Is Subaru Japanese or German?
Subaru is Japanese.
Subaru is the marketing name of Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd. (FHI), a Japanese company that rebranded its automotive arm as Subaru Corporation in 2017. The brand’s origins, design ethos, and primary manufacturing base are in Japan, even though Subaru operates globally with markets and distributors—including in Germany.
Origins and corporate identity
The Subaru brand traces its roots to a Japanese parent company and a long-standing domestic manufacturing tradition. Here are the essential facts:
The Subaru name and its meaning
- Subaru is the marketing name of Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd. (FHI).
- In 2017, Fuji Heavy Industries rebranded its automotive division as Subaru Corporation.
- Subaru's headquarters and main production facilities are in Japan, with key plants in Gunma Prefecture.
- The name "Subaru" comes from the Japanese term for the Pleiades star cluster, symbolizing unity and a gathering of elements.
- Subaru is widely known for its boxer engines and all-wheel-drive systems, reflecting its Japanese engineering heritage.
These points illustrate Subaru's Japanese corporate identity and branding, rooted in a Japanese corporate structure and culture.
Global footprint and European presence
Subaru operates worldwide, with Europe as a significant market. In Germany, as in other European countries, the presence is primarily through local distributors and a dedicated subsidiary, rather than German ownership of the brand itself. Here are the key facts:
Subaru's European and German presence
- Subaru Deutschland GmbH handles sales, service, and marketing in Germany as part of Subaru’s European network.
- The parent company remains Japanese-owned and controlled from Tokyo; Germany is a market, not a parent, for Subaru.
- Other European markets are served through national subsidiaries or distributors across the region.
- In Europe, Subaru emphasizes all-wheel-drive capability, safety, and reliability—traits associated with its Japanese engineering tradition.
These details show how Subaru maintains a robust European footprint, including Germany, while retaining its Japanese origins.
Global manufacturing and consumer implications
Although Subaru’s core engineering and executive leadership are Japanese, the company has a global production and distribution strategy that includes regional assembly and local markets. The following points summarize the current manufacturing and distribution posture:
- Primary production remains in Japan, with major plants in Gunma Prefecture.
- Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA) in Lafayette, Indiana, serves the North American market with regional assembly.
- Other regional production arrangements have existed to support markets, though design and development originate in Japan.
- In Germany and broader Europe, dealerships and service networks operate under local subsidiaries, maintaining a strong Japanese brand identity.
These points explain how Subaru sustains its Japanese origin while delivering products and service through a global network, including Germany.
What this means for consumers
For buyers, a brand’s nationality can influence design philosophy, engineering priorities, and service experiences. Subaru’s Japanese origins shape its core characteristics—such as a focus on symmetrical all-wheel drive and practical reliability—while its European and German markets provide localized support and access to Subaru’s widely sold models.
Summary: Subaru is a Japanese brand, owned and operated by a Japanese company (Subaru Corporation, formerly Fuji Heavy Industries). It maintains a global presence that includes Germany as a market, not as an indication of German ownership or origin. The brand’s identity remains rooted in Japanese engineering and corporate stewardship, with local European distribution supporting customers across Germany and beyond.
Which Subarus are made in Japan?
Subarus made in Japan include the Forester, WRX, BRZ, and Impreza, along with base and premium trims of the Crosstrek and the Solterra. Production for these models is centered in the Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
- Forester: The entire Forester lineup is manufactured in Japan.
- WRX: The WRX sports car is built in Japan.
- BRZ: The BRZ sports car is produced in Japan.
- Impreza: The Impreza is made in Japan.
- Crosstrek: Base and Premium trim levels of the Crosstrek are made in Japan. Higher trims like Sport and Limited are made in the U.S.
- Solterra: The all-electric Solterra is built in Japan.
Is Subaru still owned by Toyota?
No, Toyota does not own Subaru outright, but it is the largest shareholder with a stake of just over 20%. While Toyota holds a significant stake and the companies collaborate, Subaru remains an independently operated company.
- Ownership stake: Toyota holds a substantial minority stake of just over 20% in Subaru Corporation.
- Collaboration: The companies have a close partnership that includes co-developing vehicles like the BRZ/GR86, sharing hybrid technology, and manufacturing assistance.
- Independent operation: Despite the ownership and collaboration, Subaru is not a subsidiary of Toyota and continues to operate independently.
Is Subaru German or Japanese?
Subaru is a Japanese company. It was founded as Fuji Heavy Industries in 1953, with its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, and the company's name comes from the Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster. While most Subaru vehicles are built in Japan, some models are also assembled at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant in Lafayette, Indiana.
- Origin: Subaru is Japanese. Its parent company, Subaru Corporation, is headquartered in Japan.
- Name: "Subaru" is a Japanese word for the Pleiades star cluster.
- Production: While the majority of Subaru production occurs in Japan, a significant number of vehicles, particularly for the North American market, are also manufactured in the United States at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant.
Is Subaru still a Japanese company?
Yes, many Subarus are still made in Japan, though some models are also manufactured in the United States. The majority of Subaru cars are produced in Japan, particularly at their plants in Gunma Prefecture. Japan-built models include the Impreza, WRX, and Forester, while the U.S. plant in Lafayette, Indiana, produces models like the Outback, Ascent, and certain Crosstrek trims.
Vehicles made in Japan
- Impreza
- WRX
- Forester
- BRZ
- Certain Crosstrek trims (base and premium models for 2025)
- Levorg
Vehicles made in the U.S. (at the Lafayette, Indiana plant)
- Outback
- Ascent
- Certain Crosstrek trims (sport, limited, and wilderness trims for 2025)
- Legacy
