By Savannah Klein
Subaru of Indiana Automotive, a subsidiary of the Japanese Subaru Corporation and guest at the 19th West Michigan Automotive Suppliers Symposium, has been dedicated to providing a safe and dependable driving experience since its inception. Recently, however, Subaru has been tasked with integrating its mission of security with the innovative automotive technology trending today.
Subaru Eyesight®
Since 2014, Subaru has been improving its Eyesight® Driver Assist Technology, which is available in select models such as the Forester and Outback. Eyesight® is a camera-based technology that tracks traffic, brakes the car if needed, and enhances cruise control to ensure the safety of the driver and to avoid collisions. The system can even be used as a warning for bad drivers of the vehicle, as its auto-braking function will turn off after three consecutive emergencies. Although the audio warnings will still operate, the driver must then restart the car to regain auto-braking. Because of Subaru’s reliability and innovation, all of its 2018 vehicles equipped with Eyesight® have received the highest rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for front crash prevention.
Autonomous Vehicles
Subaru’s advancements in assistive technology have led many to question whether it will join the plethora of automakers in the driverless vehicle movement. Although it does have a permit to test self-driving cars in California, Subaru has said its target launch for fully autonomous vehicles will most likely be later than its competitors’ projections. According to Tetsuo Onuki, Subaru’s corporate senior vice-president, this is because the company’s main objective is to “make driving safer for people.” Instead of focusing solely on the development of driverless vehicles, Subaru plans to continue advancements within its Driver Assist Technology and safety.
Electric Vehicles
In addition to safer technology, Subaru has been working on creating more environmentally friendly vehicles. It aims to introduce an electric line of its existing traditional vehicles in Japan by the year 2021, and the company has also stated that it may launch plug-in hybrids in the U.S. as early as 2018. Furthermore, there has been talk of collaboration between Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda in order to research electric drivetrain technologies. There has even been speculation that Subaru could halt production of gasoline vehicles in European and Australian markets to focus on electric cars.
Talent
With all of this new technology and expansion, Subaru has a focused attention on upcoming talent, something that numerous automotive manufacturers need. To fulfill this demand, Subaru has implemented various measures to recruit the best and brightest into the company. Coupled with top-quality company culture that promotes community and a better quality of life, Subaru has become an attractive option for automotive industry talent.
Learn More
GVSU’s Van Andel Global Trade Center welcomes this year’s 19th West Michigan Automotive Suppliers Symposium featuring Mr. Wulbrecht, Vice-President of Manufacturing at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, as the keynote speaker. Mr. Wulbrecht will be providing more information regarding Subaru’s talent acquisition methods, and he kicks-off a power-packed symposium line-up with speakers including Mike Wall of IHS Markit, Scott McCormick of Connected Vehicle Trade Association, Daron Gifford of Plante Moran, and Scott O’Neil of PADNOS. Reserve your seat today at VAGTC.ORG. The event will take place on March 8, 2018, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
About the Contributor
Savannah Klein is a Student Assistant at GVSU’s Van Andel Global Trade Center. She is currently working on an undergraduate degree in Marketing and Supply Chain Management with a minor in Spanish. She enjoys spending time with friends, baking, and doing carpentry work with her grandfather.
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