Is Toyota own Subaru?
Short answer: Toyota does not own Subaru. Subaru remains an independent automaker, though Toyota holds a significant minority stake in Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru, and the two brands maintain a long-running alliance.
Ownership and alliance
TOtal picture of how ownership and collaboration are arranged between Toyota and Subaru.
Key facts that clarify the ownership structure and the nature of the relationship between the two companies.
- Subaru Corporation operates independently as the car manufacturer behind the Subaru brand and is not owned by Toyota.
- Toyota has a significant minority stake in Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru Corporation, which provides Toyota influence but not control over Subaru.
- The two firms have a long-running alliance that includes joint development of platforms and technologies, most famously the co-developed sports cars Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ.
- There is no outright ownership of Subaru by Toyota; Subaru remains governed by its own board and major shareholders, with Toyota as a strategic investor.
Taken together, Subaru remains independent, with Toyota acting as a strategic investor rather than an owner.
What this means for consumers
Practical implications of the structural arrangement for buyers and owners of Subaru and Toyota vehicles.
- Subaru vehicles will continue to be designed, marketed, and serviced under the Subaru brand, with its own dealer network and warranties.
- The alliance enables shared technologies and platforms, which can influence future models across both brands without turning Subaru into a Toyota subsidiary.
- Customers may see shared features or engineering concepts—such as all-wheel drive or safety tech—across Subaru and Toyota models when appropriate.
- Pricing, model lineups, and brand identities remain distinct between the two brands.
In short, the relationship enhances collaboration without altering Subaru’s independent branding or corporate governance.
Historical timeline and current status
Key milestones show how the partnership evolved and where it stands today.
- 2008: Toyota announces a strategic alliance with Fuji Heavy Industries (the company behind Subaru), aimed at joint development of platforms and technologies.
- 2017–2019: Fuji Heavy Industries rebrands its automotive arm as Subaru Corporation, with Toyota’s stake continuing as a sizeable minority share and ongoing collaboration.
- 2020s: Collaboration continues on projects like the BRZ/86 sports car and shared all-wheel-drive technologies, reinforcing the alliance without changing ownership.
- 2023–2024: Public communications emphasize partnership and mutual benefit while reaffirming Subaru’s independent brand and governance.
The relationship remains a strategic alliance rather than an ownership arrangement, preserving Subaru’s independence while leveraging Toyota’s engineering resources and scale.
Summary
In essence, Toyota does not own Subaru. Subaru operates as an independent automaker, and while Toyota holds a substantial minority stake in Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru’s parent) and the two brands collaborate on development, Subaru remains a separate company with its own management and brand identity. The enduring partnership is best understood as a strategic alliance that benefits both brands without one owning the other.
Is Subaru part of Toyota?
No, Subaru is not part of Toyota, but Toyota owns a 20% stake in Subaru's parent company, Subaru Corporation, making it the largest shareholder. Subaru maintains its independence and operates separately, although the two companies have a strategic partnership that includes joint vehicle development and shared technology.
The relationship explained
- Ownership: Toyota owns just over 20% of Subaru Corporation, but this is a minority stake, and Subaru is not a subsidiary.
- Independence: Subaru operates independently and continues to develop its own core technologies, such as its Subaru Global Platform.
- Collaboration: The two companies work together on projects, leveraging each other's strengths.
- Vehicle development: Examples include the joint development of the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86/GR86 sports cars.
- Electric vehicles: They are collaborating on jointly developing a dedicated electric vehicle platform.
- Resource sharing: The partnership allows Subaru to share in Toyota's hybrid and electric vehicle technology and manufacturing capabilities.
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.
Which company 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.
Are Subaru and Toyota the same owner?
Toyota owns 20% of Subaru Corporation and holds major voting rights. Despite the stake, Subaru remains independently operated. As the majority shareholder, it is the controlling owner.
