Hiroshima / Leverkusen, May 28, 2024 – Subaru Corporation (Subaru), Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota), and Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) have embarked on a collaborative mission to develop cutting-edge engines tailored for electrification and carbon neutrality. These pioneering engines are set to revolutionize vehicle packaging with more compact designs, optimizing integration with motors, batteries, and other electric drive units while decarbonizing internal combustion engines (ICEs) through compatibility with various carbon-neutral (CN) fuels.
The trio’s deep understanding of their customers’ diverse lifestyles has driven the development of these signature engines, which not only reflect each brand’s identity but also cater to unique customer needs and preferences. With carbon neutrality as the ultimate goal, Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda are expanding powertrain and fuel options, particularly under the extreme conditions of racing, where vehicles running on liquid hydrogen and CN fuels are tested.
This innovative approach has clarified the pivotal role future engines will play in achieving carbon neutrality. The next generation of engines will not only enhance standalone performance but also seamlessly integrate with electric drive units, leveraging the strengths of each component. These engines will be highly efficient, powerful, and more compact, enabling improved design possibilities, better aerodynamic performance, and enhanced fuel efficiency. Additionally, they will adhere to increasingly stringent emissions regulations.
A significant focus of this development is making these engines carbon-neutral by shifting away from fossil fuels and ensuring compatibility with e-fuel (synthetic fuel), biofuels, and liquid hydrogen. This transition will facilitate the broader adoption of CN fuels, marking a substantial step toward a sustainable future.
The CEOs of the three companies shared their perspectives on this groundbreaking initiative:
Atsushi Osaki, Representative Director, President, and CEO, Subaru Corporation:
“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 the aim of using 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, Member of the Board of Directors, and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation:
“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:
“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.”
Despite their competition in the product arena, Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda are united in their dedication to achieving carbon neutrality through a multi-pathway approach. Together with like-minded partners who share their expertise and passion for engines, they are paving the way for the future of Japan’s auto industry.
