This year, Motor Image is turning a new leaf in the Philippines, and will finally do away with aggressive discounting which have hurt its brand image somewhat. For 2020 onwards, the exclusive distributor of Subaru across 11 markets in Asia will instead focus on one aspect: safety.
“Starting this year, instead of aggressive discounting which we’ve done in the past, we’re going to focus on safety as the main brand pillar of Subaru,” says Mr. Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Motor Image’s parent company, Tan Chong International. “We’re confident of hitting our 30 percent growth target this year even if we have to raise the prices of our vehicles sometime this year due to unfavorable exchange rates.”
This move makes perfect sense since safety is something that can’t be achieved by its competitors (aka the Chinese brands) easily. Subaru has built a reputation globally around safety for the better part of a decade. It was named in Interbrand’s Best Global Brands in 2018 thanks to its consistent brand positioning that “embodies the highest levels of safety and functionality, while also instilling a sense of enjoyment that encourages drivers to get the most out of life.”
With safety-related scandals rocking the Japanese automaker in 2018, they slipped out of the mythical 100 Best Global Brands in 2019. However, they’re now ready to move forward. Thanks to changes in its manufacturing system in Japan, Subaru has pledged to make ever-safer cars that ultimately contribute to its owner’s peace of mind.
Meanwhile, as Motor Image starts rolling out its EyeSight driver assist system across the markets they’re present in, it’s an opportune time to focus on their vehicle’s safety aspect. Debuting at this year’s Singapore Motor Show, is a new song done with long-time collaborator, Michael Bolton. Entitled, “I’ll Keep You Safe,” it focuses on the longevity of Subaru products as well as its cutting-edge safety features told in relatable, life situations. It’ll be used in marketing campaigns for Subaru across Asia.
Furthermore, Subaru has also introduced the “SAFE” brand wall which lists all of its 100-plus safety for features. Here’s what we could decipher and yes, it does list 100 safety features.
- Thin A-pillars with body-mounted side mirrors
- Tiltable and extendable head restraints for front occupants
- Clear & easy-to-read instrument meters
- Big windshield and big windows
- Power adjustable driver’s seat
- Extendable head restraints for three rear occupants
- Tilt-adjustable and telescopic steering wheel
- Rubber-studded aluminum pedals
- Paddle shifters
- Logical & easy-to-use 8-inch display audio system
- 2018-2019 Grand Prix Award in JNCAP collision safety performance
- Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
- Color 4.2-inch LCD meter display
- Large & easy-to-adjust air-conditioning controls
- Steering wheel-mounted audio remote controls
- Color 6.3-inch multi-function display
- Vehicle self-check upon engine start
- Anti-pinch power windows
- Anti-pinch rear gate
- Anti-pinch power sunroof
- Anti-pinch side sill steps
- Wide-angle driver’s door
- Wide & upright rear door openings
- Child-proof rear door locks
- Collision detection unlock for all doors & tailgate
- Ground clearance of 220 mm
- Wading capability of 500 mm depth
- Ample approach angle of 20.2 degrees
- 5-star safety rating by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Ample departure angle of 25.8 degrees
- Ample breakover angle of 21.4 to 21.5 degrees
- PIN code access
- 4-wheel independent suspension
- Engine immobilizer
- Symmetrical all-wheel drive
- Boxer engine
- X-Mode
- Hill Descent Control
- All-around ventilated disc brakes
- 4-sensor, 4-channel anti-lock braking system
- Electronic brakeforce distribution
- Vehicle Dynamics Control
- Retractable cargo cover
- Active Torque Vectoring
- Precise & responsive steering system
- High-tensile steel in body
- Ring-shaped reinforcement frame
- Side-impact door beams
- Subaru Global Platform
- Rollover-safe roof & cabin ceiling
- 5 stars ANCAP safety rating
- Breakaway boxer engine
- Shock-absorbing front bumper
- Protective front underguard
- Protective rear underguard
- Protective side claddings
- ISOFIX attachment points for child seats
- Curtain airbags
- Security relocking
- Front airbag for driver
- Side airbag for driver
- Front seatbelt pretensioners & load limiters
- Height-adjustable front seatbelt anchorages
- Three-point seatbelts for three rear occupants
- Side airbags for front passenger
- Knee airbag for driver
- Auto-retracting safety pedals
- Front airbag for front passenger
- 2019 Top Safety Pick+ award from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
- EyeSight Adaptive Cruise Control
- EyeSight Lane Sway Warning
- EyeSight Pre-Collision Braking
- EyeSight Pre-Collision Throttle Management
- EyeSight Lane Departure Warning
- Brake Assist System
- Brake Override
- Auto Vehicle Hold
- EyeSight Lead Vehicle Start Alert
- Blind Spot Detection
- Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection
- Lane Change Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear View Camera
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- Side View Monitor
- 2018-2019 Advanced Safety Vehicle Triple Plus (ASV +++) rating in JNCAP preventive safety performance
- Intermittent rear wiper with water spray
- Heated door mirrors
- Auto-tilt door mirrors
- Auto-dimming rear view mirror
- Electric rear windshield defogger
- High Beam Assist
- LED headlamps with pop-up washers
- Rain-sensing windscreen wipers
- Auto on/off headlights
- Steering Responsive Headlights
- LED front fog lights
- Rear fog lights
- LED rear combination lamps
- Emergency Stop Signal
That would help but Subaru isn't alone in making their cars safer. All reputable car brands are doing that too. What Subaru should focus on is change the perception among car owners owning a Subaru entails expensive ownership. Unless that image is changed nobody will buy a Subaru more so without a huge discount.
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