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

Subaru plans to launch software-defined vehicles (SDVs) in the second half of this decade and cut vehicle development times by about 40 per cent. The Japanese automaker will deploy a new integrated electronic control unit co-developed with US chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices across its lineup.

Subaru has announced plans to launch software-defined vehicles (SDVs) in the second half of this decade and cut vehicle development times by about 40 per cent, the Japanese automaker said on Sunday. The company aims to speed up model launches by using digital simulations in prototyping and running design, testing and production preparation in parallel.

Subaru will gradually deploy a newly developed integrated electronic control unit (ECU) across its lineup, the company said at a strategy briefing at a research centre in Sano City, north of Tokyo. The chip at the core of the integrated ECU was jointly developed with US chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices.

The company said it aims to give its SDVs over-the-air updates for driver-assistance, automated-driving and vehicle performance functions. Subaru also plans to standardise electronic platforms across electric, hybrid and gasoline-powered vehicles.

Subaru said it has no plans at present to adopt Toyota's Arene software platform, despite Toyota's 21 per cent stake in the company. Toyota said on Friday it expects Arene to be deployed in 10 million new vehicles annually by 2030 and expanded to alliance partners' vehicles by 2035.