Toyota, Mazda, Subaru Drive Advancements in Tailored Electrification, Engine Development

May 29, 2024 04:52 AM EDT

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Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru believe that internal combustion engines retain a future. The upcoming combustion engines will be tailored for electrification and adaptable to various carbon-neutral fuel options. The trio of Japanese car manufacturers has revealed a joint initiative to create a fresh series of engines to support the transition towards carbon neutrality.

Toyota, Mazda and Subaru Collaborate: Tailored Electrification

Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru are embarking on a groundbreaking collaboration to advance carbon neutrality. These companies are at the forefront of engine development aligned with this transition. A joint announcement was issued concerning this recent partnership.

Instead of pursuing a common engine series, each company will concentrate on its distinct powertrain while exchanging technologies. A GlobalData report states that the three companies Toyota Motor, Subaru, and Mazda Motor have decided to work together to develop "new engines tailored for electrification and the pursuit of carbon neutrality.

In a joint statement, the automakers confirmed that each of the three businesses plans to improve integration with motors, batteries, and other electric drive units with these engines. By transitioning to more compact engines, this initiative will also decrease the carbon footprint of internal combustion engines (ICE) by enabling compatibility with various carbon-neutral fuels.

These fuels are defined as those with net zero CO2 emissions throughout their lifecycle-from production to consumption-and encompass e-fuels like liquid hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and biofuels sourced from biomass.

Moreover, according to fleetworld, amidst the trend of other automakers focusing solely on electric vehicles, the Japanese trio announced in a joint press conference in Japan their commitment to carbon neutrality. They plan to achieve this goal by incorporating electric drive units, synthetic fuels, and compact engines alongside their current electric vehicle initiatives.

Koji Sato, the president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation, emphasized the importance of evolving engines that align with the future energy landscape to provide customers with diverse options for achieving carbon neutrality. He noted that the three companies, sharing similar aspirations, will enhance engine technologies through friendly competition.

Strategy for Internal Combustion Engines

As per Carscoops, Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda have united in recognizing carbon as a significant challenge, collaborating on a "multi-pathway" strategy for the future of internal combustion engines (ICE). This upcoming generation of powertrains is purposefully crafted for electrification, featuring compact designs and compatibility with various carbon-neutral fuels to support decarbonization efforts.

This collaborative approach from Japan emerges amidst a global deceleration in electric vehicle adoption, showcasing the enduring potential of ICE in the automotive landscape. The new combustion engines are characterized as both highly efficient and powerful, promising enhanced performance capabilities.

Their reduced size will contribute to lower hood profiles and improved aerodynamics in future vehicle models. Engineers are committed to ensuring compliance with stringent emission standards across diverse global markets.

Atsushi Osaki, President and CEO of Subaru, emphasized the collective responsibility of all industries and society in Japan to strive towards a carbon-neutral society. He highlighted the ongoing enhancement of electrification technology and the commitment to further develop horizontally-opposed engines with the goal of utilizing carbon-neutral fuels in the future.

Osaki expressed that the three companies, united by a common vision, will persist in advancing sustainable practices within the realm of Japanese car manufacturing. On the other hand, Masahiro Moro, President and CEO of Mazda, affirmed the brand's commitment to delivering captivating vehicles by refining internal combustion engines for the electrification era and broadening the scope of pathways towards carbon neutrality.

Highlighting the rotary engine's adaptability to electrification and carbon-neutral fuel sources, Mazda is dedicated to advancing this technology through collaborative innovation and competitive spirit to ensure its widespread societal impact.