Subaru plans to launch software-defined vehicles in the second half of this decade, the Japanese automaker said at a development strategy briefing on Sunday, Oct. 18, at its research center in Sano, north of Tokyo, Reuters reported .

The vehicles will get over-the-air updates for driver-assistance, automated-driving and vehicle performance functions. To support them, Subaru will gradually roll out a newly developed integrated electronic control unit across its lineup.

At the core of that ECU is a chip Subaru co-developed with Advanced Micro Devices. The company plans to standardize the electronic platform across its electric, hybrid and gasoline-powered models. According to Nikkei , the unit combines Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance system with the controls that manage vehicle movement.

Managing executive officer Eiji Shibata said the goal is ease of use, not a showcase of features.…