Who makes Subaru products?
Subaru products are made by Subaru Corporation, the Japanese automaker formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries. The brand's vehicles are produced at facilities in Japan and overseas, including the United States and China, through wholly-owned plants and joint ventures.
The question covers who actually manufactures Subaru vehicles and related products, and it encompasses Subaru's corporate structure, global manufacturing footprint, and notable production partnerships that bring Subarus to markets around the world.
The company behind Subaru
Subaru Corporation is the parent company for Subaru's operations. It traces its roots to Fuji Heavy Industries, which diversified from aerospace and industrial equipment into automotive manufacturing. In 2017, Fuji Heavy Industries rebranded to Subaru Corporation to align with the automotive business conducted under the Subaru brand. The corporation oversees automotive development and production along with related industrial activities.
Global manufacturing network
Subaru's manufacturing footprint includes a mix of in-house production and regional plants. The following key sites illustrate where Subaru products are made around the world.
- Subaru Corporation (Japan) – The core production hub for most Subaru vehicles, with multiple plants across Japan that manufacture global models.
- Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) – United States – A wholly-owned subsidiary in Lafayette, Indiana, assembling models for the North American market.
- FAW-Subaru (China) – A joint venture with FAW Group producing Subaru models for the Chinese market.
In short, Subaru's product lineup is produced by Subaru Corporation in Japan, with important production capacity in the United States and China to serve regional markets.
Historical context and alliances
Historically, Subaru operates as the automotive arm of Fuji Heavy Industries, a Japanese conglomerate with aerospace and industrial operations. The automotive business was reorganized under Subaru Corporation, and production has since been complemented by strategic partnerships that expand manufacturing capacity and market reach, notably in the United States and China.
Note: Ownership stakes and partnerships can evolve. For the most up-to-date information, consult Subaru Corporation's official communications or recent corporate reports.
Summary
Subaru products are made by Subaru Corporation, with primary manufacturing in Japan and additional production in the United States (SIA) and China (FAW-Subaru). This global network allows Subaru to supply vehicles to markets around the world while maintaining the brand's all-wheel-drive heritage and model lineup.
Is Subaru owned by GM?
No, General Motors (GM) does not own Subaru. GM once owned a significant stake in Subaru's parent company, but sold its stake in 2005. Toyota is currently the largest shareholder in Subaru Corporation.
- Past ownership: GM acquired a 20% stake in Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corporation) in 1999.
- Divestiture: GM sold its stake in 2005.
- Current ownership: Toyota bought a portion of the shares GM sold and is now the largest shareholder, but Subaru remains an independent company with a partnership with Toyota.
Who manufactures Subaru?
Subaru vehicles are manufactured by the Japanese company Subaru Corporation, formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries. The company has manufacturing plants in Japan and its sole plant outside of Asia is in Lafayette, Indiana, which produces vehicles for the North American market.
Manufacturer
- Parent company: Subaru Corporation
- Origin: Japan
Manufacturing locations
- Japan: The majority of Subaru vehicles are produced in Japan, in facilities located in Gunma Prefecture.
- United States: The Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant in Lafayette, Indiana, manufactures vehicles specifically for the North American market.
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.
Are Subaru engines made by Toyota?
No, Toyota does not make Subaru engines; Subaru develops and manufactures its boxer engines in-house. However, the two companies have a close partnership, and Toyota has a 20% stake in Subaru. This collaboration includes co-developing the engines for their joint sports cars, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86, where Subaru designed the base engine but Toyota contributed key components like its direct injection system, notes this YouTube video.
- Subaru's in-house engine production: Subaru builds its boxer engines and transmissions at its factory in Japan.
- Toyota-Subaru collaboration: The companies have worked together on several projects, including the joint development of the BRZ and 86 sports cars.
- Engine contributions: For the BRZ and 86, Subaru developed the core flat-four boxer engine, but Toyota added its D-4S direct injection system, which helped boost performance.
- Future collaborations: The partnership is expanding to include the development of hybrid and all-electric vehicle platforms and technologies, such as the Forester E-Boxer hybrid.
