(January 5, 2011) A record sales month in December has pushed Subaru's yearly sales total past the record year of 2010 in the United States. Subaru sold 266,989 vehicles in 2011 compared to 263,820 in 2010.

This feat is remarkable considering the company had to contend with significant production delays caused by the tsunami and earthquake in Japan in March.

To respond to strong consumer demand for its latest products, and to make up for lost production, Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, increased vehicle manufacture in the second half of 2011 and the company is now producing more cars per month than at any time in its history.

The December sales total of 33,701 units also marks Subaru's best-ever sales month, eclipsing the previous best month of August 2009 — the "Cash for Clunkers" month.

Demand for the Subaru Legacy, Outback and Forester models continued to be strong in 2011 with Legacy and Outback setting individual records. The all-new 36 mpg Impreza began retail sales in November, boosting sales still further. With consumer demand so high, the company predicts a fourth record year in 2012 with sales likely to reach the milestone 300,000 mark.

2012 Subaru Impreza

Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc said, "We are thrilled to close 2011 with a third consecutive sales record for Subaru.  We need to thank our retailers, distributors, our employees and of course the dedication and commitment of Fuji Heavy Industries staff for making these results possible. 2011 was the best year in our history, but with our production levels now running at their highest ever, and our best ever line-up in place, we are committed to another record-setting year in 2012."

"We are very pleased to welcome the 266,989 customers to the Subaru family," said Bill Cyphers, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. "With production now catching up to demand, our December sales show the potential for the Subaru brand for 2012. We delivered 34,000 cars in to dealers in December, beating our previous highest total by 5,000.  Given how quickly our products are moving, we expect to reach another significant sales milestone in 2012."