Subaru XV Crosstrek goal: 18,000 N.A. sales
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TOKYO -- Subaru aims to sell 18,000 units of its new XV Crosstrek in North America annually, targeting the increasingly crowded market for small crossovers.
The target represents nearly a third of the vehicle's annual sales plan of 60,000, Akihide Takeuchi, XV Crosstrek product planning chief, said at the Japan-built vehicle's launch in Tokyo.
Subaru wants to sell 12,000 a year in Japan and the remainder in the rest of the world, led by Europe and Australia.
The Impreza-based XV Crosstrek, which went on sale in the United States last month, aims to win younger, entry-level customers or people who liked the smaller, early generations of the Outback.
It has a 148-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine teamed with a standard five-speed manual or an optional continuously variable transmission. Sticker prices start at $22,790, including shipping.
Takeuchi said the XV Crosstrek shouldn't poach sales from the Outback, Subaru's next-smallest crossover wagon, because the XV Crosstrek covers a lower price bracket and is smaller overall.
He cited the Nissan Juke and Mazda CX-5 as rival nameplates.
You can reach Hans Greimel at hgreimel@crain.com. -- Follow Hans on 
