Subaru, Toyota & Mazda Plan to Develop new Engines Tailored to Electrification

Subaru Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation and Mazda Motor Corporation have each committed to developing new engines tailored to electrification and the pursuit of carbon neutrality. With these engines, each of the three companies will aim to optimise integration with motors, batteries, and other electric drive units.

The new engines will be more compact than existing models and make vehicle packaging more efficient.

Smaller engines allow for lower hoods, improving design possibilities and aerodynamic performance while contributing to better fuel efficiency. 

These efforts will also decarbonise internal combustion engines (ICEs) by making them compatible with various carbon-neutral (CN) fuels, including e-fuel (synthetic fuel), biofuels, and liquid hydrogen.

Atsushi Osaki, President and CEO, Subaru Corporation, says: "Achieving a carbon-neutral society is a challenge that must be undertaken by all of Japan's industries and society as a whole. As we continue to refine electrification technology, we will also enhance our horizontally-opposed engines with an aim to use carbon-neutral fuels in the future. Moving forward, the three companies sharing the same aspiration will continue to advance the pursuit of sustainable excellence in Japanese car manufacturing."

(Koji Sato, President and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation, adds: "In order to provide our customers with diverse options to achieve carbon neutrality, it is necessary to take on the challenge of evolving engines that are in tune with the energy environment of the future. The three companies, which share the same aspirations, will refine engine technologies through friendly competition."

Masahiro Moro, Representative Director, President and CEO, Mazda Motor Corporation, comments: "We will continue to offer customers exciting cars by honing internal combustion engines for the electrification era and expanding the multi-pathway possibilities for achieving carbon neutrality. Given the rotary engine's compatibility with electrification and carbon-neutral fuels, Mazda will continue to develop the technology through co-creation and competition to ensure it can contribute broadly to society."

 Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda compete in the product arena with unique engines and cars, however, the companies have a shared dedication to achieving carbon neutrality through a multi-pathway approach.