Subaru of America has continued its impressive sales streak in the US automotive market, posting its 24th consecutive month-over-month growth in July. The automaker sold nearly 52,000 vehicles that month, bringing its year-to-date total to over 374,000, a 5.5% increase compared to the same period last year.
While the all-electric Subaru Solterra saw a significant surge of over 78%, its sales were not substantial enough to carry the load. Instead, the company’s crossover SUVs, such as the Crosstek, Outback, and Forester, were the driving forces behind the growth. The Crosstek and Outback both experienced double-digit sales increases, while the Forester saw a remarkable 36.6% surge.
Despite the success of its crossover SUVs, Subaru’s passenger cars, including the BRZ, Impreza, Legacy, and WRX, struggled to maintain positive momentum. While some might argue that dropping more passenger car models could help alleviate this situation, the rumor mill suggests that the company may have other plans in mind.
The idea of Subaru reentering the American compact pickup truck market with a BRAT revival has been gaining traction among both fans and industry experts. While Ford and Hyundai have already made their mark with the Maverick and Santa Cruz, the BRAT’s unique blend of style and utility could offer a compelling alternative.
Digital car content creators have been exploring this concept, envisioning how a modern BRAT would look and perform. Two prominent YouTube channels, PoloTo and Q Cars, have presented their interpretations of the reborn BRAT.
PoloTo’s design leans towards a more stylish and sophisticated approach, aiming to attract Santa Cruz enthusiasts. Q Cars’ vision is slightly more adventurous, striking a balance between ruggedness and elegance. Both designs maintain the essence of the original BRAT while incorporating contemporary elements.
