|
My impression is that Subaru gained in other ways.
Subaru got a new model they didn't have the funds to develop on their own. Also, I'm fairly sure that Toyota bore the vast majority of the development costs.
Subaru had to give access to their boxer engine technology, but they gained access to Toyota's dual port injection technology. (I understand each company considered its technology a crown jewel.
It's my understanding that the Subaru Gunma plant that builds BRZ/96/FR-S cars was operating at half capacity, (read, losing money). But the plant couldn't be closed because it was needed for future Subaru model production. So the project plugged a big cash drain in Subaru's accounts.
The Subaru aftermarket performance community received a substantial market expansion opportunity... not just a new Subaru model, but access to the wider Toyota/Scion market as well. Given that a significant portion of Subaru's performance reputation results from the aftermarket offerings, that's an indirect benefit to Subaru in the form of vendor health.
I think, on balance, that Subaru started BRZ production with a good deal, but introduction missteps are eroding its value. Now that the returns are in and the community judges that the partnership has hit a grand slam, I'm hoping that Subaru will take steps to make the best of its good fortune in tough times.
|