How Old Is Subaru? The Automaker Makes It To 70 Years This Month

How old is the Subaru brand of automobiles? Subaru Corporation celebrates a significant birthday in July. Check out its origins and a brief history of the automaker.

When did Subaru first start making all-wheel-drive vehicles? The Subaru Crosstrek, Outback, Forester, and other all-wheel-drive cars are not as old as Subaru Corporation. The Japanese automaker celebrates its 70th anniversary on July 15 this year.

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd (FHI) was established on July 15, 1953, and was later renamed to its current name, Subaru Corporation, on April 1, 2017. FHI started as an aircraft manufacturer and expanded into automobiles. Today, automotive and aerospace are the two pillars of the company's business.

Subaru introduced its first vehicle in 1958, the Subaru 360, a minicar designed to fulfill the Japanese government's concept of a "people's car." Since then, Subaru has continued to deliver distinctive technologies and products, such as the Leone, Japan's first mass-produced all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle.

Subaru has come a long way in seventy years.

Subaru now produces the popular 2024 Subaru Outback midsize SUV, 2024 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV, and Forester compact SUV, Subaru of America's top three selling models.

What is the origin of the name Subaru?

Subaru is the Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster in the constellation of Taurus, also called "Mutsuraboshi" (Six Stars) in Japan. Fuji Heavy Industry was founded with capital contributions from five companies with roots in Nakajima Aircraft and later acquired and merged with these five companies.

The Japanese company adopted the name Subaru for its vehicles to symbolize the merger and unity of the six companies. Subaru was the first brand to use a Japanese word for its vehicles.

Under the new management team that took office in June this year, Subaru says the new group will work as one team to overcome this era of significant changes in the automotive industry and strive for further growth. And new products are coming. Subaru says three new electric vehicles are coming to U.S. customers by 2026. 

"With our products and value propositions, Subaru will continue to provide "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind" through various efforts to enrich people's hearts and lives by staying close to our customers and society." 

"With the goal of "Delivering Happiness" to people, society, and even the earth, Subaru will strive for the sustainable growth of Subaru and the realization of an enjoyable and sustainable society," says the new Subaru Group.

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Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

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Photo credit: Subaru