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.
Chikuhei Nakajima founded the Aircraft Research Laboratory in 1917, laying the foundation for what would later become Subaru Corporation.
Before the establishment of Subaru, there were developments in aircraft manufacturing that laid the foundation for the company's future endeavors.
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. was officially established on July 15, 1953, marking a significant milestone in the history of Subaru Corporation.
Subaru, the Japanese carmaker, was founded in 1954.
In 1958, Subaru introduced the Subaru 360, an affordable car that catered to customer needs during a period of rapid economic growth and motorization.
The Subaru Sambar was launched by the company in 1961.
Subaru released the 1000 model in 1965.
In 1966, Subaru introduced the Subaru 1000 model, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.
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.
Subaru of America was officially established in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania in 1969 before relocating to Pennsauken, New Jersey in 1970.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In 1978, with 335,000 Subaru vehicles on the roads, sales in replacement parts and accessories surged by 130 percent.
In 1979, Subaru introduced turbo-traction, the first 4WD turbo-charged Subaru.
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.
In 1982, Subaru introduces the GL-10 Hardtop Coupe model.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On September 11, 1988, the first two vehicles, a Subaru Legacy and Isuzu Pickup, were built at SIA and rolled off the assembly line.
In 1989, Subaru launched the Legacy model, which became known for its unique personality and design.
On August 31, 1990, Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) acquired Subaru of America through a cash offer, solidifying its ownership.
In 1991, Subaru introduced its first performance luxury coupe, the 1992 Subaru SVX.
The year 1992 marked the introduction of the Subaru Impreza, a popular model known for its performance and style.
Subaru celebrates its 25th anniversary of selling vehicles in the U.S. in 1993.
In July, Subaru launches the all-new Legacy (Model Year 1995) in the U.S. market after its successful debut in Japan.
In August 1995, Subaru sells its one-millionth all-wheel drive vehicle.
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.
In October, Subaru launched the official website of Subaru of America, Inc., subaru.com.
On February 15, 1998, Subaru marked its 30th anniversary in the US.
On March 16, 1998, Subaru achieved a significant milestone by selling its 3 millionth vehicle in the US.
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.
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.
In January 2000, Subaru introduced the redesigned 2001 Forester model at the NAIAS in Detroit, with the vehicles hitting dealerships later that summer.
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.
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.
Subaru of America, Inc. unveils the Baja Turbo, a higher-performance version of the Subaru Baja, at the New York Auto Show.
2003 was the most financially successful year in Subaru's history, with revenue reaching $4.2 billion, an all-time record for the company.
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.
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.
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.
In April 2007, Toyota and Subaru collaborated to build the Toyota Camry at Subaru's Indiana U.S. plant.
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.
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.
In 2009, Subaru achieved a record-breaking sales year by selling 216,652 units, marking a 15% increase from the previous year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In 2017, Subaru Corporation, formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries, became the twenty-first largest automaker in the world based on production numbers.
In 2018, Subaru released its largest vehicle, the Ascent SUV, and commenced the construction of a new headquarters complex in Camden, New Jersey.
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.
In 2020, Subaru introduced SUBARU STARLINK Connected Safety, a system that integrates advanced safety features and connectivity to enhance the overall driving experience.
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.
In 2022, Subaru introduced new electric vehicles to their lineup, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and innovation.
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