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SUBARU

27 entries

Japanese car division of Subaru Corporation, known for boxer engines and symmetrical all-wheel drive.

Founded: 1915, as the Aircraft Research Laboratory
First car: Subaru 1500, 1954
Former name: Fuji Heavy Industries
Known for: Boxer engines and Symmetrical All Wheel Drive

Fuji Heavy Industries, the former name of Subaru Corporation, began in 1915 as the Aircraft Research Laboratory and was reorganised as the Nakajima Aircraft Company in 1932. The first Subaru car, the 1500, appeared in 1954.

Symmetrical All Wheel Drive was introduced in 1972 and became standard on most mid-size and smaller cars by 1996. Nissan held a stake in the parent company from 1968 and sold it to General Motors in 1999.

1915Aircraft Research Laboratory established
1932Reorganised as Nakajima Aircraft Company
1954First Subaru car, the 1500
1972Symmetrical All Wheel Drive introduced
1999Nissan's stake sold to General Motors