This is what the brand’s letter of apology for Forester, which was unfortunately incorrectly named, says.
You know those times when you go to a country and don’t speak English at all, and you laugh at the translations they use or try to make certain items more appealing by translating them into English? I don’t know what the Subaru guys were thinking when they created a special Forester edition for the Singapore Motor Show. They knew that English was one of the most important languages in this small, but highly influential South East Asian country. This is a pretty bad example of car acronyms at all levels.
It’s obvious that a name such as Forester Ultimate Customized Kit Special will not work in a market where English is spoken. If the intent was to sell the item in the United States, that is. The Drive obtained information from Subaru of America, Inc. in the form of an apology letter and a hands-off treatment letter for dealers about the special edition. SOA states that it is an “unfortunate circumstance” and blames the distributor in Singapore for the highly-regarded car. Then they say that “We are sorry for any negative feedback.” Subaru Corporation had its name removed from the car at Singapore Auto Show. We have worked hard to create a strong brand image for our company. The naming of this car does not reflect the values and standards that we believe in. We will do everything we can to preserve the integrity of our brand.
The entire letter can be accessed at this link. They stated that “it goes without saying this car will not become available on the United States market.” It was the distasteful World Rally Blue, red wrap, questionable neon underglow and strange lowered stance that really got me off guard. It seems that the men who created this product didn’t care a bit.