FHI Celebrate 60 Years

TOKYO, JAPAN – July 17, 2013: Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), the maker of Subaru vehicles, is this week celebrating its 60th anniversary.

FHI’s origins go back to the 1917 founding of the "Aircraft Research Laboratory", which was later incorporated as "Nakajima Aircraft Co. Ltd".

After World War II, Nakajima Aircraft was reorganized as "Fuji Sangyo Co. Ltd". Fuji Sangyo was divided into 12 separate companies in 1950 and shortly thereafter, on July 15 of 1953, five of those companies merged to form "Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd".

In 1958, FHI flew the first Japan-made "T-1" jet trainer test plane and released the "Subaru 360" mini car.

Throughout its history, FHI has continued to deliver innovative technologies and unique, innovative products such as the Subaru 1000, Japan's first mass-produced front-engine, front-wheel drive car; the Subaru Leone, Japan's first mass-produced All-Wheel Drive passenger car; the Subaru Legacy (Liberty in Australia), which led the wagon boom in Japan; and the EyeSight driver assist system.

FHI’s technological competence has been passed down in its non-automotive businesses too. The aerospace business is recognized for its expertise in unmanned aircraft systems and participation in international joint development of commercial airplanes, while the industrial product business has been offering highly-reliable general-purpose engines and other engine-driven products to support industries and everyday lives of people worldwide.

Through its history of innovation, FHI has been earning trust and support from customers for its commitment to engineering excellence - the source of functionality, safety and reliability of its products.

FHI will continue to serve as a responsible global corporate citizen and commit itself to fulfilling expectations and further enhancing the confidence of customers around the world.