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

Subaru said on Sunday that it is working toward introducing software-defined vehicles in the latter part of this decade, while aiming to reduce development periods by roughly 40%. Business Recorder reported that the Japanese automaker plans to use digital prototypes and run design, validation and factory preparation at the same time to bring new models to market faster. A newly developed central electronic control unit is also expected to be rolled out progressively across its vehicle range.

The planned vehicles are intended to receive remote software revisions covering driver-assistance, automated driving and vehicle performance. Subaru said the central unit’s chip was developed with US-based Advanced Micro Devices, and that it intends to use common electronic platforms in electric, hybrid and petrol models. It currently has no intention of adopting Toyota’s Arene software, although Toyota owns a 21% stake in Subaru; Toyota expects Arene to reach 10 million new vehicles a year by 2030 and alliance partners’ models by 2035.