Who Owns Subaru?

The 21st-largest car company in the world has had the same owner for its entire existence, with 20% of its shares owned by Toyota.
Written by Matt Nightingale
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
In 2017, the Board of Directors of Japanese multinational corporation Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. agreed to change the name of their company to Subaru Corporation. The name change helped to clear up any confusion as to who exactly owns Subaru the carmaker.
The 21st-largest automaker in the world, Subaru has gained a small but loyal following in the States for its unique horizontal boxer engines and symmetrical all-wheel-drive powertrain. With the goal of making 40% of its revenue from EVs and hybrids by 2030, Subaru also has an eye on the future.
From the
Impreza
to the BRZ—in this article, we'll take a deep dive into the history of Subaru. 
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Who owns Subaru?

Subaru is the automobile division of the Japanese conglomerate Subaru Corporation. The parent company Subaru specializes in transportation generally. In addition to auto manufacturing, Subaru Corp. also manufactures train parts, buses, and builds airplanes and helicopters for the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.
Toyota
is a 20% shareholder of the Subaru Corporation. This relationship allows Subaru to draw on Toyota’s massive supply chain and pool of experts. They’ll need it if they’re going to reach their 2030 goal of 40% of sales coming from electric models and hybrids.

What other makes does Toyota own?

Toyota is the largest car company in the world, so it’s not much of a surprise to learn that they’ve got a log in Subaru’s fire.
Here’s a list of other car brands owned either in full or in part by Toyota: 
  • Toyota
  • Lexus
  • Daihatsu
  • Scion (Defunct 2016)
  • Mazda (5%)
  • Suzuki (4.9%)
  • Yamaha (2.8%)
  • Isuzu (5.9% 2006–2018)
  • Tesla (1.43% 2010–2016)
Subaru’s relationship with Toyota allows the company to take advantage of Toyota’s steel supply chain.

Where are Subarus made?

Subaru has only two manufacturing plants. One is in Lafayette, Indiana and the other is in Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
Here’s where each of Subaru’s most popular models comes from: 
  • Impreza: Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., Lafayette, Indiana
  • Legacy
    : Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., Lafayette, Indiana
  • Outback
    : Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., Lafayette, Indiana
  • Ascent
    : Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., Lafayette, Indiana
  • BRZ
    : Yajima Plant, Ota, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
  • XV Crosstrek
    : Yajima Plant, Ota, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
  • Impreza: Yajima Plant, Ota, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
  • WRX
    : Yajima Plant, Ota, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
  • STi: Yajima Plant, Ota, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
  • Forester
    : Yajima Plant, Ota, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
Key Takeaway Subaru’s production is split between the US and Japan.
MORE:An incredible 9th straight ‘Car of the Year’ win for the Subaru Forester
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A short history of Subaru ownership

The company began as Fuji Heavy Industries in 1915 and operated as an aircraft research laboratory. The company was renamed Nakajima Aircraft Company in 1932 and was a leading producer of aircraft for the Japanese government during World War II.
After the war, Nakajima was reorganized as Fuji Sangyo Co, Ltd. Under that name, the company built the Fuji Rabbit, a motor scooter built from aircraft parts that had been left over from the war. 
In the 50s, the company was broken apart—from the ashes of Fuji Sangyo, five corporations merged to become the re-formed Fuji Heavy Industries. That name stuck until 2017 when the company’s Board of Directors voted to rename the company the Subaru Corporation.
While the parent company has never really changed—except in name—Subaru Corporation itself is publicly traded and other automakers have purchased minority shares in the company over the years.
In 1968, Nissan purchased a 20% share of what was then Fuji Heavy Industries. When Nissan partnered with Renault and Mitsubishi in March of 1999, its shares in FHI were sold off to General Motors. GM kept those shares until 2005 before liquidating them.
Shortly after, Toyota jumped into the mix, buying 8.7% of GM’s old stock, increasing their stake to 16.5% in 2008, and then to 20% in 2019 where it remains today.

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FAQs

No, Subaru is a Japanese car manufacturer, but it is not uncommon for people to mistake its national identity. Some may think it’s American because one of Subaru’s two production plants is located in Lafayette, Indiana. 
It’s also often mistaken for Australian, because the stars on its logo have a similar look to the Australian flag, one of its vehicles is called the “Outback”, and Crocodile Dundee appeared in Subaru commercials in the 2000s.
No, Subaru is owned by the Japanese transportation conglomerate Subaru Corporation. However, Toyota does own 20% of Subaru Corp’s stock, making it Subaru’s largest shareholder. 20% is not enough shares to fully control Subaru.
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