Which car company does Toyota own?
Lexus is the car company owned by Toyota, functioning as its luxury division.
Toyota Motor Corporation also directly controls other brands and subsidiaries, such as Daihatsu and Hino Motors, and maintains strategic partnerships with Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki, and Isuzu to share technology and develop new platforms.
Major wholly owned brands and subsidiaries
Here are the core brands and companies that operate under Toyota’s direct ownership.
- Lexus — luxury vehicle division of Toyota
- Daihatsu Motor Co. — compact-car maker, fully owned subsidiary
- Hino Motors — heavy‑duty trucks and buses, subsidiary
These entities illustrate Toyota’s direct control: Lexus serves as the premium arm, while Daihatsu and Hino function as separate but fully integrated subsidiaries within the Toyota corporate family.
Strategic partnerships and minority stakes (non-ownership collaborations)
In addition to direct ownership, Toyota pursues partnerships that extend its technology and production capabilities without full ownership of another automaker.
- Mazda — joint development and cross-ownership in certain projects; collaboration on technology
- Subaru — long-standing strategic partnership focused on shared platforms and development
- Suzuki — collaboration on hybrid and fuel-efficiency technology
- Isuzu — collaboration on commercial vehicles and powertrains
These partnerships broaden Toyota’s access to new markets and technologies, complementing its own product lineup without granting ownership stakes in partner companies.
What this means for consumers
For buyers, this structure means that purchasing a Lexus essentially reflects Toyota engineering and warranty support, while Daihatsu and Hino products carry Toyota-backed reliability and parts networks, albeit marketed under their own brand identities.
Summary
Toyota’s ownership footprint centers on Lexus as its luxury division, plus the wholly owned Daihatsu and Hino Motors. It also sustains strategic partnerships with Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki, and Isuzu to share technologies and platforms. This mix of direct-brand ownership and collaborative ventures shapes Toyota’s global automotive strategy and product ecosystem.
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.
Does Toyota own 100% of Lexus?
While Lexus and Toyota are separate automotive brands, they both fall under the umbrella of Toyota Motor Corporation. Lexus was introduced in the late 1980s as Toyota's answer to growing demand for premium vehicles, designed to compete directly with luxury marques like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.
Is Mazda owned by Toyota now?
No, Toyota does not own Mazda, but they have a strategic partnership and a cross-ownership structure. Toyota owns a 5.05% stake in Mazda, while Mazda owns a 0.25% stake in Toyota. This relationship includes a joint manufacturing plant in Alabama and technology sharing in areas like electrification.
- Cross-ownership: Toyota is Mazda's largest single shareholder, but Mazda remains an independent company.
- Joint manufacturing: The two companies operate a joint factory, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM), in Alabama, which produces both Mazda and Toyota vehicles, such as the Mazda CX-50 and the Toyota Corolla Cross.
- Technology sharing: They collaborate on technology, with Mazda utilizing Toyota's technology for some of its hybrid vehicles and potentially other components.
What car brands are owned by Toyota?
Toyota owns several car brands, including its namesake brand, the luxury division Lexus, and compact car manufacturer Daihatsu. It also owns Hino Motors, a commercial vehicle and truck manufacturer.
- Toyota: The core brand, known globally for a wide range of vehicles.
- Lexus: Toyota's luxury vehicle division, launched in 1989.
- Daihatsu: A subsidiary that specializes in smaller, more compact vehicles.
- Hino Motors: A subsidiary focused on commercial vehicles, trucks, and buses.
