Subaru Software-Defined Vehicles Target Late-Decade Launch

Subaru Accelerates Software-Defined Vehicle Strategy With 40% Faster Development Goals

Quick Summary

Subaru plans to launch Subaru software-defined vehicles during the second half of this decade as part of its future vehicle strategy. The Japanese automaker also aims to reduce vehicle development times by approximately 40% through digital simulations and parallel engineering processes. The company plans to gradually introduce a newly developed integrated electronic control unit across its vehicle lineup. 

Additionally, Subaru intends to provide over-the-air updates for driver assistance, automated driving, and vehicle performance functions. The company jointly developed the chip powering its integrated ECU with Advanced Micro Devices. Subaru also plans to standardize electronic platforms across electric, hybrid, and gasoline-powered vehicles.

Introduction

Subaru is preparing to introduce Subaru software-defined vehicles during the second half of this decade as vehicle technology increasingly depends on advanced software and centralized computing. The Japanese automaker aims to shorten development timelines by approximately 40% while creating a more flexible electronic architecture for future models. 

To support this strategy, Subaru plans to combine digital simulations, integrated electronic controls, and parallel development processes across different stages. The company also expects software updates to play a larger role after vehicles reach customers, particularly across driver assistance, automated driving, and performance-related functions.

Subaru Targets Faster Vehicle Development

Subaru plans to significantly shorten vehicle development timelines by expanding the use of digital simulations during prototyping and engineering. These simulations can help development teams assess vehicle designs and technical concepts before progressing through extensive physical testing. 

Additionally, the automaker plans to conduct design, testing, and production preparation in parallel rather than completing each stage separately. This connected development approach could help Subaru respond faster to changing vehicle technology while reducing the time required to bring new models from development into production.

Integrated ECU Supports Subaru Software-Defined Vehicles

A newly developed integrated electronic control unit will support Subaru’s transition toward software-defined vehicle technology across its lineup. The automaker plans to gradually deploy this integrated ECU across electric, hybrid, and gasoline-powered vehicles, creating a more standardized electronic platform across different powertrain types. 

Subaru jointly developed the chip at the center of this integrated ECU with Advanced Micro Devices, supporting the company’s plans for stronger computing capabilities within future vehicles. This architecture can also provide a common technological foundation as Subaru expands software-based vehicle functions.

Over-The-Air Updates Will Expand Vehicle Functions

Subaru plans to introduce over-the-air software updates for several important functions within its upcoming software-defined vehicles. These updates will support driver-assistance systems, automated-driving functions, and selected vehicle performance features after vehicles reach customers. 

Therefore, future Subaru models could receive software improvements without requiring every update to involve conventional physical servicing. This approach can also give Subaru greater flexibility when improving vehicle functions, addressing software requirements, and introducing new capabilities throughout a vehicle’s operating life.

Subaru Keeps Toyota Arene Separate

Despite Toyota’s 21% stake in Subaru, the automaker currently has no plans to adopt Toyota’s Arene software platform for its vehicles. Subaru instead continues developing its own software and electronic architecture as it prepares for its software-defined vehicle strategy. 

Toyota expects its Arene platform to reach approximately 10 million new vehicles annually by 2030, while the technology could expand to alliance partners’ vehicles by 2035. Subaru’s decision indicates that it intends to maintain a distinct software development approach despite its close relationship with Toyota.

FAQs

1. What are Subaru software-defined vehicles? 

Subaru software-defined vehicles are future models that will use advanced software and centralized electronic systems to support vehicle functions, updates, driver assistance, and performance capabilities.

2. When will Subaru launch software-defined vehicles? 

Subaru plans to launch its software-defined vehicles during the second half of this decade as it introduces its new electronic and software architecture across future models.

3. How much does Subaru plan to reduce vehicle development times? 

Subaru aims to reduce vehicle development times by approximately 40% through digital simulations, faster prototyping, and parallel design, testing, and production preparation.

4. What technology will support Subaru’s new vehicles? 

Subaru’s future vehicles will use an integrated electronic control unit featuring a central chip jointly developed with Advanced Micro Devices for advanced vehicle computing.

5. Will Subaru use Toyota’s Arene software platform? 

Subaru currently has no plans to adopt Toyota’s Arene software platform, despite Toyota holding a 21% stake in the Japanese automaker.

Key Takeaways

• Subaru plans software-defined vehicle launches during the second half of this decade.
• The automaker aims to reduce vehicle development times by approximately 40%.
• Digital simulations will support faster prototyping and connected engineering processes.
• An integrated ECU will provide a common electronic platform across different powertrains.
• Over-the-air updates will support driver assistance, automated driving, and performance functions.

Conclusion

Subaru is accelerating its transition toward software-defined vehicles through integrated computing, digital simulations, and connected development processes. The company aims to shorten development timelines while creating electronic platforms that can support electric, hybrid, and gasoline-powered models. 

Subaru’s decision to maintain its own software architecture also highlights its independent approach within its relationship with Toyota. As development progresses, these technologies could become central to Subaru’s future vehicle launches during the latter half of this decade.