Here is the letter from SOA (Subaru of America)  Chairman, President & CEO T.K. Saito 1/13/2004 in response to the New York Times article on Subaru changing the classification of the new 2005 Outback sedan from car to truck.
This exact same thing has been done by many other car companies and here is why...



The New York Times published an article entitled “To Avoid Fuel Limits, Subaru Is Turning a Sedan Into a Truck" 1/13/04

Mr. Saito writes:

”We strongly believe this article was written to capitalize on the controversies surrounding pending NHTSA policy changes with respect to vehicle classifications.
The article does not represent the company’s position regarding fuel economy and emissions standards.
Subaru has always made fuel economy a top priority in its product development process.

Given our experience in developing cross-over vehicles, our market research indicated that our customers and potential customers wanted Subaru to enhance the Outback product to include even stronger SUV-like features such as higher ground clearance, dark-tinted side rear windows, greater axle clearance, and greater approach and departure angles suitable for off-road driving.
 

With this research in mind, the new 05 MY Outback was redesigned to be a light duty truck and will debut next month at the Chicago Auto Show.
We are confident that the new Outback will continue to deliver the best of both worlds to the popular cross-over segment and remain a strong alternative to SUVs.
 

Subaru has a track record of producing superior crossover vehicles that meet stringent federal safety and emissions standards.
The new Outback is no exception.
The base model Outback is expected to have improved gas mileage for model year 2005, while we will also offer a model with enhanced performance characteristics for those customers that have expressed that desire.
 

Both the new Outback Wagon and Sedan will exceed the standards for a light duty truck on 4 of 5 requirements including break over angle, departure angle, running clearance, and axle clearance. We're giving customers what they desire, while at the same time complying with federal emissions standards. The new Outback Sedan and Wagon is expected to meet federal emissions standards for light duty truck – which is as stringent as emission standards for light duty vehicles as defined by the EPA and ARB.
However, final testing by the EPA for emissions compliance and fuel economy label calculations for model year 2005 Outback has not yet been completed and therefore is not available.
 

Subaru is committed to developing advanced technologies that improve fuel economy and emissions as evidenced by the new Sequential Series Hybrid Electric (SSHEV) propulsion system in the B9SC and the urban commuter electric vehicle R1e concept cars featured at this year’s Detroit Auto Show.
In addition, the new Outback released later this year will feature advanced engine technologies such as Active Valve Control System (AVCS) that improves overall engine efficiency.
Further, the newly designed Outback body structure reduces overall vehicle weight by as much as 180 pounds.

Subaru always has been and will continue to be committed to safeguarding the natural environment that so many of our customers avidly enjoy."


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