Subaru Prepares for One-Platform Strategy

Reports say Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.'s Subaru unit is likely in 2016 to introduce the first of next-generation models that will share a single modular platform.

Subaru announced the platform four months ago as part of a plan to hike its worldwide sales 20% by 2020.

The first model to ride on the new chassis, dubbed the Subaru global platform, may be the company's upcoming seven-passenger crossover vehicle expected about two years from now.

In May Fuji Heavy CEO Yasuyuki Yoshinaga told reporters he favored building the new crossover at Subaru's factory in Lafayette, Ind.

Eventually the company's global platform will carry almost all Subaru models, ranging from the new crossover to the company's small Impreza sedan/hatch. Media reports suggest Subaru's little BRZ sport coupe, which it co-developed with Toyota Motor Corp., will retain its own chassis. Toyota sells its version of BRZ as the 86 in most markets and the Scion FR-S in the U.S.

Subaru expects the new architecture to help meet a target of 20% cost reduction by 2020.

The next-generation cars will be powered by a new family of more fuel-efficient, direct-injection versions of Subaru's "boxer" engine layout, according to Subaru. The engines will also will be fitted with cylinder deactivation and lean combustion technology. Subaru said in May it will aim for thermal efficiencies greater than 40%.