Back in the early 1950s, a group of Japanese companies came together to create Fuji Heavy Industries. In a very short time, an automotive division emerged that became known as "Subaru," a name that means "Unite." The very first Subaru was launched in 1954. The first model was turbocharged and was initially called the P-1, a name changed later to the Subaru 1500. It featured front-wheel drive and was the first car with a monocoque body.