Subaru targets software-defined vehicle launch for late 2020s, plans to cut development times by 40%

Subaru has announced plans to launch software-defined vehicles (SDVs) in the later part of the 2020s. The Japanese automaker aims to reduce overall vehicle development times by approximately 40%, according to a strategy briefing held at a research center in Sano City, north of Tokyo. To achieve this, Subaru intends to progressively implement an integrated electronic control unit (ECU) across its entire vehicle lineup.

This new ECU, developed jointly with US chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices, will enable the company to utilize digital simulations during prototyping and to run design, testing, and production preparations simultaneously.

SDVs will be equipped with the ability to receive over-the-air updates for various functions, including driver-assistance, automated-driving, and vehicle performance. Subaru's strategy also includes standardizing electronic platforms across electric, hybrid, and gasoline-powered vehicles. As for autonomous driving technology, Subaru has no current plans to adopt Toyota's Arene software platform, despite Toyota's 21% stake in the company.

Toyota, however, has ambitious plans for Arene, projecting it to be installed in 10 million new vehicles annually by 2030 and subsequently expanded to alliance partners' vehicles by 2035.