Subaru reaches production milestone

Subaru began domestic production 56 years ago in 1958, at its then Gunma Isesaki Plant. That first model was the '360' minicar, so named for its 356cc twin-cylinder two-stroke engine that met Japan's 'kei car' tax laws for vehicles of no more than 360cc capacity.

As Subaru expanded domestic production and became a vehicle exporter, FHI added two new vehicle manufacturing factories in Ota City, Gunma prefecture, as well as an engine, transmission and parts manufacturing operation in the same region.

The range increased, too, with the Subaru 1000, Leone and Justy followed by the Liberty, Outback, Impreza, Forester and, more recently, the Tribeca and XV SUVs, as well as the BRZ sports coupe, among others.

Subaru reached the one million vehicle milestone was reached in 1970. The 5-million vehicle milestone was reached in 1983, followed by the 10 millionth in 1992, with the 15-millionth Subaru built in 2003.