Subaru: The Unlikely Success Story - Autoline This Week 1921

It’s a company that doesn’t make sexy cars. Pickups and big SUVs aren’t part of the mix either. And when it comes to luxury, as Tony Soprano would say, “forget about it.” So we know what it doesn’t make but the question is what does it make? And the answer is…profit! Join John McElroy as he welcomes for the first time to the Autoline studios the man who runs Subaru of America, very successfully we might add, president and COO Tom Doll. Appearing on the panel with John are Michelle Krebs from AutoTrader and Joe White from Reuters.

[calebanderson]

Decent gas mileage, all wheel drive, reliability. That's all it took. Why American car companies can't do this is a mystery to me.

[charged]

A really good and frank interview from Tom Doll. He's got a great track record, it sounds like he's got a clear vision for the company that's based on customer feedback, and he acknowledges their weaknesses. We could use more guys like him in the auto industry. I'm a happy Subaru owner and it's nice to see they are successful and plan to keep it going.

[ziphead]

Great interview. Keep up the awesome reporting!

[fergusmcnamara]

In South Africa we have a supply problem, dealers sell everything they have, please send more supply. Truly great cars.

[exit]

Good stuffs! The BRZ needs the wrx engine and that will definitely increase sales .

[Entertainment-usgt]

I've had my 2012 2.0 Forester for three years and I don't like the lack of power. Very disapointing. I do plan to change it asap.

[gregg]

Great video and definitely some interesting facts about the Subaru brand. As an older generation (bugeye) WRX owner I was really curious to know the future of the BRZ. I love the looks! When Tom Doll was asked about the FRS/BRZ partnership it seems to me that he doesn't want the BRZ as it stands now. It's definitely frustrating to see because of the potential in what the car could actually become... because it could be so much better imo. I think the styling of the BRZ is absolutely gorgeous looking (especially when its lowered and aftermarket wheels and taillights are added) but it definitely lacks power and that punch the WRX has. Don't get me wrong the nible lightweight RWD coupe is an awesome combination but adding a turbo (yeah.. I know you can install an aftermarket turbo kit...$$$) would put it over the top and boost (no pun intended) sales. (I think BRZ/FRS sales are way down.. 2014?). I just think the Toyota venture is limiting Subaru but I guess we wouldn't even have the FRS/BRZ without Toyota.

[Moto_Medics]

Genius marketing but damn this is a stiff interview

[firefoxz]

great interview and interviewee. my wife and i both purchased subarus (a 2015 forester for the up coming kid, and a 2015 wrx because i needed to squeeze in a sporty car before kid #2 pops up).

i always thought subaru could use a awd b-segment car to compete with the fit/fiesta..

[fatboy]

Subaru is NOT a stand alone company.  Toyota is a heavy investor in Fuji heavy industries.  There will be future projects with Toyota and Mazda.

[DigitalYojimbo]

Subaru used to be a quality car. Not anymore.

[sergevivier]

Subaru is probably the most overrated car these days and I have owned one.