Toyota, Subaru and Mazda are betting big on the future of combustion engines

KUALA LUMPUR: Subaru Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Mazda Motor Corporation are not ready to put all their eggs in the traditional fully electric vehicle basket. These Japanese giants are hell-bent on proving that combustion engines still have a role to play in achieving carbon neutrality. Their strategy? Develop new engines that seamlessly integrate with electric drive units while being compatible with carbon-neutral (CN) fuels.

A Trio of Trailblazers

Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda have always prided themselves on understanding their customers' diverse lifestyles. This deep understanding drives their commitment to developing signature engines that not only reflect their brand identity but also cater to unique consumer needs. The future of these engines lies in their ability to operate on various carbon-neutral fuels, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in automotive technology.

Racing Towards Decarbonization

In their quest to decarbonize, these companies view carbon as the true enemy. They've taken their passion to the racetrack, testing vehicles powered by liquid hydrogen and CN fuels under extreme conditions. This hands-on approach has clarified the crucial role future engines will play in achieving carbon neutrality. The goal is not just to enhance engine performance but also to optimize their integration with electric components, leveraging the strengths of both.

Smaller, Smarter, Greener

The new generation of engines promises to be more compact and efficient, allowing for innovative vehicle designs with lower hoods and improved aerodynamics. These engines will comply with the strictest emissions regulations by moving away from fossil fuels and embracing alternatives like synthetic fuels, biofuels, and liquid hydrogen. This shift will help broaden the adoption of CN fuels across the industry.

Voices from the Top

The CEOs of Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda shared their thoughts on this groundbreaking initiative:

"Achieving a carbon-neutral society is a challenge that must be undertaken by all of Japan's industries and society as a whole. As we continue to refine electrification technology, we will also enhance our horizontally-opposed engines with an aim to use carbon-neutral fuels in the future. Moving forward, the three companies sharing the same aspiration will continue to advance the pursuit of sustainable excellence in Japanese car manufacturing." - Atsushi Osaki, Representative Director, President and CEO, Subaru Corporation

"In order to provide our customers with diverse options to achieve carbon neutrality, it is necessary to take on the challenge of evolving engines that are in tune with the energy environment of the future. The three companies, which share the same aspirations, will refine engine technologies through friendly competition." - Koji Sato, President, Member of the Board of Directors and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation

"We will continue to offer customers exciting cars by honing internal combustion engines for the electrification era and expanding the multi-pathway possibilities for achieving carbon neutrality. Given the rotary engine's compatibility with electrification and carbon-neutral fuels, Mazda will continue to develop the technology through co-creation and competition to ensure it can contribute broadly to society." - Masahiro Moro, Representative Director, President and CEO, Mazda Motor Corporation

A Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future

Despite their competition in the marketplace, Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda are united in their dedication to achieving carbon neutrality. They believe that a multi-pathway approach, combining the strengths of traditional engines with cutting-edge electric technology, is the way forward. Alongside like-minded partners, these companies are determined to shape the future of Japan's auto industry, ensuring it remains sustainable and innovative for generations to come.

By continuing to innovate and collaborate, these automotive giants are proving that the journey to carbon neutrality doesn’t have to rely solely on electric vehicles. Their commitment to refining and evolving combustion engines shows that there's still plenty of life—and potential—in this tried-and-true technology.

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