Subaru UK plans EV-led expansion

"Safe, tough, fun" electric SUVS and fresh Forester will drive UK growth, says new boss

- FELIX PAGE

Subaru will bring two new electric cars to the UK by 2026 as it seeks to build on the early success of the Solterra in pursuit of a bigger slice of the UK market.

The expansion of the Japanese firm's line-up is part of an £8 billion electrification investment package, which will result in seven new EVs being introduced worldwide - three of which will be SUVs developed with technical partner and 20% stakeholder Toyota, as was the bZ4X-based Solterra.

Subaru UK managing director Lorraine Bishton, appointed in January after stints at Ford, JLR and McLaren, provided no further details but said the EVs will stay true to the brand's core values: "Safe, tough and fun."

In keeping with the current Subaru line-up (the Crosstrek, Forester and Solterra SUVs and the Outback estate), all future additions are expected to be practicality-focused high-rise hatchbacks, most likely with four-wheel drive, as that has been identified as a particular point of appeal for the brand's core demographic.

Subaru has 65 dealerships across the UK, "mainly rurally based, because that's where our customers are", said Bishton, "and they tend to be a family-run business".

Some of these dealers are recognised as "pillars of their community", she added.