Is Subaru a German or Japanese car?
Subaru is a Japanese carmaker, not German. While the brand operates globally and maintains partnerships across borders, its origins, corporate home, and branding are distinctly Japanese.
Origin and brand identity
Subaru's name is the Japanese term for the Pleiades star cluster, and the six-star emblem reflects this celestial connection. The company that builds Subaru vehicles began as Fuji Heavy Industries in Japan; it rebranded as Subaru Corporation in 2017 and remains headquartered in Japan.
The meaning behind the name and the logo
The name "Subaru" comes from the Japanese reading of the Pleiades cluster, and the logo's six stars symbolize that cluster. In corporate lore, the stars also hint at the historical merger of several companies that formed Fuji Heavy Industries in the 1950s, a lineage that continues in Subaru Corporation today.
Global footprint and corporate structure
Subaru operates as a global automaker but remains a Japanese company at its core. The parent company, Subaru Corporation, is based in Tokyo, Japan. Subaru builds vehicles in Japan and in overseas plants, notably in the United States, and maintains a deep, long-running alliance with Toyota Motor Corporation as a partner in development and supply. This cross-border collaboration highlights Subaru's Japanese origins while underscoring its international reach.
Below are key facts about Subaru's nationality and ownership.
- Japanese origins and corporate identity
- Brand name derived from the Japanese name for the Pleiades; logo features six stars
- Parent company: Subaru Corporation, headquartered in Japan
- Global manufacturing footprint, including Japan and the United States
- Strategic partnership with Toyota, a major investor and collaborator
These points collectively confirm Subaru's status as a Japanese carmaker, with a worldwide manufacturing footprint and cross-border partnerships that reflect its global reach.
Summary
Subaru is a Japanese automaker. Its branding, corporate governance, and primary operations are rooted in Japan, even as the brand produces vehicles for global markets and works with international partners to expand its reach.
