In 2009, during some of the worst times for new-vehicle sales, Subaru officials decided to make a radical shift in the branding approach. They decided Subaru would be repositioned as a value brand – outdoorsy and pragmatic. The move shifted the company away from the competition with European premium brands such as Volvo and Audi; a plan that began when Subaru launched its previous-generation Legacy sedan and Outback wagon in 2004.
As Subaru began to assess its U.S. based storefronts, Philadelphia Sign Company engaged Coast 2 Coast to conduct sign surveys for the nationwide re-branding campaign. At the cornerstone of the implementation was the tactical inventory and assessment for each dealership.