While so many brands are going electric, Japan is still choosing petrol engines
Subaru Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation and Mazda Motor Corporation have jointly announced plans to develop a new generation of internal combustion engines designed for the electrified era and aligned with the global push for carbon neutrality.
These engines will be tailored for seamless integration with electric drive units, motors, batteries and inverters, while also being compatible with a variety of carbon-neutral (CN) fuels, such as e-fuels, biofuels, and liquid hydrogen. The collaboration builds on each company’s distinct engine expertise and brand identity.
Moreover, Subaru is known for its horizontally-opposed engines, Toyota for hybrids and Mazda for rotary engines. While preserving this uniqueness, the automakers share a common goal, reducing carbon emissions without sacrificing performance or consumer choice. The new engines will be smaller and more efficient than current models, allowing for better vehicle packaging,
lower hood designs, and improved aerodynamics. This innovation not only enhances design flexibility but also contributes to greater fuel efficiency and compliance with increasingly stringent emissions regulations worldwide. All three companies stress that achieving carbon neutrality requires multiple technological pathways, not just full electrification.
By advancing engine technology with electric powertrains, they also aim to provide a broader range of sustainable mobility options tailored to different markets and energy infrastructures. In racing environments, where engines are pushed to their limits, the companies have tested CN fuels and liquid hydrogen, further informing their development of real-world solutions.
On top of that, these efforts also serve to protect the jobs and supply chains that support the internal combustion engine industry, which remains a key part of automotive manufacturing. Commenting on the initiative, Subaru CEO Atsushi Osaki emphasized the importance of refining both electrification and traditional engines to meet future fuel standards.
Toyota CEO Koji Sato highlighted the need to evolve engines alongside future energy ecosystems, while Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro underscored the rotary engine’s potential for carbon-neutral applications. Though competitors in the market, Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda are united in their vision to decarbonize transportation through a multi-pathway approach.
With shared values and technical collaboration, they aim to lead the transformation of Japan’s auto industry while continuing to deliver exciting and efficient vehicles for a carbon-neutral future. So while many in the West are going all in on electrification, Japan is keeping ICE alive and we couldn’t be more glad.
