I'm really starting to hate this "recession" B.S.

SON240sx Automotive
1

First honda drops out of the F1, then they stop progress on the NSX and now…

Subaru and Suzuki pull out of the WRC! Whats rally without Subaru?

"Subaru to withdraw from World Rally Championship

16 December 2008

Subaru has announced its decision to withdraw from the 2009 World Rally Championship

This sudden decision was in response to the widespread economic downturn that is affecting the entire automotive industry, and follows Suzuki’s withdrawal announced yesterday.

After 20 years in the sport, during which time the Prodrive-run Subaru World Rally Team has won six World Rally Championship titles, this is not only sad news for Subaru and the team, but also for millions of rallying fans around the world. Thanks to its highly successful World Rally Championship programme, Subaru has developed into one of the world’s most widely recognised and evocative automotive brands.

Prodrive chairman, David Richards, said: “Subaru’s departure from the World Rally Championship is a great loss as it is one of the sport’s icons. The Subaru World Rally Team has created true champions such as Colin McRae and Richard Burns and its absence will be felt by many the world over. Although this decision closes a significant chapter in Prodrive’s history, our focus now turns to the future.”

For many, Prodrive and Subaru are synonymous, given the long-standing and close association between the two companies. However, while the Subaru World Rally Team historically represented a significant part of Prodrive’s business, today it accounts for no more than 20 per cent of the company’s turnover.

Prodrive will look to redeploy as many of the rally team as possible in other areas of its business operations, which have grown to span advanced engineering and manufacturing for the automotive, defence, marine and aerospace industries, in addition to other motorsport programmes.

Despite the current economic downturn, Prodrive’s automotive engineering business remains buoyant as it works with vehicle manufacturers to accelerate the development of next generation fuel-efficient vehicles and alternative fuel technologies.

Together with Subaru, Prodrive’s commitment to its customer rally teams will also continue unabated for 2009 and beyond. Over the past 15 years, Prodrive has sold close to 500 rally cars to more than 400 private competitors and independent rally teams in 47 countries. During this time, Prodrive’s customers have won five consecutive Production World Rally Championships and countless international rallies. In 2008, Prodrive-supported customer teams have claimed eight rally championship titles around the world.

Looking ahead, 2010 will see the introduction of new World Rally Championship technical regulations, which provide Prodrive with an opportunity to prepare for re-entering the championship with a new team and build on its 24 years of World Rally Championship experience and success."

2

WOW…that’s honestly more of a shocker to me than it was finding out about the NSX project and F1 pullout of Honda!! :frowning: this is getting scary, this is becoming the great depression of the 21st century!

3

it’s only going to get worse…i hope everyone realizes this!

4

We got a tuff road ahead, but looking back we’re better off than the last depression…we gotta hold on though and stay with the times…

5

Gas is cheap! Yay

6

Cheap Gas is actually not helping the overall Market.

I rather have companys like subaru and Honda pull out of these sports so they do not end up like the big 3, In due time they will be back.

7

I rather have expensive gas and have a higher CND $ lol

8

I rather have expensive gas and have a higher CND $ lol

A low Canadian dollar is better for our economy because most products made in Canada are exported. Also companies like the big 3 will pull out of Canada if the dollar is even because it would be cheaper to produce the products in their own country. Just my $0.02

9

^^ Yeah I know, I’m just saying for myself since I make a lot of purchases in the US.

I know the economics behind it and how it would impact our exporting etc.

10

Recent decisions by Honda and Subaru were not initiated entirely due company economic hardship. F1, NSX Luxury sports car and world rally championships are symbolic images of success. These items and events do not radiate the face of a company who is sensitive to a global recession. Economic well being has a great deal to do with perception. You will likely see both of these companies shifting there “disposable” efforts and resources to a more economic image, an image that acknowledges their customers concerns. Both of these companies are already world leaders in their respective classes and at the moment, it’s not necessary for them to continue to establish themselves in that manner.

11

I agree. They don’t really have anything left to prove. Well maybe Honda in F1 does. But I really do miss the canadian dollar being strong. :frowning:

12

Yeah, if the dollar could par sometime around late Feb, early March… that would be super.

13

I’d rather have the dollar where it is… it’ll make my company more competitive in the US market…

14

Not quite with the idea of perception or image, it’s pretty much in reflection of the poor economic times, and buyer behavior that’s changing and slowing down on the purchase of pricey cars or too much spending for the matter. Economic decisions where the companies can save their money and investments for future uncertainty and possible changes to the drastic yet elastic market we are in is mainly to do with it. No company is spared, this recession effects everyone as a whole, it’s a ripple effect.

15

Thats why I said that they weren’t entirely due to economic hardship. I’m simply pointing out the unique arena of those items on the chopping block… They aren’t the only changes you will see from these companies either.

16

For sure, relatively low dollar value is good for attracting foreign investment.

17

Didn’t understand the whole image/perception concept, but I do know that most of the auto industry is moving their attention to smaller more eco friendly cars and options than ever so much before lol.

18

not sure if this was said already but often times this stuff (economic downturn) is used as the excuse to cut programs you wanted to cut anyways but didnt want the backlash that would have resulted in better times.

19

Totally agree with that.

20

Actually, it’s cause the WRC demanded spec motors so the flat-4 was no longer allowed by the rules. The economy helped, but the WRC shafted Subie.