After an eight-year tie up, Subaru and L.L. Bean have announced they will be parting ways. Since 2000, L.L. Bean models have stood atop Subaru’s trim line hierarchy, but both brands have mutually agreed to disband after the current batch of cars. Top level Subarus will now wear the ‘Limited’ nameplate.
Subaru spokesman Dominick Infante explained that Subaru is already doing quite well on the East Coast and in ski states – where L.L. Bean is also quite popular – but the moniker doesn’t make much sense in states where people aren’t so aware of the L.L. Bean brand. “We have been doing very well on the East Coast and in ski states, but want to expand more into sunshine states like Texas, Florida and California,” he told KickingTires.com.
The move seems to make sense, especially since Subaru produces some great road vehicles and not just wagons built for mountain trails.
But for those of you who love the corporate tie-up, there is still time to grab an L.L. Bean Edition Subaru. The switch over will begin in July but L.L. Bean Editions of the Forrester and Outback will be available at dealerships until all inventories are sold.
