Future Vehicles: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek PHEV

Subaru announced organizational and management changes that reflect their new electrified division. What is coming?

Subaru announced they are renaming certain departments to reflect their vehicle electrification efforts. The changes include organizational and management adjustments along with the department alterations. The first new model the electrified departments could produce? A 2018 Subaru Crosstrek plug-in hybrid.

What changes are coming at Subaru?

Effective April 1, Subaru renamed their HEV Design Department to Electrified Power Unit Design Dept. The HEV Research and Experiment Dept. is renamed Electrified Power Unit Research & Experiment Department. This is all done in coordination with the development of their new Global Platform seen on the new 2017 Subaru Impreza sedan and 5-Door coming later this year.

Subaru says the new global platform will allow the renamed departments to design a single concept for development of all models, adaptable to electrification in the future. All Subaru vehicles will be able to be designed with gasoline engines, hybrid powertrains, plug-in hybrids, electric cars, and other types of alternative power units for which demand will increase further.

Here’s what’s coming next

Because Subaru will need to meet California's zero-emission vehicle standards taking effect in 2018, the Japanese automaker says it plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid for North America. Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) is developing new hybrid drivetrains as a favored way to meet increasingly stringent emission standards. Yoshinaga said last year, “Fuji Heavy is working to comply with California's zero-emission vehicle standards taking effect in 2018.”

Other new products will include a new 3-Row Crossover that will be sold in the U.S. and built at the newly-expanded plant in Indiana. It will replace the outgoing Tribeca and will fit well into Subaru’s all-wheel-drive recreation-purposed lineup. It could also be powered by a new plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Look for Subaru to first introduce a new plug-in hybrid for North America in 2018. It could be a new-generation 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The new Subaru PHEV will be based on Toyota’s hybrid technology. After this, the new global platform will allow all their vehicles to be fitted with hybrid powertrains, plug-in hybrids, electric units, and other types of alternative power units. Things are changing at Subaru. Stay tuned.

Source: Subaru Global

Image source: Subaru