Author: Subaru Official News

Subaru Corporation Announces Production, Japan Sales and Export Resultsfor November 2018 (Flash Report)

December 26, 2018

Subaru Corporation Announces Production, Japan Sales and Export Results
for November 2018 (Flash Report)

November 2018
Jan-Nov 2018

Units
2018 vs 2017
Units
’18 vs ’17

Domestic production *1

56,124

-6.8%
4th consecutive month of y/y decrease

608,206

-6.2%

Overseas production *2

☆
32,819

+17.0%
5th consecutive month of y/y increase

333,227

-2.8%

Global production total

88,943

+0.8%
2nd consecutive month of y/y increase

941,433

-5.0%

Passenger vehicles
9,977
-3.0%
13th consecutive month of y/y decrease
111,909
-16.8%

Mini vehicles
2,176
+16.2%
2nd consecutive month of y/y increase
27,372
-9.6%

Japan sales total
12,153
-0.1%
13th consecutive month of y/y decrease
139,281
-15.5%

Export total *3

48,108

-8.1%
First y/y decrease in 2 months

490,094

-2.4%

☆: November record

－
Domestic production decreased year-on-year, due to changes in plant operation schedules.

－
Overseas production increased year-on-year boosted by production of the Ascent that started in May 2018.

－
Passenger vehicle sales decreased year-on-year, as demand for the upgraded Levorg declined compared to last year, offsetting strong sales of the all-new Forester.

－
Mini vehicle sales increased year-on-year, led by increased sales of the Sambar.

－
Exports from Japan decreased year-on-year, as domestic production declined due to changes in plant operation schedules.

*1 JAMA (Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Inc.) report basis (CBU)
*2 Local line-off basis
*3 JAMA report basis

###

[PDF/272 KB]

SUBARU started flight test of the prototype of New Utility Helicopter for JMOD

December 25, 2018

SUBARU started flight test of the prototype of New Utility Helicopter for JMOD

Tokyo, December 25, 2018 – Subaru Corporation today started the flight test of the prototype of the New Utility Helicopter for Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD) at its Aerospace Company Utsunomiya Plant, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

This prototype took to the sky at 2：50p.m. by SUBARU’s flight crew from the Utsunomiya Airfield and landed safely after successful 55 minutes flight.

SUBARU has been developing the New Utility Helicopter for JMOD leveraging the SUBARU BELL 412EPX as the platform that has been jointly developed with BELL HELICOPTER, a Textron Inc., USA.

This prototype aircraft will be delivered to JMOD by the end of fiscal 2018 after completion of a series of flight tests by SUBARU. SUBARU will establish a new production line for the New Utility Helicopter for JMOD and the SUBARU BELL 412EPX in its Utsunomiya Plant to expand defense business as well as commercial helicopter sales both for Japan and international markets.

Prototype during the flight test
SUBARU BELL 412EPX
（Base aircraft for New Utility Helicopter for JMOD）

###

[PDF/347 KB]

Subaru Corporation Announces Management Changes (Effective January 1, 2019)

December 11, 2018

Subaru Corporation Announces Management Changes (Effective January 1, 2019)

Tokyo, December 11, 2018 – Subaru Corporation announces the following management changes which will take effect on January 1, 2019. By reshuffling the management team of its manufacturing organization, the company will further strengthen its efforts to prevent recurrence of the issues identified in relation to final inspection procedures for Japanese domestic market vehicles at its Gunma Manufacturing Division.
The election of a new Director is subject to the approval of the company’s 88th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the “AGM”) scheduled to be held in June 2019.

Newly-Appointed Executive Officer (Effective January 1, 2019)
Kazuo Hosoya *1
Current title: President of Tokyo Subaru Inc. (Former Executive Vice President of Subaru Corporation)

*1: Nominated as a candidate for the Representative Director position. The election is subject to the approval of the AGM to be held in June 2019 and a resolution at the Board of Directors meeting to be held after the close of the AGM.
Other candidates for new Directors have not been decided at this time.

2. Changes to areas of responsibility of Executive Vice President (Effective January 1, 2019)

Name
Effective January 1, 2019
Current

Masaki Okawara *2
Executive Vice President
– Chief Information Officer (CIO)
– IT Strategy Div.
– Chief Information Officer (CIO)
– IT Strategy Div.
– In charge of manufacturing
– China Project Office

Chief General Manager of IT Strategy Div.
Chief General Manager of IT Strategy Div.

*2: To retire as Executive Vice President effective March 31, 2019

3. Changes to areas of responsibility of Senior Vice Presidents and Vice President (Effective January 1, 2019)

Name
Effective January 1, 2019
Current

Toshiaki Tamegai *3
Senior Vice President
– Manufacturing Div.
– Manufacturing Div.

—
Chief General Manager of Manufacturing Div. and Gunma Plant

Atsushi Osaki
Senior Vice President
– Chief Quality Officer (CQO)
– Quality Assurance Div.
– Customer Service Div.
– Chief Quality Officer (CQO)
– Quality Assurance Div.

Chief General Manager of Quality Assurance Div. and Customer Service Div.
Chief General Manager of Quality Assurance Div.

Hiroki Kurihara *4
Vice President
– Japan Sales & Marketing Div.
– Customer Service Div.

President of Tokyo Subaru Inc.
Chief General Manager of Customer Service Div.

*3: To retire as Senior Vice President effective March 31, 2019
*4: To retire as Vice President effective March 31, 2019

4. Areas of responsibility of Newly-Appointed Executive Officer (Effective January 1, 2019)

Name
Effective January 1, 2019
Current

Kazuo Hosoya
Deputy President
– In charge of manufacturing
– China Project Office
President of Tokyo Subaru Inc.

Chief General Manager of Manufacturing Div. and Gunma Plant

###

[PDF/186 KB]

Notice of Resignation and Change of Representative Director

December 11, 2018

Notice of Resignation and Change of Representative Director

Company name: SUBARU CORPORATION
Representative: Tomomi Nakamura, President and CEO
Code number: 7270 (First Section of Tokyo Stock Exchange)
Contact for inquiries: Katsuo Saito, Vice President
and General Manager of Administration Department
Phone: +81-3-6447-8825

Subaru Corporation hereby announces that the Company resolved the resignation and change of Representative Director as detailed below.

1. Resignation of Representative Director (Director in charge of manufacturing) (Effective December 31, 2018)
(1) Details of change

Name
New position
Current position

Masaki Okawara
Executive Vice President
Representative Director of the Board
and Executive Vice President

Note1:
Masaki Okawara will retire as Executive Vice President effective March 31, 2019.

Note2:
As a result of this change, the number of Representative Directors of the Company will be one person; Tomomi Nakamura, Representative Director of the Board and President.

Note3:
After the resignation of one current Director, the Company still satisfies the number of Directors as stipulated by laws and regulations and the Articles of Incorporation.

(2) Reason for change
　Voluntary resignation

(3) Effective date
　December 31, 2018

2. Newly appointed representative director (Effective June 2019)
(1) Details of change

Name
New position
Current position

Kazuo Hosoya
Representative Director of the Board
and Deputy President
President, Tokyo Subaru Inc.

Note1:
Appointed as Deputy President effective January 1, 2019.

Note2:
Nominated as a candidate for the Representative Director position. The election is subject to the approval of the 88th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the “AGM”) to be held in June 2019 and a resolution at the Board of Directors meeting to be held after the close of the AGM.
Other candidates for new Directors have not been decided at this time.

(2) Reason for change

The Company nominates a new Representative Director candidate, following the resignation of the current Representative Director.
The Company will further strengthen its efforts to prevent recurrence of the issues identified in relation to final inspection procedures at its Gunma Manufacturing Division, by reshuffling the management team of its manufacturing organization.

(3) Effective date
　June 2019

(4) Brief biography of newly-nominated Representative Director

Name
(Date of birth)
Brief Career History
Number
of shares
owned

Kazuo Hosoya
(July 29, 1957)
April 1982
Joined Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
(now, Subaru Corporation)
10,421

May, 2006
General Manager, Corporate Planning Department

January, 2009
Senior General Manager, Subaru Japan Sales &
Marketing Division

June, 2010
President, Tokyo Subaru Inc.

April, 2012
Corporate Vice President
General Manager, Human Resources Department

April, 2014
Corporate Senior Vice President
General Manager, Human Resources Department
General Manager, Career Support Office
President, Subaru Bloom Co.Ltd

April, 2015
Corporate Senior Vice President
Chief General Manager,
Subaru Japan Sales & Marketing Division

April, 2016
Corporate Executive Vice President
Chief General Manager,
Subaru Japan Sales & Marketing Division

April, 2018
President, Tokyo Subaru Inc. (current position)

(Note)
The Company today issued a news release “Subaru Corporation Announces Management Changes (Effective January 1, 2019)”.
URL: https://www.subaru.co.jp/press/news-en/2018_12_11_6633/

###

[PDF/158 KB]

Subaru Corporation Announces Organizational Changes(Effective December 1, 2018)

December 3, 2018

Subaru Corporation Announces Organizational Changes
(Effective December 1, 2018)

Tokyo, December 3, 2018 – Subaru Corporation announces the following organizational changes which took effect on December 1, 2018.

The Vehicle Inspection Department has been newly established under the Quality Assurance Division of Subaru Automotive Business. This department conducts vehicle inspection work* which was previously conducted by the Manufacturing Quality Control Department of the Gunma Manufacturing Division.
The purpose of this change is to ensure quality of manufactured vehicles pursuant to the company’s quality-first principle, by making the operation of vehicle inspections independent from the manufacturing organization and belong to the quality assurance organization.

* Includes final vehicle inspections prescribed by Japanese laws and regulations.

[PDF/204 KB]

Subaru Corporation Announces Production, Japan Sales and Export Resultsfor October 2018 (Flash Report)

November 29, 2018

Subaru Corporation Announces Production, Japan Sales and Export Results
for October 2018 (Flash Report)

October 2018
Jan-Oct 2018

Units
2018 vs 2017
Units
’18 vs ’17

Domestic production *1

64,234

-0.1%
3rd consecutive month of y/y decrease

552,082

-6.1%

Overseas production *2

☆☆
39,630

+20.7%
4th consecutive month of y/y increase

300,408

-4.6%

Global production total

☆
103,864

+6.9%
First y/y increase in 3 months

852,490

-5.6%

Passenger vehicles
10,516
-6.0%
12th consecutive month of y/y decrease
101,932
-18.0%

Mini vehicles
2,325
+17.2%
First y/y increase in 16 months
25,196
-11.3%

Japan sales total
12,841
-2.5%
12th consecutive month of y/y decrease
127,128
-16.7%

Export total *3

50,745

+3.3%
First y/y increase in 2 months

441,986

-1.7%

☆: October record
☆☆: Single-month record

－
Domestic production slightly decreased year-on-year, as production of Impreza, Subaru XV, and Levorg models declined, offsetting increased production of the Forester led by the launch of its fully-redesigned version.

－
Overseas production increased year-on-year boosted by production of the Ascent that started in May 2018.

－
Passenger vehicle sales decreased year-on-year, as last year’s momentum boosted by the fully-redesigned Impreza and SUBARU XV and the upgraded Levorg and WRX declined, offsetting strong sales of the all-new Forester.

－
Mini vehicle sales increased year-on-year, led by increased sales of the Sambar and the Chiffon.

－
Exports from Japan increased year-on-year, boosted by increased shipments of the all-new Forester to North America.

*1 JAMA (Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Inc.) report basis (CBU).
*2 Local line-off basis.
*3 JAMA report basis.

###

[PDF/275 KB]

Subaru to Install Japan’s Largest-Scale Captive-Consumption Solar Power Systemat its Engine and Transmission Plant in Gunma, Japan

November 27, 2018

Subaru to Install Japan’s Largest-Scale Captive-Consumption Solar Power System
at its Engine and Transmission Plant in Gunma, Japan

– Part of Subaru Group’s environmental efforts to significantly reduce CO2 emissions by FY2030 –

Tokyo, November 27, 2018 – Subaru Corporation has announced its plan to install Japan’s largest-scale*1 captive-consumption solar power system at the company’s Gunma Oizumi Plant, where Subaru automobiles’ horizontally-opposed Boxer engines and transmissions are built. The company has signed a basic agreement with Japan Facility Solutions, Inc., which will install and manage the system.

The facility is scheduled to be completed and start operation by March 2020. The system will have an output of 5 MW for electricity use within the plant (for an annual output of 5,000 MWh/year). The new facility is expected to bring a reduction of approximately 2,370 tons of CO2 per year*2, equivalent to around 2 percent of total annual carbon dioxide emissions at the Oizumi plant.

The Subaru Environmental Policies*3, which were revised in 2017, outline the company’s “efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in all of our operations.” Based on these policies, we are moving toward achieving our target of reducing the Subaru Group’s direct CO2 emissions*4 to 30 percent below FY2016*5 levels by FY2030*5 (on a total emissions volume basis). The installation of this new solar facility, which follows Subaru’s participation in the Tochigi Furusato Denki program in April 2018*6, is the latest initiative to achieve this goal.

By advancing environmental efforts in its manufacturing plants, Subaru aims to contribute to creating a low-carbon society and pursuing environmental protection in the areas and communities where it operates.
Subaru will continue its efforts to significantly reduce CO2 emissions with the aim of achieving the sustainable society envisioned in the Subaru Environmental Policies.

*1 Based on a study by Japan Facility Solutions, Inc.
*2 Calculated using CO2 emissions factor provided by Tepco Energy Partner, Inc. for FY2016 (0.474 kg-CO2/kWh)
*3 The Subaru Environmental Policies: https://www.subaru.co.jp/en/outline/vision.html#EP
*4 CO2 emitted directly by Subaru Group plants, offices, etc. (Scope 1 & 2)
*5 FY2016: Fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. FY2030: Fiscal year ending March 31, 2031.
*6 The company’s press release dated May 10, 2018: https://www.subaru.co.jp/press/news-en/2018_05_10_6239/

Rendering of the completed solar power system at the Gunma Oizumi Plant

###

[PDF/474 KB]

Subaru Corporation Announces Changes in Areas of Responsibility of the Management(Effective November 1, 2018)

November 22, 2018

Subaru Corporation Announces Changes in Areas of Responsibility of the Management
(Effective November 1, 2018)

Tokyo, November 22, 2018 – Subaru Corporation made the following changes in areas of responsibility of the management. The changes took effect on November 1, 2018.

1. Changes in Directors’ areas of responsibility

Name
Effective November 1, 2018
Former

Yasuyuki Yoshinaga
Director
Chairman
– “Tadashii-Kaisha” Promotion Dept.
– Compliance Office
– “Tadashii-Kaisha” Promotion Dept.
– Compliance Office
– In Charge of Quality

—
—

Tomomi Nakamura
Representative Director
President
– Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
– Aerospace Company
– In Charge of Quality
– Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
– Aerospace Company

—
—

Masaki Okawara
Representative Director
Executive Vice President
– Chief Information Officer (CIO)
– IT Strategy Div.
– In Charge of Manufacturing
– China Project Office
-Chief Information Officer (CIO)
-IT Strategy Div.
-In Charge of Manufacturing

Chief General Manager of IT Strategy Div.
Chief General Manager of IT Strategy Div.

2. Change in Vice President’s areas of responsibility

Name
Effective November 1, 2018
Former

Yasuhiro Hamanaka
Vice President
– Aerospace　Company
– Aerospace　Company

Company Vice President of Aerospace
Company
General　Manager of Kisarazu Maintenance Dept.
Company Vice President of Aerospace
Company
General Manager of Production Planning Dept. and Kisarazu Maintenance Dept.

###

[PDF/226 KB]

Subaru Introduces its First Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle, the Crosstrek Hybrid, in the U.S.

November 20, 2018

Subaru Introduces its First Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle, the Crosstrek Hybrid, in the U.S.

●
First-ever Subaru plug-in hybrid vehicle

●
The Hybrid features the new Subaru StarDrive Technology that uniquely integrates electric motors, a 2.0-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER engine, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and a new Lineartronic (Continuously Variable Transmission).

●
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology standard

●
To debut at 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show

Tokyo, November 20, 2018 – Subaru Corporation has introduced its first-ever plug-in hybrid vehicle, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, in the U.S.

With the automotive and aerospace businesses as the pillars of operations, Subaru defines “the earth, the sky and nature” as its field of business, and therefore, preservation of the ecosystem of the environment is of importance at Subaru to act as a business organization. In terms of the products, Subaru aims to “develop and deliver products to meet societal needs and contribute to the environment through advanced technologies” in the environmental policy. Offering real all-wheel capability in a hybrid package, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a highly anticipated SUV that embodies the company’s environmental vision.

The brand’s first-ever plug-in hybrid vehicle, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, provides the enhanced environmental performance to meet the social needs while keeping all the capability and versatility of the standard Crosstrek. With a combination of superior driving dynamics and improved environmental performance, the Crosstrek Hybrid offers a new “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind” driving experience that conventional gas-powered models cannot match.

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid will go on sale at U.S. Subaru retailers by the end of this year.

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Charging Port

Main Features of Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

■　New “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind” driving experience unique to Plug-In Hybrid models
・The Hybrid features the new Subaru StarDrive Technology that uniquely integrates electric motors, a 2.0-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER engine, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and a new Lineartronic (Continuously Variable Transmission)
・EV range of 17 miles covers a variety of trips
・Up to 90 MPGe with a total range of 480 miles
・Smooth, responsive and strong acceleration when using both gas and electric power
・Superb rough road driving capability thanks to the quick response of electric motor
・Charging from an ordinary household power outlet is also available, besides a specific charger, for user convenience
・The high-voltage cables that connect components like the power control unit that controls the high voltage battery and energy flows, and the motor/generator have been designed with numerous forms of protection including shielding and covers for safety
・Towing capacity of up to around 1000 lbs for various objects

■　Exclusive design emphasizing its sophistication and superb functionality
・Newly designed shapes and features added to key points around the exterior emphasize the rugged, solid look of the body and colors and textures provide a more advanced, premium feel
・Lagoon Blue Pearl is available as the exclusive exterior color for Crosstrek Hybrid
・The entire interior has been color-coordinated with a blue tone to give the cabin an advanced, exclusive atmosphere
・Exclusive combination meter features a sophisticated, sporty look with its blue color theme

■　Features and functions making a day-to-day life with the vehicle even more comfortable
・Display contents specific for the Plug-In Hybrid model and the telematics system enhanced by exclusive features provide added convenience and comfort
・The Remote Battery Charging Timer function allows to change charge setting remotely from smartphone app
・The Remote Climate Control function allows to control the vehicle’s air conditioning system remotely, before getting onto it, using a smartphone app or the key

■　Retains the characteristics of the standard Crosstrek
・Superb dynamic quality achieved with the rigid body structure of Subaru Global Platform
・An electronically controlled brake system that consists of regenerative brakes and mechanical brakes has been adopted
・Versatile packaging achieved by minimizing the impact of added plug-in hybrid exclusive components

■　Overall safety for fun driving with peace of mind
・The same superior safety as gasoline models based on SUBARU’s distinct comprehensive safety philosophy, encompassing technology aimed at ensuring safe driving everywhere, and not only in the unlikely event of an accident .
・Superior hazard avoidance capability making driver unaware of the impact of the increased weight or other aspects as a Plug-In Hybrid model
・Collision safety performance is based on the safe framework of the Subaru Global Platform, and features a strengthened chassis platform to support the increased weight of the Plug-In Hybrid system, as well as protection for the High voltage battery to ensure Crosstrek’s class leading safety even in the Plug-In Hybrid model

Specification of 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

Exterior Dimensions

175.8 × 71.0 × 62.8 in.

Wheelbase
104.9 in.

Min. road clearance
8.7 in.

Internal Combustion Engine

　Type
FB20 4-cyl. horizontally opposed direct injection BOXER engine
DOHC, 16 valves, Dual AVCS

　Displacement
1995 cc

　Bore x Stroke
3.31 in. × 3.54 in.

　Horsepower
137 hp / 5600 rpm

　Torque
134 lb-ft / 4400 rpm

　Fuel tank capacity
13.2 gal

　Fuel type
87 AKI

Transmission
Lineartronic（CVT） integrating two motor generators

Motor Generator for electrical drivetrain power output and regenerative braking/charging

　Horsepower
118hp

　Torque
149lb-ft

Hybrid Battery

　Type
Lithium-ion

　Battery capacity
8.8 kWh

　Rated Capacity
25.0 Ah

　Voltage
351.5 V

Drive system
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Tire Size
225/55 R18

Passenger Capacity
5-passenger

[PDF/567 KB]

Revision of Performance Projection for the First Half of the Fiscal Year Ending 2019 (from April 1 to September 30, 2018)

October 23, 2018

Revision of Performance Projection
for the First Half of the Fiscal Year Ending 2019 (from April 1 to September 30, 2018)

Company name: SUBARU CORPORATION
Representative: Tomomi Nakamura, Representative Director, President and CEO
Code number: 7270 (First Section of Tokyo Stock Exchange)
Contact for inquiries: Katsuo Saito, Vice President
and General Manager of Administration Department
Phone: +81-3-6447-8825

Considering the current business trend, Subaru Corporation has announced the revision of performance projection for the first half of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019 (from April 1 to September 30, 2018) which was released at the timing of consolidated financial results announcement on August 6, 2018.

1. Revision of consolidated basis performance projection for the first half of the fiscal year 2019
(from April 1 to September 30, 2018)

Net sales
Operating Income
Ordinary Income
Net Income*
Net Income
Per Share

Previous projection (A)
Millions of yen
1,463,100
Millions of yen
110,000
Millions of yen
111,700
Millions of yen
79,100
Yen
103.17

Revised projection (B)
1,486,000
61,000
66,000
49,000
63.91

Increase and decrease (B-A)
22,900
(49,000)
(45,700)
(30,100)

Change of percentage (%)
1.6
(44.5)
(40.9)
(38.1)

Actual results of the first half of
the fiscal 2018 (ended
September 30, 2017)
1,608,013
212,125
212,726
85,005
110.87

*Net income attributable to owners of parent

Note: The Company has changed its accounting policies with effect from the first quarter of FYE 2019. Accordingly, the new policies have been retroactively applied to FYE 2018 results before carrying out year-on-year comparison and analysis of net sales figures.

2. Reasons for the Changes

The Company has revised the consolidated performance projection for the first half of fiscal year ending March 31, 2019 as above due mainly to quality-related expenses which offset foreign exchange gains.
The revised projection is based on assumed foreign exchange rates of ¥109/US$(previously ¥105/US$) and ¥131/EUR(previously ¥130/EUR).
Full-year consolidated performance projection for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019 is currently under examination and will be published concurrent with the release of consolidated financial results for the first half scheduled for November 5, 2018.

3. Dividends

There is no revision of dividend forecast.

Note: Above mentioned projections are based on certain assumptions and our management’s judgment in light of currently available information, therefore actual results may differ from these projections.

###

[PDF/113 KB]