Does Toyota own Subaru now?
Not outright. Toyota does not own Subaru; Subaru remains an independent company, though Toyota holds a substantial minority stake in Subaru’s parent company and the two brands maintain a long-standing strategic alliance.
To understand the current arrangement, it’s important to know who controls Subaru and how the partnership operates. This article explains the ownership status, the history of the alliance, and what it means for vehicles and decisions at both brands as of 2025.
Ownership structure: who owns Subaru?
Current ownership structure at a glance:
- Subaru Corporation is the corporate entity behind the Subaru brand, tracing its origins to Fuji Heavy Industries, which rebranded to Subaru Corporation in 2017.
- Toyota holds a substantial minority stake in Subaru’s parent company (Fuji Heavy Industries/Subaru Corporation), making Toyota the largest single shareholder but not the majority owner.
- Subaru’s governance remains independent, with its own board and executives; ownership is dispersed among multiple investors, so Toyota’s stake does not grant unilateral control.
- The relationship is defined by a strategic alliance rather than full ownership, with long-running cooperation on product development and engineering.
In short, Toyota is a major investor and partner, but Subaru remains independently operated and not a Toyota subsidiary.
How the partnership works and what it means for products
Current collaboration and its impact on vehicles and technology:
- The alliance began in the mid-2000s and centers on joint development, shared platforms, and collaboration on drivetrain and engineering topics.
- One of the most visible outcomes is the jointly developed sports coupe/compact duo—the Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ—demonstrating shared engineering while preserving distinct brand identities.
- Beyond the sports car, the two companies explore platform sharing, AWD technology, and potential electrified propulsion efforts within their respective lineups.
- Despite deep collaboration, ownership remains separate; Toyota’s stake provides influence but not control over Subaru’s operations or strategy.
The partnership continues to shape product development and technology sharing, while Subaru maintains its own corporate governance and brand direction.
Summary
Bottom line: Toyota does not own Subaru outright. Subaru remains an independent company, with Toyota as a major shareholder in its parent organization and a long-standing strategic alliance that has delivered collaborative projects like the Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ and shared engineering efforts. Ownership and control remain distinct, even as the two automakers continue to collaborate on current and future projects.
Is Subaru owned by Toyota?
No, Toyota does not own Subaru, but it is the largest shareholder, holding a stake of just over 20%. While Subaru remains independently operated, the two companies have a close partnership that includes sharing technology, powertrains, and collaborating on vehicle development, such as the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X.
- Toyota's ownership stake: Toyota is the largest shareholder with just over 20% of Subaru's stock, but it is not a controlling, majority stake.
- Independent operation: Despite Toyota's large investment, Subaru Corporation operates independently, according to Sunset Hills Subaru and Facebook.
- Collaboration: The companies collaborate on a number of projects, including the co-development of the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X, and the Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86 sports cars.
- Technology sharing: This partnership allows both companies to benefit from each other's strengths, with Subaru providing its all-wheel-drive expertise and Toyota offering its electrification technologies.
Have Toyota and Subaru merged?
As of March 2024, Toyota owns just over 20% of Subaru, but it hasn't always been that way. Nissan purchased shares of Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru's parent company, back in 1968. In 1999, Nissan sold its holdings to General Motors who then liquidated their stake in Fuji Heavy Industries in 2005.
Who currently owns Subaru?
Subaru is owned by Subaru Corporation, a Japanese multinational company that is the parent company of the Subaru automotive brand. While Subaru Corporation is the owner, Toyota holds a significant minority stake of over 20% and has a close partnership with Subaru, which includes shared technology and collaborative vehicle development.
- Subaru Corporation: The parent company, formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries, operates the automotive division that makes Subaru vehicles and other industrial products.
- Toyota: The Japanese automaker owns just over 20% of Subaru Corporation, but Subaru remains an independent company with its own separate operations and branding.
- Partnership: The relationship between the two companies goes beyond ownership and includes collaborative projects, such as the development of the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota 86/GR86 sports cars. They also share technology, particularly in hybrid and electric powertrains.
What Toyota is made by Subaru?
The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ are 2+2 sports cars jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, manufactured at Subaru's Gunma assembly plant.
