History of Subaru

Fuji Heavy Industries

Subaru is part of the Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) Ltd group, which was formed in 1953 with the merger of 5 Japanese companies, one of which was the Nakajima Aircraft Company, founded in 1917. Fuji Heavy Industries is one of Japans largest transportation manufacturers, with 9 manufacturing plants and sellings it products in over 100 countries. FHI produces commercial and military aircraft, parts, machinary and rolling stock. Much of the research and development carried out in the aerospace industry trickles down to Subaru, including the development of the flat 4 'Boxer' engine.

Subaru and General Motors

Subaru is part owned by General Motors, who hold a 20% stake in the company. Saab, owned by General Motors, has used the 2001 Subaru WRX as a basis for one of its models, the 9x.

Subaru

Subaru has produced a variety of vehicles over the last 50 years or so, starting with a front wheel drive car called the 360. Subaru was then the first manufacturer to offer 4-wheel drive in a passenger vehicle. Subaru is best known in the UK for cars such as the Legacy, Forrester and the Impreza. The company was relatively unknown outside of the rural farming community until it exploded onto the World Rally Championship , competitively competing with first the Legacy, and then the Impreza. This rallying success helped promote the brand and made the enthusiastic british public eager to sample the road going versions of the rally cars.

Subaru Logo

The Subaru Logo is derived from its Greek namesake, the star cluster Pleiades, which is part of the Taurus constellation. Suabru is also Japanese for the word 'unite'.