Southern Oregon Subaru’s altruism helps customers and the community

Henry David Thoreau wrote that “Goodness is the only investment that never fails.”

Southern Oregon Subaru recently celebrated their 40th year in business because they exemplify these wise words. Their philanthropic efforts have impacted the local community for decades, building a strong connection to the people and organizations in Southern Oregon.

Dedicated to service

When a company has been in business for several decades, their success is the result of more than numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s because they have dedicated themselves to a larger cause — serving their customers and the community.

For four decades, Southern Oregon Subaru has put others first, skyrocketing their growth and allowing them to partner with numerous local organizations and charities. Locally, Southern Oregon Subaru has supported many non-profits, including SoHumane, Medford Food Project, CASA, Sparrow Clubs and many others.

When they opened in 1983, Southern Oregon Subaru was a niche company with a smaller impact in the automotive world compared to similar companies, according to service manager Bryant Kelley.

“But in 10-15 years, we grew into something much larger, more impactful and more inclusive,” he said.

One of Subaru’s notable accomplishments was improving and showcasing all-wheel drive vehicles, which created a broader customer base.

“This made us known for vehicles which performed well in a variety of conditions,” Kelley said.

Service above all else

Creating a better customer service experience remains the focus of Southern Oregon Subaru’s mission. But as they streamlined their services and operations, it was apparent they had to grow so they could accommodate more people.

“We were outgrowing the size of our building,” he said, “and wanted to expand our operations.”

Completed in March 2022, the new expansion has created a more pleasant service experience.

“We expanded our service operations at the dealership to include a new car wash, detail and express center,” Kelley explained.

The dealership purchased three lots which they combined into the new 10,000 square foot express department and detail facility with state-of-the-art tire machines, alignment racks and much more.

Additionally, the new facility serves everyone, not just Subaru owners.

“We have customers come in with their Subarus, but we also help people who do not own Subarus,” Kelley explained.

But Southern Oregon Subaru didn’t stop there.

Earlier in 2023, they started a car rental program where customers could contact the dealership and rent a Subaru. The new program has been mainly utilized for their customer service department, but they also offer the service to people who want to rent a vehicle.

Currently, they have a fleet of about 30 vehicles available to rent.

“We are able to better care for our customers and rent cars to people who want something reliable from a reputable source,” said Kelley.

But in true Subaru fashion, they continue to transform and elevate the car-buying experience. Southern Oregon Subaru now offers a lifetime powertrain warranty on all new Subaru sales.

Any customer who buys a new Subaru will get a lifetime warranty, which is better than what they would find at other dealerships, according to Kelley. The warranty includes the engine, transmission, differential and other items covered for the lifetime of the car for the original owner.

“You won’t typically find that,” said Kelley. “Most dealerships go with the manufacturer’s warranty.”

Offering a lifetime warranty is also new for Southern Oregon Subaru. They haven’t had this type of offer before, but Southern Oregon Subaru stands behind the quality of their products and knows the value in a lifetime warranty.

“We want to make ourselves distinct, protect our customers and provide a service that’s not available in this area,” he said.

Creating a positive future

Southern Oregon Subaru has invested in many significant expansions, all of which have been positive changes for them, their customers and the community.

The new express center increased their capacity for express service over 250%, and the detailing department has grown by more than 40%, Kelley said.

These changes allow for quicker and better service, and people are noticing.

“Customers don’t have to take their car somewhere else to get serviced,” he said. “Now we can get cars in and out faster. This expansion lets us increase capacity and reduce wait times.”

Kelley has worked with Southern Oregon Subaru since 2012 and always been impressed by the level of dedication Subaru has to its customers.

“I love Subaru. They stand behind their products and they do a phenomenal job supporting people,” he said. “If an issue comes up, Subaru takes care of it.”

Southern Oregon Subaru’s focus on service goes above and beyond buying, selling, renting and servicing vehicles. It’s about building a genuine relationship with people and the community. It’s an investment in goodness that has made them successful for 40 years, and for many more decades to come.