Subaru, Toyota, Mazda pledge to create new engines for the electrified era

MANILA: Subaru Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Mazda Motor Corporation have committed to making new internal combustion engines to further the pursuit of carbon-neutral mobility as the global automotive industry shifts into the electrified era. 

The three Japanese carmakers have pledged to work towards environmentally friendlier cars by developing ICE units that better integrate motors, batteries, and other types of electric-powered drive units. 

Furthermore, the three automakers will find ways to decarbonize ICE vehicles by making them compatible with carbon-neutral fuels. Toyota mentioned e-fuel (synthetic fuel), biofuels, and liquid hydrogen as examples of fossil fuel alternatives. 

Recently, Toyota has already fielded race cars running on eco-friendly fuels. One example is the hydrogen-powered Toyota GR Corolla, which competed in the Super Taikyu Fuji 24 Hours Race. 

In addition, the three carmaking corporations will likewise “transform vehicle packaging” by making the powertrains more compact. According to Toyota, smaller engines may present more opportunities for exploration within the realm of automotive design.

By taking on this initiative, the three auto companies will ensure the future of ICE-powered cars' currently established supply chains and the jobs connected to ICE engines. All the while, each company declared the engines developed under these underlying goals would still be able to cater to each customer’s unique needs. 

For now, the three companies have yet to reveal detailed plans regarding their future carbon-neutral powertrains. But regardless, the next-generation engines made by the three automakers are touted to be “highly efficient and powerful.”

In pursuit of the grand goal of carbon neutrality, Subaru Corporation Representative Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Atsushi Osaki mentioned refining its boxer engine.

“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,” Osaki said. 

Meanwhile, Mazda Motor Corporation President, CEO, and Representative Director Masahiro Moro shared the intent to continue developing the rotary engine.

“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,” Moro said. 

Toyota Motor Corporation President, CEO, and Member of the Board of Directors Koji Sato, in turn, professed the need to create engines “in tune with the energy environment of the future.” 

Photos from Toyota

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