Subaru appoints integrated agency PHWT

Subaru has appointed integrated agency Palmer Hargreaves Wallis Tomlinson (PHWT) to handle its Subaru UK business.

West Midlands-based PHWT handled the Subaru account until 2005 when it lost a pitch to Miles Calcraft Briginshaw Duffy.

The agency has continued to work with International Motors on the sister Isuzu account and has now been reappointed without a pitch.

The agency appointment follows Subaru promoting Kenyon Neads to marketing director for both Subaru and Isuzu last November. He was previously brand manager on the Isuzu account.

At the same time John Fossey was promoted to brand director for both marques. He was previously marketing manager for Subaru.

Like other car manufacturers, Subaru has been hit by falling sales as the economic downturn begins to bite. Neads says: “PHWT’s pragmatic approach fits well with the Subaru brand and the job we have to do during what will; be a challenging year for the motor industry in 2009.”

PHWT is a pan-European agency with clients including Ford of Europe, Berghaus, Land Rover and Continental Tyres.