Subaru of America Inc. said Tuesday its U.S. sales dropped 7 percent in March as interest in some of its best-selling models fell sharply.

CHERRY HILL, N.J., April 1, 2008 — Subaru of America, Inc. today reported March sales of 16,685 total units. Retail sales were up 1% over March 2007, while fleet deliveries were lower than at the same time in 2007. Fleet deliveries are expected to be made up later in the year.

HE has previously been called a ‘speed merchant’ but after his newest acquisition of a Subaru Impreza WRX STi14, Emma Katto will need a sophisticated label.

Toyota Motor Corp. is near an agreement to buy 30 billion yen (about $295 million) worth of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. shares and raise its stake in maker of Subaru vehicles to 17 percent, sources said.

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced the appointment of Heather Ward to manager of corporate communications.

Toyoto Motor Corporation reportedly plans to double its stake in Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru. That could mean some changes for Lafayette’s Subaru of Indiana plant. WardsAuto.com associate editor Christie Schweinsberg said Toyota currently has an 8.7% holding in Fuji Heavy Industries.

FORMER national rally champion Ronald Ssebuguzi has welcomed Emma Katto’s return to local rallying, but warned that he will not have it all his way despite importing a new Subaru N 14 this week.

In 1926, 1,600 cherry trees were planted in and around Fairmount Park, a gift of friendship to Philadelphia by the Japanese government. This weekend, the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia (founded in 1994) will honor that contribution to the area’s springtime beauty with the opening of the 11th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival, initiated by the society and sponsored by Subaru.

This article is locked. You need to be a Full Member of just-auto to view this article. Existing users, please login at the top of the page. Summary: Toyota has denied it is considering raising its 8.7% stake in Subaru-maker Fuji Heavy Industries to 17%, as reported this weel in The Nikkei business daily.

Chris Atkinson earns some brownie points.