Difference between revisions of "Subaru" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
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{{Otheruses|Subaru (disambiguation)}}
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{{nihongo|'''Subaru'''|スバル|}} is the [[automaker|automobile manufacturing]] division of [[Japan]]ese transportation [[conglomerate (company)|conglomerate]] [[Fuji Heavy Industries|Fuji Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.]] (FHI). Founded in 1917 by [[Chikuhei Nakajima]] (中島 知久平, 1884-1949), as The Aircraft Research Laboratory" (later Nakajima Aircraft Company, Ltd.)," in 1917, the company became a major supplier of aircraft to the [[Government of Japan]] during [[World War II]]. After the war, reorganized as Fuji Sangyo, the company began to manufacture buses, scooters and automobiles. Its first car, released in 1954, was the [[Subaru P1]] (later renamed 1500).
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{{nihongo|'''Subaru'''|スバル|}} is the [[automaker|automobile manufacturing]] division of [[Japan]]ese transportation [[conglomerate (company)|conglomerate]] [[Fuji Heavy Industries|Fuji Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.]] (FHI).
 
  
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Subaru is known for their use of [[flat engine|boxer engines]] in most of their vehicles. The company decided to utilize [[Four-wheel drive|all wheel drive]] in most international markets as standard equipment in 1996.  
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Subaru drew on its experience with airplanes to automobile design and developed innovations such the horizontally opposed [[flat engine|boxer engines]] used in most of their vehicles. In 1996, the company decided to utilize [[Four-wheel drive|all wheel drive]] in most international markets as standard equipment. Benefiting from the growing popularity of outdoor activities, the versatile Subaru vehicles achieved greater popularity in the United States, than they did in Japan. Subaru is known for its environmental initiatives, such as building the first auto assembly plant to achieve zero landfill status; offering vehicles that meet California and New York emission standards for sale in every state; developing energy efficient hybrid vehicles; and providing a recycling plan for their "end-of-life" cars.
  
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[[Fuji Heavy Industries]], the parent company of Subaru, is currently in a partnership with [[Toyota Motor Corporation]], which owns 16.5% of FHI.<ref name="increasedstake">{{cite news
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[[Image:Pleiades Lanoue.png|left|150px|Subaru Star Cluster]]
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  | last = Yumiko
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  | first = Nishitani
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==Name==
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  | title = Japan's Fuji Heavy shares rally on expanded alliance with Toyota group
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Subaru is named after the star cluster [[Pleiades]]; the Japanese name "Subaru," roughly translated into English means, "to govern", "unite," or "gather together." The company logo is inspired by the [[star cluster]]. The large star in the logo represents Fuji Heavy Industries, and the five smaller stars represent the current five companies that are united under the FHI group. In Japan, the company also goes by the name Mutsuraboshi ("Six Stars"), the name given to the Pleiades in very old Japanese texts such as [[Kojiki]] and [[Man'yōshū]] and literature such as [[The Pillow Book|Makura no Sōshi]]. <ref>Subaru Global [http://www.subaru-global.com/origin_name.html Origins of Subaru name] Subaru Global. Retrieved June 27, 2008.</ref>
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  | publisher = Thomson Financial News
 
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  | language = English
 
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  | date = [[2008-04-11]]
 
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  | url = http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/11/afx4878408.html
 
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  | accessdate = 2008-04-12}}</ref>
 
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[[Image:Pleiades Lanoue.png|left|150px|Subaru Star Cluster]]
 
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The company is named after the star cluster [[Pleiades]]; in Japanese the name is "Subaru", which roughly translated into English means, "to govern", "unite," or "gather together". The company logo is influenced by the [[star cluster]]. The large star in the logo represents Fuji Heavy Industries, and the five smaller stars represent the current five companies that are united under the FHI group. In Japan, the company also goes by the name Mutsuraboshi ("Six Stars"), under which title it appears frequently in very old Japanese documents such as [[Kojiki]] and [[Man'yōshū]] and literature such as [[The Pillow Book|Makura no Sōshi]]. <ref>[http://www.subaru-global.com/origin_name.html Origins of Subaru name]</ref>
 
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==History==
 
==History==
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===Origins===
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[[Image:Chikuhei Nakajima.jpg|thumb|right|Chikuhei Nakajima]]
  
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[[Image:Subaru logo.png|left|75px|Subaru's previous logo.]]
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[[Chikuhei Nakajima]] (中島 知久平 ''Nakajima Chikuhei'' [[January 1]], [[1884]] - [[October 10]], [[1949]]), a  Japanese military officer, engineer, and politician, founded 
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"The Aircraft Research Laboratory" in 1917. Reorganized as "[[Nakajima Aircraft Company]], Ltd.," in 1931, the company was a major supplier of [[airplanes]] to the [[Government of Japan]] during [[World War II]]. Nakajima served as Japan's Minister of Commerce and Industry until Japan's surrender at the end of the war. He died in 1949, and is buried in Tama Cemetery near [[Tokyo]].
  
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FHI started out as "The Aircraft Research Laboratory" in 1917 headed by [[Chikuhei Nakajima]]. In 1931, the company was reorganized as "[[Nakajima Aircraft Company]], Ltd", the main airplane manufacturer for Japan in WWII.
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===Post-War Period===
  
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At the end of the Second World War, Nakajima Aircraft was again reorganized, this time as Fuji Sangyo Co, Ltd. In 1946, Fuji Sangyo created the [[Fuji Rabbit]] motor scooter with spare aircraft parts from the war. <ref>[http://www.fujirabbit.com/pages/frame_history.html Fuji Rabbit.com<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref>In 1950, Fuji Sangyo was divided into 12 smaller corporations according to the Japanese Government's 1950 Corporate Credit Rearrangement Act (anti-[[zaibatsu]] legislation), but between 1953-1955, four of these corporations and a newly formed corporation, known as Fuji Kogyo (a scooter manufacturer}, Fuji Jidosha (a [[coachbuilder]] specializing in bus manufacture), Omiya Fuji Kogyo (an engine manufacurer), Utsunomiya Sharyo (a [[chassis]] manufacturer) and Tokyo Fuji Dangyo (a [[trading company]]), decided to merge together to form the Fuji Heavy Industries we know today.
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At the end of World War II, Nakajima Aircraft was again reorganized as Fuji Sangyo Company, Ltd., and concentrated on meeting the need for cheap transportation in Japan.  In 1946, Fuji Sangyo created the [[Fuji Rabbit]] S-1 motor scooter, using spare aircraft parts left over from the war. The design was based on the Powell motor scooter being used in Japan by American servicemen. The Rabbit was an immediate success with the Japanese public. <ref>Fuji Rabbit [http://www.fujirabbit.com/pages/frame_history.html Fuji Rabbit.com <!-- Bot generated title —>] Retrieved June 27, 2008 </ref>
  
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[[Kenji Kita]], the CEO of [[Fuji Heavy Industries]] at the time, wanted the new company to be involved in car manufacturing, and chose the name Subaru to grace its first car, the [[Subaru P1]] in 1954. Mr. Kita canvassed the Company for suggestions about naming the P-1, but none of the proposals was appealing. In the end, Mr. Kita gave the car a Japanese name that had been his personal favorite from childhood --- Subaru. <ref>[http://www.subaru-global.com/origin_name.html Inspiration of naming first Subaru vehicle]</ref> From 1954 to 2008, the company designed and manufactured dozens of vehicles including the P1 (1954), the tiny air-cooled [[Subaru 360|360]] (1958), the [[Subaru Sambar|Sambar]] (1961), the [[Subaru 1000|1000]] (1965), the [[Subaru R2|R2]] (1969), the [[Subaru Leone|Leone]] (1971), the [[Subaru Domingo|Domingo]] (1983), the [[Subaru Alcyone|Alcyone]] (1985), the [[Subaru Legacy|Legacy]] (1989), the [[Subaru Impreza|Impreza]] (1993), the [[Subaru Sambar|Sambar EV]] electric van (1995), the [[Subaru Forester|Forester]] (1997), the [[Subaru Tribeca|Tribeca]] (2005), and the [[Subaru Exiga]] in 2008. [[Image:Subaru360-1.jpg|left|thumb|1965 Subaru 360]]
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[[Image:Subaru logo.png|left|75px|Subaru's old logo.]]
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The Japanese Government's 1950 Corporate Credit Rearrangement Act (anti-[[zaibatsu]] legislation) divided Fuji Sangyo into 12 smaller corporations. Between 1953-1955, four of these corporations, Fuji Jidosha (a [[coachbuilder]] specializing in bus manufacture), Omiya Fuji Kogyo (an engine manufacurer), Utsunomiya Sharyo (a [[chassis]] manufacturer) and Tokyo Fuji Dangyo (a [[trading company]]) merged with Fuji Kogyo (a scooter manufacturer) to form Fuji Heavy Industries (富士重工業株式会社; Fuji Jūkōgyō Kabushiki-kaisha) ({{tyo|7270}}), or FHI.
  
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===Major shareholders===
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===First Subaru car===
  
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On October 5, 2005 [[Toyota Motor Corporation]] purchased 8.7% of FHI shares from [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]] who had owned 20.1% of FHI<ref>{{Citation
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[[Kenji Kita]], the CEO of [[Fuji Heavy Industries]] at the time, wanted the new company to be involved in car manufacturing. Kita canvassed the company’s employees for possible names for its first car, the [[Subaru P1]], in 1954, but none of the proposals was appealing. In the end, Kita gave the car a Japanese name that had been his personal favorite from childhood, “Subaru.” <ref>Subaru Global [http://www.subaru-global.com/origin_name.html Inspiration of naming first Subaru vehicle]  Retrieved June 27, 2008</ref> The P-1 (the name was later changed to the Subaru 1500) was powered by a four-cylinder engine and had a front-wheel wishbone-type independent suspension. It was the first car designed in Japan with a monocoque ('single shell' in French) body, utilizing the external shell to support much of the weight. Sales were temporarily suspended when FHI encountered financial difficulties, but in 1958 a second car, the Subaru 360, was introduced. Called the “Ladybird” because of its ladybug shape, the compact 360 became very popular, and remained in production for 12 years. <ref>Edmunds.com  [http://www.edmunds.com/subaru/history.html  Subaru] Edmonds.com Retrieved June 27, 2008</ref>
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  | last = Kaho
 
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  | first = Shimizu
 
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  | title = Toyota to buy Fuji shares in GM selloff
 
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  | newspaper = The Japan Times
 
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  | year = 2005
 
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  | date = [[2005-10-06]]
 
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  | url = http://search.japantimes.co.jp/member/member.html?nn20051006a1.htm}}</ref> since 1999. GM later divested its remaining 11.4% stake, selling its shares on the open market to sever all ties with FHI.  FHI previously stated that there might have been 27 million shares (3.4%) acquired before the start of trading by an unknown party on October 6, 2005, and speculation suggested that a bank or perhaps another automaker was involved.  After the purchase, Toyota announced a contract with Subaru on March 13, 2006 to use the underutilized [[Subaru of Indiana Automotive|Subaru manufacturing facility]] in [[Lafayette, Indiana]], and Toyota announced plans to hire up to 1,000 workers and set aside an assembly line for the [[Camry]] model, beginning in spring 2007. 
 
  
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Before GM's ownership, [[Nissan]] had acquired the 20% stake in 1968 during a period of government-ordered merging of Japanese auto industry to merge in order for improved competitiveness under the administration of [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]] [[Eisaku Sato]]. Nissan would utilize FHI's bus manufacturing capability and expertise for their [[Nissan Diesel]] line of buses. In turn, many Subaru vehicles, even today, use parts from the Nissan manufacturing [[keiretsu]]. The Subaru automatic transmission, known as the [[List of Subaru transmissions|4EAT]], is also used in the first generation [[Nissan Pathfinder]]. Speculation has suggested that it was Subaru that introduced [[Renault]] to Nissan, when Nissan asked for assistance in [[all-wheel drive]] (AWD) technology, and when FHI might have suggested that Renault discuss their plans with Nissan, the discussions may have been a contributing factor to the currently successful Renault-Nissan alliance. Upon Nissan's acquisition by [[Renault]], its 20% stake was sold to [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]].
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From 1954 to 2008, the company designed and manufactured dozens of vehicles including the P1 (1954), the tiny air-cooled [[Subaru 360|360]] (1958), the [[Subaru Sambar|Sambar]] (1961), the [[Subaru 1000|1000]] (1965), the [[Subaru R2|R2]] (1969), the [[Subaru Leone|Leone]] (1971), the [[Subaru Domingo|Domingo]] (1983), the [[Subaru Alcyone|Alcyone]] (1985), the [[Subaru Legacy|Legacy]] (1989), the [[Subaru Impreza|Impreza]] (1993), the [[Subaru Sambar|Sambar EV]] electric van (1995), the [[Subaru Forester|Forester]] (1997), the [[Subaru Tribeca|Tribeca]] (2005), and the [[Subaru Exiga]] in 2008.  [[Image:Subaru360-1.jpg|left|thumb|1965 Subaru 360]]
  
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During the General Motors period, a modified [[Subaru Impreza|Impreza]] was sold in the United States as the [[Saab 9-2X]]. A SUV (Subaru Tribeca / SAAB 9-6X) was also planned<ref name="edmunds.com/insideline">{{Cite web|url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=105934|title=Saab 9-6X Gets the Go-ahead|accessdate=2007-07-28|work=edmunds.com/insideline}}</ref><ref name="autocar.co.uk/News">{{Cite web|url=http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/212253/|title=Subaru plans new model revolution|accessdate=2007-07-28|work=autocar.co.uk/News}}</ref>but the SAAB version did not proceed.<ref name="edmunds.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=107572|title=Saab Developing Smaller Crossover After Collapse of Subaru Alliance|accessdate=2007-07-28|work=edmunds.com}}</ref>
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The first Subaru mini-truck, the Sambar, launched in 1961, offered compact size with a spacious cargo bed. It was soon followed by the Sambar Light Van, built for both commercial and leisure use. The Subaru 1000, launched in 1965, was the first vehicle to incorporate Subaru’s trademark drive technology: a front-wheel-drive system coupled to a horizontally opposed “boxer engine” derived from aircraft technology. By the end of the 1960s, Subaru North America had begun importing to the United States. <ref>Ibid.</ref>  
  
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===Marketing efforts===
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In the 1970s, Subaru introduced the GL/DL (the Leone in other markets), followed by a coupe and a station wagon, that offered four-wheel-drive (4WD) capability for the first time in a vehicle for everyday use. Especially suitable for use in the snow and in hilly regions, the GL and DL benefited from the growing popularity of outdoor sports like skiing and fishing, and became the world's top-selling 4WD vehicle. In 1977, Subaru successfully launched the Brat, a small pick-up based on the GL, with a pair of jump seats in the cargo bed.
  
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In 1965, [[Malcolm Bricklin]] started selling franchises for motor scooters that included the Fuji Rabbit and the tiny Subaru 360. Bricklin made a deal with Subaru to introduce those cars to the United States. Malcolm and his partner, Harvey Lamm, formed Subaru of America, Inc. to sell Subaru franchises. It marked the beginning of the Japanese influx.
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During the 1980s Subaru released a series of versatile and unique vehicles; and Fuji Heavy Industries developed the first electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT, a [[Transmission (mechanics)|transmission]] which can change steplessly through an infinite number of effective [[Gear ratio| gear ratios]] between maximum and minimum values). Early in 1987, [[Subaru]] launched the [[Justy]], the first car with an ECVT. In 1989, the Justy became the first production car in the U.S. to offer CVT technology.  Subaru continues to use CVT in its light automobiles (keicars), as well as supplying it to other manufacturers.  
  
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In the 1970s, the company moved away from small commercial vehicles and concentrated on the development of mainstream passenger car models, and when Subaru introduced the [[Subaru Legacy|Legacy]] in 1989, it was well received. The Legacy was considered mainstream in its appearance and a departure from previous vehicles, which had earned a reputation of being "quirky". It was perceived by some as Subaru's attempt to compete with new luxury brands Lexus, Infiniti and Acura, as Japanese vehicles were increasing in popularity, particularly in the USA. Subaru continued their new direction with the controversially styled six-cylinder [[Subaru Alcyone SVX|SVX]] (1992), and the [[Subaru Impreza|Impreza]] (1993).
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During the 1990s, Subaru introduced the high-performance SVX, the popular Legacy-based Outback wagon, and the sporty Impreza. Subaru AWD vehicles combine high performance with versatility, and boast some of the best crash test scores in the automotive world<ref> Edmunds.com  [http://www.edmunds.com/subaru/history.html  Subaru] Edmonds.com Retrieved June 27, 2008.</ref>
  
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From 1995 to 2000, Subaru ran a series of advertisements for the newly developed Subaru [[Outback]] which starred [[Paul Hogan (actor)|Paul Hogan]].  The advertisements were intended to highlight Subaru's all wheel drive, and depicted the Outback in a number of rugged Australian locations. The tagline "the world's first sport utility wagon" was successfully used by Subaru, though the [[AMC Eagle]] had tried much the same idea, with less success in the 1980s. Some of the advertising slogans Subaru has used in the past include, "Inexpensive, and built to stay that way", "The World's Favorite Four Wheel Drive" (in the U.K.), "We're building our reputation by building a better car", "The beauty of all-wheel-drive", "Think, Feel, Drive", and currently "It's what makes a Subaru, a Subaru".
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===Nissan, General Electric and Toyota===
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In 1968, when the Japanese government under [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]] [[Eisaku Sato]] mandated the merger of Japanese auto industry firms to improve competitiveness, [[Nissan]] acquired a 20% stake in Fuji Heavy Industry. Nissan utilized FHI's bus manufacturing capability and expertise to expand its [[Nissan Diesel]] line of buses. Many Subaru vehicles, even today, use parts manufactured by Nissan. The Subaru automatic transmission, known as the “4EAT”, is also used in the first generation [[Nissan Pathfinder]]. Upon Nissan's acquisition by [[Renault]] in 1999, its 20% stake was sold to [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]].  
  
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As a result of this refocused advertising campaign, Subaru products began to attract a following among the young and educated, and as a lightweight, affordable, economical SUV alternative to the likes of the [[Ford Bronco]] and [[Jeep Wagoneer]] or the exclusive [[Volvo]]. Subaru has historically been popular in US regions such as the [[Pacific Northwest]] , the North American [[Rocky Mountains]] region, and especially in [[New England]], with relatively high resale values and owner loyalty rates in those regions. However, facing pressure from competition from the large Japanese brands, Subaru began to market only AWD cars and wagons for the American market. The [[Subaru Outback]] wagon, based on the [[Subaru Legacy|Legacy]] and modified with SUV-like stance, bumpers, and roof, became one of the best selling wagons in the US during the 2000s.
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During the period of General Motors ownership, a modified [[Subaru Impreza|Impreza]] was sold in the United States as the [[Saab 9-2X]]. An SUV (Subaru Tribeca / SAAB 9-6X) was also planned<ref> Edmunds.com/insideline  http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=105934  Saab 9-6X Gets the Go-ahead. Edmunds.com Inside Line. June 6, 2005.  Retrieved June 27, 2008</ref> but the SAAB version did not proceed.<ref>Edmunds.com" www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=107572  Saab Developing Smaller Crossover After Collapse of Subaru Alliance  Edmunds.com. October 13, 2005. Retrieved June 27, 2008</ref>
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On October 5, 2005, [[Toyota Motor Corporation]] purchased 8.7% of FHI shares from [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]] <ref> http://search.japantimes.co.jp/member/member.html?nn20051006a1.htm  Shimizu Kaho,  Toyota to buy Fuji shares in GM selloff, The Japan Times, October 10, 2005  Retrieved June 27, 2008</ref>  General Motors later sold its remaining 11.4% stake on the open market, to sever all ties with FHI. After the purchase, Toyota announced a contract with Subaru on March 13, 2006, to use the underutilized [[Subaru of Indiana Automotive|Subaru manufacturing facility]] in [[Lafayette, Indiana]], and plans to hire up to 1,000 workers and set aside an assembly line for the [[Camry]] model, beginning in spring 2007. 
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On April 10, 2008, Toyota increased its stake in FHI to 16.7% and announced the end of [[Kei car|minicar]] production at its facility in [[Gunma Prefecture]].  [[Daihatsu]], a subsidiary of Toyota, will instead supply the cars to FHI.<ref>Thomson Financial News www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/11/afx4878408.html  Japan's Fuji Heavy shares rally on expanded alliance with Toyota group  Thomson Financial News. April 11, 2008. Retrieved June 27, 2008</ref> 
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==Subaru of America, Inc.==
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In the United States, Fuji Heavy Industries owns [[Subaru of America]], Inc., [[Subaru]] Research & Development, Inc., and [[Subaru of Indiana Automotive]], Inc..
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In 1965  [[Malcolm Bricklin]], an entrepreneur,  began offering franchises for distributorships selling motor scooters, including the Fuji Rabbit. In 1967, when Fuji Heavy Industry sold their Rabbit factory to Israel, Bricklin made an arrangement with Subaru to import the tiny Subaru 360 to the United States.<ref> Cars101.com http://www.cars101.com/subaru_bricklin.html  Malcolm Bricklin Resource Page , Cars101.com  Retrieved June 27, 2008</ref>  Bricklin and his partner, Harvey Lamm, formed Subaru of America, Inc. to sell Subaru franchises.
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In the 1970s, Subaru moved away from small commercial vehicles and developed mainstream passenger car models.  The Subaru Legacy, introduced in the United States in 1990, was well received. Subaru continued its new direction with the controversially styled six-cylinder [[Subaru Alcyone SVX|SVX]] (1992), and the [[Subaru Impreza|Impreza]] (1993).
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From 1995 to 2000, Subaru ran a series of advertisements for the newly developed Subaru [[Outback]], starring Australian actor [[Paul Hogan (actor)|Paul Hogan]], which highlighted Subaru's all wheel drive, and depicted the Outback in a number of rugged Australian locations. As a result of this advertising campaign, Subaru products began to attract a following among the young and educated, as a lightweight, affordable, economical SUV alternative. During the 2000s,  the [[Subaru Outback]] wagon, based on the [[Subaru Legacy|Legacy]] and modified with SUV-like stance, bumpers, and roof, became one of the best selling wagons in the United States.  
 
[[Image:Auto Show 069.jpg|left|thumb|190px|Subaru Impreza Rally Car]]
 
[[Image:Auto Show 069.jpg|left|thumb|190px|Subaru Impreza Rally Car]]
  
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Modified versions of the [[Subaru Impreza WRX|Impreza WRX]] and [[Subaru Impreza WRX STi|WRX STi]] have been competing successfully in [[Rally racing|car rallies]]; drivers [[Colin McRae]], [[Richard Burns]] and [[Petter Solberg]] have won [[World Rally Championship]] titles with the [[Subaru World Rally Team]]. The Subaru [[World Rally Championship]] cars are prepared and run by [[Prodrive]], the highly successful British Motorsport team. Several endurance records were set in the early and mid-nineties by the [[Subaru Legacy|Legacy]].
 
Modified versions of the [[Subaru Impreza WRX|Impreza WRX]] and [[Subaru Impreza WRX STi|WRX STi]] have been competing successfully in [[Rally racing|car rallies]]; drivers [[Colin McRae]], [[Richard Burns]] and [[Petter Solberg]] have won [[World Rally Championship]] titles with the [[Subaru World Rally Team]]. The Subaru [[World Rally Championship]] cars are prepared and run by [[Prodrive]], the highly successful British Motorsport team. Several endurance records were set in the early and mid-nineties by the [[Subaru Legacy|Legacy]].
  
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For the 1990 Formula 1 season, Subaru fielded the Subaru [[Enzo Coloni Racing Car Systems|Coloni]] C3B. It featured a 12 cylinder boxer engine, but was not competitive because of horsepower and weight disadvantages<ref>Subaru Performance magazine version 4.3</ref>. With the rise of rally racing, and the [[Import scene]] in the US, the introduction of the highly anticipated [[Subaru Impreza WRX]] in 2001 was successful in bringing high performance, AWD compact cars into the sports car mainstream.  
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For the 1990 Formula 1 season, Subaru fielded the Subaru [[Enzo Coloni Racing Car Systems|Coloni]] C3B. It featured a 12 cylinder boxer engine, but was not competitive because of horsepower and weight disadvantages<ref>Subaru Performance magazine version 4.3</ref>. Owing to the increased interest in rally racing, the [[Subaru Impreza WRX]], introduced in 2001, was successful in bringing high performance, AWD compact cars into the sports car mainstream.  
  
 
===Diesel===
 
===Diesel===
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Subaru displayed a [[Variable geometry turbocharger|variable vane]], [[common rail]] [[turbodiesel]] [[Flat engine|boxer engine]] at the 2007 Frankfurt International Motor Show. It is the world's first production horizontally-opposed water-cooled diesel engine. Volkswagen made only 2 air-cooled boxer [[prototype]] diesel engines that were not turbocharged, and installed one engine in a [[Volkswagen Beetle|Type 1]] and another in a [[Volkswagen Type 2|Type 2]].<ref name="ltv-vwc.org.uk">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ltv-vwc.org.uk/wheelspin/ws_aug-sept-2003/diesel-beetle.html|title=The Diesel Beetle|accessdate=2008-04-03|work=ltv-vwc.org.uk}}</ref>  
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At the 2007 Frankfurt International Motor Show, Subaru displayed a [[Variable geometry turbocharger|variable vane]], [[common rail]] [[turbodiesel]] [[Flat engine|boxer engine]], the world's first production horizontally-opposed water-cooled diesel engine. Volkswagen made only 2 air-cooled boxer [[prototype]] diesel engines that were not turbocharged, and installed one engine in a [[Volkswagen Beetle|Type 1]] and another in a [[Volkswagen Type 2|Type 2]].<ref name="ltv-vwc.org.uk">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ltv-vwc.org.uk/wheelspin/ws_aug-sept-2003/diesel-beetle.html|title=The Diesel Beetle|accessdate=2008-04-03|work=ltv-vwc.org.uk}}</ref>  
  
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The Subaru engine is rated at 110 kW (147 hp) and 350 Nm (258 ft lb) with a displacement of only 2.0 liters. In March 2008, Subaru will offer the Legacy wagon with the 2.0 liter turbodiesel in the UK with a 5 speed manual transmission only.<ref name="autobloggreen.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/03/07/geneva-motor-show-subaru-diesel-boxer-engine/|title=Geneva Motor Show: Subaru diesel boxer engine|accessdate=2007-08-01|publisher=autobloggreen.com}}</ref>
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The Subaru engine is rated at 110 kW (147 hp) and 350 Nm (258 ft lb) with a displacement of only 2.0 liters.<ref> Autobloggreen.com [www.autobloggreen.com/2007/03/07/geneva-motor-show-subaru-diesel-boxer-engine/   Geneva Motor Show: Subaru diesel boxer engine] AutoBlogGreen.com, March 7, 2007. Retrieved June 27, 2008  </ref>
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<ref name="paultanturbodiesel.com">{{Cite web|url=http://paultan.org/archives/2007/09/17/subaru-turbodiesel-boxer-110kw147hp/ | title=Subaru's 2.0L Turbodiesel Boxer - 110kW/147hp}}</ref>  
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<ref> paultanturbodiesel.com [http://paultan.org/archives/2007/09/17/subaru-turbodiesel-boxer-110kw147hp/   Subaru's 2.0L Turbodiesel Boxer - 110kW/147hp]  September 17, 2007.  Retrieved June 27, 2008 </ref>  
  
 
[[EPA]] fuel economy estimated is:<br>
 
[[EPA]] fuel economy estimated is:<br>
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Highway Ranges<br>  
 
Highway Ranges<br>  
 
{{convert|45.2|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}}<br>
 
{{convert|45.2|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}}<br>
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{{convert|49.0|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}}<ref name="First Drive: 2008 Subaru Legacy Diesel">{{Cite web|url=http://www.trucktrend.com/roadtests/wagon/163_0801_subaru_boxer_turbodiesel_first_drive/specifications.html|title=Subaru Boxer Turbodiesel - Specifications - First Drive - Truck Trend|accessdate=2008-03-05|publisher=trucktrend.com}}</ref>
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{{convert|49.0|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}}<ref> "First Drive: 2008 Subaru Legacy Diesel" [http://www.trucktrend.com/roadtests/wagon/163_0801_subaru_boxer_turbodiesel_first_drive/specifications.html|title=Subaru Boxer Turbodiesel - Specifications - First Drive - Truck Trend]  Trucktrend.com Retrieved June 27, 2008  </ref>
−
 
 
−
According to the ''Subaru Owners'' on-line newsletter dated March 2008, Subaru is "currently making modifications to the diesel so it meets the more stringent U.S. standards. Subaru diesel models should be domestically available in two to three years."
 
  
 
==Environmental record==
 
==Environmental record==
−
{{Advert|date=May 2008}}
+
Subaru claims to have implemented environmental initiatives such as recycling, reducing harmful emissions, and educating their employees. The Subaru plant in Lafayette, Indiana (SIA) was the first auto assembly plant to achieve zero landfill status; every by-product of its manufacturing is reused and recycled; nothing goes into a landfill. The company has also developed energy efficient hybrid vehicles, and a recycling plan for their "end-of-life" cars.
−
Subaru claims to have implemented advanced policies which include recycling, reducing harmful emissions, educating their employees, and continuing their efforts have helped them in their environmental initiatives. The Subaru plant in Lafayette, Indiana (SIA) was the first auto assembly plant to achieve zero landfill status - nothing from its manufacturing efforts goes into a landfill. It's all reused and recycled. This a significant step in the car manufacturing business and plans to have the vehicles they sell in each state meet the standards of California and New York. The company has also developed energy efficient hybrid vehicles as well as a recycling plan for their "end-of-life" cars.
 
  
−
An excerpt from the Subaru website stated "In 2006, SIA was awarded the U.S. EPA's Gold Achievement Award as a top achiever in the agency's WasteWise program to reduce waste and improve recycling." The website also went on to claim, "It also became the first U.S. automotive assembly plant to be designated a wildlife habitat. Deer, coyotes, beavers, blue herons, geese, and other animals live there in peaceful coexistence with the Subaru plant"
+
According to the official Subaru website, "In 2006, SIA was awarded the U.S. EPA's Gold Achievement Award as a top achiever in the agency's WasteWise program to reduce waste and improve recycling." The website claims that SIA "has also become the first U.S. automotive assembly plant to be designated a wildlife habitat. Deer, coyotes, beavers, blue herons, geese, and other animals live there in peaceful coexistence with the Subaru plant"
  
−
Subaru also offers Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) certified Legacy, Outback, and Forester models which are available for sale anywhere in the U.S. Subaru PZEV vehicles meet California's Super-Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle exhaust emission standard.<ref>[http://www.subaru.com/sub/misc/environment/index.html?from=topNav Subaru and the Environment<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref> Subaru PZEV vehicles have 90% cleaner emissions than the average new vehicle.Subaru PZEV vehicles achieve such tight pollution controls, and the burning of fuel is so complete that in very smoggy urban areas, exhaust out of the tailpipe can actually be cleaner than the air outside.According to the EPA, Outback, Forester, and Legacy are among the cleanest and most fuel-efficient vehicles available in the U.S. based on air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and overall fuel economy.<ref>www.subaru.com</ref>
+
Subaru also offers Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)- certified Legacy, Outback, and Forester models which are available for sale anywhere in the U.S.. Subaru PZEV vehicles meet California's Super-Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle exhaust emission standard.<ref>Subaru.com [http://www.subaru.com/sub/misc/environment/index.html?from=topNav Subaru and the Environment] Subaru.com Retrieved June 27, 2008  </ref> and have 90% cleaner emissions than the average new vehicle. Subaru PZEV vehicles achieve such tight pollution controls, and the burning of fuel is so complete, that in very smoggy urban areas, exhaust coming out of the tailpipe may actually be cleaner than the surrounding air. According to the EPA, Outback, Forester, and Legacy are among the cleanest and most fuel-efficient vehicles available in the U.S. based on air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and overall fuel economy.<ref>Ibid.</ref>
  
 
==Current models==
 
==Current models==
Line 118: Line 117:
  
 
An article posted by [[Autoblog]] on April 16, 2008 stated that due to the corporate investment by [[Toyota]], all ''kei cars'' built by Subaru will be replaced by [[Daihatsu]] models beginning in 2010 <ref>[http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/subaru-to-stop-making-kei-cars/#comments Subaru to stop making Kei Cars - Autoblog<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref>
 
An article posted by [[Autoblog]] on April 16, 2008 stated that due to the corporate investment by [[Toyota]], all ''kei cars'' built by Subaru will be replaced by [[Daihatsu]] models beginning in 2010 <ref>[http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/subaru-to-stop-making-kei-cars/#comments Subaru to stop making Kei Cars - Autoblog<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref>
−
 
−
 
  
 
==Concept cars==
 
==Concept cars==
−
*[[Subaru SRD-1]] Experimental design study introduced in 1990
+
All links retrieved June 27, 2008.
−
*[http://www.stationwagon.com/gallery/1996_Subaru_Exiga.html 1996 Subaru Exiga]
+
*[[Subaru SRD-1]] Experimental design study introduced in 1990 *[http://www.stationwagon.com/gallery/1996_Subaru_Exiga.html 1996 Subaru Exiga]  
 
*[http://www.diseno-art.com/encyclopedia/concept_cars/subaru_b9_scrambler.html Subaru B9 Scrambler]
 
*[http://www.diseno-art.com/encyclopedia/concept_cars/subaru_b9_scrambler.html Subaru B9 Scrambler]
 
*[http://www.diseno-art.com/encyclopedia/concept_cars/subaru_b11s.html Subaru B11s]
 
*[http://www.diseno-art.com/encyclopedia/concept_cars/subaru_b11s.html Subaru B11s]
 
*[http://www.cars.com/go/features/autoshows/vehicle.jsp?autoshow=&vehicletype=concept&autoshowyear=2006&vehicle=concept_subaru_b5_tph Subaru B5 TPH (Turbo Parallel Hybrid)]
 
*[http://www.cars.com/go/features/autoshows/vehicle.jsp?autoshow=&vehicletype=concept&autoshowyear=2006&vehicle=concept_subaru_b5_tph Subaru B5 TPH (Turbo Parallel Hybrid)]
−
 
+
*[http://sameerkumar.blogspot.com/2007/12/subaru-to-make-bikes.html Subaru HS500]
−
December 4, 2007 saw an article claiming that Subaru was considering building a motorcycle, called the Subaru HS500, with a single cylinder 500 cc engine producing {{convert|50|hp|abbr=on}}.
 
−
[http://sameerkumar.blogspot.com/2007/12/subaru-to-make-bikes.html Subaru HS500]
 
  
 
===Toyota-Subaru coupe===
 
===Toyota-Subaru coupe===
−
On April 10, 2008, Toyota approximately doubled its stake in FHI to 16.5%<ref name="increasedstake" />, and announced that Toyota and Subaru are working on a [[coupe|2-door coupe]] together, to be released around 2011.<ref name="fhitoyotapressrelease">{{cite press release
+
On April 10, 2008, Toyota approximately doubled its stake in FHI to 16.5%<ref name="increasedstake" />, and announced a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru on a [[coupe|2-door coupe]]<ref name="fhitoyotapressrelease">{{cite press release
 
   | title = Fuji Heavy Industries Restructures Business Models Leveraging Alliance with Toyota and Daihatsu
 
   | title = Fuji Heavy Industries Restructures Business Models Leveraging Alliance with Toyota and Daihatsu
 
   | publisher = Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
 
   | publisher = Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
 
   | date = [[2008-04-10]]
 
   | date = [[2008-04-10]]
 
   | url = http://www.fhi.co.jp/english/contents/pdf_en_44984.pdf
 
   | url = http://www.fhi.co.jp/english/contents/pdf_en_44984.pdf
−
   | accessdate = 2008-04-12}}</ref>
+
   | accessdate = 2008-04-12}}</ref> that will be sold in Japan only as a Toyota, and internationally as a Subaru.<ref>Autoblog.com [http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/28/subaru-rwd-coupe-will-be-sold-worldwide-toyota-version-only-in/   Subaru RWD coupe will be sold worldwide, Toyota version only in Japan] Autoblog.com, (May 28, 2008) Retrieved June 27, 2008  </ref>
−
 
+
−
According to an article posted by [[Autoblog]] on May 28, 2008, the coupe that Toyota and Subaru are working on together will be sold in Japan only as a Toyota, and internationally as a Subaru.<ref>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/28/subaru-rwd-coupe-will-be-sold-worldwide-toyota-version-only-in/ </ref> The Subaru version is initially being branded as an Impreza coupe, with the powertrain being described as RWD with the 2.0 liter boxer engine, and optional 2.5 turbo from the WRX STi and AWD. <ref>http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/222900/subaru_impreza_coupe.html</ref> Spy photos of a prototype testing mule were taken in the UK, heavily disguised using Legacy bodywork on a shortened frame.<ref>http://news.windingroad.com/body-stylesmarket-segment/coupes/spied-first-ever-look-at-toyota-subaru-rwd-coupe/</ref>
+
== Notes ==
−
 
+
{{reflist}}
−
==See also==
 
−
{{Portal|Japanese Car}}
 
−
*[[Prodrive]] Motorsport team selected by ''Subaru'' to run their World Rally Team
 
−
*[[Subaru Tecnica International]] (also known as '''STI''')
 
−
*[[Subaru VIN codes]]
 
−
*[[List of Subaru engines]]
 
−
*[[List of Subaru transmissions]]
 
−
*[[Subaru EA engine]] series
 
−
*[[Subaru EF engine]] series
 
−
*[[Subaru EJ engine]] series
 
  
−
== References ==
+
==References==
−
{{reflist}}
+
* Davis, Pedr, and Tony Davis. 1991. Subaru the innovator downunder. Sydney: Marque. ISBN 0947079270  ISBN 9780947079277
 +
* Farmer, Gavin. 2002. WRX Imprezive: Subaru's turbo legend. Punchbowl, N.S.W.: Bookworks. ISBN 1876953101 ISBN 9781876953102
 +
* Long, Benjamin. 2000. Backtracking by foot, canoe, and Subaru along the Lewis and Clark Trail. Seattle: Sasquatch Books. ISBN 1570612463 ISBN 9781570612466
 +
* Long, Brian. 2006. Subaru Imprezia: the road car and WRC story. Dorchester: Veloce. ISBN 184584033X  ISBN 9781845840334
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
 +
All links retrieved June 27, 2008
 
*[http://www.fhi.co.jp/english/ Fuji Heavy Industries]
 
*[http://www.fhi.co.jp/english/ Fuji Heavy Industries]
 
*[http://www.subaru-global.com/ Subaru Global-Homepage]
 
*[http://www.subaru-global.com/ Subaru Global-Homepage]
Line 178: Line 167:
  
  
−
{{credits|Subaru|220015936|}}
+
{{credits|Subaru|220015936| Chikuhei_Nakajima|180102298| Continuously_variable_transmission|221792752|Subaru_Justy|218704273| Kei_car|221213628| Fuji_Heavy_Industries|219144088|}}

Revision as of 01:22, 28 June 2008

Subaru
250px
Type Division of Fuji Heavy Industries
Founded FHI established July 7, 1953
first Subaru car introduced 1954
Founder Kenji Kita
Chikuhei Nakajima (predecessor)
Headquarters Flag of Japan Ota, Gunma, Japan
Key people Ikuo Mori, President and CEO
Kenji Kita, founder of Subaru division
Industry Automobile manufacturing
Products Subaru automobiles, Toyota automobiles assembled under contract
Revenue Red Arrow Down.svg


300,000,000 (JPY) (2007)


Employees 11,998


Slogan Flag of Japan Flag of Canada Flag of Europe
Think. Feel. Drive.

Flag of Australia
Advanced Driving Technology Flag of United Kingdom Flag of United States
It's what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.

Website www.subaru-global.com


Subaru (スバル) is the automobile manufacturing division of Japanese transportation conglomerate Fuji Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (FHI). Founded in 1917 by Chikuhei Nakajima (中島 知久平, 1884-1949), as The Aircraft Research Laboratory" (later Nakajima Aircraft Company, Ltd.)," in 1917, the company became a major supplier of aircraft to the Government of Japan during World War II. After the war, reorganized as Fuji Sangyo, the company began to manufacture buses, scooters and automobiles. Its first car, released in 1954, was the Subaru P1 (later renamed 1500).

Subaru drew on its experience with airplanes to automobile design and developed innovations such the horizontally opposed boxer engines used in most of their vehicles. In 1996, the company decided to utilize all wheel drive in most international markets as standard equipment. Benefiting from the growing popularity of outdoor activities, the versatile Subaru vehicles achieved greater popularity in the United States, than they did in Japan. Subaru is known for its environmental initiatives, such as building the first auto assembly plant to achieve zero landfill status; offering vehicles that meet California and New York emission standards for sale in every state; developing energy efficient hybrid vehicles; and providing a recycling plan for their "end-of-life" cars.

Subaru Star Cluster

Name

Subaru is named after the star cluster Pleiades; the Japanese name "Subaru," roughly translated into English means, "to govern", "unite," or "gather together." The company logo is inspired by the star cluster. The large star in the logo represents Fuji Heavy Industries, and the five smaller stars represent the current five companies that are united under the FHI group. In Japan, the company also goes by the name Mutsuraboshi ("Six Stars"), the name given to the Pleiades in very old Japanese texts such as Kojiki and Man'yōshū and literature such as Makura no Sōshi. [1]

History

Origins

Chikuhei Nakajima

Chikuhei Nakajima (中島 知久平 Nakajima Chikuhei January 1, 1884 - October 10, 1949), a Japanese military officer, engineer, and politician, founded "The Aircraft Research Laboratory" in 1917. Reorganized as "Nakajima Aircraft Company, Ltd.," in 1931, the company was a major supplier of airplanes to the Government of Japan during World War II. Nakajima served as Japan's Minister of Commerce and Industry until Japan's surrender at the end of the war. He died in 1949, and is buried in Tama Cemetery near Tokyo.

Post-War Period

At the end of World War II, Nakajima Aircraft was again reorganized as Fuji Sangyo Company, Ltd., and concentrated on meeting the need for cheap transportation in Japan. In 1946, Fuji Sangyo created the Fuji Rabbit S-1 motor scooter, using spare aircraft parts left over from the war. The design was based on the Powell motor scooter being used in Japan by American servicemen. The Rabbit was an immediate success with the Japanese public. [2]

Subaru's old logo.

The Japanese Government's 1950 Corporate Credit Rearrangement Act (anti-zaibatsu legislation) divided Fuji Sangyo into 12 smaller corporations. Between 1953-1955, four of these corporations, Fuji Jidosha (a coachbuilder specializing in bus manufacture), Omiya Fuji Kogyo (an engine manufacurer), Utsunomiya Sharyo (a chassis manufacturer) and Tokyo Fuji Dangyo (a trading company) merged with Fuji Kogyo (a scooter manufacturer) to form Fuji Heavy Industries (富士重工業株式会社; Fuji Jūkōgyō Kabushiki-kaisha) (TYO: 7270), or FHI.

First Subaru car

Kenji Kita, the CEO of Fuji Heavy Industries at the time, wanted the new company to be involved in car manufacturing. Kita canvassed the company’s employees for possible names for its first car, the Subaru P1, in 1954, but none of the proposals was appealing. In the end, Kita gave the car a Japanese name that had been his personal favorite from childhood, “Subaru.” [3] The P-1 (the name was later changed to the Subaru 1500) was powered by a four-cylinder engine and had a front-wheel wishbone-type independent suspension. It was the first car designed in Japan with a monocoque ('single shell' in French) body, utilizing the external shell to support much of the weight. Sales were temporarily suspended when FHI encountered financial difficulties, but in 1958 a second car, the Subaru 360, was introduced. Called the “Ladybird” because of its ladybug shape, the compact 360 became very popular, and remained in production for 12 years. [4]

From 1954 to 2008, the company designed and manufactured dozens of vehicles including the P1 (1954), the tiny air-cooled 360 (1958), the Sambar (1961), the 1000 (1965), the R2 (1969), the Leone (1971), the Domingo (1983), the Alcyone (1985), the Legacy (1989), the Impreza (1993), the Sambar EV electric van (1995), the Forester (1997), the Tribeca (2005), and the Subaru Exiga in 2008.

1965 Subaru 360

The first Subaru mini-truck, the Sambar, launched in 1961, offered compact size with a spacious cargo bed. It was soon followed by the Sambar Light Van, built for both commercial and leisure use. The Subaru 1000, launched in 1965, was the first vehicle to incorporate Subaru’s trademark drive technology: a front-wheel-drive system coupled to a horizontally opposed “boxer engine” derived from aircraft technology. By the end of the 1960s, Subaru North America had begun importing to the United States. [5]

In the 1970s, Subaru introduced the GL/DL (the Leone in other markets), followed by a coupe and a station wagon, that offered four-wheel-drive (4WD) capability for the first time in a vehicle for everyday use. Especially suitable for use in the snow and in hilly regions, the GL and DL benefited from the growing popularity of outdoor sports like skiing and fishing, and became the world's top-selling 4WD vehicle. In 1977, Subaru successfully launched the Brat, a small pick-up based on the GL, with a pair of jump seats in the cargo bed.

During the 1980s Subaru released a series of versatile and unique vehicles; and Fuji Heavy Industries developed the first electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT, a transmission which can change steplessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios between maximum and minimum values). Early in 1987, Subaru launched the Justy, the first car with an ECVT. In 1989, the Justy became the first production car in the U.S. to offer CVT technology. Subaru continues to use CVT in its light automobiles (keicars), as well as supplying it to other manufacturers.

During the 1990s, Subaru introduced the high-performance SVX, the popular Legacy-based Outback wagon, and the sporty Impreza. Subaru AWD vehicles combine high performance with versatility, and boast some of the best crash test scores in the automotive world[6]

Nissan, General Electric and Toyota

In 1968, when the Japanese government under Prime Minister Eisaku Sato mandated the merger of Japanese auto industry firms to improve competitiveness, Nissan acquired a 20% stake in Fuji Heavy Industry. Nissan utilized FHI's bus manufacturing capability and expertise to expand its Nissan Diesel line of buses. Many Subaru vehicles, even today, use parts manufactured by Nissan. The Subaru automatic transmission, known as the “4EAT”, is also used in the first generation Nissan Pathfinder. Upon Nissan's acquisition by Renault in 1999, its 20% stake was sold to General Motors.

During the period of General Motors ownership, a modified Impreza was sold in the United States as the Saab 9-2X. An SUV (Subaru Tribeca / SAAB 9-6X) was also planned[7] but the SAAB version did not proceed.[8]

On October 5, 2005, Toyota Motor Corporation purchased 8.7% of FHI shares from General Motors [9] General Motors later sold its remaining 11.4% stake on the open market, to sever all ties with FHI. After the purchase, Toyota announced a contract with Subaru on March 13, 2006, to use the underutilized Subaru manufacturing facility in Lafayette, Indiana, and plans to hire up to 1,000 workers and set aside an assembly line for the Camry model, beginning in spring 2007.

On April 10, 2008, Toyota increased its stake in FHI to 16.7% and announced the end of minicar production at its facility in Gunma Prefecture. Daihatsu, a subsidiary of Toyota, will instead supply the cars to FHI.[10]

Subaru of America, Inc.

In the United States, Fuji Heavy Industries owns Subaru of America, Inc., Subaru Research & Development, Inc., and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc..

In 1965 Malcolm Bricklin, an entrepreneur, began offering franchises for distributorships selling motor scooters, including the Fuji Rabbit. In 1967, when Fuji Heavy Industry sold their Rabbit factory to Israel, Bricklin made an arrangement with Subaru to import the tiny Subaru 360 to the United States.[11] Bricklin and his partner, Harvey Lamm, formed Subaru of America, Inc. to sell Subaru franchises.

In the 1970s, Subaru moved away from small commercial vehicles and developed mainstream passenger car models. The Subaru Legacy, introduced in the United States in 1990, was well received. Subaru continued its new direction with the controversially styled six-cylinder SVX (1992), and the Impreza (1993).

From 1995 to 2000, Subaru ran a series of advertisements for the newly developed Subaru Outback, starring Australian actor Paul Hogan, which highlighted Subaru's all wheel drive, and depicted the Outback in a number of rugged Australian locations. As a result of this advertising campaign, Subaru products began to attract a following among the young and educated, as a lightweight, affordable, economical SUV alternative. During the 2000s, the Subaru Outback wagon, based on the Legacy and modified with SUV-like stance, bumpers, and roof, became one of the best selling wagons in the United States.

Subaru Impreza Rally Car

Motorsports

Modified versions of the Impreza WRX and WRX STi have been competing successfully in car rallies; drivers Colin McRae, Richard Burns and Petter Solberg have won World Rally Championship titles with the Subaru World Rally Team. The Subaru World Rally Championship cars are prepared and run by Prodrive, the highly successful British Motorsport team. Several endurance records were set in the early and mid-nineties by the Legacy.

For the 1990 Formula 1 season, Subaru fielded the Subaru Coloni C3B. It featured a 12 cylinder boxer engine, but was not competitive because of horsepower and weight disadvantages[12]. Owing to the increased interest in rally racing, the Subaru Impreza WRX, introduced in 2001, was successful in bringing high performance, AWD compact cars into the sports car mainstream.

Diesel

At the 2007 Frankfurt International Motor Show, Subaru displayed a variable vane, common rail turbodiesel boxer engine, the world's first production horizontally-opposed water-cooled diesel engine. Volkswagen made only 2 air-cooled boxer prototype diesel engines that were not turbocharged, and installed one engine in a Type 1 and another in a Type 2.[13]

The Subaru engine is rated at 110 kW (147 hp) and 350 Nm (258 ft lb) with a displacement of only 2.0 liters.[14] [15]

EPA fuel economy estimated is:
City Ranges
Template:Convert/LoffAonDbSoffF
Template:Convert/LoffAonDbSoffF

Highway Ranges
Template:Convert/LoffAonDbSoffF
Template:Convert/LoffAonDbSoffF[16]

Environmental record

Subaru claims to have implemented environmental initiatives such as recycling, reducing harmful emissions, and educating their employees. The Subaru plant in Lafayette, Indiana (SIA) was the first auto assembly plant to achieve zero landfill status; every by-product of its manufacturing is reused and recycled; nothing goes into a landfill. The company has also developed energy efficient hybrid vehicles, and a recycling plan for their "end-of-life" cars.

According to the official Subaru website, "In 2006, SIA was awarded the U.S. EPA's Gold Achievement Award as a top achiever in the agency's WasteWise program to reduce waste and improve recycling." The website claims that SIA "has also become the first U.S. automotive assembly plant to be designated a wildlife habitat. Deer, coyotes, beavers, blue herons, geese, and other animals live there in peaceful coexistence with the Subaru plant"

Subaru also offers Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)- certified Legacy, Outback, and Forester models which are available for sale anywhere in the U.S.. Subaru PZEV vehicles meet California's Super-Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle exhaust emission standard.[17] and have 90% cleaner emissions than the average new vehicle. Subaru PZEV vehicles achieve such tight pollution controls, and the burning of fuel is so complete, that in very smoggy urban areas, exhaust coming out of the tailpipe may actually be cleaner than the surrounding air. According to the EPA, Outback, Forester, and Legacy are among the cleanest and most fuel-efficient vehicles available in the U.S. based on air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and overall fuel economy.[18]

Current models

North America/Europe/Oceania/Middle East/Asia/Japan Subaru models, permanent all wheel drive with boxer engine.

  • Exiga introduced in Japan June 2008
  • Forester
  • Impreza
    • Impreza WRX
    • Impreza WRX STI
  • Legacy / Liberty
    • Outback / Grand Wagon / Lancaster
  • Tribeca

Some of the following models are also exported to other asian markets besides Japan.(Kei car) , front or all wheel drive, straight engine:

  • Pleo
  • R1
  • R2
  • Sambar
  • Stella

An article posted by Autoblog on April 16, 2008 stated that due to the corporate investment by Toyota, all kei cars built by Subaru will be replaced by Daihatsu models beginning in 2010 [19]

Concept cars

All links retrieved June 27, 2008.

Toyota-Subaru coupe

On April 10, 2008, Toyota approximately doubled its stake in FHI to 16.5%[20], and announced a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru on a 2-door coupe[21] that will be sold in Japan only as a Toyota, and internationally as a Subaru.[22]

Notes

  1. ↑ Subaru Global Origins of Subaru name Subaru Global. Retrieved June 27, 2008.
  2. ↑ Fuji Rabbit Fuji Rabbit.com Retrieved June 27, 2008
  3. ↑ Subaru Global Inspiration of naming first Subaru vehicle Retrieved June 27, 2008
  4. ↑ Edmunds.com Subaru Edmonds.com Retrieved June 27, 2008
  5. ↑ Ibid.
  6. ↑ Edmunds.com Subaru Edmonds.com Retrieved June 27, 2008.
  7. ↑ Edmunds.com/insideline http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=105934 Saab 9-6X Gets the Go-ahead. Edmunds.com Inside Line. June 6, 2005. Retrieved June 27, 2008
  8. ↑ Edmunds.com" www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=107572 Saab Developing Smaller Crossover After Collapse of Subaru Alliance Edmunds.com. October 13, 2005. Retrieved June 27, 2008
  9. ↑ http://search.japantimes.co.jp/member/member.html?nn20051006a1.htm Shimizu Kaho, Toyota to buy Fuji shares in GM selloff, The Japan Times, October 10, 2005 Retrieved June 27, 2008
  10. ↑ Thomson Financial News www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/11/afx4878408.html Japan's Fuji Heavy shares rally on expanded alliance with Toyota group Thomson Financial News. April 11, 2008. Retrieved June 27, 2008
  11. ↑ Cars101.com http://www.cars101.com/subaru_bricklin.html Malcolm Bricklin Resource Page , Cars101.com Retrieved June 27, 2008
  12. ↑ Subaru Performance magazine version 4.3
  13. ↑ The Diesel Beetle. ltv-vwc.org.uk. Retrieved 2008-04-03.
  14. ↑ Autobloggreen.com [www.autobloggreen.com/2007/03/07/geneva-motor-show-subaru-diesel-boxer-engine/ Geneva Motor Show: Subaru diesel boxer engine] AutoBlogGreen.com, March 7, 2007. Retrieved June 27, 2008
  15. ↑ paultanturbodiesel.com Subaru's 2.0L Turbodiesel Boxer - 110kW/147hp September 17, 2007. Retrieved June 27, 2008
  16. ↑ "First Drive: 2008 Subaru Legacy Diesel" Boxer Turbodiesel - Specifications - First Drive - Truck Trend Trucktrend.com Retrieved June 27, 2008
  17. ↑ Subaru.com Subaru and the Environment Subaru.com Retrieved June 27, 2008
  18. ↑ Ibid.
  19. ↑ Subaru to stop making Kei Cars - Autoblog
  20. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named increasedstake
  21. ↑ Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (2008-04-10). Fuji Heavy Industries Restructures Business Models Leveraging Alliance with Toyota and Daihatsu. Press release. Retrieved on 2008-04-12.
  22. ↑ Autoblog.com Subaru RWD coupe will be sold worldwide, Toyota version only in Japan Autoblog.com, (May 28, 2008) Retrieved June 27, 2008

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

External links

All links retrieved June 27, 2008

Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, vehicle timeline, 1990s–present
Type 1990s 2000s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Kei car Rex Vivio Pleo
R1
R2
Stella
Subcompact Justy KA Justy
Compact Loyale AC/AG/AN
Impreza GC/GF/GM Impreza GD/GG Impreza GE/GH/GR
Mid-size Legacy B.C.E./BF/BJ Legacy BD/BG/BK Legacy BE/BH Legacy BL/BP
Sports coupé XT AX SVX CX
Minivan Sambar
Traviq Exiga YA
Crossover Forester SF Forester SG Forester SH
Outback BG Outback BH Outback BP
Tribeca WX
Baja BT
Current Tribeca · Forester · Impreza · Legacy · Outback · Exiga · Pleo · R1 · R2 · Sambar · TransCare
Historic 360 · 1000 · 1600 · Alcyone XT · Alcyone SVX · Baja · BRAT · FF-1 G · FF-1 Star · Justy · Libero · Leone · R-2 · Rex · Traviq · Vivio
Concept G4e · B5 TPH · B9 Scrambler


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