Tyrone Constitution, News for Tyrone and Ireland

Subaru has chosen September’s 62nd Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) for the biggest new model blitz in its history.

Key attractions include the European debut for the completely new Impreza, a striking World Rally Car Concept, facelifted Tribeca luxury SUV, totally new Justy supermini and the world’s first horizontally-opposed ‘boxer’ turbo-diesel engine – due to be progressively installed in various models from spring 2008.

Subaru WRC driver, Petter Solberg, will speak at the Subaru press conference (Tuesday, September 11, Hall 8 at 2 pm) when the new Impreza-based WRC Concept will be unveiled.

Described as an indication of future styling trends for a world rally car, the WRC Concept is sure to draw the crowds – and conjure up speculation among enthusiasts and the press alike.

Also presenting at the press conference is Mr Matsatsugu Nagato, Fuji Heavy Industries’ Executive Vice President in charge of European markets.

He will unveil the completely new Impreza five-door hatchback in its 1.5 and 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated formats – aimed at appealing to a wider audience while still retaining Subaru’s distinctive ‘boxer’ engines and symmetrical all-wheel drive. Both technologies offer outstanding handling and roadholding with ‘real world’ active safety.

On-sale late September in the UK, the new Impreza boasts substantially increased passenger space thanks to a new platform with new multi-link, double-wishbone rear suspension which gives agile handling combined with an exceptionally absorbent ride.

Other exhibits include a facelifted Tribeca with new front and rear styling plus a larger – but more efficient – 3.6 litre ‘boxer’ engine mated to a more responsive five-speed automatic gearbox. Other improvements include easier access to the optional third row of seats in the seven-seat versions.

A surprise appearance at the show is a completely new Justy 1.0 litre five-door supermini offering superb fuel economy coupled with low exhaust emissions. The front-wheel drive Justy will be supplied to Subaru for sale in Europe by Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Also guaranteed to generate intense interest is a display Subaru Boxer Turbo Diesel engine which will be fitted progressively to various models from spring 2008.

The world’s first horizontally-opposed diesel engine promises outstanding refinement, smoothness and low weight for excellent handling. In addition, fuel economy, performance and emissions will all be class-challenging.

Also underlying Subaru’s commitment to developing environmentally-friendly technologies is an example of its R1e electric city car – already in use in Japan.

The current exchange rates means British investors need to act fast to profit from the $2 pound.

Window of opportunity

It isn’t just the shoppers who are benefiting from the current exchange rates that get you $2 for every pound – the business world can benefit too. But economists are saying the window of opportunity may be short lived. If you are thinking about buying an investment property, or investing in American denominated assets, financial advisors are urging them to cash in on the current exchange rates that have seen the dollar plunge. The historic rise of the pound above $2 won’t last.

Exchange rates favourable for investors

The last time the exchange rates were so favourable for the British pound against the American dollar was back in 1992 thanks to a big hike in UK inflation. And now it’s back – the ‘buy one dollar, get one free’ which means American shares and property investments are cheaper than they have been in over 15 years.

The slide of the greenback

The slide of the greenback analysts are saying, won’t last – and so shoppers, consumers, investors and property investors need to act fast. Historically the exchange rates that have seen the pound rise above $2 are followed by a big drop. And even a drop of a few percent can have a big impact if you have major investments.

Snap up dollars

Economists are unanimous in saying it’s a good time to snap up dollars and make the most of the exchange rates now – even if you do not need dollars now, you can fix into the current high exchange rates using specialist currency exchange brokers for up to two years, giving you space and time to make the most of your dollars if for example you’re considering buying a property Stateside or going on a shopping spree later in the year.

Second home abroad

Many Brits are looking for second homes or holiday lets abroad, and the countries that trade in the dollar are now property hotspots thanks to the exchange rates. If you have been thinking about purchasing a bolthole abroad, countries such as Dubai, where the currency is linked to the dollar, are golden opportunities, as well as countries such as the Bahamas and Caribbean where property can be purchased using US dollars.

Markets linked to the dollar

As well as property, the exchange rate mean it’s an opportunistic time to buy US shares or an American fund as the pound stretches the dollars further. Other emerging markets, economists say, such as Latin America and China, whose currencies are linked to the dollar are also good investment opportunities.

Now is certainly time to book your holiday to the States and travel agents have already reported a 30% rise in bookings thanks to the exchange rates and the strengthened pound.