Here’s How Japan’s Automakers Will Keep Gas Engines Alive

Combustion engines aren’t dead yet. Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, and others are doing all they can to keep them alive. It’s been nearly a year since the three announced a partnership to accelerate internal combustion engine development. Now, they’ll provide vehicles running on a synthetic fuel blend to transport guests during the Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

The vehicles will run on fuel provided by ENEOS Corporation, a company that completed Japan’s first demonstration factory capable of producing synthetic gasoline in September 2024. It can produce 42 gallons of fuel daily, a clean energy source made from hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

Suzuki and Daihatsu will also provide vehicles for the event.

Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru’s partnership will result in brand-specific “signature engines” capable of running on carbon-neutral fuels, including liquid hydrogen, biofuel, and synthetic fuel. Toyota is developing three inline-four engines. Mazda is working on rotary engines and a new Skyactiv-Z four-cylinder. Subaru wants to perfect the boxer, which Toyota seems to love.

According to the Associated Press, the Expo 2025 is a six-month event highlighting cutting-edge technology. More than 160 participants from around the world, including China and the United States, are at the event to show off advancements in space technology, medicine, robotics, flying vehicles, and other next-gen industries and products.