What motor company owns Subaru?
Subaru is not owned outright by a single carmaker. The brand is controlled by Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), with Toyota Motor Corporation acting as the largest shareholder in that parent company. The relationship is a strategic alliance rather than a simple parent-subsidiary ownership.
Ownership structure at a glance
The following points summarize who controls Subaru and how the corporate relationship is organized.
- Subaru Corporation is the parent company that oversees the Subaru car brand; it was formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries.
- Toyota Motor Corporation is the largest shareholder of Subaru Corporation, holding a stake around 20% in recent years.
- The Toyota–Subaru relationship is a strategic alliance that enables collaboration on platforms, electrification, and other technologies, rather than a simple ownership arrangement.
- Subaru maintains its own brand identity and management within Subaru Corporation.
In practice, Subaru benefits from access to capital and technology through its alliance with Toyota while preserving its distinctive engineering approach and branding.
Timeline of ownership and alliance
The timeline highlights how Subaru's ownership and its partnership with Toyota have evolved over time.
- 1953: Fuji Heavy Industries is established, laying the groundwork for the Subaru automotive business.
- 2008: Toyota Motor Corporation becomes a significant shareholder in Fuji Heavy Industries, signaling a closer relationship.
- 2017: Fuji Heavy Industries reorganizes its car business as Subaru Corporation, clarifying corporate structure and branding.
- 2019–2024: Toyota and Subaru expand their alliance, pursuing joint development of electrified propulsion technologies and shared platforms for future models.
The alliance continues to influence Subaru's strategic direction while preserving Subaru as an independent brand with its own product strategy.
Implications for consumers
For drivers, the Toyota–Subaru relationship offers access to shared technology and investment in future mobility, while preserving Subaru's distinctive traits such as standard all-wheel drive on many models and its boxer-engine lineage.
Summary
Subaru is not owned outright by another car company. It is controlled by Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), with Toyota Motor Corporation as its largest shareholder in that parent company. The relationship is best described as a strategic alliance that supports joint development and technology sharing, while Subaru maintains its own brand identity and leadership.
