Toyota looking to increase stake in Fuji Heavy Industries

Toyota is certainly in the spotlight today. Following reports that they received government funding to develop the Prius, there are now reports that Toyota are preparing to double their stake in Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru.

Toyota initially bought into ‘Club Subaru’ when GM sold their 8.7% holding and now new Japanese laws have paved the way for Toyota to increase their shareholding to 17%.

The move will most likely result in further collaboration between the two brands, improving efficiencies and reducing the cost of new product development and manufacturing.

Toyota certainly have an ability to work with their partners and it would be doubtful that Subaru would be faring so well with GM as their partner. Increased ownership by the World’s largest car manufacturer should be a good thing for Subaru.

Now, that rumoured replacement for the iconic Toyota AE86, powered by of all things a Subaru boxer engine may not be so unlikely afterall…