Subaru is among one of the most famous nameplates in the automobile industry. For years, the Japanese auto manufacturer has consistently produced safe, cost-efficient, and reliable vehicles. It’s built a name for itself, one that continues to uphold the principles of what the word, “Subaru,” actually means.
What Is the Definition of Subaru?
There are two ways to define Subaru:
Pleiades Star Cluster
In Japanese, the word ” Subaru” means Pleiades, the Greek name for the star cluster in the constellation Taurus. While this constellation is also known as the “Seven Sisters,” you can only see six stars with the naked eye.
Subaru used this name to reference how five companies merged to form the Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) in 1953. Of the six stars of Pleiades, one represents FHI, while the remaining represent the five Japanese companies that invested in and helped create FHI. These companies include Fuji Kogyo, Fuji Jidosha, Omiya Fuji Kogyo, Utsunomiya Sharyo, and Tokyo Fuji Sangyo.
Unite
Subaru’s meaning can also be interpreted outside of Greek mythology. In Japanese, “Subaru” can refer to the word, “unite,” which references the way the five companies merged under Subaru’s parent company, FHI.
Subaru can also mean “to govern” or “gather together.”
The History of Subaru
Subaru initially started as an aircraft manufacturer under the name Fuji Heavy Industries or FHI in Japan. Known for their expert craftsmanship, FHI engineers eventually branched out and began designing automobiles.
In 1953, they released their first prototype under the Subaru name, which eventually led to the release of the Subaru 360 in 1958. This rear-engine coupe was compact, durable, and affordable, appealing to customers in Japan. After the Subaru 360’s success, several models followed, such as the Subaru Leone.
By the late 1960s, Subaru expanded into the US market, with increasing demand allowing the company to officially open its first American manufacturing plant in 1989.
Today, Subaru continues to be a well-known brand in the automotive industry, but what does its name actually mean?
What Does the Subaru Logo Mean?
Drawing inspiration from the Pleiades star cluster, Subaru designed a logo that honors its history and its principles.
The most recent version of the logo displays a blue oval containing six silver stars, with one star bigger than the rest. The largest star on the left symbolizes FHI, while the smaller stars on the right represent the five Japanese companies that helped build FHI.
Today, Subaru’s emblem symbolizes the company’s unwavering commitment to reach for the stars as they produce safe and innovative vehicles.
History of Subaru’s Logo
For over seven decades, Subaru has continuously evolved and adapted to the demands of the automobile industry. Over the years, its company logo has also changed with one constant design feature: the six stars of the Pleiades cluster.
1953 – 1958
Subaru’s first logo had a simple silver metal color with no background. The stars were arranged to resemble how the Pleiades cluster actually looked.
1958 – 1959
Eventually, the logo took on a theme similar to other American auto manufacturers in 1958. The stars were colored gold and looked wide and lower. This upgrade gave Subaru’s logo a simple yet stylish new look.
1959 – 1970
After only two years, however, Subaru redesigned its logo. Instead of gold, the stars were silver once again with a red background. According to Subaru, the red represented the company’s passion for progress and movement.
1970 – 1980
Another design overhaul occurred in 1970 when Subaru encased the familiar oval shape with a V-angled trapezoid. This trapezoid referenced the low, wide grilles often found on Subaru models back then.
The logo had a dark background that symbolized the night sky. Inside the oval, a grid of small silver dots appeared behind the stars to represent smaller stars.
1980
In 1980, Subaru briefly introduced a new logo with no trapezoid, no background, and no connecting lines. It featured a simple silver oval with six stars and a thick, dark border.
1980 – 1999
When late 1980 rolled around, Subaru finally said goodbye to the layout of the Pleiades cluster. Instead, they arranged the stars with a large star on the left and five smaller stars on the right. These silver stars were placed inside a silver oval with a black background.
1999 – 2003
Another refresh was due in 1999 when Subaru designers flattened the sharp-edged stars of the 1980 logo. The six stars now had beveled edges and round outer contours. They were also connected in pairs so that the cluster had three rows.
The background turned blue with a gradient around the large star on the left.
2003 – Present
In 2003, Subaru’s designers upgraded the logo for a 3D feel, with more gradients added to the edges of the oval and stars.
Subaru uses the same logo to this day.
What Does Subaru XV Mean?
“XV” stands for crossover vehicle, which refers to a vehicle that combines the features of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) and sedan.
The Subaru XV is an all-terrain vehicle that offers a comfortable ride quality on both city streets and rural back roads. It was initially sold in Australia and other international markets, such as the Subaru XV, but its name changed when it hit the US and Canadian markets.
In the US and Canada, it’s known as the Subaru Crosstrek. Its new name combines the words “cross” and “trek” to represent the small SUV’s amazing capabilities for all-terrain driving.
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