Subaru Targets Software-Defined Vehicle Launch in Late 2020s

Subaru plans to launch software-defined vehicles (SDVs) in the second half of the 2020s and reduce vehicle development time by approximately 40% as the Japanese automaker seeks to accelerate new-model launches, Maki Shiraki reported for Reuters.

Subaru plans to introduce software-defined vehicles in the late 2020s, with faster development and over-the-air software updates. [Photo: Subaru Facebook]

The company plans to gradually introduce a newly developed integrated electronic control unit (ECU) across its vehicle lineup, according to a strategy briefing held at a research center in Sano, north of Tokyo.

Subaru aims to shorten development cycles by expanding the use of digital simulations during prototyping and conducting vehicle design, testing and production preparation in parallel.

The automaker also plans to equip its software-defined vehicles with over-the-air updates for driver-assistance systems, automated-driving functions and vehicle performance features.

Subaru said it jointly developed the chip at the core of its integrated ECU with US semiconductor company Advanced Micro Devices (AMD).

The company intends to standardize electronic platforms across its electric, hybrid and gasoline-powered vehicles.

Software-defined vehicles rely more heavily on software to control and improve vehicle functions.

Over-the-air updates can allow manufacturers to modify certain features after a vehicle has been delivered, potentially reducing the need for some service visits and enabling new capabilities.

Despite Toyota Motor's 21% stake in Subaru, the automaker said it currently has no plans to adopt Toyota's Arene software platform.

Toyota said it expects Arene to be deployed in 10 million new vehicles annually by 2030, with the technology potentially extending to vehicles produced by its alliance partners by 2035.

Subaru's plans reflect the automotive industry's broader shift toward integrated computing systems and software-based vehicle development.

Whether the company achieves its development-time target will depend on implementation across its engineering and production operations.