Subaru Crew: Official SOA Presence (aka Patti)

sduford

Very well said Joe!

And don't worry: the Subaristi (I love that!) are admirably loyal to their brand and as such, they do not take criticism of their favorite cars very well, as I have found out many times myself.

I am a very critical person by nature, and while I love my OBXT, I am certainly not shy about exposing its warts, which attracts a lot of fire!!!

It's all in good fun anyway. I enjoy a good heated argument.

Sly

subaru_team

I have an appreciation for your passion and it just goes to confirm - you are a Subaristi too! If we did not have the passion of ownership that is often demonstrated here, we would just be another car company. Please feel assured that we (SOA) are listening.

I'm glad you sparked the debate and shared your thoughts. I do believe you deserve a career in marketing!

Patti

c_hunter

Thanks for clearing that up, I think we have established that you are as whacked as the rest of us. :-)

Craig

hondafriek

Apology accepted, that's what makes the Subaru crew great, you can have a difference of opinion but nobody really gets bent out of shape.

 As for cars, I am a certifiable car nut for many years and if I am attracted to a particular car what it is called does not even register in my mind.

  Cheers Pat.

hondafriek

Well said Craig, but I still cannot understand why car name would be such a big deal as to put one off buying the car.

 As I just said in my previous post I think I am as certifiable a car nut as the next guy but I do not care what a car is called by the manufacturer if it appeals to me that's all I care about.

But then again everyone is entitled to his or her opinion that's what makes the world go around.

  Cheers Pat.

snowbelter

But Pat, wouldn't you be put off if they named it the "Edsel 9x? Martin

c_hunter

Pat's been around, and he has more pressing things to worry about (like keeping his GT in mint condition).

Craig

hondafriek

Like I said wouldn't matter a damn to me what it is called a name is just a name.

 Cheers Pat.

c_hunter

Have you heard of the issues with the new style keyfobs on the 05 models?? Almost everybody is noticing that the buttons are too easy to activate -- a combination of being too big, having no real protection, and a weak spring. My keyfob has been activated in my pocket countless times, and it's usually a pain -- will be walking away from the car with the remote in my pocket and hear the beep-beep as the doors unlock. If it wasn't for the beep, I'd probably never know. Some folks on the legacygt.com forum are perceiving this as a security issue, and I tend to agree. Thought I would give you a heads up. The older style keyfob was much better designed.

thanks,
CRaig

subaru_team

are reporting. I have the same issue in mine. FWIW - the beep tells me that I've hit it to avoid a "security" issue with them so I don't think it has been report as such vs. a true annoyance and we don't want our customers annoyed. I don't know what, if anything, they will do for these models that were already made, but I'm confident it will change for the future. I'll post what I hear as a result.

Thanks!

Patti

dcm61

Well, it's a "security" issue if you disable the beep via the key fob or if you can't hear it beep in the first place.

DaveM

sduford

It is definitely a security issue as there are many situations where you cannot hear the beep. Especially around a noisy city, which is exactly the kind of place where you do NOT want to leave your doors unlocked...

Sly

bluesubie

Welcome to the "I hate HAL club"!

Ed's experience with the '05 CC isn't anything like mine, so I'm guessing they tinkered with it.

I was getting all excited that my CC was broken, because manual mode died. I had the idea of asking my dealer to switch it to a manual CC or an '05 CC if a replacement was necessary. Just my luck, this morning it was back to it's old self.

I set it at around Auto/68 this morning and after 10 minutes of very high heat, I had to switch it to manual because I was roasting. What's that smell? Oh, I'm done!

-Dennis

lark6

I'm not sure which forum this would be best suited to, but given that it involves SoA (though not necessarily Patti) I thought maybe here.

Anyway, I got a call from someone on Saturday evening looking to see if I was interested in taking part in a market research focus group sponsored by SoA. The event is going to be held next Saturday (11/13) at a hotel in the suburbs near my home. There were two options: a one-hour session that would pay me $100 or a two-hour session that would pay me $175. I chose the one-hour session given that my wife will be busy next weekend during that time and I will most likely be looking after our son.

The interviewer balked a bit but went on to ask me several questions "to see if I qualified" to participate in the group. These included what make/model/year of car(s) I own*, whether I was principal driver/decisionmaker in the purchase, and finally, whether I would be buying a new car in the next two years. Given that I just bought a new car in August my answer was "no, barring the unforeseen." So that was the kicker, and excluded me from participation.

I'd have appreciated it if she had cut to the chase. As it was I gave her about 10 minutes' worth of free market research.

Anyone else get called for this?

Ed

*This included one of my favorite roll-eyes responses: "Studebaker? Who makes those?"

rsholland

You blew it! Oh well, nice try. Next time don't be so honest.

Bob <who is hoping for a similar phone call>

lark6

Given my son's ever-increasing activity level (I hope someday I'll be able to leave him out of my line of sight at times other than when he's asleep) odds are I wouldn't have been of much help.

Given also my good track record with SoA - both in giving and receiving support and information - combined with my geographical proximity to Cherry Hill, I imagine I may get tapped for something in the future.

Ed

hypov

Patti-
I've deactivate my upgraded alarm system and the fobs still works on the doors, which leads me to believe that the alarm system is controlled [activate/deactivate] via the keyless remote module. So, if the latest system is still Alpin, I'm guessing that the fobs from earlier models could be programmed to the keyless module.

I have the fobs off my '03 WRX. Anyone wants to give it a try on your '05? In or close around NYC of course ;-)

-Dave

p/s actually, I was given a quick crash course on how the keyless remote module controls the security module when I had an aftermarket system installed. Too quick to absorb the which and what wires does it, but enough to know that it does.

ateixeira

You'd be surprised. They often outsource these things to marketing research firms. I've done several studies, even did a Pizza tasting one evening (they paid me to eat a yummy dinner).

You could get *really* lucky. I met someone at one of these events that had done a test for Mercedes, and got paid big bucks to drive several luxury SUVs and share their opinions.

Shoot, I'd do that for free!

In DC there are firms like Shugall Research, House Market Research, etc. Find out who called you, then put your name in for future marketing studies. You might hit the jackpot and test a pre-production 2009 B9SC. :-)

-juice

ateixeira

As much as it doesn't matter all that much to me (or Pat), there is an effect on sales, public perception, resale value, etc.

Having said that, I don't think reaction to B9X will be all that negative, not enough to affect any of those.

X5 = times five
X3 = times three
RX = prescription
FX = effects
B9 = benign
MDX = medics
CR-V EX = Cervix

Note that last one has been the best seller in its class since 1997.

-juice

volkov

And it also depends how they pronounce it in promos. Personally I think B...9X or B...9...X sound catchier than B9...X

Nicholas

ateixeira

I would have preferred B6-X. Yes, with a dash. You would pronounce it "Boxer Six Crossover".

XS for the Forester is Crossover Sport. XT is Crossover Turbo.

Hey, maybe they'll drop Forester and just go with XS or XT?

B4 XS, B4 XT? Oops, that sounds like before and will re-open that whole can o' worms. ;-)

-juice

subaru_team

by an outsourced company, but I know the woman that handles this project and I'll send her a copy of your post. I appreciate your honesty with them. I'm not sure why they would be concerned with when you would be in the market again - -- it's not supposed to be a "sales" tool.

Patti

alpha01

I'm fairly certain the CR-V is outsold by the Ford Escape. The Escape has outsold the CR-V by 35,000 units 2004 CYTD, for example.

(source: autodata.com)

The difference in the names above is that you have to change how you verbally read them to get "times five" or "perscription", as two examples. You're getting SYMBOLS confused with phonetics, which is the issue. If you speak each character of B9X, you simultaneously say the word "benign" as part of that. If you speak each character of X5, you get x five. And so on. (With the possible exception of FX for the Infiniti, but even that strikes me as alright because it implies a word like "effects").

But the concensus is that the major issues will be a fuel economy/power balance for this vehicle, given what I've read....

Im also concerned about standard vehicle stability controls, though few others have voiced that.

~alpha

alpha01

I lied. The source for the CR-V and Escape comparison is autosite.com.

Sorry!

Joe

fibber2

Might as well weigh in here also. Personally, I like real names for cars. I simply remember them better, and for some reason, I find that I can better associate the name with the 'standing' in the model lineup and the actual physical unit. And I certainly consider myself a car buff, but letters just don't work for me.

For instance, I can instantly place Pilot/Odyssey/Prelude/Accord/Civic, but get confused by RL/CL/TSX/MDX, etc. I liked Legend far better than RL. Legend was instant recognition. I have to think about which vehicle is the RL.

Sometimes, they can make sense. Datsun's lineup in the 70's followed a reasonably logical progression:
210 / 310 / 510 / 710 / 810
Each was a step up in size, features & luxury.

Letters can work if they are in order as well, a la Mercedes:
A, C, E, S
But even here they now break the order and confuse me, as some of the coupes are screwed up (C coupe is based on the E chassis, S coupe is based on the C chassis, etc.).

Maybe it is the problem of a 1950's mind, but well chosen names just are better for my instant recognition.

Steve

stever

My 1950's mind agrees with yours. The only Datsun I can remember is the Z. Or was that the 240 Z? I even had a couple of Datsun wagons in the late 70's but darned if I know what the model names were.

Steve, Host

rsholland

I even had a couple of Datsun wagons in the late 70's but darned if I know what the model names were.

510? B210?

Bob <geezing again>

ateixeira

Yeah, Escape and Liberty are up there in sales, but CR-V is still the best selling "import", if you will. I'm looking at CR-V, RAV4, Forester, etc.

You could combine Element and Tribute to those and re-figure but I won't bother. Point is, the Cervix has been a sales success.

And if FX is effects, then B9 being benign is harmless. It's not a bad word, I mean.

FWIW, I go by my initials, A.J., and people are MUCH better at remembering my name.

If a group of us are introduced: meet Dave, Mike, AJ, Dave, Steve, Dave, Fred, and Dave, then the one they will remember is AJ.

From personal experience, works every time. Seriously.

-juice

bat1161

My second car was an '83 Nissan/Datsun 200sx. I think that was the year they switched from Datsun to Nissan. I remember getting parts and getting mixed up at the parts place.

To keep this on topic, I have no problem with the name B9X. Sounds kind of Sci-fi:-).

Mark

alpha01

Point taken with regards to your name, but the B9X is far from unique in its alphanumeric-ness. Meet the RX330, B9X, MDX, X5, X3,XC90, ML350, and LR3. Now against that backdrop, do you not think Tribeca would have been the one to standout?

~alpha

jon_in_ct

The "official presence" here, Patti, was quoted in today's Philadelphia Inquirer in a context unrelated to her job at SOA. The article is at http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/10149812.htm?1c and describes how McDonalds refused, on a technicality, to pay a paltry death benefit to the family of one of its employees who was killed while working. The bereaved family was forced to sue and McDonalds finally settled. According to the article:

"I'm still mad at McDonald's," said Patti Mickel of Maple Shade, who works for Subaru of America in Cherry Hill. "We haven't gone to McDonald's at all since I first read about it. I've been encouraging my 16-year-old daughter and her peer group that [it] is not the kind of place where you want to work."

I share your sentiments. It shouldn't take a lawsuit to convince a company to be a decent corporate citizen and "do the right thing," regardless of technicalities.

ateixeira

Touchee, and good point, alpha.

But you only named the alphanumeric competitors.

How about this list: Explorer, TrailBlazer, Durango, Grand Cherokee, B9X, Pathfinder, Endeavor, Highlander, and Pilot.

Then it stands out again.

Perhaps they went with the name to fit in with the upscale group. Notice the pricier ones tend to have those names - MDX, X5, XC90.

The cheaper ones, or ones that come in non-luxury models, do not: Highlander, Pathfinder, Pilot.

Also seems like the American truck-based SUVs are mostly using names.

So perhaps Subaru wanted to distance itself from that crowd?

Patti the corporate citizen? She can't be stopped! ;-)

-juice

Karen_S

No one in my family has been to a McDonald's since watching "Super Size Me". Kudos to Patti!

subaru_team

Thanks for your kind comments. I feel pretty strongly about the situation. The accident happend pretty close to my home and McD's response was so lame. The do a lot to solicit young folks to work for their stores so I went on a bit of a tangent to get an impact that way. Not buying a Big Mac might not be noticed, but not being able to get employee's is another.

Jon - you're pretty amazing.

Patti

fibber2

While it often gets a lot of snickers when mentioned, anybody that has ever read the fine details about McDonalds and the 'hot coffee' case would have a better idea about how the corporate world thinks about injury and expenses.

Steve

alpha01

Please do not use a broad brush stroke to paint a picture of the "corporate world". There are many HUGE companies that pride themselves on corporate social responsibility, and a functional, living value system. McDonalds, I think most would agree, simply is not one of them. But not all are bad.

Look at Subaru, for example... in the business to make money, but very interested in the welfare of stakeholders, from all that Ive seen and read, and obviously, Patti's presence here.

~alpha

kens

Way to go Patti! I think you've given your daughter an experience she won't forget.

BTW, I was curious why they mentioned your employer. It seemed superfluous given the context of the article.

Ken

subaru_team

in context. I had written a reply to an editorial a few months ago. They called my home number that was on the "form" and my husband told the reporter he could call me at work. When I answered my phone, he asked what I did at Subaru. I filled him in briefly and we chatted about how Subaru is as a corp. citizen. For example, our company holiday cards are designed by a child in a school for children with special needs, etc. Turns out he owns a '98 Outback. I did invite him to join us on the boards here or on a Thursday night!
We'll have to see if that happens one day.

Patti

fibber2

Easy, Joe! I didn't mean to convict all of Corporate America in one shot. I too work for one of the most socially and environmentally sensitive companies in the world. But that doesn't mean we are perfect either. Excellent, but not perfect....

I remember taking a class in which the instructor asked what the company made. After multiple guesses by the audience in which products and services were listed, the correct answer was MONEY - stockholder return on investment!! Like it or not, that is what it is all about. And unfortunately, too many companies loose sight of the human aspect in the pursuit of the above.

Steve

kens

Steve,

While the main objective of any company is to maximize shareholder return, it's also the choice of the individual which companies to invest in.

In theory, if investors valued social responsibility over money, companies would probably behave in line with the wishes of their shareholders.

But I digress... ;-)

Ken

subaru_team

these boards. While we all meet and chat under the guise of being car(Subaru) fans, we really share so much more!

Patti

jfl

Actually, the first objective of a company is to survive. If it cannot do this, the other things don't matter much.

Jim

locke2c

that is incorrect. the first object is to be LEGAL. then you worry about profitability and survival.

~c

ateixeira

That is also incorrect. The real objective is to APPEAR to be legal and not get caught!

LOL

-juice

sduford

I'm with Juice on that one.

Companies are in business to make money, period. But of course in order to do that, they have to survive, especially through the first couple of years where 80% of companies go bankrupt.

In order to survive, as Juice, said, they will do whatever they think they can get away with, legal or not!

We've had many high-profile examples of that in the last few years

Sly

ateixeira

:cough: Enron :cough:

Murder is legal, too, BTW, if you have a good enough legal team. ;-)

-juice

hondafriek

Yeah, and to that end lots of companies have trimmed staff to the bone. The motto is do more with less, now staff are so stressed out that all sorts of medical problems are cropping up.

  The result now is that billions of dollars are added to medical costs and other related things due to the number of people off at any given time with sress related problems.

  Cheers Pat.

dcm61

:cough: Crew Cafe :cough:

Geez, even Colin took a wrong turn. ;^)

BTW, Patti started it! (well actually Jon but it was about Patti)

locke2c

wow, I've become lax in my topic-[non-permissible content removed] ways eh?

LOL

~c

ateixeira

Slacker! ;-)

Subaru must be a good corporate citizen because I have honestly never seen a company with so many happy employees. Every SoA employee I've ever met loved the company.

Either that or all the disgruntled folks are in the dungeon.

-juice