Oregon has been a major state for Subaru and Toyota, but after years of back-door deals, sketchy lobbing, and millions paid to politicians - Subaru wins the state of Oregon.
By: Chet Dungweeder
WCNN - Reporter
August 25, 2014
WCNN - Reporter
August 25, 2014
SALEM - Oregon has always been a refuge for anarchists, free spirits, hippies, and "green" living (in both senses of the word). In years past, the common car of choice was the reliable and statement-making VW Beetle. As time progressed and the culture shifted, so did the cars of choice. The leading American cars didn't fare well in Oregon as they were too big, made in America, and too popular among other states.
"We want to be different than everywhere else, because we hate everywhere else." says one Oregon resident. That statement was repeated several times by our random questioning in the streets of Portland and Salem.
Subaru and Toyota have been the primary choice of Oregon drivers for over 20 years and much of the state already owns of the two brands. Unfortunately, for those who invested in Toyota and any other manufactures car, they will soon have to reinvest in a Subaru.
Subaru and Toyota have spent a combined $3 billion in wining the favor of Oregon politicians to set in motion legislation that requires all Oregon residents to own one of their vehicles, and the outcome is that Subaru has been elected the official "People's Car of Oregon". Oregon's new laws are going one step further than the plans proposed by the two major Japanese auto makers - all residents are required to own nothing but a Subaru. This includes city, county, and state vehicles, and residents. The law even mandates companies to own only Subaru vehicles.
"I don't know how the state expects us to get men and materials to job sites." Bill Georgewater, a local general contractor, said in a statement to WCNN. "We have heavy equipment, lumber, concrete, and men to transport anywhere from our 'home base' in Silver Falls, OR to Portland, Klamath Falls, or Baker City. We do work across the state and they are forcing us into cars that can't do the job."
Oregon's new legislation has a plan for people like Georgewater though: "They can either close their business or invest in new Subaru models coming down the line in the coming years. We required the official state car lines to have options that accommodate all residents and professions." Senator Lee Beyer said in a press statement.
Subaru announced plans to start drafting plans on the following models:
"We want to be different than everywhere else, because we hate everywhere else." says one Oregon resident. That statement was repeated several times by our random questioning in the streets of Portland and Salem.
Subaru and Toyota have been the primary choice of Oregon drivers for over 20 years and much of the state already owns of the two brands. Unfortunately, for those who invested in Toyota and any other manufactures car, they will soon have to reinvest in a Subaru.
Subaru and Toyota have spent a combined $3 billion in wining the favor of Oregon politicians to set in motion legislation that requires all Oregon residents to own one of their vehicles, and the outcome is that Subaru has been elected the official "People's Car of Oregon". Oregon's new laws are going one step further than the plans proposed by the two major Japanese auto makers - all residents are required to own nothing but a Subaru. This includes city, county, and state vehicles, and residents. The law even mandates companies to own only Subaru vehicles.
"I don't know how the state expects us to get men and materials to job sites." Bill Georgewater, a local general contractor, said in a statement to WCNN. "We have heavy equipment, lumber, concrete, and men to transport anywhere from our 'home base' in Silver Falls, OR to Portland, Klamath Falls, or Baker City. We do work across the state and they are forcing us into cars that can't do the job."
Oregon's new legislation has a plan for people like Georgewater though: "They can either close their business or invest in new Subaru models coming down the line in the coming years. We required the official state car lines to have options that accommodate all residents and professions." Senator Lee Beyer said in a press statement.
Subaru announced plans to start drafting plans on the following models:
1. Subaru Carry-All
This model is targeted at companies like UPS, USPS, FedEx and others that are required to carry luggage, parcels, or products in a delivery setting or transportation setting.
Subaru's marketing release:
"The Subaru Carry-All is equipped with a 2.7 liter gas engine boasting an impressive 105 horse power designed to handle the most demanding situations. The Carry-All has a spacious and versatile 5 sq. ft. storage center, and when equipped with the optional PLS (Parcel Launching System), there is no other vehicle on the market that can outperform in the field. Your customers are far more important the vehicle you use to support them - Trust. Love. Drive. Subaru."
This model is targeted at companies like UPS, USPS, FedEx and others that are required to carry luggage, parcels, or products in a delivery setting or transportation setting.
Subaru's marketing release:
"The Subaru Carry-All is equipped with a 2.7 liter gas engine boasting an impressive 105 horse power designed to handle the most demanding situations. The Carry-All has a spacious and versatile 5 sq. ft. storage center, and when equipped with the optional PLS (Parcel Launching System), there is no other vehicle on the market that can outperform in the field. Your customers are far more important the vehicle you use to support them - Trust. Love. Drive. Subaru."
2. Subaru Snow-Away
Oregon's Department of Transportation was against the bill as it is their job to maintain and clear roadways on the states many mountain passes. Snow, rain, mudslides and various road hazards are all in play as several state and federal highways cross the Cascade Mountain range and high-desert Eastern Oregon.
Subaru announced another new vehicle, the Snow-Away to meet the needs of ODOT
Subaru's marketing release:
"Snow is tough, Subaru is tougher. The Snow-Away is designed to keep the driver warm and safe, while effectively clearing roadway and maintaining safe driving conditions. There are many front attachments to choose from. The product line currently offers the following choices that easily attach to the Snow-Away (welding, grinding, and drilling required):
- 20" Front blade
- 21" Front blade
- 12" Spike
- 30" Front blade
The Snow-Away is not only the best snow-removal vehicle in the world, but it has the most options to tackle any situation!"
Oregon's Department of Transportation was against the bill as it is their job to maintain and clear roadways on the states many mountain passes. Snow, rain, mudslides and various road hazards are all in play as several state and federal highways cross the Cascade Mountain range and high-desert Eastern Oregon.
Subaru announced another new vehicle, the Snow-Away to meet the needs of ODOT
Subaru's marketing release:
"Snow is tough, Subaru is tougher. The Snow-Away is designed to keep the driver warm and safe, while effectively clearing roadway and maintaining safe driving conditions. There are many front attachments to choose from. The product line currently offers the following choices that easily attach to the Snow-Away (welding, grinding, and drilling required):
- 20" Front blade
- 21" Front blade
- 12" Spike
- 30" Front blade
The Snow-Away is not only the best snow-removal vehicle in the world, but it has the most options to tackle any situation!"
3. Subaru Stow-Away Deluxe
Camping and outdoor living are a major component to many residents in Oregon. Subaru announced plans to make a camper version of their popular wagon models. The Stow-Away Deluxe is the answer to itch the camping bug (apparently).
Subaru's marketing release:
From father to son, camping is a right of passage, and a pastime rarely enjoyed to the extent found in America and the Pacific Northwest. Endless wilderness, wildlife, and adventure await every weekend trip or multi-week excursion, and Subaru can't wait to take you there! With a full featured camper-version of the Subaru Wagon, you and your family can trust the ride to your destination will be filled only with memories and happy trails not having to worry about comfort and mechanical break downs (when properly serviced and stored by your local Subaru dealer). Enjoy room for the whole family, friends, and gear in the spacious Stow-Away Deluxe!"
Camping and outdoor living are a major component to many residents in Oregon. Subaru announced plans to make a camper version of their popular wagon models. The Stow-Away Deluxe is the answer to itch the camping bug (apparently).
Subaru's marketing release:
From father to son, camping is a right of passage, and a pastime rarely enjoyed to the extent found in America and the Pacific Northwest. Endless wilderness, wildlife, and adventure await every weekend trip or multi-week excursion, and Subaru can't wait to take you there! With a full featured camper-version of the Subaru Wagon, you and your family can trust the ride to your destination will be filled only with memories and happy trails not having to worry about comfort and mechanical break downs (when properly serviced and stored by your local Subaru dealer). Enjoy room for the whole family, friends, and gear in the spacious Stow-Away Deluxe!"
4. Subaru Classic - the People's Car
Oregon is not only going require that all citizens own nothing but Subaru's, they are also mandating that each family must own at least ONE Subaru Classic (a.k.a. The People's Car). The People's Car, is the same car that was manufactured for years, and although the Classic Wagon has been hailed as one of the longest lasting cars on the road by Americans, critics and the international driving community for years, it's another to love a car you're forced to own.Subaru's marketing release:
"The Subaru Classic is here! You already know this car. You already LOVE this car. The Classic is the SAME car you drove in the 80's except now it's new again! With modern features such as an electronic choke, easily adjustable carburetors (4), and rear-window wiper blades, reliability doesn't have to come by sacrificing comfort and safety. 85 horse power will move you down the road at the blazing top speed of 65 miles per hour, and with optional cruise control, you'll be looking forward to long trips on the open road! The Subaru Classic was there for you before. It's there for you now. Love. It's why Oregon forced you to drive a Subaru!
Oregon is not only going require that all citizens own nothing but Subaru's, they are also mandating that each family must own at least ONE Subaru Classic (a.k.a. The People's Car). The People's Car, is the same car that was manufactured for years, and although the Classic Wagon has been hailed as one of the longest lasting cars on the road by Americans, critics and the international driving community for years, it's another to love a car you're forced to own.Subaru's marketing release:
"The Subaru Classic is here! You already know this car. You already LOVE this car. The Classic is the SAME car you drove in the 80's except now it's new again! With modern features such as an electronic choke, easily adjustable carburetors (4), and rear-window wiper blades, reliability doesn't have to come by sacrificing comfort and safety. 85 horse power will move you down the road at the blazing top speed of 65 miles per hour, and with optional cruise control, you'll be looking forward to long trips on the open road! The Subaru Classic was there for you before. It's there for you now. Love. It's why Oregon forced you to drive a Subaru!
Oregon is aggressively implementing the new bill, giving residents and companies 12 months to dispose of any vehicle other than Subaru. This also encompasses collector cars, recreational vehicles, and show vehicles. The Federal Government is suing the state after the Governor authored a letter to Washington D.C. mandating that National Guard and Military vehicles are not in compliance, and are not allowed to leave federal property or use non-federal highways and roads.
Classic car organizations have been detained under the Patriot Act as well after demonstrating at the capital claiming constitutional breaches, and the inability to find suitable out-of-state storage for their cars, trucks, and transportation vehicles.
Many have flocked to boarder towns in Idaho, Washington, and California to relocate or store their non-Subaru vehicles, but emergency legislation in Washington has restricted construction and is not allowing new storage facilities to be built.
Idaho's government has started erecting fences along the Oregon boarder claiming that Oregon has always been "mean to them" and has "always made fun of them and called them really dumb" so they are denying access to the state entirely.
Other states are watching closely as similar legislation is on hold to see how Oregon implements the new law.
Classic car organizations have been detained under the Patriot Act as well after demonstrating at the capital claiming constitutional breaches, and the inability to find suitable out-of-state storage for their cars, trucks, and transportation vehicles.
Many have flocked to boarder towns in Idaho, Washington, and California to relocate or store their non-Subaru vehicles, but emergency legislation in Washington has restricted construction and is not allowing new storage facilities to be built.
Idaho's government has started erecting fences along the Oregon boarder claiming that Oregon has always been "mean to them" and has "always made fun of them and called them really dumb" so they are denying access to the state entirely.
Other states are watching closely as similar legislation is on hold to see how Oregon implements the new law.
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