What Does The Subaru Logo Mean? The Meaning Behind Subaru: A Name Uniting Stars

Unlocking the Secrets of the Subaru Logo: A Deep Dive into its Design and Origins

If you’re a Subaru owner or know someone who is, you’ve undoubtedly come across the iconic Subaru logo. It may appear simple at first glance, featuring a blue oval with one prominent star and five smaller ones, but there’s a rich tapestry of meaning and history behind this emblem. In this article, we’ll not only demystify the symbol’s significance but also delve into its design origins and how it harmonizes with Subaru’s vehicle philosophy. So, buckle up as we embark on a journey to understand the Subaru logo.

What Does The Subaru Logo Mean? The Meaning Behind Subaru: A Name Uniting Stars

In the Japanese language, “Subaru” translates to “united.” But the plot thickens when we look up to the night sky. “Subaru” is also used to describe the Pleiades star constellation, a celestial cluster formed over 100 million years ago in the Taurus galaxy. What makes this cluster special is that it’s one of the closest star groups visible to the naked eye from our planet.

The name “Pleiades” has roots in Greek mythology, named after the seven daughters of Atlas, the Titan associated with endurance and astronomy. Atlas, who once rebelled against the gods and was condemned to bear the weight of the heavens on his shoulders, had Orion hot on his daughters’ trail. In a compassionate gesture, Zeus transformed the seven daughters into stars, placing them safely away from Orion’s reach. Hence, the cluster of seven stars became known as the Pleiades, symbolizing the nymphs fathered by Atlas.

The Japanese Significance of Subaru

Given that Pleiades is a cluster of stars, the connection to the term “united” becomes evident. Subaru drew inspiration from this celestial unity to symbolize the merging of several companies into Fuji Heavy Industries, which later became Subaru’s parent company. The emblem prominently incorporates an illustration of the Pleiades star constellation, serving as a testament to the strength and cohesion that underpinned the creation of Fuji Heavy Industries.

Fuji Heavy Industries’ journey into car manufacturing was marked by CEO Kenji Kita’s desire to make a mark in the automotive world. Struggling to find a name that outshone “P-1” for their first car, Kita’s childhood admiration for the Pleiades constellation led him to christen it “Subaru.” The debut vehicle was the Subaru 1500, setting the stage for Subaru to become a powerhouse in the automotive industry.

Today, Subaru is synonymous with excellence in automobile manufacturing. Their vehicles consistently earn top safety ratings, with more Insurance Institute for Highway Safety top safety picks in 2016 than any other brand. The Subaru logo’s heritage is deeply intertwined with this commitment to excellence and unity, mirroring the qualities that define their vehicles.

Where the Stars Align with Subaru’s Legacy

The Subaru logo is far more than just a corporate emblem; it’s a symbol of unity, strength, and a commitment to reaching for the stars, much like the Pleiades constellation that inspired it. As you drive a Subaru, you become part of a legacy built on these principles, where safety, innovation, and excellence converge to create some of the finest vehicles on the road.

At Wilsonville Subaru, we’re proud to be part of the Portland, Beaverton, and Tualatin communities, offering you the opportunity to explore Subaru’s rich history and experience the remarkable vehicles that bear this iconic emblem. Join us in celebrating the unity of Subaru, both in name and in purpose, as we continue to reach for the stars in the world of automotive excellence. Contact us today to be a part of this incredible journey.