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What company is Subaru owned by?

Subaru, the popular Japanese automaker known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles and boxer engines, is owned by Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), a diversified industrial conglomerate. FHI has been the parent company of Subaru since the brand's inception in the 1950s.


Subaru's History and Ownership


Subaru was founded in 1953 as the automotive division of Fuji Heavy Industries, a company formed through the merger of several aircraft manufacturers. The Subaru brand name was derived from the Japanese word for the Pleiades star cluster, which is also represented in the company's logo.


Over the years, Fuji Heavy Industries has maintained a controlling stake in Subaru, owning a majority of the automaker's shares. This ownership structure has allowed Subaru to benefit from the resources and expertise of its parent company, while also maintaining a distinct brand identity and product lineup.


Fuji Heavy Industries' Diversified Business


Fuji Heavy Industries is a conglomerate with diverse business interests beyond just the Subaru automotive brand. The company's operations span several industries, including:



  • Aerospace and defense, including the production of aircraft and aerospace components

  • Industrial machinery and equipment, such as power generators and construction machinery

  • Eco-friendly technologies, including the development of electric and hybrid vehicles


This diversification has allowed Fuji Heavy Industries to leverage its expertise and resources across multiple sectors, while also providing a stable financial foundation for its Subaru automotive division.


Subaru's Continued Success Under Fuji Heavy Industries


Under the ownership of Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru has grown to become a globally recognized brand, known for its reliable, safe, and capable vehicles. The company's all-wheel-drive technology, boxer engines, and unique design language have resonated with consumers around the world, contributing to Subaru's continued success and growth.


The close relationship between Subaru and its parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, has been a key factor in the automaker's ability to maintain its distinctive identity and product offerings, while also benefiting from the resources and expertise of a larger, diversified conglomerate.

Is Subaru owned by Toyota?


No, Toyota does not own Subaru, but it is the largest shareholder, holding a stake of just over 20%. While Subaru remains independently operated, the two companies have a close partnership that includes sharing technology, powertrains, and collaborating on vehicle development, such as the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X. 

  • Toyota's ownership stake: Toyota is the largest shareholder with just over 20% of Subaru's stock, but it is not a controlling, majority stake. 
  • Independent operation: Despite Toyota's large investment, Subaru Corporation operates independently, according to Sunset Hills Subaru and Facebook. 
  • Collaboration: The companies collaborate on a number of projects, including the co-development of the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X, and the Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86 sports cars. 
  • Technology sharing: This partnership allows both companies to benefit from each other's strengths, with Subaru providing its all-wheel-drive expertise and Toyota offering its electrification technologies. 



Who is the parent company of 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. 



Is Subaru under Honda?


No, Honda and Subaru are not the same company; they are two separate Japanese automakers. Honda is a multinational corporation that owns its brand and Acura, while Subaru is a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries) and has a partnership and a small stake held by Toyota.
 

  • Honda: Is a multinational corporation that produces Honda and Acura vehicles. It also has a partnership with GM, Sony, Nissan, and Mitsubishi, reports Honda and Honda. 
  • Subaru: Is a subsidiary of the Subaru Corporation. While it has a strategic partnership with Toyota, which holds a significant stake in the company, Subaru remains a separate and independent company, according to MotorTrend and Sunset Hills Subaru. 



Is Subaru a German or Japanese car?


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. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.