Subaru has announced that its all-new seven-seat crossover utility vehicle will be named the B9 Tribeca.

The vehicle will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, USA, on 15th January, 2005, and will be introduced on the North American market during the year.

"B9" denotes Subaru's signature, horizontally-opposed Boxer engine and the number 9 comes from a part of Subaru's product line-up category codes.

Tribeca is a vibrant New York City neighbourhood with many distinctive boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, where young artists work and cutting-edge trends are created that attract worldwide attention. Its name is an abbreviation of Triangle Below Canal Street (a triangle-shaped area south of Canal Street and north of Wall Street in Manhattan).

Originally announced as the B9X, Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru vehicles, selected the name B9 Tribeca after consulting with existing Subaru owners, potential customers and business partners.

"We feel that the name Subaru B9 Tribeca has a greater resonance in the North American marketplace and will more effectively position the car when it is launched early next (Northern) summer," said Mr Kyoji Takenaka, President and CEO of FHI.

"Subaru can leverage the vested equity already associated with the progressive style, art, and culture that the name Tribeca represents."