Key Stats
Subaru Corporation manufactures automobiles and aerospace products. The company operates through two main segments: Automotive and Aerospace.
The Automotive division produces passenger cars, SUVs, and related components. Models include the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, and Legacy.
Subaru is known for its boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The company maintains manufacturing facilities in Japan and the United States. Its headquarters are located in Tokyo, Japan.
Subaru History
Aircraft Research Laboratory founded by Chikuhei Nakajima
Reorganized as Nakajima Aircraft Company, becoming Japan’s primary aircraft manufacturer
Company reorganized as Fuji Sangyo, created Fuji Rabbit motor scooter from spare aircraft parts
Five corporations merged to form Fuji Heavy Industries
First Subaru car, the Subaru 1500, was manufactured
Introduction of the Subaru boxer engine in the Subaru 1000
Nissan acquired 20% stake; Subaru of America established in Philadelphia
Launch of Legacy sedan, opening of Subaru-Isuzu joint factory in Lafayette, Indiana
Introduction of the Impreza, which became successful in World Rally Championship
General Motors acquired Nissan’s 20% stake in Fuji Heavy Industries
Toyota purchased 8.7% stake from General Motors, beginning strategic partnership
Launch of BRZ sports car developed jointly with Toyota
Fuji Heavy Industries renamed to Subaru Corporation
Toyota increased stake to 20%, strengthening alliance for electric vehicle development
Introduction of Solterra, Subaru’s first mass-production electric vehicle
Subaru Co-founders
Founded Aircraft Research Laboratory in 1915. Established Nakajima Aircraft Company in 1932, which became Japan’s leading aircraft manufacturer during World War II.
CEO of Fuji Heavy Industries who named the company’s first car “Subaru” after the Pleiades star cluster. Led the transition from aircraft manufacturing to automobile production.
Subaru Partnerships
Subaru has formed strategic partnerships with major automakers throughout its history. These alliances have shaped the company’s development and product offerings.
The partnership with Nissan began in 1968 when Nissan acquired a 20% stake during government-ordered consolidation of the Japanese auto industry. This arrangement allowed Subaru to utilize Nissan’s bus manufacturing expertise. Many Subaru vehicles still use components from the Nissan manufacturing network. The Subaru 4EAT automatic transmission was also used in the first-generation Nissan Pathfinder.
In 1999, General Motors acquired Nissan’s stake when Nissan formed its alliance with Renault. During the GM period, the Subaru Forester was sold as a Chevrolet Forester in India. The Saab 9-2X, sold in the United States, was a badge-engineered Impreza. An SUV collaboration between Subaru and Saab was planned but never materialized.
Toyota Motor purchased 8.7% of Fuji Heavy Industries shares from General Motors in 2005. This partnership has produced several collaborative projects. The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ sports cars share the boxer engine and platform, manufactured at Subaru’s Gunma plant in Japan.
In 2019, Toyota increased its stake to 20%, strengthening the alliance for electric vehicle development. The Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X electric crossovers were developed jointly, built on shared platforms at Toyota’s Motomachi assembly plant. The companies announced plans to develop three additional electric crossover models through 2026.
Toyota also contracted to use Subaru’s Lafayette, Indiana manufacturing facility in 2006. The partnership has expanded to include hybrid system development, with the Crosstrek Hybrid using Toyota’s hybrid technology. Plans include expanding hybrid technology to other Subaru models including the Outback, Forester, and Ascent.
Subaru Competitors
Subaru competes in the compact and midsize crossover segments against established automakers. The company’s all-wheel drive focus differentiates it from many rivals.
| Competitor | Country | Key Models |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Japan | RAV4, Highlander, Camry |
| Honda | Japan | CR-V, Pilot, Accord |
| Nissan | Japan | Rogue, Pathfinder, Altima |
| Mazda | Japan | CX-5, CX-50, Mazda6 |
| Ford | United States | Escape, Edge, Explorer |
| Chevrolet | United States | Equinox, Traverse, Blazer |
| Volkswagen | Germany | Tiguan, Atlas, Passat |
| Hyundai | South Korea | Tucson, Santa Fe, Sonata |
| Kia | South Korea | Sportage, Sorento, K5 |
| Jeep | United States | Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Compass |
Subaru Market Cap
Subaru’s market capitalization fluctuates based on stock performance and market conditions. As of November 2025, the company’s market cap stands at approximately $15.8 billion.
Subaru Revenue
Subaru’s revenue has grown steadily over the past decade. In fiscal year 2025, the company reported revenue of 4.69 trillion yen, approximately $31 billion.
FAQs
Who owns Subaru?
Subaru Corporation is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Toyota Motor holds a 20% ownership stake, making it the largest shareholder, while the remaining shares are held by institutional and individual investors.
What does Subaru mean?
Subaru is the Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster. CEO Kenji Kita chose this name for the company’s first car, which he had cherished in his heart.
Where are Subaru cars manufactured?
Subaru manufactures vehicles in Japan at its Gunma facilities and in the United States at Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana, which produces models for the North American market.
What is Subaru known for?
Subaru is known for its boxer engine design and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The brand has a strong reputation in rally racing and outdoor lifestyle markets with emphasis on safety and reliability.
When did Toyota invest in Subaru?
Toyota first purchased 8.7% of Subaru shares in 2005 from General Motors. The partnership strengthened in 2019 when Toyota increased its stake to 20% to develop electric vehicles jointly.