Just what is a Subaru Liberty?

[Barryc]

A few years back an American friend of mine wanted to know why the Subaru sedan/station wagon is marketed as a 'Liberty' in Australia, and as a 'Legacy' throughout the rest of the world.

After World War II, Australia set up a charity called simply "Legacy", to look after the interests of the wives and children of the soldiers who died during the war. As you can imagine, the majority of our dead were in the Asian campaign, keeping the Japanese from our door. many of these soldiers died in terrible circumstances at the hands of the Japanese, as did American soldiers.

The word 'legacy' is sacrosanct here in Australia, and always relates to the great work done by the charity, which now also looks after those affected by the Korean and Vietnam wars. So you can imagine the Australian populous reaction when a Japanese motor company announces that it was about to produce a model called the Legacy and were going to sell it in Australia.

Thankfully Subaru Australia were quick to point out the sensitivity of the name to Subaru Japan, who quickly changed the name from Legacy to Liberty for the Australian market.

So, in Europe, Asia and the Americas, the car is a Legacy. In the Australian market it is badged as a Liberty. Same car different name.

[Bruins1982]

A few years back an American friend of mine wanted to know why the Subaru sedan/station wagon is marketed as a 'Liberty' in Australia, and as a 'Legacy' throughout the rest of the world.

After World War II, Australia set up a charity called simply "Legacy", to look after the interests of the wives and children of the soldiers who died during the war. As you can imagine, the majority of our dead were in the Asian campaign, keeping the Japanese from our door. many of these soldiers died in terrible circumstances at the hands of the Japanese, as did American soldiers.

The word 'legacy' is sacrosanct here in Australia, and always relates to the great work done by the charity, which now also looks after those affected by the Korean and Vietnam wars. So you can imagine the Australian populous reaction when a Japanese motor company announces that it was about to produce a model called the Legacy and were going to sell it in Australia.

Thankfully Subaru Australia were quick to point out the sensitivity of the name to Subaru Japan, who quickly changed the name from Legacy to Liberty for the Australian market.

So, in Europe, Asia and the Americas, the car is a Legacy. In the Australian market it is badged as a Liberty. Same car different name.

 

Thanks for the explanation.

[Drift Motion]

for some reason i always throught UK has liberty and all...haha

[TrueWhiteBoy]

That was rather educational actually, thank you.

[E-Tank]

All makes sense. Thanks.

[Gire]

That was rather educational actually, thank you.

 

 

+1

 

Good post!

[LegGTLT]

Well posted sir!

[m sprank]

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for the excellent info.