Who manufactures the Subaru BRZ?
The Subaru BRZ is manufactured by Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries) in a joint development with Toyota Motor Corporation. In practice, Subaru handles the manufacturing at its Gunma plant in Japan, and the car is distributed worldwide from that facility.
The collaboration behind the BRZ
Two brands, one car: the BRZ was born from a cooperative effort that also produced the Toyota 86. The project, known as FT-86 in its early days, paired Subaru’s engineering with Toyota’s styling and branding to create a compact, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe.
Key points about who makes the BRZ and where it is made:
- Primary manufacturer: Subaru Corporation (Fuji Heavy Industries) is the maker of the BRZ.
- Development partner: Toyota Motor Corporation co-created the platform and helped tune the car for global markets.
- Production site: Subaru's Gunma plant in Japan serves as the main assembly location.
- Global distribution: Vehicles are produced in Japan and exported worldwide; there is no dedicated U.S. BRZ production facility as of 2024.
In short, Subaru leads the manufacturing, with Toyota as the partner in design and engineering, producing the BRZ at a single Japanese plant for global markets.
Where the BRZ is built today
Production remains centered in Japan. The joint BRZ/86 project uses Subaru’s Gunma facility to assemble cars that are then shipped to customers around the world, including the United States and Europe. The arrangement reflects a deep collaboration intended to keep the BRZ’s compact dimensions and driving dynamics consistent across markets.
Before we look at markets, here is how the production geography generally breaks down:
- Japan: All BRZ production occurs at the Gunma plant for global distribution.
- United States and other regions: BRZs sold in these markets are imported from Japan; there is no separate U.S.-built BRZ plant as of 2024.
The end result is a BRZ manufactured by Subaru in Japan, tied to a Toyota-led collaborative program, with vehicles distributed globally from that single production base.
Summary
The Subaru BRZ is manufactured by Subaru Corporation in collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation. Production is carried out at Subaru’s Gunma plant in Japan, and the cars are shipped worldwide from that facility. Toyota acted as the co-developer, and while there is no U.S.-based BRZ manufacturing plant, the model is widely available in North America and other markets through imports from Japan.
Does the BRZ have a Toyota engine?
Toyota used Subaru's engine technology for its car, so both have the same 200hp 2.0-litre boxer engine, which is slightly different to the engines you'd find in most other cars except for many Subarus.
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.
Which Subaru has a Toyota engine?
Subaru BRZ
Notably, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 sports cars are joint efforts, blending Subaru's boxer engine expertise with Toyota's engineering and marketing strengths.
Where is the Subaru BRZ manufactured?
The Subaru BRZ is made in Gunma, Japan, at Subaru's main assembly plant. The sports car is jointly developed with Toyota and shares its platform with the Toyota GR86, with both models being manufactured at this facility.
You can watch this video to learn about the production of the 2022 Subaru BRZ: 50sSubaruYouTube · Nov 4, 2021
- Location: The vehicles are produced at the Subaru Main Plant in Ōta, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, as part of a larger 82-acre facility.
- Joint production: This plant is where the Subaru BRZ and its counterpart, the Toyota GR86, are built together.
- VIN code: The fact that the cars are made in Japan is also reflected in the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which starts with a "J" for Japan.
This video shows the production of the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86: 54sDPCcarsYouTube · Jan 14, 2022
