Subaru is a Japanese automaker known for its reliable, versatile, and performance-oriented vehicles. Founded in 1953, Subaru has grown to become one of the world’s largest automakers, with a reputation for innovation, quality, and customer loyalty.
Subaru’s History
Subaru was founded in 1953 as a division of the Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) corporation in Japan. The company’s original focus was on building airplanes, but in the early 1950s, FHI decided to diversify into the automotive industry.
Subaru’s first car, the Subaru 1500, was introduced in 1954. It was a compact sedan that featured a 1.5-liter engine and a top speed of 60 mph (97 km/h). The car was well-received in Japan, and Subaru continued to develop new models over the years.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Subaru began to focus on building all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles, which became a hallmark of the brand. In 1972, Subaru introduced the Leone, a mid-size car that was available with AWD. This was a significant milestone for the company, as the Leone was one of the first AWD cars in the world.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Subaru continued to innovate and develop new models. The company introduced the XT, a sporty coupe with a futuristic design, and the Legacy, a mid-size sedan that was available with AWD. Subaru also began to compete in motorsports, with the introduction of the Impreza WRX, a high-performance version of the Impreza that was designed for rally racing.
In the 2000s and 2010s, Subaru continued to grow and expand its product lineup. The company introduced the Outback, a crossover SUV that was based on the Legacy platform, and the Tribeca, a mid-size SUV that was available with three rows of seats. Subaru also began to focus on hybrid and electric vehicles, with the introduction of the XV Crosstrek Hybrid and the Crosstrek Hybrid.
Subaru’s Milestones
Subaru has achieved many milestones over the years, including:
- AWD technology: Subaru was one of the first automakers to develop AWD technology for passenger cars. The company’s AWD system is now available on most of its vehicles and is a key differentiator for the brand.
- Motorsports success: Subaru has had great success in motorsports, particularly in rally racing. The company’s Impreza WRX has won multiple championships in the World Rally Championship (WRC) and has become a fan favorite among motorsports enthusiasts.
- Customer loyalty: Subaru has a reputation for building reliable, high-quality vehicles that last for many years. This has led to a loyal customer base that is passionate about the brand and its products.
- Safety: Subaru has received numerous safety awards over the years, thanks to the company’s focus on safety technology and engineering. In 2019, Subaru was named the safest automaker in America by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- Environmentalism: Subaru has a strong commitment to the environment and has been recognized for its efforts to reduce emissions and promote sustainability. The company has introduced several hybrid and electric vehicles and has been named a “Greenest Automaker” by the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Subaru’s Future
Subaru is well-positioned for the future, with a strong lineup of vehicles and a commitment to innovation and sustainability. The company is investing in electric and hybrid technology, and has set a goal of making all of its vehicles electric or hybrid by the mid-2030s.