To understand the full scope of Toyota’s influence in the automotive and transportation industries, it’s essential to examine the companies it owns and controls. Toyota, a household name synonymous with quality, innovation, and reliability, has grown far beyond its origins as a Japanese automaker. Through strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, and subsidiaries, Toyota has assembled a vast and influential corporate family. In this article, we delve into what companies Toyota owns, exploring its holdings in automotive manufacturing, technology, finance, and more.
Toyota: A Brief Overview
Before diving into the companies Toyota owns, it’s useful to establish context about Toyota as a corporation. Founded in 1937 by Kiichiro Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation has become the world’s largest automaker by volume. With a global reputation for pioneering hybrid technology, lean manufacturing, and high-value vehicles, Toyota continues to lead the industry not only in production but also in innovation and market strategy. Its ownership of several subsidiaries and partnerships allows Toyota to maintain a strong hold across multiple market segments.
Toyota’s Automotive Subsidiaries and Brands
Toyota owns numerous automotive brands and production companies, all of which play a role in reinforcing Toyota’s global automotive leadership. Here’s a look at the main automotive companies within Toyota’s corporate structure.
1. Lexus
Lexus is Toyota’s luxury vehicle division, established in 1989. It was created to provide a premium alternative to established luxury automotive brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Lexus combines Toyota’s reputation for reliability with upscale features, design, and performance. While Lexus operates under Toyota’s umbrella, it functions with a distinct brand identity, often seen through its own dealerships and marketing campaigns.
Key Takeaway: As Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus represents the automaker’s expansion into high-end markets, giving customers a premium experience without leaving its engineering and reliability legacy.
2. Daihatsu
Toyota acquired the Japanese automotive company Daihatsu in 2016, though it had already been a majority stakeholder since 2009. Daihatsu specializes in compact vehicles, minicars, and commercial transport in Asian and African markets. This brand allows Toyota to extend its reach to cost-sensitive consumers and smaller urban environments.
Among the key benefits Toyota gains from owning Daihatsu is access to fuel-efficient small cars and a foothold in emerging markets via Daihatsu’s cost-effective manufacturing platforms. For Toyota, this partnership ensures more comprehensive market coverage without requiring major redesigns across its existing lineups.
3. Hino Motors
Hino Motors is a major manufacturer of commercial vehicles, buses, and diesel engines. Toyota has slowly increased its stake in the company, starting with an initial investment in 2001 and taking full control in stages. By 2019, Toyota increased its stake to approximately 50.1%, essentially securing full control. Hino provides Toyota with capabilities in commercial transportation, extending its reach beyond consumer vehicles into freight and logistics sectors.
With sustainability in mind, Toyota and Hino are also collaborating on hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles, aligning with Toyota’s broader environmental commitments.
Technological and Engineering Ventures
In the modern automotive market, software, electric vehicles, and autonomous systems are as critical as traditional manufacturing. Toyota’s holdings in technology-focused companies highlight its effort to remain competitive in next-generation mobility solutions.
1. Toyota AI Ventures
Toyota AI Ventures is a significant arm of Toyota that invests in startups working on artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, smart mobility, and robotics. Launched in 2017, this subsidiary operates independently but falls under Toyota’s research and innovation umbrella.
Rather than directly acquiring startups, Toyota AI Ventures focuses on investing and guiding technology companies in areas like self-driving software, AI systems, and urban mobility. This gives Toyota significant influence in cutting-edge developments without overwhelming its core operations.
2. Woven Planet Holdings
In 2021, Toyota formed Woven Planet Holdings with the intent to dominate the future of mobility. The company is essentially built on the acquisition of several specialized firms:
- Level 5: Focused on autonomous driving
- Chauffeur: An internal autonomous team working on SAE Level 4 autonomy
- Cartivator: Focused on flying cars and aerial mobility
Woven Planet represents Toyota’s long-term vision for a “fully connected mobility society,” including efforts related to self-driving cars, infrastructure planning, and advanced simulation tools. It also owns and operates the Woven City — a prototype city near Mount Fuji intended as a living lab for future urban technologies.
3. Japan Battery Corporation (Joint Venture)
Toyota leads a battery joint venture alongside Panasonic and Prime Planet Energy & Solutions. This corporation focuses on developing advanced hybrid and electric vehicle batteries. Though not fully owned, Toyota’s significant majority stake means it has effective control over strategic directions and production plans.
This joint venture aligns with Toyota’s larger push into electrified and fully electric vehicles, complementing its long-standing presence in hybrid systems.
Motor Sports and Performance Affiliations
Toyota has a deep interest in motorsports and advanced performance engineering, which influences not just marketing but design and technology development.
1. Gazoo Racing
Gazoo Racing (GR) is both a motorsport program and the brand name for Toyota’s performance vehicles. Initially created to bolster Toyota’s presence in global racing, Gazoo Racing led Toyota to World Endurance Championship victories and helped refine performance-oriented technologies like the Toyota GR Yaris.
Gazoo Racing operates as a brand extension of Toyota rather than a separate owned company, but Toyota finances and oversees its operations deeply, giving it direct control. The brand produces high-performance versions of Toyota cars like the GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR Corolla.
2. Toyota Racing Development (TRD US)
Toyota Racing Development (TRD), based in the United States, customizes and develops performance parts for Toyota vehicles. While TRD has a history as a separate company, Toyota eventually brought it back in-house to streamline high-performance production and motorsport integration.
TRD has played a role in various US-based racing programs such as NASCAR and IMSA. It also offers performance packages and tuning options for consumer model upgrades.
Supporting Services and Transportation Solutions
Toyota’s business extends beyond automotive production, touching various services and related sectors. These include finance, mobility-as-a-service, car-sharing programs, and logistics systems.
1. Toyota Financial Services (TFS)
Toyota Financial Services (TFS) is one of the most significant subsidiaries in Toyota’s portfolio. TFS offers automotive financing and insurance for consumers and dealers in over 40 countries.
TFS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota and includes multiple brands such as:
- Toyota Credit Canada Inc.
- Toyota Finance Australia Limited
- Toyota do Brasil Financeira
This financial arm enables Toyota to better control sales incentives, customer support, and ensure broader financing accessibility for Toyota vehicles, boosting consumer outreach.
2. Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF)
The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) is a non-profit organization focused on improving future mobility ecosystems globally. Toyota retains full ownership and control over the organization, funding initiatives in public transportation, accessible mobility, and disaster-response mobility solutions.
TMF works closely with governments, research institutions, and NGOs to support initiatives like affordable transportation in underdeveloped urban areas, elderly accessibility, and shared mobility innovations.
3. Kinto Japan & Kinto Europe
Kinto is Toyota’s mobility services brand focusing on car-sharing, subscriptions, and end-to-end vehicle management. While Kinto operates regionally, both Kinto Japan and Kinto Europe fall under Toyota’s direct strategic direction.
Through Kinto, Toyota offers:
- Car-sharing via apps and community stations
- Flexible lease options for company fleets
- Mobility solutions tailored for different countries and urban systems
Kinto is Toyota’s answer to shifting car ownership patterns and represents its strategic shift toward broader personal and shared transportation solutions.
Industrial Ventures and Manufacturing Expertise
Toyota is deeply rooted in industrial manufacturing, and its business interests naturally extend into related services and systems, particularly in automation, robotics, and manufacturing components.
1. Denso Corporation
Although not fully owned, Toyota holds approximately 24.98% ownership in Denso, making it Japan’s most valuable automotive parts supplier. Denso is the second-largest automotive Tier 1 supplier in the world after Bosch, and supplies Toyota (as well as other automakers) with electronics, thermal systems, and other advanced components.
Denso plays a critical role in Toyota’s vehicle production, providing key components that drive innovation in hybrid systems, sensor technologies, autonomous driving, and vehicle infotainment.
2. Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd.
Toyota owns a critical stake in Aisin Seiki, which is now part of Aisin Corporation, one of the major automotive parts suppliers globally. Toyota owns approximately 39% of Aisin’s shares, giving it strong strategic influence.
Aisin supplies Toyota with transmissions, drivetrains, and various mechanical systems. It also has global partnerships with other automakers. As part of its strategy, Toyota retains this majority stake to ensure supply chain integrity and long-term production cost controls.
3. Toyota Industries Corporation
Toyota Industries is a manufacturing company closely related to Toyota, though it operates semi-independently. It is heavily involved in the production of:
- Automatic transmissions
- Stamping machines
- Forklifts and material handling equipment
Toyota owns approximately 24% of Toyota Industries Corporation, allowing it significant influence in key manufacturing functions and parts production essential for Toyota’s global operations.
International Manufacturing and Assembly Plants
Toyota owns multiple manufacturing plants worldwide through joint ventures and wholly owned subsidiaries. These include facilities in the United States, United Kingdom, China, and throughout Southeast Asia.
Toyota Manufacturing UK (Burnaston Plant)
Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) produced Avensis, Corolla, and Corolla Touring Sports models at its Burnaston facility. While production has been relocated, Toyota still maintains a strong presence in the UK through local logistics and support partners.
Toyota’s European strategy involves sustainable manufacturing, and its plant in Valenciennes, France (a joint venture with PSA), is a legacy example of its collaborative European manufacturing model.
Toyota Motor North America (TMNA)
TMNA is the American arm of Toyota and oversees sales, production, engineering, and local company development in the US. TMNA owns and operates numerous plants, offices, and partnerships within the United States, including:
| Manufacturing Plant | Location | Vehicles Produced |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Plant | Kentucky, USA | Camry, Avalon, Venza |
| West Virginia Plant | New River Valley, USA | Tundra Pickup Truck |
| Toyota Alabama | Bodine Aluminum Plant, Alabama | Engine Production |
Toyota also owns Calty Design Research, Toyota’s major US design arm based in California, responsible for shaping the North American appeal of Toyota vehicles.
Recent Acquisitions and Emerging Markets
Toyota’s expansion strategy continues to evolve with changing market needs. Recent years have seen strategic investments and acquisitions meant to maintain Toyota’s agility in a fast-moving automotive sector.
Partnering with BYD and Suzuki
While not owning their shares outright, Toyota has formed significant joint ventures. A prime example is its partnership with China’s BYD for EV development. This includes:
- Collaboration on battery-electric vehicle technology
- Testing new EV platforms targeted for markets outside of China
Toyota also has a broad partnership with Suzuki, owning less than one percent, but actively collaborating on hybrid technology and overseas market expansion in India and Africa.
Investment in Uber Through SoftBank
via SoftBank’s Vision Fund — a fund Toyota invested $1 billion into, the automaker indirectly participates in a broad digital transportation landscape, including Uber, Grab, Didi, and other ride-hail or mobility platforms. While not direct ownership of Uber, Toyota’s investment gives it a strategic positioning in future mobility services.
Toyota’s Strategic Corporate Vision
All of Toyota’s acquisitions and partnerships tie into a broader vision of becoming a fully integrated mobility company, not just a carmaker. Toyota understands that future transportation will require:
- Electrification leadership
- Robust safety and autonomous driving technologies
- Sustainable and flexible mobility platforms
- End-to-end control from finance to ownership
By owning companies involved in each part of that infrastructure, Toyota ensures innovation, cost efficiency, and market influence. This comprehensive strategy maintains Toyota’s reputation not only as a market leader but also as a forward-thinking automotive power player.
Conclusion: The Strategic Ecosystem of Toyota Motors
Toyota’s vast network of owned and affiliated companies reflects a calculated, strategic growth pattern that spans decades. The automaker’s portfolio includes luxury brands (Lexus), compact car specialists (Daihatsu), commercial vehicle leaders (Hino), financial services (TFS), advanced mobility and AI ventures (Woven Planet), and dozens of international manufacturing arms and partners.
While its subsidiaries serve individual niches, they all support Toyota’s broader mission: to lead the automotive world through innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric mobility. The companies Toyota owns are not randomly selected — they are carefully integrated pieces of a global strategy, ensuring that regardless of market shifts or consumer behavior changes, Toyota remains resilient.
Whether through direct ownership, joint ventures, or strategic investment, Toyota has woven together a complex yet cohesive corporate tapestry that promises long-term success in an ever-evolving industry.
What companies are part of Toyota’s global portfolio?
Toyota’s global portfolio includes a diverse range of automotive and non-automotive companies, many of which are either wholly owned or held through strategic partnerships and joint ventures. Key subsidiaries include Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota; Daihatsu, a Japanese manufacturer specializing in kei cars and small vehicles; and Hino Motors, which focuses on commercial vehicles and heavy-duty trucks. These companies are deeply integrated into Toyota’s global supply chain and distribution networks, supporting its position as a world-leading automaker.
Beyond vehicle manufacturing, Toyota also owns or has stakes in companies involved in logistics, robotics, and mobility solutions. Toyota Material Handling, for instance, is a leader in forklift production. The company has also invested in emerging technologies through ventures like the Toyota Research Institute, aimed at advancing autonomous driving and artificial intelligence. These subsidiaries and investments reflect Toyota’s broader strategy to diversify while maintaining its core automotive excellence.
Is Toyota a wholly owned company, or does it have joint ventures?
While Toyota Motor Corporation is a stand-alone entity and is not wholly owned by another company, it does engage in numerous joint ventures as part of its strategic business model. These partnerships are often formed to enter new markets, share R&D costs, or comply with local regulations. For instance, Toyota has a joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group called Guangqi Toyota, which produces and sells vehicles in China. Similarly, in the U.S., Toyota has partnered with Subaru’s parent company to develop new EV platforms.
Toyota’s joint ventures are carefully managed to ensure alignment with its quality standards, production principles, and long-term goals. Examples include partnerships with BMW in hydrogen engine development, and with Mazda and Denso in research and factory operations. These collaborations allow Toyota to maintain flexibility in global operations while leveraging the expertise and local knowledge of its partners, further strengthening its competitive edge in the international automotive industry.
Does Toyota own any luxury vehicle brands?
Yes, Toyota owns Lexus, its luxury vehicle division, which has been in operation since 1989. Lexus was created to compete with other luxury automakers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW and has since become a globally recognized brand known for reliability, comfort, and advanced technology. Lexus models are sold in over 90 countries and include a variety of sedans, SUVs, coupes, and hybrid vehicles, many of which showcase Toyota’s cutting-edge innovations.
The success of Lexus has established Toyota as a multi-brand player in the automotive sector, enabling it to target different consumer segments without compromising its core brand identity. All Lexus vehicles are developed using Toyota’s extensive R&D and manufacturing infrastructure, benefiting from the company’s renowned quality control and hybrid technology. Although Lexus operates with a distinct brand image, it is fully integrated within the Toyota ecosystem and plays a crucial role in showcasing Toyota’s premium engineering capabilities.
What is Toyota’s relationship with Daihatsu and Hino Motors?
Toyota has full ownership of both Daihatsu and Hino Motors, having acquired majority stakes over time before consolidating them as wholly owned subsidiaries. Daihatsu, which became a part of Toyota in 2016, is known for its compact vehicles and kei cars, particularly in the Japanese domestic market and Southeast Asia. Toyota leverages Daihatsu’s expertise in small-car development to strengthen its position in emerging markets where affordability and fuel efficiency are key.
Hino Motors, which Toyota has had a controlling interest in since 2002, specializes in commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses, and plays a major role in Toyota’s advanced mobility solutions. Hino supports Toyota’s sustainability goals through its development of hybrid and hydrogen fuel-cell commercial vehicles. Together, Daihatsu and Hino reinforce Toyota’s diversified product lineup, enabling the company to address a broader range of customer needs across both consumer and commercial transportation sectors globally.
Are there any non-automotive companies owned by Toyota?
Toyota’s business interests extend beyond automobiles into various non-automotive sectors, including logistics, robotics, and materials handling. Toyota Material Handling, for example, is a major player in the production of industrial forklifts and warehouse equipment. Additionally, Toyota has invested in robotics and automation through its subsidiary Toyota AI Ventures, which develops cutting-edge autonomous technologies for use in mobility and manufacturing.
Another example is Toyota’s involvement in the energy and real estate sectors. The company is exploring hydrogen as a future energy source through initiatives like the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. In Japan, Toyota has also been involved in urban development projects, such as the Woven City, a smart city prototype on the site of a former factory. These non-automotive initiatives help Toyota diversify its global investment portfolio and explore innovative solutions that complement its automotive business.
How does Toyota’s ownership structure affect its global operations?
Toyota’s ownership structure, which includes full ownership of key subsidiaries and strategic joint ventures, gives it significant control over its global operations while allowing flexibility and regional adaptability. Wholly owned companies like Lexus, Daihatsu, and Hino operate under Toyota’s corporate umbrella, ensuring alignment of manufacturing standards, R&D integration, and brand positioning, while also benefiting from localized market insights and strategies.
This mixed ownership model supports Toyota’s expansion in global markets, helps reduce financial and operational risks, and enhances supply chain efficiency. By maintaining tight control over core operations and forming strategic alliances in key markets, Toyota is able to navigate complex regulations, manage costs effectively, and respond to regional demand with tailored product offerings. Ultimately, this structure enables Toyota to sustain its leadership in the automotive industry and adapt to changing global economic conditions.
What role does Toyota Group (keiretsu) play in the company’s holdings?
Toyota’s keiretsu, or network of affiliated companies, plays a pivotal role in the company’s holdings, production, and long-term stability. The keiretsu includes major suppliers, financial institutions, and distribution companies that are closely tied to Toyota through cross-shareholding and long-term commitments. This network ensures a steady supply of parts and services, access to capital, and coordinated innovation, which are central to Toyota’s just-in-time production system.
Among the key members of the Toyota keiretsu are companies like Denso, Aisin Seiki, Bridgestone, and Toyota Tsusho. These firms contribute to various aspects of Toyota’s operations, from electronics and brakes to international trade. The strength of the keiretsu system enhances Toyota’s resilience during economic downturns and global disruptions, as these relationships provide mutual support and strategic cooperation. Thus, the keiretsu is not just a financial structure but a fundamental part of Toyota’s corporate identity and operational success.