Subaru expects an eight percent gain in U.S. sales this year thanks to the 2014 Forester crossover vehicle and the release of some new models, a Wards Auto report stated Friday.
The fourth-generation Forester has garnered strong reviews by industry professionals, with MotorTrend calling it "the best Forester yet."
Subaru expects its U.S. sales to reach at least 365,000 units this year, the report states.
"Hopefully we're underestimating our target," Ken Lin, director of product management at Subaru, said at recent media event in Tucson, Ariz., Wards Auto reported. "If the market is strong and Forester launches strong, we could (surpass it)."
Auto sales across America are expected to rise above 2012 benchmarks.
The Forester, with its revamped exterior and interior designs and new 250-hp direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine, is expected to rake in the lion's share of Subaru sales in the U.S., Wards Auto reported.
Lin also hinted that an update to the recently launched Subaru BRZ sports car may be in the works, noting that excitement over a new model fades quickly.
"That segment has to have something fresh to keep the interest level high," Lin said. "It will be important for us to manage the lifecycle of that product."
The BRZ was jointly developed with Toyota and is sold by Subaru and under Toyota's Scion brand as the FR-S.
Subaru also relies on sales from its Tribeca CUV, although that model has seen declining numbers.
"Tribeca maybe isn't the most competitive in its segment," said Lin. "Maybe it's a little bit too small and the fuel economy a little bit lacking, but it still offers three rows, so for young families it's still useful."
Lin said an updated, larger three-row CUV could be in Subaru's future as well as more upscale versions of the make's current models, though the company does not intend to take on the luxury segment leaders.
"Luxury is certainly one of the opportunities with profit potential," Lin said. "We could do touring-editions of products but would not be competing with BMW or Mercedes. There is no move to create another brand."
Subaru also plans to launch a hybrid-electric vehicle later this year, although details around that are not yet available. Lin said that the hybrid will please Subaru loyalists, who view themselves as environmentalists, although the hybrid is not anticipated to significantly boost sales.
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