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Subaru to introduce all-electric vehicles in Japan by 2021

Nov 22 (Japan Times) - Subaru Corp. will introduce a series of all-electric cars in Japan as early as 2021, sources said, as competition intensifies between automakers looking to develop eco-friendly cars in response to stricter global emissions regulations.

The carmaker will initially focus on releasing electric versions of its established gasoline-powered models — like the Legacy Outback, Forester sport utility vehicle and Impreza — in order to attract existing customers and brand enthusiasts.

The electric vehicles will likely be manufactured at its plant in Gunma Prefecture, the sources said.

Carmakers around the world are in a race to develop the technology, with Nissan Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. leading the way in Japan, while Honda Motor Co. also announced last month it is planning to launch compact electric vehicles for city driving in the domestic market in 2020.

Subaru is also considering selling its electric vehicles in the North American market, which is known for its stricter environmental regulations. The carmaker makes 60 percent of its global sales in the region.

The carmaker is aiming to develop electric vehicles that perform well on environmental benchmarks while remaining fun to drive, in line with the company’s motorsports and recreation-friendly image, according to the sources.

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