New name for Subaru parent company

The company that today builds Subaru-branded cars and SUVs began life in the aviation industry. But from April 2017 its name will change to 'Subaru Corporation', reflecting its core business interest.

Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) was once better known for building aircraft – and in a former incarnation as Nakajima Aircraft Corporation it developed and produced military aircraft before and during World War II. Since the end of the war it has morphed into its current state, and Subaru cars have become its primary source of revenue.

The Subaru name is Japanese for the constellation known elsewhere throughout the world as Pleiades. Six member companies formerly associated with Nakajima Aircraft banded together to form FHI, and each star of the constellation represents one of those companies.

FHI has been building cars branded Subaru since 1958 and the car-building side of the business has grown to the point where Subaru cars are sold in over 90 countries around the world and sales volumes continue to grow. By the end of this (Japanese) financial year on March 31, 2017, FHI expects to have sold over one million cars around the world for the 12-month period. That, should it come to pass, will be a first for the manufacturer.

The decision to rename FHI to Subaru Corporation, with effect from April next year, is yet to receive a stamp of approval from shareholders, who will meet near the end of June to sign off on the change. Next year the company will celebrate its centenary, starting with Nakajima Aircraft in 1917.

In a press release the company states that making the name change will "enhance the Subaru brand and achieve even greater growth for Subaru as a distinctive global brand in the automotive and aerospace industries".