What car company did Toyota buy?
Toyota did not buy a separate car company. Instead, it expanded by bringing other manufacturers into its corporate group as subsidiaries and by creating in-house brands, such as Lexus, to compete in different market segments.
To understand this, it helps to look at how Toyota has organized its business over the decades. Rather than acquiring independent carmakers, Toyota has integrated manufacturers like Daihatsu and Hino into its group and built brands that operate under its umbrella. This approach has shaped Toyota’s global presence and product lineup.
Key relationships within the Toyota group
Below are the major corporate relationships that address the question of acquisitions, showing subsidiaries and branding strategies rather than outright purchases of separate carmakers.
- Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. — a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation and a separate carmaker in its own right, producing a range of compact and small vehicles.
- Hino Motors, Ltd. — a subsidiary of Toyota, specializing in trucks and commercial vehicles.
- Lexus — Toyota's luxury brand; operates as a standalone marque under Toyota but is not a separately acquired company.
In short, Toyota’s expansion has come through integration and brand development within its corporate group, not by purchasing other manufacturers as independent companies.
Historical context
The question about “buying” needs context: Toyota’s growth strategy has favored internal development, partnerships, and controlled acquisitions within the Toyota Group rather than buying standalone carmakers. Here are milestones that illustrate this approach.
Milestones in Toyota's corporate structure
- 1960s–1970s: Integration of Daihatsu and the development of Hino Motors as Toyota-affiliated subsidiaries to broaden production and capabilities.
- 1989: Launch of Lexus as Toyota's luxury marque to compete with established premium brands; Lexus operates under Toyota as a distinct brand rather than a separate company bought from another firm.
- Ongoing collaborations: Toyota engages in strategic alliances and joint ventures with other automakers and suppliers to share technology and platforms, rather than pursuing large-scale external takeovers.
These steps show how Toyota grew its market footprint while keeping core manufacturing within its own corporate group and through controlled partnerships.
Bottom line
Toyota did not acquire a standalone car company in the conventional sense. Its expansion has been driven by bringing other manufacturers into the Toyota Group as subsidiaries and by creating in-house brands, such as Lexus. The company also pursues partnerships and collaborations to access new technologies and markets without purchasing external carmakers.
Summary
In summary, Toyota did not buy a separate car company. It built its empire by integrating other manufacturers—most notably Daihatsu and Hino Motors—into the Toyota Group and by creating the Lexus luxury brand, which operates as a distinct marque under Toyota. Its broader strategy emphasizes partnerships and internal brand development rather than acquiring external carmakers.
Is Subaru owned by Toyota now?
No, Toyota does not own Subaru, but it owns just over 20% of the company, making Subaru an affiliated company. This strategic partnership allows them to share technology and collaborate on vehicle development, such as the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ sports car. Subaru still operates independently with its own branding and operations.
- Ownership structure: Toyota is Subaru's largest shareholder with a stake of slightly over 20%, but Subaru remains an independent company.
- Strategic partnership: The two companies have a close partnership and collaborate on various projects.
- Shared projects: Notable examples of their collaboration include the co-development of the Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X electric crossover and the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 sports car.
- Technology sharing: They share technology, particularly in areas like hybrid systems and electric vehicle development, and plan to collaborate on future EV platforms.
- Independent operation: Despite the significant ownership stake and collaboration, Subaru maintains its own management structure and brand identity.
What car company does Toyota own?
Toyota owns the car companies Lexus and Daihatsu, and also produces vehicles under the Hino and Century brands. While it is a major stakeholder, Toyota's relationship with Subaru is more of a partnership than outright ownership.
- Lexus: Toyota's luxury vehicle division, launched in 1989 to compete in the premium market.
- Daihatsu: A subsidiary that produces vehicles, particularly smaller cars.
- Hino: A manufacturer of commercial trucks and other vehicles.
- Century: A line of ultra-luxury sedans.
- Subaru: Toyota holds a significant stake in the company but does not fully own it.
What companies has Toyota acquired?
Toyota has been active in recent acquisitions, most notably the potential $42 billion buyout of Toyota Industries by Chairman Akio Toyoda in 2025, which aims to increase control over the group and secure key technologies. Other recent and notable acquisitions include the purchase of Siemens Logistics by Toyota Industries in November 2024, the acquisition of Radius Recycling by subsidiary Toyota Tsusho America in July 2025, and the 2021 acquisition of Renovo Motors by Woven Planet (now Woven by Toyota) to develop vehicle software. Additionally, in 2025, Toyota and Daimler Truck formed a new joint company, ARCHION, which will fully own and oversee their respective commercial truck businesses, Hino and Fuso.
Recent and proposed major acquisitions
- Toyota Industries (Proposed 2025): Toyota's Chairman, Akio Toyoda, proposed a buyout of the major supplier, Toyota Industries, in a potential $42 billion deal. This move could consolidate the group's structure and provide greater control over key components and technologies.
- Siemens Logistics (Completed Nov 2024): Toyota Industries acquired this German company, which specializes in parcel and airport logistics services, for $326 million.
- ARCHION (Formed Oct 2025): A new holding company created by Toyota and Daimler Truck to fully own and oversee their commercial truck operations, Hino and Fuso.
- Radius Recycling (Completed July 2025): Toyota Tsusho America acquired the North American recycling company to expand its circular economy initiatives and secure recycled materials.
Other significant acquisitions
- Renovo Motors (Completed Sept 2021): Toyota's subsidiary, Woven Planet Holdings, acquired the Silicon Valley-based automotive operating system developer to advance its mission of creating "the most programmable vehicles on the planet".
Is Scion still a Toyota brand?
Toyota abolished the Scion brand at the start of the 2017 model year in August 2016; the vehicles were either rebranded as Toyotas or discontinued.
