Toyota and Subaru are further strengthening their long-term partnership by announcing a new capital alliance, which will see the acquisition of shares by both carmakers as well as the introduction of new products.
The latter is especially interesting, as the deal will see the joint development of the next-generation 86 and BRZ, which confirms what has been heavily rumoured over the past few months. A new sports car is always welcomed in the current automotive climate, but official details about the new Toyobaru remain unknown for now.
The current 86 and BRZ have been in production since 2012, and were given a few updates over the years. Built on a heavily modified Impreza platform, the rear-wheel drive sports cars are powered by a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated flat-four petrol engine with Toyota’s D-4S fuel injection system, mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Besides a new sports car, the companies will also work together to develop new all-wheel-drive models “that offer the ultimate sensation in all-wheel driving,” although just what they are remains a mystery; both companies have their respective AWD technologies.
The deal will also help the carmakers respond to the new domains of CASE (car connectivity, autonomous or assisted driving, new mobility or car-sharing, and electrified powertrains and components), with the expanded use of the Toyota Hybrid System in other Subaru models (beyond the Crosstrek Hybrid) and wider cooperation on connected vehicles and autonomous driving.
As for the financial aspects of the deal, Toyota will increase its equity stake in Subaru from 16.83% to 20%, while Subaru will acquire shares equivalent to up to 80 billion yen to take a stake of less than 1% in Toyota.
Toyota and Subaru began their partnership as far back as 2005, which included contract production of Toyota vehicles by Subaru and supply of vehicles to Subaru by Toyota, as well as joint development of the 86 and BRZ. Recently, both carmakers agreed to develop a platform dedicated to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), combining Subaru’s AWD and Toyota’s vehicle electrification technologies.
“During this once-in-a-century period of profound transformation, even if CASE changes how cars will be, driving enjoyment will remain an inherent part of automobiles and is something that I think we must continue to strongly preserve. 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,” said Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota.
“Between our company and Toyota is an alliance that already has a history of 14 years. During this time, we have deepened our bonds in various fields such as product development, production, and sales, including through personnel exchanges. By taking our relationship one step further and mutually honing our technologies, we will strengthen our ability to respond to CASE and other demands, and will accelerate our shared aspirations for making ever-better cars,” commented Tomomi Nakamura, president of Subaru.
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I’m looking forward to the next Mark X, allegedly built together with mazda’s own unnamed RWD premium sedan , powered by a sky activ X 6 cylinder engine
The next Mark X / Eunos? Is going to be wild
So has Toyota abandoned making their own marque cars?
they are going this route to split costs, better than not making any sports cars at all
Rich company need to split cost with smaller Subaru? Why so kiamsiap and willing to rebadge from junior partner until they throw their legacy away?
Just another way to say Toyota will continue rebadging Subaru as the new 86. Yawnz
At least Toyota and Subaru trust each other to share platform and engines. Both also highly rated global companies.
Our national car company only got China company who trust us. Mat Salleh companies all refused to partner with us.
Ditched the Japanese and we got Volvo plus Mercedes Benz as partners. I don’t see a problem with that.
syiok sendiri. China do all the hardwork and abang2 claim glamour
So you’re telling us Subaru is doing the hardwork and abang2 Toyota claim glamour now?
Both highly rated to have dangerous exploding airbags.
Global Sales figure says everything.
Toyota GT/GR 86 > Subaru BRZ.
Toyota Supra > BMW Z4.
Malaysia itself sales volume Toyota 86 > Subaru BRZ too.
One of the AP import boss along Federal Highway reported.
Cmon, put the FA20DIT into the BRZ already…zzzz
No car manufaturers cared about what consumers want or desire, or about their marque, reputation, etc.
All car manufacturers want are their improve bottom line: $$ PROFIT $$.
Just look at the overall cars today….Almost all are boring boxes or nanny-oriented. Only a handful are exciting and sporty
I can see it now: Toyota rebadging next gen WRX as Celica, and claim it has Celica rallying roots.