What is the relationship between Subaru and Toyota?
3 Answers
Toyota is the largest shareholder of Subaru Corporation and can be considered one of its owners. The relationship between Subaru and the Toyota Group is both collaborative and competitive, as they work together on joint research and development. Relevant information is as follows: 1. Subaru's production technology is superior to Toyota's because Subaru has always focused on technological research, with its horizontally opposed engines being one of its major features. 2. Subaru's predecessor was a Japanese fighter aircraft manufacturer, with highly mature technical expertise. Subaru is most renowned for its engines and all-wheel-drive technology, which even the Toyota Group cannot match.
I've always enjoyed discussing collaborations between car brands, and the relationship between Subaru and Toyota is quite interesting. Toyota acquired about 20% of Subaru's shares in the early 2000s, so now they are strategic partners. The most obvious example is their shared models, like the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ, both sports cars developed on the same platform and using the same engine. They complement each other's strengths—Toyota excels in reliability, while Subaru is renowned for its all-wheel-drive systems. In recent years, their collaboration has grown even closer in the electric vehicle sector, such as Subaru's SOLTERRA, which is built on Toyota's bZ4X platform. This deep cooperation reduces R&D costs and offers consumers a more diverse range of vehicles. For car enthusiasts, this means we might see more innovative hybrid models in the future, blending the best of different brands.
From an economic perspective, the relationship between Toyota and Subaru is a form of equity cooperation mechanism. After Toyota acquired shares in Subaru, the two companies began sharing resources and market strategies, which goes beyond mere investment—it's a mutually beneficial strategic alliance. For instance, Toyota leverages Subaru's expertise in all-wheel-drive technology, while Subaru utilizes Toyota's global supply chain to enhance efficiency. Since 2000, they have collaborated on developing new models, such as the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86, significantly reducing manufacturing costs through such projects. Now, in response to the electric vehicle wave, they are jointly developing an electric platform to accelerate their transition. Overall, this partnership strengthens the competitiveness of Japan's automotive industry by avoiding redundant investments and making products more affordable and reliable. I believe this model is worth emulating by other automakers.
