Why does Saab look like Subaru?
Saab and Subaru are two distinct automotive brands, but they have often been compared for their similar design aesthetics. This similarity is not a coincidence, as the two companies have a shared history and design philosophy that has influenced the look and feel of their vehicles.
The Saab-Subaru Connection
Saab, the Swedish automaker, and Subaru, the Japanese brand, have a long-standing relationship that dates back to the 1960s. In the late 1960s, Saab was struggling financially and sought a partnership with another automaker to help it survive. Subaru, then a relatively small and unknown company, stepped in and provided Saab with the technology and resources it needed to continue operations.
This partnership between Saab and Subaru had a significant impact on the design of Saab's vehicles. Subaru's expertise in all-wheel-drive technology and boxer engines was incorporated into Saab's models, giving them a unique and distinctive look and feel. The use of Subaru's engineering also allowed Saab to maintain its reputation for safety and reliability, which were key selling points for the brand.
Design Similarities
The design similarities between Saab and Subaru vehicles are immediately apparent. Both brands are known for their boxy, angular styling, with a focus on functionality and practicality over pure aesthetics. This design approach was influenced by Subaru's engineering and Saab's Scandinavian design heritage.
Additionally, both Saab and Subaru have a reputation for producing vehicles that are well-suited for harsh weather conditions and outdoor adventures. This shared emphasis on ruggedness and all-weather capability has further contributed to the visual similarities between the two brands.
The Legacy Continues
Even though Saab is no longer in business, the design legacy it shares with Subaru lives on. Many current Subaru models, such as the Outback and Forester, bear a striking resemblance to classic Saab vehicles, with their boxy silhouettes and practical, all-wheel-drive capabilities.
This enduring design connection between Saab and Subaru is a testament to the lasting impact of their historic partnership and the shared values that have shaped the two brands over the decades.
Is the Saab 9 2X a Subaru?
This blue-eyed, black-haired beauty is built by Fuji Heavy Industries, a.k.a. Subaru, in the Gunma Yajima plant and then exported to the U.S. and Canada for consumption by Saab's North American faithful. The only things Swedish on the car are the badges, and we're not so sure those aren't made in Japan, too.
Which Saabs are Subarus?
The Saab that is a Subaru is the Saab 9-2X, also nicknamed the "Saabaru". It was a rebadged Subaru Impreza wagon produced from 2005 to 2006, sharing its platform, mechanicals, and engines with the Impreza, including Subaru's signature flat-four "boxer" engine.
- Underlying platform: The 9-2X was built on the second-generation Subaru Impreza wagon platform.
- Engine and drivetrain: It used Subaru's 2.5-liter flat-four engine in its standard form, and the turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer engine from the WRX in the Aero model. The all-wheel drive system was also sourced from Subaru.
- Production: The cars were built in Japan by Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru, and then shipped to Saab for final assembly and branding.
- Design: While the front end had Saab styling, the rear and many of the mechanical components were identical to the Subaru Impreza.
- Purpose: General Motors, which owned Saab at the time, collaborated with Subaru to create a sport wagon for the Saab lineup, as Saab did not have a model to compete in that segment.
Why is Subaru associated with LGBTQ?
Subaru is associated with the LGBTQ+ community primarily due to a successful, groundbreaking advertising campaign from the 1990s that targeted lesbian consumers. The company recognized lesbians as a key demographic and developed clever, coded ads that reflected their active, low-key lifestyle. This marketing strategy, combined with authentic internal support and sponsorships, cultivated a strong and loyal customer base within the community.
- Targeted market research: In the 1990s, Subaru identified lesbians as one of five key consumer groups willing to pay a premium for their all-wheel-drive vehicles.
- "Gay-coded" advertising: The ad campaigns used subtle messaging and playful code, such as license plates like "CAMP OUT" and "XENA LVR," and slogans like "Get out. And stay out".
- Authentic and sustained commitment: Subaru went beyond advertising by implementing same-sex domestic partnership benefits and becoming a founding sponsor of the Rainbow Card, which supported LGBTQ+ causes.
- Public endorsements: The brand also signed up public figures like openly gay tennis player Martina Navratilova as a spokesperson, further cementing its association with the community.
- Community recognition: The sustained effort was recognized and appreciated by the LGBTQ+ community, which embraced the brand as its own, leading to the stereotype of lesbians loving Subarus.
Is Saab owned by Subaru?
(FHI), a Japanese auto manufacturer known for Subaru, and Swedish automaker Saab Automobile AB (Saab), a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), announced today their collaboration on the development of a new Saab vehicle and on the distribution of Saab vehicles in the Japanese market.
