Is Subaru owned by Japan?
Subaru is a Japanese automaker, and its ownership is not controlled by the Japanese government. The company is part of Japan’s corporate landscape, with a diversified base of private and institutional investors. The largest single shareholder is Toyota Motor Corporation, and the two brands maintain a long-standing alliance that influences development and strategy.
Overview: Subaru in the Japanese corporate landscape
Subaru Corporation, the parent company behind the Subaru brand, is headquartered in Tokyo. It evolved from Fuji Heavy Industries and was renamed Subaru Corporation in 2017. While it is a Japanese business, its ownership is not government-run; it is publicly listed with a mix of private and institutional shareholders. Toyota’s stake in Subaru is a major facet of its current ownership structure and strategic partnership.
Current ownership structure
Key details about who owns Subaru and how ownership is distributed are summarized below.
- Toyota Motor Corporation is the largest single shareholder of Subaru Corporation, with a stake around 20%, making Toyota the largest external owner.
- Subaru’s ownership is diversified among other institutional investors and individual shareholders, with no single owner holding a majority beyond Toyota’s stake.
- The ownership arrangement underpins a broad alliance between Subaru and Toyota, including joint development and technology sharing.
In summary, Subaru is a Japanese company with a mixed ownership base. It is not government-owned, and its most influential external investor is Toyota, which shapes its strategy through ongoing collaboration.
Relationship with Toyota: the alliance in action
Subaru and Toyota have maintained a long-standing partnership that extends beyond ownership. The alliance includes joint development projects, shared platforms, and coordinated engineering efforts that affect product lines and technology strategies.
Key collaboration points
Key collaboration points between Subaru and Toyota involve joint development, shared platforms, and coordinated product planning.
- Joint development and shared platforms, notably the BRZ/Toyota 86 sports car collaboration.
- Cross-technology collaboration, including safety systems and drivetrain expertise.
- Coordinated product planning and manufacturing to maximize efficiency and scale.
These collaboration points demonstrate how Subaru leverages its partnership with Toyota while preserving its own brand identity.
Summary
Subaru is a Japanese automaker with ownership distributed among private shareholders and a significant stake held by Toyota. The government of Japan does not own Subaru, and the company participates in a strategic alliance with Toyota that shapes its development and product strategy. This arrangement reflects how ownership, corporate strategy, and collaboration intersect in Japan’s automotive industry.
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 still Japanese owned?
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
Are any subarus made in America?
Subaru Legacy: A midsize sedan offering a blend of performance and safety, manufactured at the Indiana plant to meet North American preferences. Subaru Ascent: The brand's largest SUV, offering three rows of seating, is made exclusively at the Indiana facility, reflecting demand for family-friendly SUVs in the U.S.
What subarus are made in Japan?
Subarus made in Japan include the BRZ, Forester, WRX, and Solterra. Additionally, the base and Premium trims of the Crosstrek are made in Japan, as is the Impreza and the Crosstrek Hybrid. The majority of Subaru vehicles (about 75%) are manufactured in Japan, primarily in the Gunma Prefecture.
Subaru models made in Japan
- BRZ: Performance sports coupe
- Forester: Compact SUV
- Impreza: Compact hatchback
- WRX: Performance sports car
- Solterra: Electric vehicle
- Crosstrek: Base and Premium trims are made in Japan, while the Crosstrek Hybrid is also produced there
- Outback: The 2026 model will be manufactured in Japan for the North American market
Manufacturing locations
- Japan: Four main plants in the Gunma Prefecture handle the production of many models, along with engines and transmissions.
- United States: The Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant in Lafayette, Indiana, produces other models, such as the Ascent and the US-made trims of the Crosstrek.
- Thailand: A joint venture plant in Lat Krabang, Bangkok, builds a smaller number of vehicles.
How to tell where a car was made
- The first character of the vehicle identification number (VIN) can indicate the country of origin.
- A VIN starting with a "J" means the vehicle was manufactured in Japan.
- A VIN starting with a "1," "4," or "5" indicates that the vehicle was manufactured in the USA.
