The ties between Toyota and Subaru are deepening as the former has increased their stake in their Japanese partner.
While Toyota has long been considered Subaru’s principal shareholder, the company increased their stake from 16.8% to 20.0% on February 6th. This means the two automakers are now officially “affiliated.”
While the two companies now have a label on their relationship, not much has changed since the move was originally announced last September. However, Subaru reiterated the partnership will make their business ties “even stronger” and contribute to their “sustained growth.”
Also Read: Toyota Raising Stake In Subaru To 20 Percent, Confirms Next-Gen 86 And BRZ
Toyota and Subaru have been working together since 2005, when GM ended their ill-fated partnership with the symmetrical all-wheel drive specialist. That partnership spawned the Impreza-based Saab 9-2X and the abandoned 9-6 which was a rebadged version of the Tribeca.
The work between Toyota and Subaru has been far better received as they’ve worked together to develop the 86 and BRZ. Despite modest sales, a second-generation of sports cars was announced last year.
Besides a new 86 and BRZ, the two companies will jointly develop an electric crossover and a dedicated platform for electric vehicles. The latter will be used to underpin “midsize and large passenger vehicles” including C- and D-segment sedans and crossovers. Less is known about the joint crossover, but will be a C-segment vehicle that is sold by both brands.
Besides focusing on electric vehicles, the companies will benefit from each other’s strengths. In particular, the automakers will “apply Subaru’s all-wheel-drive technologies and Toyota’s vehicle electrification technologies.” This suggests we can expect more models like the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid which uses a 2.0-liter boxer engine and Toyota’s plug-in hybrid technology.
H/T to Nippon
