Inchcape Begins Urgent Talks to Revive Subaru Sales

The Australian distributor is reviewing its product range after a 30 percent decline in year-on-year Subaru sales.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Car Types

Inchcape Begins Urgent Talks to Revive Subaru Sales

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Inchcape has opened high-level discussions with Subaru Corporation in Japan to restructure its local product line and market strategy. This move follows a period of significant sales volatility that saw the distributor experience a 50 percent drop in total volume across Australia.

Why it matters

The review aims to stabilise performance as Subaru sales trend toward their lowest annual level since 2001. A rapid shift in consumer demand toward electric and hybrid vehicles in Australia has pressured the distributor to realign its offerings to match changing market conditions.

Subaru accounts for nearly 90 percent of vehicles sold by Inchcape in Australia, where EV penetration has climbed to 24 percent of the market. The distributor currently manages distribution rights for Foton vehicles, having sold 1,000 Foton Tunland utes year-to-date.

The players

Inchcape

This global automotive distributor has held the rights to sell Subaru vehicles in Australia since 1991.

Subaru Corporation

The Japanese automotive manufacturer maintains an 8 percent stake in the Australian import business operated by Inchcape.

The details

Senior executives from the local importer recently travelled to Japan to consult with Subaru Corporation leadership regarding future product configurations. The strategic review is critical, as Subaru Corporation maintains an 8 percent ownership stake in the Australian distributor.

2001 marked the benchmark year for Subaru's previous sales lows in Australia.
1 November 2024 was the date Citroen ceased new vehicle sales in Australia.
1 July 2026 was when Inchcape and Stellantis agreed to end Peugeot distribution.
21 October 2026 saw Changan Automobile take over Deepal distribution rights.
26 October 2026 is the report publication date.

Roadmap

This move highlights the broader industry trend of distributors shedding underperforming brands in favour of models that align with a 24 percent national EV adoption rate. The strategy mirrors a wider consolidation effort seen across Australia as importers pivot to survive changing consumer preferences.

Australian buyers may see an expanded range of hybrid and electric models entering the market as the distributor adjusts its catalogue. These changes could influence vehicle pricing and the availability of specific Subaru models in local showrooms in the coming year.

The takeaway

The restructuring reflects the urgent need for established automotive brands to pivot as market electrification gains momentum. Consumers should watch for potential pricing adjustments and new model announcements as the distributor attempts to regain its competitive standing.