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Why did Scion Subaru and Toyota make the same car?

Scion, Subaru, and Toyota are three distinct automotive brands, but they have collaborated on developing shared platforms for certain models. This collaboration allows the companies to leverage economies of scale and share development costs, ultimately benefiting consumers with more affordable and efficient vehicles.


The Shared Platform Approach


The shared platform strategy involves multiple automakers jointly developing a common vehicle architecture, which can then be used as the foundation for different models across their respective brands. This approach allows the companies to save on research and development costs, as well as streamline the manufacturing process.


Key reasons why Scion, Subaru, and Toyota have adopted this strategy include:



  • Leveraging economies of scale to reduce per-unit costs

  • Sharing development expenses and engineering resources

  • Enabling faster time-to-market for new models

  • Providing consumers with a wider range of options based on a common platform


By utilizing shared platforms, the automakers can focus their resources on differentiating the models through unique styling, features, and marketing, rather than starting from scratch with each new vehicle.


Examples of Shared Platforms


One prominent example of a shared platform among Scion, Subaru, and Toyota is the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 (also known as the Scion FR-S). These two sports cars are built on the same rear-wheel-drive platform, with minor differences in styling and tuning to differentiate them.


Another example is the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester, both compact SUVs that share a common architecture, although they are tailored to appeal to different customer preferences.


The collaboration between these automakers allows them to offer a diverse range of vehicles to consumers while optimizing their resources and costs. By leveraging shared platforms, Scion, Subaru, and Toyota can provide more affordable and efficient options in the market.

Did Toyota ever own Subaru?


Seeking to consolidate its operations, GM sold off its FHI shares in 2005, with Toyota buying a minority of these holdings. At that point, Toyota owned just under 9% of FHI, and the two companies began to collaborate on new models. By 2008, Toyota owned more than 16% of Subaru, and today it holds 20%.



Why are Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 the same?


The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ are 2+2 sports cars jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, manufactured at Subaru's Gunma assembly plant.



What percentage of Subaru is owned by Toyota?


a 20%
Subaru is considered an independent automaker, similar to Ford and General Motors. However, Toyota does own a 20% stake in Subaru, making them the largest single shareholder. This alliance offers benefits to both companies, but Subaru maintains separate operations and branding.



Why was the Toyota 86 discontinued?


The Toyobaru is being killed due to new safety regulations, but the Miata lives on. It's usually stricter emissions regulations that force automakers to discontinue their fun cars in Europe. However, the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ will be discontinued due to upcoming safety legislation.



Why did Toyota make the Scion?


Scion was a subbrand of Toyota. It existed until 2016. Its purpose was to sell sportier Toyotas to a younger audience. As Lexus was to middle-aged, established folks, Scion was to young, up-and-comers.



What are the most reliable car brands?


The Scores:

RankBrandPredicted Reliability Score (100-point scale)
1Subaru68
2Lexus65
3Toyota62
4Honda59



Why did Toyota collaborate with Subaru?


Joint partnership leads to sports cars and electric crossovers. The Toyota-Subaru joint partnership ultimately focused on sharing resources and production facilities. The two Japanese automakers have collaborated on a couple of vehicles, though.



Is the BRZ 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. Boxer engines are more balanced and better suited to delivering higher performance.



Does Scion use Subaru engines?


Subaru's Boxer engine is under fire. Subaru's 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter Boxer engines in the BRZ, Scion FR-S, Toyota 86, and Toyota GR86 are allegedly defective in a new class action lawsuit.



Why do Toyota Scion and Subaru have the same car?


Because they are made at the same factory, developed by Subaru & Toyota together. Subaru and Scion are manufacturing partners as well. Scion is a discontinued marque of Toyota that started in 2003.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.