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2024-05-07 06:54:49

Subaru Corporation

Japanese multinational corporation and conglomerate
Japanese multinational corporation and conglomerate

Subaru Corporation, formerly Fuji Heavy Industries, is involved in terrestrial and aerospace transportation manufacturing. Founded in 1953, it is best known for Subaru automobiles. The aerospace division serves as a defense contractor and manufacturing partner for Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

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1917
Establishment of Aircraft Research Laboratory

Chikuhei Nakajima founded the Aircraft Research Laboratory in 1917, laying the foundation for what would later become Subaru Corporation.

1950
Pre-Subaru Aircraft Development

Before the establishment of Subaru, there were developments in aircraft manufacturing that laid the foundation for the company's future endeavors.

1953-07-15
Establishment of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. was officially established on July 15, 1953, marking a significant milestone in the history of Subaru Corporation.

1954
Subaru Founded

Subaru, the Japanese carmaker, was founded in 1954.

1958
Introduction of Subaru 360

In 1958, Subaru introduced the Subaru 360, an affordable car that catered to customer needs during a period of rapid economic growth and motorization.

1961
Subaru Sambar

The Subaru Sambar was launched by the company in 1961.

1965
Subaru 1000

Subaru released the 1000 model in 1965.

1966
Introduction of Subaru 1000

In 1966, Subaru introduced the Subaru 1000 model, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.

1968-02-15
Subaru of America, Inc. incorporated in Pennsylvania

On February 15, 1968, Subaru of America, Inc. was established in Pennsylvania by entrepreneurs Harvey Lamm and Malcolm Bricklin. The company was founded to serve as the exclusive sales and marketing entity for Subaru automobiles in the United States.

1969
Establishment of Subaru of America

Subaru of America was officially established in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania in 1969 before relocating to Pennsauken, New Jersey in 1970.

1970
Launch of Subaru Star

In 1970, Subaru launched the Subaru Star, which was a more aesthetically pleasing model compared to the Subaru 360. This marked another milestone in Subaru's history of innovative engineering.

1972
Subaru's Inspiration from Celestial Body

For 50 years, Subaru has been inspired by the celestial body, the Pleiades star cluster, which has driven the company to excel in all aspects of their business.

1973
Subaru launches the Subaru 4WD wagon

In 1973, Subaru introduced the Subaru 4WD wagon, the first four-wheel drive passenger car in the U.S. This launch marked a significant milestone for the company, establishing them as a leading 4WD niche marketer.

1974
International Motors acquires UK franchise for Subaru

Robert Edmiston, after receiving a redundancy payout, established International Motors in 1974, acquiring the UK franchise for Subaru. The company, based in Coleshill, continues to be the parent company for Subaru in the UK.

1975
Subaru sets sales and earnings records

In 1975, Subaru achieved a significant milestone by setting sales and earnings records, reaching $166.3 million in sales, which marked a 98 percent increase from the previous year. This financial success showcased Subaru's growing presence in the market.

1977
Subaru introduces the BRAT

In 1977, Subaru introduced the BRAT, a small dual-range 4WD vehicle with two-bucket seats fixed to the open-bed back, targeting younger consumers with a 'fun and sun' concept.

1978
Subaru sales in replacement parts and accessories increase by 130 percent

In 1978, with 335,000 Subaru vehicles on the roads, sales in replacement parts and accessories surged by 130 percent.

1979
Subaru introduces turbo-traction

In 1979, Subaru introduced turbo-traction, the first 4WD turbo-charged Subaru.

1980
Subaru Record Sales and Profitability

Subaru celebrates its fifth consecutive fiscal year of record sales and profitability in 1980. Sales reach $744 million, marking a 35 percent increase, with a net income of $17.7 million.

1982
Subaru GL-10 Hardtop Coupe Introduction

In 1982, Subaru introduces the GL-10 Hardtop Coupe model.

1983
SOA 15th Anniversary and One Millionth Subaru Sold in U.S.

In 1983, Subaru of America celebrates its 15th anniversary and achieves a milestone by selling its one millionth Subaru in the U.S. Sales exceed $1 billion for the first time, with record earnings of $49.5 million.

1984
Subaru ranks No. 1 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power surveys

In 1984, Subaru was ranked as the top car manufacturer in terms of customer satisfaction by J.D. Power surveys, surpassing all Japanese and U.S. makes except Mercedes Benz.

1985
Subaru's 10th Consecutive Year of Record-Setting Earnings and Sales

In 1985, Subaru achieved its 10th consecutive year of record-setting earnings and sales, with a net income of $77.1 million, marking a 28 percent increase from the previous year. The company also reached record annual sales of $1.5 billion, surpassing the previous record set in 1984.

1986
Subaru Sales and Net Income Increase

In 1986, Subaru's sales reached $1.9 billion, marking a 29 percent increase from 1985. Additionally, the net income rose by 22 percent compared to the previous year, reaching $94 million.

1987-05-14
Groundbreaking for SIA Plant Construction

On May 14, 1987, the construction of the 2.3-million-square-foot SIA plant, a joint venture between FHI and Isuzu, begins. This $500 million facility marks Subaru's major presence in the Midwest and aims to produce 60,000 Subaru cars and 60,000 Isuzu trucks annually.

1987-10-01
Introduction of Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) in Subaru Justy

On October 1st, 1987, Subaru introduced the Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) in the Subaru Justy, making it the only car available in the U.S. with this feature.

1988-09-11
First Vehicles Roll Off the Assembly Line at SIA

On September 11, 1988, the first two vehicles, a Subaru Legacy and Isuzu Pickup, were built at SIA and rolled off the assembly line.

1989
Launch of Subaru Legacy

In 1989, Subaru launched the Legacy model, which became known for its unique personality and design.

1990-08-31
Fuji Heavy Industries Acquires Subaru of America

On August 31, 1990, Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) acquired Subaru of America through a cash offer, solidifying its ownership.

1991
Introduction of Subaru SVX

In 1991, Subaru introduced its first performance luxury coupe, the 1992 Subaru SVX.

1992
Introduction of Subaru Impreza

The year 1992 marked the introduction of the Subaru Impreza, a popular model known for its performance and style.

1993
25th Anniversary of Selling Vehicles in the U.S.

Subaru celebrates its 25th anniversary of selling vehicles in the U.S. in 1993.

1994-07
Subaru introduces all-new Legacy (MY 95) in the U.S.

In July, Subaru launches the all-new Legacy (Model Year 1995) in the U.S. market after its successful debut in Japan.

1995-08
Sale of One-Millionth All-Wheel Drive Vehicle

In August 1995, Subaru sells its one-millionth all-wheel drive vehicle.

1996-07
Subaru Engine Assembly Operations Begin in U.S.

In July 1996, Subaru starts its engine assembly operations at a U.S. joint-venture manufacturing plant, Subaru-Isuzu Automotive, Inc., located in Lafayette, Indiana, marking a significant milestone in the brand's manufacturing capabilities.

1997-10
Launch of Subaru of America, Inc. official website

In October, Subaru launched the official website of Subaru of America, Inc., subaru.com.

1998-02-15
Subaru celebrates 30 years in the US

On February 15, 1998, Subaru marked its 30th anniversary in the US.

1998-03-16
Subaru sells 3 millionth vehicle in the US

On March 16, 1998, Subaru achieved a significant milestone by selling its 3 millionth vehicle in the US.

1999-01
Redesigned Outback and Outback Sedan Introduced

In January 1999, Subaru unveiled the redesigned Outback and Outback Sedan at the NAIAS in Detroit, with the models becoming available in dealerships in July.

1999-03
Legacy GT Sedan and Wagon Revealed

During the New York International Auto Show in March 1999, Subaru introduced the Legacy GT sedan and wagon, which were later released in dealerships in July.

2000-01
Redesigned 2001 Forester Model Introduction

In January 2000, Subaru introduced the redesigned 2001 Forester model at the NAIAS in Detroit, with the vehicles hitting dealerships later that summer.

2000-04
Subaru Introduces L.L. Bean H6 Special Edition Outback and H6 VDC Outback

Subaru unveils the L.L. Bean H6 Special Edition Outback and H6 VDC Outback models at the New York Auto Show in April 2000, with the models becoming available in October of the same year.

2001
Financial Success in 2001

The year 2001 marked the most financially successful period in Subaru's history, with revenue hitting $4.2 billion, setting a new record for the company.

2002
Subaru Baja Turbo Introduced

Subaru of America, Inc. unveils the Baja Turbo, a higher-performance version of the Subaru Baja, at the New York Auto Show.

2003
Financial Success for Subaru

2003 was the most financially successful year in Subaru's history, with revenue reaching $4.2 billion, an all-time record for the company.

2004
WRX STi

Subaru launches the STi with 300 horsepower, creating a new class of performance hero with wild body addenda, highly boosted engines, and all-wheel drive.

2005-10-05
Toyota Purchases FHI Shares from General Motors

On October 5, 2005, Toyota bought 8.7% of FHI shares from General Motors, which had previously owned 20.1% since 1999. General Motors later sold its remaining stake to sever all ties with FHI.

2006-03-13
Toyota Contracts with Subaru for Manufacturing Facility Usage

On March 13, 2006, Toyota announced a deal with Subaru to utilize the Subaru manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana. The agreement included plans to hire workers and dedicate an assembly line for the Camry.

2007-04
Toyota Camry production at Subaru's Indiana U.S. plant

In April 2007, Toyota and Subaru collaborated to build the Toyota Camry at Subaru's Indiana U.S. plant.

2008-04-16
Toyota Investment in Subaru Kei Cars

In 2008, Toyota made a corporate investment in Subaru, leading to the decision that all Kei cars produced by Subaru would be replaced by Daihatsu models starting from 2010.

2008-12-16
Subaru Withdrawal from World Rally Championships

On December 16, 2008, Subaru announced its withdrawal from the World Rally Championships. The decision was made by Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), due to achieving its sporting and marketing objectives.

2009
Subaru Record Breaking Sales Year

In 2009, Subaru achieved a record-breaking sales year by selling 216,652 units, marking a 15% increase from the previous year.

2010
Subaru achieves record breaking sales year in 2010

In 2010, Subaru sold 263,820 units, marking a 1.5% increase from the previous year. Subaru became the only manufacturer in the US to achieve three consecutive years of sales growth.

2011-02-01
Launch of Subaru's animation series Wish Upon the Pleiades Hōkago no Pleiades

Subaru collaborated with Gainax to release a 4-part mini episode series on YouTube, featuring a magical girl plot with Subaru as the main character.

2012-05-04
Subaru Rallycross Team USA Announcement

On May 4, 2012, Subaru Rally Team USA announced the formation of a new rallycross team, Subaru Puma Rallycross Team USA, for the 2012 Global RallyCross Championship season.

2013
BRZ

Subaru collaborates with Toyota to develop the BRZ, a rear-wheel drive model with delightful handling despite modest power output. The BRZ earns a spot on C/D's 10Best list.

2014-06
Contract with Boeing Commercial Airplanes

In June 2014, Subaru entered into a contract with Boeing Commercial Airplanes to build parts for Boeing's 777X aircraft, as one of five major Japanese companies contracted.

2015
Introduction of Clarion's 'Smart Access' platform to Subaru 2015 models

In 2015, Clarion announced the introduction of its 'Smart Access' platform to certain Subaru 2015 models in North America. This platform allows access to various car-safe apps on the driver's smartphone via the car's infotainment screen.

2016-05
Name Change to Subaru Corporation

In May 2016, Fuji Heavy Industries announced that it would change its name to Subaru Corporation, with the change taking effect on April 1, 2017.

2017
Subaru Corporation Becomes the Twenty-First Largest Automaker Worldwide

In 2017, Subaru Corporation, formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries, became the twenty-first largest automaker in the world based on production numbers.

2018
Development of Subaru Ascent SUV

In 2018, Subaru released its largest vehicle, the Ascent SUV, and commenced the construction of a new headquarters complex in Camden, New Jersey.

2019-04-23
Subaru opens production plant in Thailand

Subaru officially opened a production plant in Lat Krabang, Bangkok, Thailand in a joint venture with Tan Chong International. The plant, repurposed from a Mitsubishi Fuso factory, has a capacity of 100,000 vehicles per year and plans to manufacture up to 4 models, with initial production focused on the Forester model.

2020
Introduction of SUBARU STARLINK Connected Safety

In 2020, Subaru introduced SUBARU STARLINK Connected Safety, a system that integrates advanced safety features and connectivity to enhance the overall driving experience.

2021-11-17
Debut of Subaru Solterra all-electric car

Subaru's first all-electric vehicle, the Solterra, was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 17 November 2021. It is based on the e-Subaru Global Platform (e-SGP) developed jointly by Toyota and Subaru.

2022
Introduction of New Subaru Electric Vehicles

In 2022, Subaru introduced new electric vehicles to their lineup, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and innovation.

2023
Press Kit 2023

The Press Kit for the year 2023 has been released, offering media professionals and journalists access to relevant information and materials.

2024
Press Kit 2024

The Press Kit for the year 2024 is available, providing information and resources for media professionals and journalists.

End of the Timeline
Subaru Corporation

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Subaru Corporation

Japanese multinational corporation and conglomerate
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