What is Subaru Legacy called in Japan?
The Subaru Legacy, a popular mid-size sedan, is known for its all-wheel-drive capabilities and rugged design. But did you know that the Legacy has a different name in its home market of Japan? In Japan, the Subaru Legacy is called the "Subaru Liberty."
The Subaru Liberty in Japan
The Subaru Legacy, known as the Subaru Liberty in Japan, has been a staple of the Japanese automaker's lineup since its introduction in 1989. The name "Liberty" was chosen to reflect the car's focus on providing a sense of freedom and independence for its drivers.
The Subaru Liberty is built and sold exclusively in Japan, while the Subaru Legacy is the model exported to international markets, including North America, Europe, and Australia. The two models share the same underlying platform and design, but the naming convention reflects the cultural and linguistic differences between the Japanese and global markets.
Reasons for the Name Change
There are a few key reasons why Subaru chose to use the "Liberty" name for the Japanese market:
- Linguistic Differences: The word "Legacy" does not have the same cultural significance or meaning in Japanese as it does in English. "Liberty" was seen as a more appropriate and meaningful name for the Japanese market.
- Branding and Marketing: Subaru wanted to differentiate the Japanese-market model from the global Subaru Legacy, allowing for distinct branding and marketing strategies in each region.
- Historical Precedent: Subaru has a history of using different names for its models in Japan compared to international markets. This practice helps the company tailor its products and messaging to local preferences.
By using the "Liberty" name in Japan, Subaru has been able to create a unique identity for the model in its home market, while still maintaining the Subaru Legacy brand globally.
