What was the first year for Subaru?
Subaru, the renowned Japanese automaker, has a rich history that dates back to its inception. The company's origins can be traced to the year 1953, when it was founded as Fuji Heavy Industries. However, the first year that Subaru vehicles were produced and sold to the public was 1958.
The Birth of Subaru
Fuji Heavy Industries was established in 1953 as a merger of several aircraft manufacturers, including Nakajima Aircraft Company. The company's initial focus was on the production of aircraft and other industrial machinery. It wasn't until 1958 that Fuji Heavy Industries ventured into the automotive industry and introduced its first passenger car, the Subaru 360.
The Subaru 360
The Subaru 360 was a small, rear-engined car that was designed to be affordable and fuel-efficient. It was powered by a 356cc two-cylinder engine and had a top speed of just 60 mph. Despite its modest performance, the Subaru 360 was a commercial success in Japan, where it became known as the "Ladybug" due to its distinctive shape and small size.
Expansion and Global Reach
Following the success of the Subaru 360, the company continued to expand its lineup of vehicles and gradually gained a foothold in international markets. In the 1960s, Subaru began exporting its cars to the United States, and by the 1970s, it had established a strong presence in the North American market.
Today, Subaru is a global brand with a reputation for producing reliable, all-wheel-drive vehicles that are popular with outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. The company's commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability has also made it a leader in the automotive industry.
What does Subaru mean in Japanese?
“unite
“SUBARU” signifies a Japanese word meaning “unite,” as well as a term identifying a cluster of six stars, which the Greeks called the Pleiades – part of the Taurus constellation. According to Greek mythology, Atlas' daughters turned into this group of stars.
How much did the first Subaru cost?
It carried a base price of $1,297 in 1968, its first year on the market, but sales were low at best and Subaru quickly realized the car was far too small and slow to suit the tastes of American consumers.
Who makes Subaru engines?
Who Makes Subaru Engines? Subaru engines are made in the Oizumi factory in Japan, where the automaker builds the boxer engines and transmissions for its vehicles.
What year did Subaru come to the USA?
1968
Subaru has a long history of offering vehicles that are both highly capable and intelligently designed. While the Japanese carmaker first entered the automotive world in 1954, it wasn't until 1968 that America got a taste of Subaru's innovative engineering.
Why does the Subaru logo only have 6 stars?
So, the six stars represent the six companies that merged to form Subaru. Pretty cool, right? Subaru has come to be much more than just an automotive brand to drivers. Subaru represents family, community, a love for adventure, and high-quality vehicles at an affordable price.
What does Subaru Brat stand for?
Bi-Drive Recreational All-Terrain Transporter
The Subaru BRAT pickup was a small, light utility pickup truck sold in the US from 1978 to 1987. As a response to the market demand of the times for car-like pickup trucks, Subaru vehicles produced the BRAT (Bi-Drive Recreational All-Terrain Transporter) for an audience that wanted something a little different.
What is the oldest Subaru model?
In a very short time, an automotive division emerged that became known as "Subaru," a name that means "Unite." The very first Subaru was launched in 1954. The first model was turbocharged and was initially called the P-1, a name changed later to the Subaru 1500.
Is Subaru still owned by Toyota?
Subaru is a subsidiary of the Subaru Corporation, formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries, which Toyota does have a small stake in. That said, while Subaru does partner with Toyota on multiple models, such as the Solterra (built in a Toyota factory) and BRZ , it is still an independent company.
What is a nickname for a Subaru?
The origin of the term “Subie” (pronounced soo-bee) is cloudy and unaccounted for, but from our research, the term seemed to appear in the late 90s when the Impreza WRX was big on the scene.
What did Subaru used to be called?
Subaru started as an aircraft research company named Fuji Heavy Industries in 1915, however they would soon reorganize to become the chief aircraft manufacturer for Japan during World War II. After the war effort, the company pivoted towards car manufacturing, thus creating the Subaru brand.
