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02-07-2005, 11:52 AM
From http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=8098
Two New Subarus in Geneva - But Not for the Swiss
Subaru has taken the unusual step of giving two new models their European debut at Geneva - although neither will be sold in Europe. The fact that the two cars are aimed one at the Japanese market and one at the USA emphasizes the international importance of the Geneva show, which will be reported in depth in both the US and Japan as well as all over the rest of the world. Geneva will give the Japanese firm more bang for its promotional buck.
The Japanese market introduction is the R1, a minicar that has just gone on sale in Japan in that county's important 'K-car' segment for cars of a maximum of 660cc. Despite its diminutive size and engine capacity, the R1 boasts all-wheel drive and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The body, whose shape is likened by Subaru to an egg, contains a luxurious interior designed for the driver and one passenger.
Also available with two-wheel drive, the R1 is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in Japan. It also complies with new Japanese regulations, which demand a fifty percent reduction over 2005 levels, to be considered as an Ultra Low Emissions vehicle.
The second Subaru is more likely to have Europeans salivating over something they cannot have. It's the B9 Tribeca SUV, which, as its name implies, is mainly for the US market. The big seven-seat off-roader is a new departure for Subaru, which although it is one of the world's leading manufacturers of all-wheel drive cars, has never produced an SUV. With seven seats and a 3.0-liter flat six engine, the Tribeca is quite a change for the company that created the 'crossover' segment when it introduced the Forester.
To be produced at Subaru's plant in Indiana, the Tribeca will be sold only in the US, Canada - and Chile. With its aggressive style and luxurious interior, the Tribeca could persuade a few Swiss buyers to book tickets to Santiago. -Ian Norris
Two New Subarus in Geneva - But Not for the Swiss
Subaru has taken the unusual step of giving two new models their European debut at Geneva - although neither will be sold in Europe. The fact that the two cars are aimed one at the Japanese market and one at the USA emphasizes the international importance of the Geneva show, which will be reported in depth in both the US and Japan as well as all over the rest of the world. Geneva will give the Japanese firm more bang for its promotional buck.
The Japanese market introduction is the R1, a minicar that has just gone on sale in Japan in that county's important 'K-car' segment for cars of a maximum of 660cc. Despite its diminutive size and engine capacity, the R1 boasts all-wheel drive and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The body, whose shape is likened by Subaru to an egg, contains a luxurious interior designed for the driver and one passenger.
Also available with two-wheel drive, the R1 is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in Japan. It also complies with new Japanese regulations, which demand a fifty percent reduction over 2005 levels, to be considered as an Ultra Low Emissions vehicle.
The second Subaru is more likely to have Europeans salivating over something they cannot have. It's the B9 Tribeca SUV, which, as its name implies, is mainly for the US market. The big seven-seat off-roader is a new departure for Subaru, which although it is one of the world's leading manufacturers of all-wheel drive cars, has never produced an SUV. With seven seats and a 3.0-liter flat six engine, the Tribeca is quite a change for the company that created the 'crossover' segment when it introduced the Forester.
To be produced at Subaru's plant in Indiana, the Tribeca will be sold only in the US, Canada - and Chile. With its aggressive style and luxurious interior, the Tribeca could persuade a few Swiss buyers to book tickets to Santiago. -Ian Norris