Subaru is the Japanese name for Pleiades, a collection of stars which form the shoulder of the Taurus constellation. Six stars in the constellation are visible to the naked eye and more than 250 blue stars can be seen through a telescope too. Subaru is also the Japanese term for “unite”. With both of these strong names as our heritage, it’s no wonder that Subaru is a car brand that has become synonymous with out-of-this world motoring technology.
Knowing where we come from, helps our customers to understand where we are going. We’re a brand determined to bring Confidence in Motion to every customer that chooses the pleasure of driving a Subaru. We strive to design SUVs and sedans that bring pure driving enjoyment and peace of mind at each turn.
The origins of the maker of Subaru vehicles, Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), dates back to the 1917 founding of the Nakajima Aircraft Co. Ltd. – in its day the largest aircraft manufacturer in Asia. After World War II, the Nakajima Aircraft Company was reorganised as Fuji Sangyo Co. Ltd. The company was then divided into 12 separate companies in 1950 and shortly thereafter, on 15 July 1953, five of those companies merged to form Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. The aircraft technology and expertise gained from the Nakajima Aircraft Co. Ltd. was refocused to produce cars, with the very first being the Subaru 360.
Today, FHI is still actively involved in the aeronautical industry. Its activities include helicopter construction for the Japanese Defence Force and Coast Guard. FHI is the only attack helicopter manufacturer in Japan and has also played significant international aeronautical roles as the company that built the centre wings for the Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner airliners.
In 2017, Fuji Heavy Industries changed its name to Subaru Corporation to reflect its new focus on automotive and aerospace sectors only. In the automotive sector, the engineers and designers of Subaru vehicles strive to create innovative new technologies that enhance the safety, drivability and sheer comfort of every model. We employ the greatest minds in the field and are proud to boast a team that is focussed daily on our brand vision of creating Confidence in Motion.
Subaru Southern Africa is wholly owned by Toyota Tsusho Corporation Japan and its local subsidiary CFAO South Africa, represented by 11 dealerships and 4 standalone service centres in Southern Africa. It imports, distributes and markets the Subaru brand, including the Impreza, XV, Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Legacy, WRX, and WRX STI – all products of Subaru Corporation of Japan.
The first Subaru’s were imported into South Africa in 1992. The vehicles are unique for their Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) System and Boxer Engine combination, providing the highest level of active and passive safety in world-class comfort, on all road surfaces and in all weather.
Our vehicles will inspire drivers like you to become a Subaru owner for life. Find out what makes us more than a car company.
