There are many Japanese carmakers and all of them have distinct corporate histories. Subaru is one of those car companies that boast of an interesting background. The company was different in that its name was not derived from the name of its founder. The term, ‘subaru’, in Japanese language means ‘unite'. Thus, the company is literally a unification of 15 different companies that all merged to form a single car manufacturing entity distinctly for high competitiveness.
As a company, Subaru started not originally as a car assembler but as an aircraft research and development laboratory. The company started in 1917 for the purpose of aircraft research. The need to diversify into a lucrative business led the firm to reorganise in 1931 as Nakajima Aircraft Company Ltd. Subaru then existed as leading airplane maker that met the orders and requirements of the Japanese government for the World War II.
Post war era led the company to again reorganise itself. In 1946, the company was renamed as Fuji Sangyo Co Ltd, which was responsible for the creation and distribution of the first ever Rabbit motor scooter. The government mandated the firm to divide itself into 15 smaller companies in 1950. That way, the country's gigantic weapon industry was decentralised.
In the 1950s, five of those divided companies decided to unite once again to restart a transport making company that would be the predecessor to the modern structure that Subaru currently is. That explains the five little stars alongside one giant star in the company's corporate and working logo. The group was renamed as Fuji Heavy Industries Company Ltd or FHI.
As years passed by, FHI was subjected to many pressures due to the changing landscape of the global car industry. Technically, the company is still known as FHI, but is more popularly known as Subaru worldwide because of the catchy and distinct name. The company decided to use the Subaru name to represent itself because doing so would make the firm be known as a Japanese car brand, linking the technology to the expert technologies of the other popular Japanese carmakers.
Many other car firms have accumulated investment shares in Subaru. From Nissan, to US-based General Motors to the current bigger affiliate Toyota Motor Corporation, the expertise of the company was boosted by the technological advancement and corporate strengths of the investor companies in it.
After 16 previous Subaru car models and 12 presently active models, Subaru remains one of the most important Japanese car making brand names offering vehicles not just in the home market but also to other offshore markets. Subaru is now known for its concept rally car models that are very stylish and highly functional, perfect for younger generation of car buyers and fanatics.
Subaru is also known to be a producer of several sports car models. Thus, when you say Subaru cars, car buyers would readily nod and lend credence to the skilful assembly of its product lines that have continuously impressed the global car industry.
Original Authors: Manny
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 11/06/2008
