Subaru targets 40 percent shorter development cycle via digital simulation
Subaru plans to replace the majority of physical crash tests with digital simulations as part of a strategy to significantly shorten vehicle development cycles by the end of the decade.
Subaru has announced a strategic shift to reduce its vehicle development cycle by 40 percent before the end of the 2020s. To achieve this, the manufacturer intends to replace most traditional physical crash tests with digital simulations, utilizing historical data to validate safety standards.
The company is responding to pressure from global competitors, including Tesla and several Chinese automakers, which have set new industry benchmarks for rapid model turnover. Subaru executive Takayuki Watarimori noted that the organization must improve its operational flexibility to remain competitive against these fast-moving manufacturers.
In addition to accelerating testing, Subaru is focusing on internal technical efficiencies. The company aims to reduce the weight of its global platform by 100kg and intends to improve engine thermal efficiency by 50 percent. To concentrate research efforts on next-generation technologies, Subaru plans to reduce its total engine variations by half.
These adjustments are part of a broader transition toward software-defined vehicles that support remote updates. By streamlining production and design, Subaru aims to lower costs while responding more effectively to evolving consumer requirements.