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Subaru history
Subaru company history timeline
Company HistoryThe company was founded on February 15, 1968 by two American businessmen: Malcolm Bricklin and Harvey Lamm.
SoA has four tentomushi (“ladybug” in Japanese) in its collection, three of them from their first year as a US distributor, 1968.
Subaru 360 debuted in the United States in 1968 and was the first car imported by Subaru of America, Inc.
There may have been as many as 6000 of these imported through 1969, though they weren't exactly a best seller.
CARS: Volkswagen has 57 percent of the United States import market, selling 569,292 vehicles in the United States.Toyota Corolla introduced in the USA, Honda arrives in 1970.
The following year, Subaru of America was officially established in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania before moving to larger quarters in Pennsauken, New Jersey in 1970.
A larger model was needed, and in 1970, Subaru developed the FF-1.
President Johnson doesn't run for re-election, Richard Nixon beats Hubert Humphrey but is shamed out of office in 1973.
The FF-1 was replaced by the larger, more powerful Leone series in 1973, which was marketed simply as either a DL or GL model regardless of body style, to focus on establishing the Subaru name.
The 1973 Oil Crisis helps the sales of small cars and Subaru is no exception.
As you can imagine, there’s a long queue for restoration, and the next one up is a violet 1975 GF Hardtop Coupe (aka Leone). Apparently “Front Wheel Drive” was novel enough to deserve its own badge with prominent placement right on the front fender.
In 1977, Subaru rolled out the successful Brat; based on the GL, it was a small car-based pickup whose cargo bed featured a pair of jump seats.
One exception was this 1978 Subaru BRAT, which has stayed in the SoA collection since day one.
Brat is 'Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter'. 1980-84 Subaru advertises as the Ski Car.
Subaru introduces turbo-traction, the first 4WD turbo-charged Subaru, offered on the 1983 Turbo-Traction Station Wagon.
SOA created the Subaru of America Foundation in 1984 to support its local communities and since then, more than $9 million has been awarded through grants, scholarships, and matching employee gifts.
Subaru unveils the 1985 XT Coupe, defining aerodynamic styling.
1989 - Manufacturing in the United StatesIn 1989, Subaru, together with Isuzu opened a factory in Lafayette, Indiana called Subaru-Isuzu Automotive, Inc., or SIA. The plant initially produced the Subaru Legacy and Isuzu Rodeo.
The Legacy model, a clear move upscale for the brand, was introduced in 1989.
On August 31, 1990, Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) acquired Subaru of America through a $6 per share cash offer.
Subaru introduces its first performance luxury coupe, the 1992 Subaru SVX, selling for $24,445.
By 1993, the company was showing record financial losses, high inventory (300-day supply), six consecutive years of declining sales, ineffective advertising, and a confusing brand image.
Introduced in 1993, the Impreza was a big step forward for Subaru in the sub-compact car segment.
Subaru renames the GL/DL as the Loyale (with on-demand 4wd, made until 1994) and introduces the new all-wheel-drive and front wheel drive Legacy and the 2.2L engine.
Many Legacys are made in Lafayette, Indiana, all are made there by 1994.
The first real Legacy Outback is introduced, not just a trim package on the 1995 L. The Outback is a rugged road version of the Legacy wagon with more ground clearance, 2 tone with grey lower body molding, the new 2.5L engine etc.
What Subaru did to the Impreza 5 door to create the Crosstrek is almost exactly what they did to the 1996 Legacy to create the 1996 Outback- add clearance, body cladding and a viola- create a new model.
VW Beetles are under $1,800 and outsell Mustang, Pontiac, Chevelle, Fairlane, Fury, Buick, Oldsmobile, and Chrysler. (courtesy MS Bookshelf 1997).
1997 Outback Limited with leather introduced.
Discontinued in 1997, the SVX retains cult popularity years later.
There are app 630 dealers across the USA and over 90% of Subaru all-wheel-drive cars sold the past 10 years are still on the road (in 2000).
The Subaru Baja was introduced in 2001 and quickly became America's favorite off-road vehicle.
The introduction of the WRX to the United States in 2001 revived attention in the brand.
Impreza continues with minor changes until it's re-designed in 2002.
In 2002, looking to further expand its offerings, the company developed the Baja model, an open bed pick-up, based on the Legacy.
2003 Forester re-designed (front side airbags now standard) and Baja 4door truck introduced in an attempt to find a younger, warm climate, non-wagon buyer.
Isuzu sells its 49% share in Subaru-Isuzu Automotive (SIA) to Subaru effective 1/1/2003.
In 2003, SIA became the first automotive assembly plant to be designated a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.
2004 first year for 2.5L turbocharged Forester XT, Baja and the super high performance, limited production Impreza WRX-STi sedan with 300hp.
In 2004, SIA became the first automotive manufacturing facility in the United States to achieve zero-landfill status.
The big news is the all new Tribeca SUV available in May 2005.
2005 completely new Legacy and Outback.
In 2005, Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC) paid approximately $300 million to GM for 68 million shares, equal to an 8.7 percent stake in Fuji.
By 2005, Subaru sales were stagnant and the company, now led by Thomas J. Doll, decided that a change was needed.
2006 Impreza's new front grill (WRX wgn shown)
Price drop on 2.5i models and remains the same on WRX, STI. December 21, 2007 New SE sedan model announced.
2007 Many models get stereo auxilliary input (iPod) plug except on base versions.
Available late Jan/Feb 2007 Forester: X, X Premium, X LL Bean, XT Limited.
2007's Outback Basic has been renamed the Outback and has full wheel covers.
In 2007, TMC paid $311 million to raise its stake in Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries to 16.5 percent.
From 2007, the company readjusted pricing to protect residual values, and Subaru vehicles grew in size to better reflect United States tastes.
Note: the LL Bean name was dropped and replaced by the Limited starting April 2008 production, so both names can be used depending on production date.
Tribeca Redesigned for 2008, 3rd year.
Satellite radio is now either XM or Sirius (was XM only). Re-designed outside mirrors with turn signals on the GT and 3.0R. EPA fuel economy ratings lower due a change in testing standards Impreza The 2008 Impreza is all new and now based on the Legacy platform, so it really is totally different.
By the automaker's 50th anniversary in 2008, Subaru would be recognized for its brilliant Boxer (horizontally-opposed) engine design.
Models include X, X Premium, X Limited/ LL Bean, XT, XT Limited. . LL Bean name is dropped for 2009 models.
Behind it are several SEMA show cars that Subaru has built over the years, including the insane 2009 Mountain Rescue Forester.
2010 models were slow sellers Forester Very few changes from the 09.
2011 models Subaru has a great year- sales are upo month after month.
The 2012 Forester continues on with few changes, including a height adjustable front passenger seat.
Subaru is the 22nd largest automaker in world production as of the end of the year 2012.
From 2013, SOA also developed the record-setting Isle of Man TT cars, driven by Mark Higgins brother of David, which set 4-wheel speed records on the famous TT Bike circuit.
Subaru President and Chief Operating Officer Thomas J. Doll wins Motor Trend’s Inaugural 2016 “Person of the Year.”
Meaning of the Subaru NameFuji Heavy Industries (renamed Subaru Corporation in April 2017) traces its roots to the Nakajima Aircraft Company, a leading Japanese aircraft manufacturer.
Also, the number of production units manufactured in the year 2017 is more than 1 million units.
As of the year 2017, the total revenue generated by the company is more than 3,325 billion Yen.
SOA is currently developing a new headquarters complex in Camden, New Jersey, which is expected to open in May 2018.
As of the year 2018, the company had released its largest vehicle to date - which was an SUV called the Ascent - which appears to be accessible on both coasts of the USA. The headquarters of the company is based in 2235 Route 70 West Subaru Plaza.
The new United States-built Ascent will be available in base, Premium, Limited and Touring trim lines when it arrives in Subaru retailers in early summer 2018.
The highly anticipated three-row 2019 Ascent SUV will be the biggest Subaru ever built.
* Manufacturer's suggested retail price for all 2022 model year vehicles, except BRZ, have increased by $500 starting with customer orders place on April 26, 2022.
Subaru launched the Wilderness lineup of SUVs with the 2022 Outback Wilderness, followed later by the 2022 Forester Wilderness.
The all-new 2022 Subaru WRX was unveiled with a new direct injection turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine, re-tuned suspension, and new GT trim.
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Subaru competitors
| Company name | Founded date | Revenue | Employee size | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana Inc. | 1996 | $2.1B | 5,500 | 1 |
| Mitsubishi Motors | 1981 | $1.5B | 2,000 | 18 |
| Freightliner Trucks | 1942 | $450.0M | 15,000 | 42 |
| General Motors | 1908 | $187.4B | 155,000 | 2,447 |
| Mack Trucks | 1900 | $1.5B | 2,000 | - |
| 500 Automotive Group, LLC | - | $400,000 | 5 | - |
| Gene Reed Toyota | - | $25.1M | 150 | - |
| Park Ave Motor Corp | 1916 | $106.1B | 133,778 | 4 |
| Auto Alliance | 1999 | $1.6M | 30 | - |
| Kia Motors | 1992 | $1.2B | 3,000 | 3 |
Subaru history FAQs
Zippia gives an in-depth look into the details of Subaru, including salaries, political affiliations, employee data, and more, in order to inform job seekers about Subaru. The employee data is based on information from people who have self-reported their past or current employments at Subaru. The data on this page is also based on data sources collected from public and open data sources on the Internet and other locations, as well as proprietary data we licensed from other companies. Sources of data may include, but are not limited to, the BLS, company filings, estimates based on those filings, H1B filings, and other public and private datasets. While we have made attempts to ensure that the information displayed are correct, Zippia is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of this information. None of the information on this page has been provided or approved by Subaru. The data presented on this page does not represent the view of Subaru and its employees or that of Zippia.
Subaru may also be known as or be related to SUBARU OF AMERICA, Subaru, Subaru of America, Subaru of America Inc, Subaru of America, Inc and Subaru of America, Inc.