Automobile News

The World Rally Championship for one is really shattered by the current economic crisis, with the latest setback coming in the form of Subaru who announced that it is no longer a part of the competition. The company cited the on going economic recession as a pretext that forced them to reconsider their Championship future.

This recent development is quite significant as it comes barely a few days after Suzuki withdrew its name from the Championship. Moreover, with the withdrawal of Subaru, the World Rally Championship is now left in the lurch losing two third of its teams in a mere span of 24 hours. The unwanted withdrawal means that Citroen and Ford are the only manufacturers in the FIA WRC competition for next season. This is very problematic for the rally organisation, and if it continues we might not see any more Sega Rally Revo video games, never mind new races. It is important to note that Honda, Japan’s second biggest car manufacturer, made a similar decision to withdraw from the Formula One Championships citing almost similar reasons.

Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), Subaru’s parent company, President Kyoji Takenaka while making this significant announcement at a news conference commented that the current economic slowdown that spread from the US has left the company with no other alternative but to reassess its primary objectives. He also emphasized that automobile industry, in particular, is hit hard by the recession irrespective of their nationality.

The dynamics and policies of the company need a rethink so that it stands a better chance at surviving the gloomy scenario, he added.

Meanwhile, a statement from the company reiterated that there is no other alternative left to the company rather than to withdraw so as to optimise its management resources and to strengthen further the Subaru brand.

The special rally race car “Rallye N’ Style” edition of the Suzuki Swift is now immediately available. The small black car, complete with an ornamental red stripe running along its roof and bonnet, should remind people of the Japanese race cars in the “Suzuki Rallye Cup”. The stainless steel pedals, race car seats, and 17 inch light alloy rims all help to increase the race car feeling. Moreover, the buyer will also receive an exclusive package of fan items. A petrol engine with a 92 kW/ 125 HP performance provides for the three door vehicle’s propulsion, and the price lies at around £14,300.