What country owns Subaru?
Subaru is a Japanese automaker brand owned by Subaru Corporation, a Tokyo-based company. The ownership is not held by any country, but the company does have significant Japanese ownership and a notable alliance with Toyota.
Subaru’s roots are in Japan. The brand is operated by Subaru Corporation, which was formerly Fuji Heavy Industries. While Toyota Motor Corporation is a major shareholder and partner in a long-standing collaboration, Subaru remains an independent, Japan-based company with a broad base of private and public investors.
Where the ownership stands
Here are the core facts about who controls Subaru and how it is governed.
- Subaru Corporation is the parent company behind the Subaru brand; it is a Japanese corporation headquartered in Tokyo and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (ticker: 7270).
- Toyota Motor Corporation is one of the notable shareholders in Subaru Corporation, reflecting a long-running alliance between the two automakers.
- Ownership is distributed among public and private investors; no national government directly owns Subaru.
These points help explain the current ownership landscape: a Japan-based company with significant private ownership and a strategic automotive alliance in place with Toyota.
Historical context and recent developments
Subaru’s corporate name and structure have evolved over time. In 2017, Fuji Heavy Industries was reorganized and rebranded as Subaru Corporation, strengthening its identity as the maker of Subaru vehicles while remaining a distinct Japanese company.
Key facts and milestones
- The Subaru brand is known for models with all-wheel drive and boxer engines and is deeply associated with its Japanese heritage.
- The partnership with Toyota includes shared platforms, technology development, and co-created models such as the Subaru BRZ, developed with Toyota.
In summary, Subaru is a Japanese brand owned by Subaru Corporation, a Tokyo-based company with Toyota as a major shareholder in a long-standing alliance. While ownership includes public investors, the country of origin and primary corporate home is Japan.
Summary
Subaru is a Japanese brand owned by Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries). Toyota Motor Corporation is a significant shareholder, reflecting a strategic alliance, but no government directly owns Subaru. The company remains a Japan-based enterprise with global reach.
Is Subaru American or Japanese?
Subaru is a Japanese company with its headquarters in Japan, but it also manufactures cars in the United States to serve the North American market. While many models are built in Japan, the Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant in Lafayette, Indiana, produces vehicles like the Outback, Ascent, and certain trims of the Crosstrek for the U.S. and other markets.
- Japanese origin: Subaru Corporation, the parent company, is a Japanese multinational corporation. Its heritage and many of its production plants are located in Japan, including those that build models like the Forester, BRZ, and WRX.
- American manufacturing: Subaru has a significant manufacturing presence in the United States with its plant in Lafayette, Indiana. This facility produces vehicles such as the Outback, Ascent, and some Crosstrek models, helping to serve the North American market more efficiently.
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.
Which car is better, Toyota or Subaru?
Neither brand is universally "better" as the choice depends on individual priorities; Toyota is often favored for overall reliability and fuel efficiency, especially in hybrid models, while Subaru is preferred for standard all-wheel drive, off-road capability, and standard safety features. Toyota typically leads in long-term reliability ratings, while Subaru excels in performance features like its Boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive.
Choose Toyota if:
- Maximum reliability is your top priority: Toyota has a long-standing reputation for being the gold standard in reliability and lower maintenance costs.
- Fuel efficiency is most important: Toyota offers several highly efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
- You need a balance of practicality and modern features: Toyota's popular models, like the RAV4, are known for their spacious interiors and tech.
Choose Subaru if:
- You need all-wheel drive: Subaru provides standard all-wheel drive on all its models, which is ideal for snow, rain, or off-road conditions.
- Off-road capability is a must: Subaru vehicles often have higher ground clearance and a rugged design built for adventure.
- Standard safety features are important: Subaru includes its EyeSight safety tech as a standard feature across its lineup.
Consider the following when comparing:
- Older vs. newer models: While newer Subaru models have addressed issues like oil consumption found in some older models, older Subaru engines (1996-2004) were known for head gasket problems.
- Maintenance costs: Toyota's long-term maintenance costs are often lower than Subaru's, though both are considered reliable brands.
Is Subaru owned by China?
Subaru (スバル; /ˈsuːbəruː/ or /sʊˈbɑːruː/; Japanese pronunciation: [sɯꜜbaɾɯ]) is the automobile manufacturing division of Japanese transportation conglomerate Subaru Corporation (formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries), the twenty-first largest automaker by production worldwide in 2017.
