AWD appeared in 1972 on the Leone wagon in Japan. Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru, has refined it ever since.
The car did well in rallies such as the Kenyan Safari. Then the company contested World Manufacturer's Championships with the Impreza in a variety of models in the 1990s. It won driver's titles for Colin McRae, Richard Burns and Petter Solberg.
Subaru has been the most successful rallying marque in Australia and New Zealand.
Total production of Subaru AWD vehicles reached 11,782,812 at the end of January 31, 2012 making up 56% of Subaru's total vehicle sales.
The AWD system distributes power to all four wheels in a balanced manner.
