Subaru plans to launch software-defined vehicles in the second half of the 2020s and reduce vehicle development time by about 40%, as the Japanese automaker looks to accelerate new model launches. The company announced the strategy at a briefing at its research center in Sano, north of Tokyo, on Sunday.
The plan centers on a new integrated electronic control unit that Subaru intends to introduce gradually across its vehicle range. The system will support a common electronic platform for electric, hybrid and petrol-powered models.
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Subaru aims to shorten development cycles through digital simulations during prototyping. It also plans to conduct design, testing and production preparation at the same time, reducing the overall time needed to bring vehicles to market.
The planned software-defined vehicles will support over-the-air updates. These updates are expected to cover driver-assistance systems, automated-driving functions and vehicle performance. The approach will allow Subaru to improve selected vehicle functions through software updates after delivery.
Subaru has jointly developed the chip at the heart of its integrated electronic control unit with US semiconductor company Advanced Micro Devices. The automaker has not announced a specific launch date for its first software-defined vehicle.
Subaru said it has no current plans to adopt Toyota's Arene software platform, despite Toyota holding a 21% stake in the company. The decision highlights Subaru's separate approach to developing its vehicle software systems.
Toyota is pursuing its own software strategy through Arene. The company expects the platform to reach 10 million new vehicles annually by 2030. It also plans to extend the technology to vehicles made by its alliance partners by 2035.
The two automakers are advancing software-led vehicle development through different platforms. Subaru's focus is on reducing development time while introducing connected features across its range. Its planned common electronic architecture is intended to support several types of powertrains.