As the first automaker to use a Japanese word as its name, Subaru has established a universal brand identity thanks to global use of its six-star emblem. Have you ever wondered what those stars represent, and where the automaker got its name?
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Where Did Subaru Get Its Name and Logo Design?
The original Subaru logo design
Back in 1953, FujiHeavy Industries was created through an investment in five separate companies. Soon, these five entities merged with FHI, including the automobile manufacturing division.
The term “Subaru” is also the Japanese name for a cluster of stars in the Taurus constellation, known to many by the name “Pleiades.” These stars are also known as Messier 45 or “The Seven Sisters,” because according to Greek mythology, they were once Atlas’ daughters: Alcyone, Asterope, Merope, Maia, Taygeta, Celaeno, and Electra.
Surely you’re already wondering, why are there only six stars in Subaru’s logo if it’s named after a constellation of seven daughters? The reason is to the naked eye, the cluster of stars appears to only have six stars–two are so close together, they appear as one big star. Thus, the Pleiades constellation is known for being a “unification of the stars.”
The current Subaru logo design–with stars rearranged
In Subaru’s logo, the large star symbolizes Fuji Heavy Industries and the five smaller stars indicate the five companies that merged to form FHI. The emblem’s background is nearly always blue, as the color of the actual Pleiades stars are blue.
Subaru’s emblem has remained consistently used around the world since 1958, emphasizing the brand’s ongoing, global unity.
Enjoy learning about the Subaru logo? Check out the rest of The News Wheel’s “Behind the Badge” series to learn about other auto brands!
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News Sources: Subaru Australia, World Car Fans, & Famous Logos
Aaron is unashamed to be a native Clevelander and the proud driver of a Hyundai Veloster Turbo (which recently replaced his 1995 Saturn SC-2). He gleefully utilizes his background in theater, literature, and communication to dramatically recite his own articles to nearby youth. Mr. Widmar happily resides in Dayton, Ohio with his magnificent wife, Vicki, but is often on the road with her exploring new destinations. Aaron has high aspirations for his writing career but often gets distracted pondering the profound nature of the human condition and forgets what he was writing… See more articles by Aaron.