[Yes, I've been away for a long time. But now I'm back so proceed to the article avid, much-appreciated reader.] Subaru released a new television ad which highlights some advancements they are making in green technology. As of late Honda and Toyota have been the front-running automakers marketed as environmentally friendly. For example, the Toyota Prius was released onto the global market in 2001 as the premier hybrid vehicle. Sales started off slow and steady with some 160,000 vehicles manufactured by the end of 2003. However, everyone in the U.S. began wanting the Prius at the turn of 2005 which saw a doubling in U.S. sales from some 50,000 in ’04 to just over 107,000 in 2005. Honda manufactured and marketed their Civic Hybrid and Accord Hybrid which didn’t come close to matching the figures that Toyota generated. Subaru is taking a different approach to ‘Green’ technology and growing concern for the environment. Factories are known to be huge powerhouses of pollution. The name, factory, itself has disregard for the environment vibes flowing forth from it. I am satisfied with their innovative and effective approach to reducing their carbon footprint and making significant contributions to recycling. I would like to see so much more from them. Treehugger blog gives a good overview of what the Subaru plant in Indiana has put into effect in order to reduce their potential pollution. Subaru says:

• “SIA’s wheel supplier uses brass lug nuts to hold wheels in place during shipping. Previously, these were thrown away – 33,000 pounds of brass per year. They are now reused until they’re no longer serviceable, then they’re recycled. This is an example of recycling helping to reduce costs rather than raising them.”
• “Paint sludge formerly thrown away is dried to a powder, then shipped to a plastics manufacturer that mixes the dried sludge with other plastic compounds. The manufacturer’s end products are useful devices such as parking-lot bumpers and guardrail safety blocks that absorb impact when struck by a vehicle.”
• “Solvents used in the painting process are cleaned and recovered through SIA’s on-site recovery system. The paint shop then reuses the solvent.” via Drive Magazine by Subaru

I would like to see Subaru continue with their promotion of their environmentally friendly ways by having an ongoing stream of converting plants and factories. One plant in Indiana that is a little more environmentally friendly is a good thing. But isn’t many plants throughout the world a but more environmentally friendly even better. A good solution if sales are low would be to invest in marketing and advertising to promote upcoming Subaru models. Make good money to continue to convert plants. I for one gravitate towards Subaru because of their incredible customer loyalty. All Subaru owners that I know had bought their Subaru and never doubted it. To this day they still own Subaru. Continuing ‘green’ conversions speaks loud, but loyalty speaks louder.