It's all happening in the world of Subaru, both locally and internationally. Barloworld recently sold a 50 % holding in Subaru Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd to the Japan's Toyota Tsusho Corporation and development of the joint-venture compact sportscar is gaining momentum.

Effective November 1, the distribution of shares in Subaru's Southern African operations will be allocated as follows: Barloworld will hold a 50 % stake, while the remainder will be split between Toyota Tsusho's African (20 %) and Japanese (30 %) divisions. The shareholding in Subaru's Southern African arm was previously held exclusively by Barloworld.

The move will establish a closer collaboration between Toyota and Subaru.Hylton Bannon, a representative of Toyota Tsusho Africa, said "the Subaru brand has done well under Barloworld and it was always our intention to enter the market on a more direct basis. We are committed to strengthening the dealer network and brand penetration in the region".

Martin Laubscher, CEO Barloworld Automotive stated as follows. “I am pleased that Toyota Tsusho has the confidence to enter the South African market and believe that their participation will enhance the strength of the brand, benefit the dealership network as well as our customers. We have been working towards this transaction for some time now. It indicates Toyota Tsusho’s belief in our country and I look forward to Subaru’s growing success in southern Africa”.

Effective 1st November 2008, Mr. Furusawa, a representative of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, will replace Roland Egger as the Managing Director of the business.

Egger had not been in charge of Subaru in South Africa for long.

Teresita van Gaalen, one of the longest serving CEO's of any motor company in SA, stunned the industry when she announced in September that she was leaving Subaru SA "to explore new opportunities after seven years of building the Subaru brand in Southern Africa."

Teresita, who had formerly been with Hyundai in its formative years in SA, left Barloworld Automotive at the end of September. Her position has been taken by Roland Egger, Managing Director of Barloworld Automotive's Import and Distribution business unit.