years in a row of sales and market share increases, four of which are record breaking even during the past awful economy, and we know how the balance of the industry did! If a fleet is looking for low total cost of ownership or high safety and reliability ratings, Subaru can deliver.
BIO
Ron Lasman is Manager, National Commercial Fleet Accounts, reporting to Charles R. Reed, Manager National Fleet Sales Operations, Subaru of America, Inc. Ron is responsible for expanding and servicing the national commercial fleet customer base for Subaru. He joined Subaru in 2002 and has 35 years’ experience in Fleet.
Prior to joining Subaru, Ron worked as Director of Fleet Services for MEDIQ Incorporated and as Fleet Manager for Sears Cleaning Services. Ron has also worked for ARI and Rollins Auto Leasing, as well as several Philadelphia auto dealers.
Ron received a bachelor’s degree in American History from West Chester University. He is married and has 2 children and a granddaughter.
