Subaru

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Subaru is the vehicle manufacturing division of the Japanese conglomerate Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI). Subarus are known for durability on all types of terrain.

The name Subaru is the Japanese name of the Pleiades star cluster. This star cluster is also featured on the Subaru logo.

FHI was created in 1915 and became a major aircraft producer for Japan during World War II. It wasn’t until the early 1950s when CEO Kenji Kita wanted to develop a car manufacturing branch. The first prototype was the Subaru 1500, a passenger car created in 1954.

Within the next 10 years, Subaru created new models, such as the 360 mini car, 450 and Sambar truck. In 1966, the Subaru’s head office was established in Shinjuku, Japan.

In 1968, Subaru of America was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and later moved to its current location in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. In that same year, Nissan Motor Co. acquired 20.4 percent stake in FHI and under this deal, released models such as the R-2, BRAT, Alcyone, Legacy, Impreza and Forester.

In 1985, the XT (Alcyone) was the first Subaru to be released in overseas markets before being released in Japan. Throughout the 1990s, Subaru continued to grow, releasing models such as the Baja, Outback Sport, Traviq and Vivio.

Popular Subaru models include: Outback, Tribeca, Legacy, Impreza and Forester. In addition, throughout the years, Subaru has developed partnerships with Toyota and collaborated on projects and future vehicle models.

Subaru is dedicated to environmentally friendly policies, such as recycling and reducing harmful emissions. Many current Subaru models are Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) certified.

Subaru initiatives, such as zero landfill status, and recycling programs help to reduce emissions of chemicals and parts that could endanger the environment. Subaru is currently partnered with initiatives, such as Leave No Trace, Geological Society of America and American Canoe Association.

Along with environmental programs, in the last decade, Subaru has been testing electric vehicle technology and in 2007, Subaru vehicles used Controller Area Network (CAN bus) technology.

Subaru’s vehicle design is based on the philosophy of adapting to the changing environment while standing firm in its rooted values. Subaru vehicles are designed with distinct hexagonal car grilles.

Subaru has also been heavily involved in motorsport since the 1980s, creating the Subaru Rally Team in Japan. In December 1994, Subaru participated in WRC race for the first time and finished second overall. For the next three years, Subaru took the manufacturers’ title from 1995 to 1997.

In addition, Subaru also set the world record for fastest sub 1.0L car as well as set endurance records and continues to race different models with the Subaru racing teams.