Toyota Raises Stake In Subaru To 20 Percent, Confirms Next-Gen 86 And BRZ

Toyota and Subaru announced a new, extended partnership that will lead to a closer collaboration in the fields of electrification, autonomous driving and connected technologies, as well as in the joint development of the next-generation of their 86/BRZ sports cars.

This is the first official confirmation for the successors of the rear-drive coupe twins, which are rumored to debut in concept form at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.

The new partnership between the two Japanese car makers also includes Toyota raising its stake in Subaru from the current 17 percent to 20 percent, with Subaru to also acquire a small stake in Toyota.

Also Read: Next-Gen Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ Could Debut As Concepts At Tokyo Motor Show

According to the official announcement, the new tie-up will also include the joint development of AWD models “that offer the ultimate sensation in all-wheel driving”, in addition to the next 86/BRZ twins.

Back in June, Toyota and Subaru announced the development of a common architecture for battery-electric vehicles that will combine Subaru’s all-wheel drive expertise and Toyota’s know-how in electrification. The cooperation will also result in expanding the use of Toyota’s hybrid system to more Subaru models.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda said: “I, myself, am a rallyist, and, through my experience of training hard in an Impreza, I have felt in my veins the wonders of Subaru’s AWD technologies. Meanwhile, we at Toyota have been going all out to hone our all-wheel-drive technologies by participating in the World Rally Championship, among other activities.”

“This new step in our alliance with Toyota will lead to enhancing ‘Enjoyment and Peace of Mind’ that Subaru is committed to deliver; and I am confident that our customers will love what we offer through these efforts,” Subaru President Tomomi Nakamura commented on his part.