Subaru, Toyota and Mazda have committed to developing new internal combustion engines tailored to electrification and the pursuit of carbon neutrality.

Subaru, Toyota and Mazda have each committed to developing new engines tailored to electrification and the pursuit of carbon neutrality

While many other carmakers are now solely pursuing pure electric vehicles, the Japanese trio said in a joint conference today in Japan that they would forge a path towards carbon neutrality by drawing on electric drive units, synthetic fuels and more compact engines, alongside their existing EV endeavours.

The carmakers stressed that they continue to compete with their unique ICE engines and cars – inline-four engines for Toyota, rotary technology for Mazda and horizontally opposed engines for Subaru – but were allied on their dedication to achieving carbon neutrality through a multi-pathway approach that would help create the future for Japan’s auto industry.

With the next generation of engines, the three companies will look to improve standalone engine performance, including by transforming vehicle packaging with more compact units that will improve design possibilities and aerodynamic performance while contributing to better fuel efficiency. The development will also “emphasise compliance with increasingly strict emissions regulations”.

The automakers will also optimise integration with motors, batteries, and other electric drive units, “harnessing the advantages of each” in an increasing shift towards hybridisation.

Their efforts will also decarbonise ICEs by shifting away from fossil fuels and offering compatibility with various alternatives, including e-fuel (synthetic fuel), biofuels and liquid hydrogen.

Koji Sato, president and CEO at Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “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.”

Subaru Corporation’s president and CEO Atsushi Osaki also commented: “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.”

Masahiro Moro, president and CEO at Mazda Motor Corporation, added: “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.”