Subaru's Australian distributor vows action on sagging sales

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 04:02 · Archive

Subaru's Australian distributor Inchcape says the brand's eroding competitiveness is pressuring margins and plans a comprehensive review.

Subaru's Australian distributor Inchcape has announced it will review the brand's local model range and positioning as sales decline amid tougher competition. Inchcape group CFO Adrian Lewis said the brand's deteriorating competitiveness has exacerbated the distributor's underperformance and created margin pressure in the Australian business.

Lewis did not provide specific profit figures for Subaru, citing commercial sensitivity. He said the distributor is taking decisive action alongside existing restructuring efforts, including the comprehensive review of product range and positioning in collaboration with Subaru.

Inchcape, which also distributes Chinese commercial vehicle brand Foton in Australia, has been shedding underperforming contracts. The distributor announced in July 2026 it was dropping Peugeot and in October 2026 that it had mutually agreed with Deepal parent Changan to exit that arrangement. Both brands are still being managed by Inchcape pending transitions to new operators.

How it is being reported

• Subaru’s Australian importer promises decisive action amid sagging sales, eroding profitsSubaru's local distributor will review the brand's local model range as sales drop and competition gets tougher.The West Australian · 28 Oct, 03:39
• Subaru’s Australian importer promises decisive action amid sagging sales, eroding profitsSubaru's local distributor will review the brand's local model range as sales drop and competition gets tougher.Perth Now · 28 Oct, 03:39

In this story: Subaru · Inchcape · Adrian Lewis · Australia

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