Alexandru Arba
Research expert covering Japan
Founded in 1953, Subaru Corporation is a multinational automotive and aerospace manufacturer from Japan. Formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries, its core business is automobiles. The company produces various passenger car models within this segment, such as SUVs, sedans, coupés, and special vehicles for disabled persons. Most of Subaru’s automobiles are sold in North America. There and anywhere but in China, the COVID-19 pandemic left a dent in the company‘s sales. Nevertheless, Subaru cars were globally successful, offsetting losses in the aerospace segment.
Apart from electrification, Subaru works for its EyeSight driver-assistance system on autonomous driving technologies, processing data from cameras, sensors, and satellite systems. Both the driver and the surroundings are monitored. Confident of its safety systems, the company declared its goal of zero traffic fatalities by 2030.
Subaru has worked in the commercial sector with Boeing on joint developments for airplanes. Examples are the 777, 787 Dreamliner, and the 777X, for which Subaru builds the center wings, amongst other parts. Apart from planes, Subaru manufactures rotorcrafts in joint developments: With Bell Textron Inc., USA, Subaru created the commercial helicopter ‘Subaru Bell 412EPX’. Subaru supplies the defense sector with a modified version ordered by the Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD). The ‘New Utility Helicopter’ (UH-X or UH-2) is planned to replace the Japan Self-Defense Forces’ (JSDF) most owned helicopter model, the UH-1J, built under license by Subaru’s predecessor Fuji Heavy Industries.
What are Subaru’s automotive core technologies?
Technologically, Subaru has been known for motor vehicles equipped with boxer engines, refined all-wheel drive (AWD), and advanced safety features. However, the focus has shifted towards powertrain electrification, announced for all global sales by the 2030s. Accordingly, the Subaru Global Platform is the standard construction base for regular and hybrid models. Subaru jointly developed its plug-in hybrid with electrification-experienced Toyota Motor Corporation. The automotive giant also helped develop the first battery-electric Subaru called Solterra, featuring a new platform optimized for electric vehicles. It will be crucial the electrified Subarus meet those expectations on driving dynamics previously fashioned by the boxer-AWD layout.Apart from electrification, Subaru works for its EyeSight driver-assistance system on autonomous driving technologies, processing data from cameras, sensors, and satellite systems. Both the driver and the surroundings are monitored. Confident of its safety systems, the company declared its goal of zero traffic fatalities by 2030.
Joint developments in commercial and defense aerospace manufacturing
Similar to autonomous systems for cars, Subaru works on autonomous aircraft and drones (unmanned aerial vehicles or UAV) within its aerospace business: The commercial drone market is expected to grow substantially. However, UAVs are only one product among other aircraft and components this division develops. Aside from development and manufacturing, the segment includes maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of commercial and defense aircraft products.Subaru has worked in the commercial sector with Boeing on joint developments for airplanes. Examples are the 777, 787 Dreamliner, and the 777X, for which Subaru builds the center wings, amongst other parts. Apart from planes, Subaru manufactures rotorcrafts in joint developments: With Bell Textron Inc., USA, Subaru created the commercial helicopter ‘Subaru Bell 412EPX’. Subaru supplies the defense sector with a modified version ordered by the Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD). The ‘New Utility Helicopter’ (UH-X or UH-2) is planned to replace the Japan Self-Defense Forces’ (JSDF) most owned helicopter model, the UH-1J, built under license by Subaru’s predecessor Fuji Heavy Industries.
