Mazda, Subaru, Toyota to Make Future Generation De-Carbonized Internal Combustion Engines

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mazda, Subaru, Toyota to Make Decarbonized Internal Combustion Engines

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Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) Subaru Corporation (Subaru), Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) said today in a joint release that each is committed to developing new multi-fuel capable – hydrogen and bio-ethanol – internal combustion engines tailored to electrification and the pursuit of carbon neutrality. “This process has clarified the role that future engines will play in achieving carbon neutrality. With the next generation of engines, the three companies will seek to not only improve stand-alone engine performance but also optimize their integration with electric drive units, harnessing the advantages of each,” the Japanese automakers said.

This begs the question about further joint development and sharing of EV components and software. AutoInformed readers might remember that it was the exclusion of Toyota from the Partnership of New Generation Vehicles – whose goal of the 80 mpg car never was produced by the Detroit Three despite lavish taxpayer subsidies – that prompted Toyota with solid Japanese government support to  developed the first practical hybrid vehicles. (AutoInformed: Toyota Global Hybrid Sales Exceed 10 Million)

“With these engines, each of the three companies will aim to optimize integration with motors, batteries, and other electric drive units. While transforming vehicle packaging with more compact engines, these efforts will also de-carbonize ICEs by making them compatible with various carbon-neutral (CN) fuels *1. Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda have always been driven by a deep understanding of their customers’ diverse lifestyles. This understanding has led the three companies to develop signature engines*2 that not only represent their respective brands but also cater to their customers’ unique needs and preferences,” the three Japanese automakers said.

The CEOs of the three companies made these comments:

“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,” said Masahiro Moro, Representative Director, President and CEO, Mazda Motor Corporation.

“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, “said 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, “said Koji Sato, President, Member of the Board of Directors and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation.

Inevitable Footnotes

*1 Fuels with net zero CO2 emissions into the atmosphere across their lifecycle, from manufacture to use. These include e-fuel, made from hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and biofuels derived from biomass (plants, etc.).

*2 Each company’s noteworthy or famous engines

Subaru

  • Horizontally-opposed engine. Pistons move horizontally, resulting in a low-profile engine with less vibration and lower center of gravity.

Toyota

  • Inline-four engine. Achieves both high output and high thermal efficiency.

Mazda

  • Rotary engine. Compact and lightweight, yet powerful. Currently used for generators.

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About Ken Zino

Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
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