Where are Subaru cars made? History of Subaru Everything related to Subaru

The history of the Subaru automobile brand began in 1917, when a young engineer, Chikuhi Nakajima, decided to open his own research laboratory in Nakagama. Fifteen years later, this laboratory was transformed into the aircraft manufacturing concern Nakajima Aircraft Company, whose aircraft turned out to be extremely in demand during the Second World War.

Defeated Japan of the post-war years was subject to antitrust laws of the US occupation authorities, as a result of which Nakajima Aircraft was renamed Fuji Sangye Limited, and its activities changed radically: the company began to engage in motor boats, buses, wagons and gasoline engines. The Rabbit scooter, released in 1946, heralded the beginning of the automotive production in the history of the company.

In 1954, Subaru developed a prototype of the R-1 passenger car (Subaru 1500). It was then that the monocoque body structure was first implemented in the Japanese automotive industry. Despite high level comfort and excellent driving characteristics of Subaru, this model did not go into production due to financial problems with its production and sales, although it became the basis for the creation of the Subaru 360 and Subaru 1000 cars.

Japan in the late 50s was exhausted by the war; there was not enough fuel and raw materials for the development of its automobile industry. Then the government of the country adopted a law abolishing taxes on passenger cars up to 360 cm in length and with fuel consumption of less than 3.4 liters per 100 km. In response to changes in legislation, the Japanese automaker released in 1958 Subaru model 360, which fully complied with the established requirements. The new product was a success on the market and even outstripped its rivals in many ways. Thanks to her, the FHI concern took a strong position, and its sales began to grow.

Inspired by the success of the Subaru 360, the company released a new model with larger dimensions. We are talking about the Subaru 1000, dated 1965, the first Japanese production car with front-wheel drive and a flat-four with a power of 55 Horse power. It was with him that the history of the famous Subaru boxer engines began. Subaru's excellent technical characteristics and avant-garde design were the reasons for considerable sales. Then the management of the Japanese concern decided to start exporting cars to the USA and European countries.

In the early 70s model Subaru series added the world's first all-wheel drive a passenger car Subaru Leone, thanks to which the company occupied a niche free from more powerful competitors. Abroad, this model caused a real boom in sales.

Subaru Leone became a follower Subaru Legacy, presented at the 1987 Chicago International Auto Show. It, like its predecessor, was equipped with all-wheel drive, but this time the manufacturers completely switched to 4WD, abandoning the switchable rear-wheel drive.

The beginning of Subaru's brilliant path in rally and circuit championships happened in 1990, when the company began to cooperate with the British company Prodrive. The British helped prepare Subaru cars for racing competitions.

In the mid-90s, Subaru followed the general trend and released its Subaru Sambar EV.

In 1997, the company came out of the assembly line Subaru Forester- something between an SUV and a station wagon.

Today, the FHI concern is engaged not only in the production of cars, but also in other industries.

Subaru lineup

Subaru's lineup includes small medium and middle class, four-wheel drive SUVs and sports coupes Subaru BRZ. Distinctive features of Subaru products include such proprietary developments as four-wheel drive, boxer engines, monocoque body structure. originality appearance, excellent driving characteristics of Subaru make Subaru passenger cars in demand on the Russian market.

Subaru cost

The cost of a Subaru depends on the model and its modifications. For example, the most inexpensive car This brand can be called a small class Subaru XV in basic configuration for half a million rubles. The price of a Subaru can exceed two million if we are talking about a sedan or hatchback

The assembly of the 2018 Subaru Forester for Russia is carried out at only one enterprise, although for 19 years it has been produced at factories in several countries. All-wheel drive with a ground clearance of more than 20 cm is in demand in Europe, Japan and North America, Africa and even Australia. It was also popular in Russia - the automaker was even going to open Russian plant. However, the assembly of Forester in the Russian Federation did not begin either as planned or in 2017 - there is no reason to assume that the assembly lines will start operating in the future.

Where is Subaru Forester assembled?

At the very beginning of production, the car was supplied only to Japanese car dealerships. However, with the increase in demand for a city SUV, they began to sell it to other countries. The production volumes of the car gradually increased, the 4th generation of which was shown in 2012. The company presented the latest version of the car in March 2018.

It’s easy to answer where the new Subaru Foresters for Russia are assembled:

• Cars have been produced for quite some time at only one plant - Gunma Yajima in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Assembly is also carried out here for Ukraine, the EU and other markets.
• Several years ago, a modification of an SUV for Asia called the Chevrolet Forester was assembled at an Indian plant General Motors. Production ceased after GM sold its stake in the Subaru automaker.
• The Forester model was also produced in the USA - the SIA plant in Lafayette (Indiana). From here cars were supplied to the North American market. Now only Legacy and Outback models are assembled here, to which the Impreza was added in 2016.

In 2014, the car was going to be produced at the Kaliningrad enterprise Avtotor. However, the company's plans no longer include work in this direction. The reason for abandoning plans is the decrease in demand for this model - in 2015, domestic car dealerships sold no more than 10,000 cars. Although this situation simplifies the answer to the question of where Subaru Forester is assembled for Russia and any other country.

Build quality

Comparing different builds of the Subaru Forester, you can notice the difference in the trim levels produced for the Japanese market and for Russia - although on the outside they are completely identical. The first difference is the interior of the car, which Russian version It doesn't have the same quality finish and doesn't seem as roomy. The cars and engines differ - modifications for the Russian Federation are equipped with a less powerful engine, which is why their dynamics are worse.

There are also disadvantages to the sound insulation of such an SUV. On the other hand, domestic versions are more adapted to Russian roads, go through potholes faster and successfully cope with off-road conditions. Although even the driver of such a car is not recommended to brake off-road.

Despite minor differences in assembly, both the Japanese version, and models for the domestic market, and manufactured before the car for other countries they provide maximum comfort for both the driver and passengers. This applies to heated seats, convenient control of vehicle systems directly from the steering wheel, and electric adjustment of windows, seats and mirrors.

Subaru is an automobile brand of the large industrial concern Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Automotive is not FHI's only area of ​​expertise; In addition to them, FHI is engaged in aviation technology, by rail, shipbuilding, etc. The history of the concern, thanks to which the Subaru brand was born, began in 1917.

A young engineer and aviation enthusiast, Chikuhei Nakajima, opened The Aircraft Research Laboratory in Nakagame City this year. Aviation at that time did not exist in Japan as such, but thanks to the First World War, which demonstrated its capabilities, Nakajima’s laboratory, in particular, opened. In 1931, the laboratory became an aircraft manufacturing company called Nakajima Aircraft Co., Ltd, and Nakajima's aircraft were in great demand during World War II until 1945. In defeated Japan, the American occupation authorities applied antitrust and prohibition laws to Nakajima Aircraft, the company was renamed Fuji Sangye Ltd., and since Japan could not have an army at that time, the company began working on motor boats, carriages, buses and gasoline engines - it had to be applied achievements and talents in these areas. There was no automobile production as such yet; its forerunner can be considered the Rabbit motor scooter released in 1946, the creation of which used aviation spare parts left over from the war.

In 1950, Fuji Sangyo split into 12 independent events, some of which ceased to exist after some time. But already in 1953, the five strongest of the separated companies came together again and merged into Fuji Heavy Industries. Later a sixth joined them. The corporation, headquartered in Hiroshima, began manufacturing jet airplanes, chainsaws, Rabbit scooters and diesel buses and gradually achieved greater and greater success. In 1954, a prototype of a passenger car was created - the P-1 (Subaru 1500), in which a monocoque body structure was implemented for the first time in the Japanese automotive industry. With all its excellent driving performance and comfort, the car did not go into production due to financial difficulties associated with its production and sales. But later he played a significant role in the development of models and.

By the way, the name Subaru was born thanks to the president of FHI, Kenji Kita. When the P-1 was created, Kita announced a competition for best name for him. He believed that japanese car must have a Japanese name. But none of the proposed names won the competition, and in the end Kita came up with the name himself - it turned out to be the word Subaru. In Japanese it means "to unite, to gather together", and is also the name of the constellation Pleiades (part of the constellation Taurus). Without a telescope, you can see six stars in the Pleiades (in fact, there are more than 200 of them), and it was through the merger of six companies that the Fuji Heavy Industries concern was formed.

Subaru's real automobile debut took place only in 1958. In war-exhausted Japan, when there was a shortage of raw materials and fuel for mechanical engineering, the government, in order to stimulate its own industry, passed a law according to which passenger cars up to 360 cm in length and with a gasoline consumption of less than 3.4 liters per 100 km were practically not taxed. FHI was the first company to produce a car that met these requirements - the Subaru 360. It was only 3 m long and was equipped with a 2-cylinder engine. two-stroke engine with a volume of 358 cc and a power of 16 hp. In addition, it had a modern design using plastic and aluminum and independent rear suspension. The engine was located at the rear. The car turned out to be very successful, in many ways it overtook its competitors and allowed the FHI concern to gain a foothold in automotive market, even though its sales were quite low at first - in the first year of production, only 604 copies were sold. But already in the next year, 1959, 5111 such cars were produced, and two years later - more than 22 thousand. Subaru became the leading manufacturer of cars of this class in Japan, and the 360 ​​acquired new body types - a station wagon and a coupe with a soft roof.

In 1961, a division was founded, the focus of which was delivery vans and pickups. Inspired by the success of the Subaru 360, in 1965 the company decided to enter the larger car market and released the Subaru 1000. It was the first Japanese production car with front-wheel drive, with a 997 cc 4-cylinder boxer engine producing 55 hp. . (the history of Subaru boxer engines began with this model), with an avant-garde look at that time, which became the standard for many imitations. Looking at increasing sales in the domestic market, the concern's management decided to make an attempt to export its cars to Europe and the USA. Subaru of America, Inc. was founded in Philadelphia. The 360 ​​model was chosen for the American market, but an attempt to export it ended in failure. But on the Japanese market the car never ceased to be popular, as did the R-2 model that replaced it in 1969. And at the same time, the Subaru 1000 was replaced by a modernized version of it - the Subaru FF, with an increased engine capacity.

But soon (in 1971) the Subaru FF was replaced by a model - the world's first all-wheel drive passenger car, which aroused great interest among both specialists and ordinary buyers. Thanks to this car, Subaru occupied a niche free from more powerful competitors all-wheel drive vehicles. And in 1972, the R-2 was replaced by the Rex model with a 356 cc, 2-cylinder, water-cooled engine. In 1974, the Leone, shown abroad, began to experience a real sales boom - within two years, 100,000 cars were sold, of which 30,000 were sold in the United States. In 1975, exports amounted to 26.9%. In 1977, export of the model to the USA began. Subaru car production, meanwhile, was gradually increasing - in 1979 it amounted to 150,000 cars, and in 1980 - 202,000.

1982 - Subaru begins producing turbocharged engines. In 1983, a model was introduced - a minibus with all-wheel drive. The 5 millionth Subaru car left the factory. 1984 - the appearance of the Justy model, on which an electronically controlled ECVT variator was installed for the first time in the world. Production of Subaru 4WD vehicles reached 1 million. About 250,000 cars were produced annually, of which slightly more than half were exported. And in 1985, Subaru released a luxury sport car- Alcyone (XT), which had a 6-cylinder boxer engine producing 145 hp. and a host of cutting-edge features and functions. In 1987, a joint venture with Isuzu Motors, Subaru-Isuzu Automotive Inc., opened in the United States. In the same year, a “follower” Leone appeared, intended to replace him in model range- Legacy, whose history continues to this day. Legacy was shown at the Chicago International Auto Show. It, like the Leone, was equipped with all-wheel drive; but, unlike Leone, here the manufacturers abandoned the switchable rear-wheel drive and completely switched to 4WD. In 1989 in Arizona, on the Legacy Proving Ground track, he set 2 world and 13 national records. He covered 100,000 km at an average speed of 223.345 km/h and covered this distance in 19 days of continuous driving on the track with stops only for refueling, changing Supplies and, of course, pilots. At the same time, the Legacy Station Wagon, in standard configuration (for the Japanese domestic market, with a 2.0 twin turbo engine), set a speed record for production station wagons - 249.981 km/h - on a highway in the vicinity of Salt Lake City. In addition, in the USA the Subaru-Isuzu Automotive company began production, and at the Tokyo Motor Show a gran turismo class car was exhibited - an all-wheel drive sports coupe with such an avant-garde design that it is not outdated to this day.

Since 1990, the history of Subaru began new period- cooperation with the British company Prodrive. The concern decided to participate in motorsport, and Prodrive began preparing Subaru cars to competitions. Already in the same year, Legacy won the Safari Rally in group “N”. Thus began the brilliant path of Subaru in rally and circuit championships, where cars of this brand won victories more than once. And in the “civilian” industry, Subaru in 1990 released a purely small-class city car - Vivio. It was equipped with a 658 cc engine and the already famous CVT. There was also a “sports” modification of this car, accelerating to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds thanks to a 102 hp biturbo engine. (with the same volume). In a rally car built on the basis of this Vivio, driver Colin McRae successfully competed at the Safari Rally.

1992 - another new product appears on the market - Impreza, which has become legendary car thanks to its constant participation in rallies and is equipped with a whole range of engines - from 1.6 liters to a 2-liter turbocharged one. Impreza has become a real benchmark for other automakers to follow. In 1993, a new generation Legacy appeared; in the same year, a car of this model won one of the WRC stages for the first time - a rally in New Zealand. In 1994, a trial batch appeared in the USA Outback models- a car of a new class, a passenger sports station wagon with the capabilities of an SUV. At the same time, Subaru followed a trend common to all automakers by creating an electric car in 1995 - the Subaru Sambar EV, and in 1996 the Outback went into production. In the same year, a bumper recycling system was developed and launched. 1997 is the year of the appearance of another model from Subaru - Forester, which caused a lot of difficulties for the classifiers. This car was very difficult to attribute to any of the categories already known at that time; it was a cross between a station wagon and an SUV. Moreover, other automakers began to reference and imitate it; This is how Subaru created the "reference car". The Forester was equipped with a 2-liter boxer engine and a 5-speed transmission. In 1998, the Vivio was replaced by the Pleo model, and the third generation Legacy appeared. The Legacy Station Wagon set a new world speed record for station wagons and, together with the Pleo, became the "new car of the year" in Japan. 1999 was the year of alliances - business agreements were signed with General Motors and Suzuki Motor Corporation.

In 2000, the Impreza received the title of Car of the Year in Japan. At the 2002 Detroit Auto Show, the Baja pickup truck, based on the Outback, was shown. Today, Subaru produces its cars in 9 factories, 5 of which are in Japan, and sells them in 100 countries. About half a million Subaru cars are produced every year; To some this may seem like a small number, but do not forget that the Fuji Heavy Industries concern, in addition to cars, is also involved in other industries. Distinctive features of Subaru can confidently be called such proprietary developments, now used all over the world, as all-wheel drive (which still remains a Subaru trademark), boxer engines and monocoque body structure. And, of course, high quality and the extraordinary nature of the cars, which demonstrate excellent performance both in everyday use and in motorsport.

Each of us has heard about Subaru cars, because this brand is popular and in demand in the global automotive market. This car brand born in Japan. It developed rapidly, productivity expanded, and the company increased its power.

In a relatively short period of time, the manufacturer managed to overcome the mark of 20 million cars that were produced under the Subaru brand. But are all Subaru cars made in Japan? Perhaps some models are produced in other countries?

Subaru Impreza assembly location

This car began to be supplied to the domestic market in 2010. Then it was 1.9 liters and the ground clearance was 185 mm. This car was supplied from Japan, however, little has changed now. This model continues to be produced by the Japanese Yajima Factory.

At one time there was talk about the company’s intentions to establish production of Subaru Impreza in Russia for the domestic market and neighboring countries. The Kaliningrad Avtotor and the Gorky plant were considered. Something went wrong and Japanese company did not realize her intentions. That's why Russians still drive.

The same cannot be said about the Americans. For them, the Impreza is assembled at a local facility (Lafayette). These cars are sold within the country and are not exported.

Subaru Forester assembly location

It will be equally interesting to find out where the Subaru Forester is assembled. This car can be called legendary, its history began almost 20 years ago and it is still popular among motorists around the world.

This model is equipped with a ground clearance of 20 cm, and in the latest generation - even 22 cm. Subaru Forester is assembled in Japan (Gunma Yajima company). Even spare parts for it are produced in this country.

Not long ago, the GM concern was producing one of the modifications for deliveries to India. These cars were produced and were much inferior in quality to the Japanese original. After General Motors sold its share to Subaru, production of the Forester under the Chevrolet brand was discontinued.

The company's plans included the option of establishing the assembly of Subaru Forester in Russia. Once again, this idea was not implemented. Therefore, as before, Subaru Forester for Russia is produced in Japan.

For some time, the Subaru Forester was assembled at the SIA plant (Lafayette). This did not last long, now this plant produces only three Subaru models: Legacy, Outback, Impreza. From this we can conclude that the production of most models is concentrated in Japanese factories. Respectively, new model Subaru XV for Russia is also assembled in the brand’s home country.

The company's plans to expand and open new production facilities have not yet come to fruition. Perhaps this is for the better, because Japanese technology, including automotive technology, has always been valued more precisely for its excellent quality. It looks like the manufacturer doesn't want to ruin their top-notch product. We can only observe the development of the company, its new products and growth rates.

The country of origin of Subaru is Japan, and that says it all. The automotive industry in the state is developed in such a way that not a single car production plant will produce vehicle, of low quality.

If we talk specifically about Subaru, it is a brand with a rich history. An innovative company, which is responsible for the discovery of several technologies that have become the most important in the field of mechanical engineering. Let's talk about how it developed and why Russian car owners love it so much.

"Subaru": country of origin and history of the brand

Founded in Japan, the brand is owned by Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), engaged in the production of passenger cars and trucks, as well as engines and components. FHI was founded in 1917 by Chikuhei Nakajima as the Nakajima Aircraft Aeronautical Research Laboratory in Gunma Prefecture. And it is in this place that Subaru’s main production forces are now located. In addition, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. is still involved in aircraft construction and is engaged in the production of industrial equipment.

The first president of FHI was Kenji Kita. This is a man who was madly in love with cars. He was especially passionate about everything related to their production. Kenji Keith's favorite car was the P-1, released by the company in 1954.

Subaru logo and name designation

Since the country of origin of Subaru is Japan, and the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun treat the stars with special awe, the Subaru logo uses these symbols as an image. When the corporation began to divide into several departments, it became necessary to create a name and logo. First, Mr. Kita organized a competition. But he didn’t like any of the proposed options, and he himself believed that “a Japanese car should have a Japanese name,” so he had to resolve this issue on his own. And Kenji Keith did it. Subaru is the Japanese name for a cluster of stars, which translates to "coming together" or "showing the way." Actually, thanks to this, there was no need to come up with a logo - the picture came together by itself.

The company's first cars

The P-1, released in 1954, is the first Subaru car in Japan. A year later, the model received the name Subaru 1500. It was a passenger vehicle. The R-1 model showed excellent ride quality and perfect handling. Subsequently, the Subaru 360 and 1000 were created on its basis.

The Subaru 360 is a “ladybug”, as it was called because of its size. First in Japan affordable car for transporting passengers. By releasing it, Subaru made a technological breakthrough, since before the 360 ​​model there was no car in Japan that could be put into mass production and made available to the people.

On the basis of the bug, in 1961, Subaru (manufacturing country - Japan) developed the Sambar Truck. This model It features an increased level of comfort, meeting all the convenience requirements for both passengers and the driver. Visually, it was a mini-truck with a lower floor and a free interior, when compared with analogues of other brands.

After the Sambar Truck, the Sambar Light Van was released in the same year. Unlike the previous version, this model was suitable not only for commercial use - it was an excellent family car.

It is also important to mention the Subaru 1000 model, which was released in 1966. Today, its concept largely distinguishes Subaru from other manufacturers. This model was the first to use a front-wheel drive (FWD) system with a horizontally opposed engine. Thanks to this technology, the car is much more manageable on the road, since FWD has a direct impact on handling.

Subaru lineup today

One can call the true pride of the company such Subaru models as the Forester, Legacy and Impreza. The Legacy era begins in 1989. This model is the first to combine standard equipment and boxer engine, thanks to which it could compete even with Alfa Romeo.

Production of the Impreza started in 1992. The model was produced with four doors, body types - sedan and station wagon with features of a sports car. The Impreza had excellent technical characteristics, was equipped with a turbocharged engine. But he made his debut a little later, in 1997. His concept was called Best of both, which means “the best of two.” Forester is a combination of strict design and SUV (sport utility vehicle).

In addition to the Impreza, Legacy and Forester, Subaru produced another car, no less popular in Russia - the BRZ. This model was developed jointly with Toyota, it combines a boxer engine with rear wheel drive. And it is worth noting that such an unusual association, created by the minds of the largest Japanese automakers, is incredibly impressive. But Subaru doesn't stop there. Who knows, perhaps soon the high-tech brand will give the world an even more advanced car.