Subaru Environmental Chronology

1966, May

Introduced an engine with all-aluminum block

1973, August

Established standards for making resin ingredients (automobile industry guidelines were decided in 1991)

1977, March

Developed the Subaru Exhaust Emission Control-Thermal (SEEC-T) system to comply with 1978 Exhaust Emissions regulations

1984, September

Began recycling by mixing waste paper in anti-vibration sheets

1986, November

Began sales of the lightweight plastic valve cover

1987, February

Introduced the Subaru ECTV, the first electro-continuously variable transmission in the world

1990, August

Began setting up facilities in Subaru dealerships for collection and reuse of CFCs used in air conditioners

1991, October

Announced a Flexible Fuel engine at the Tokyo Motor Show

1992, May

Became the first in the automobile industry to recycle painted bumpers for use in interior and exterior parts

1992, September

Developed the first plastic intake manifold in Japan

1992, November

Completed installation of fluorocarbon collection and reuse equipment for car air conditioners at Subaru dealerships

1993, January

Began collecting scrapped bumpers in Japan

1994, April

Completed replacement of air conditioner refrigerants from CFC-12 to HFC-134a

1995, April

Began sales of the electric vehicle – Sambar EV

1995, June

Developed a new, environmentally friendly protective coating film for the Legacy and Impreza models

1995, October

Displayed a direct-injection gasoline engine and a hybrid electric vehicle at the Tokyo Motor Show

1998, October

Completed Japan nationwide CFC-12 collection and destruction system

1999, June

Began recycling plastic bottles for use in interior parts

2000, January

Began reuse of painted bumper scrap from the production process for mass-produced bumpers

2000, March

Expanded scrap bumper collection system to a nationwide system in Japan

2000, August

Began sales of the new Impreza, with all models meeting authorized low-emission standards

2000, October

Began recycling auto window glass as glass wool soundproofing material

2001, October

Exhibited the next-generation hybrid HM-01 mini car at the Tokyo Motor Show

2002, February

Began sales of new Forester, with all models meeting the fiscal 2010 fuel-economy standards, accepted as good low emissions vehicles (G-LEV)

2002, May

NEC Corporation and Fuji Heavy Industries form company for the development of automobile batteries

2002, October

Limited marketing of the Legacy B4, CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) Vehicle