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2019
For the year ended March 31, 2019
CONTENTS
03 SUBARU Business Style
05 History
07 Message from the CEO
13 Message from the CFO
17
19
Financial and
Non-Financial Highlights
Featured Topic:
Report on Improprieties
Relating to Final Vehicle
Inspections
21 Business Overview
29
Directors, Auditors, and
Executive Officers
31 Corporate Governance
41 The SUBARU Groupʼs CSR
Consolidated Ten-Year
59
Financial Summary
61 Five-Year Unit Sales
63 Financial Review
69 Corporate Information
Disclaimer Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Statements herein concerning plans and strategies, expectations or projections about the future, SUBARUʼs
efforts with regard to various management issues, and other statements, except for historical facts, are forward-
looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties that could cause actual results
to differ materially from those anticipated. These uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic
conditions, demand for and prices of SUBARUʼs products, SUBARUʼs ability to continue to develop and market
advanced products, raw material prices, and currency exchange rates. SUBARU disclaims any obligation to
update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
01
Annual Report 2019
Corporate Philosophy
1. We strive to create advanced technology on an ongoing
basis and provide consumers with distinctive products
with the highest level of quality and customer satisfaction.
2. We aim to continuously promote harmony between
people, society, and the environment while contributing
to the prosperity of society.
3. We look to the future with a global perspective and
aim to foster a vibrant, progressive company.
Corporate Code of Conduct
SUBARU CORPORATION sets down the Corporate Code of Conduct to
comply with laws and regulations and to fulfill its social responsibilities
based on its corporate philosophy. We will continue to strive to become
a company loved by all and contribute to making society more affluent
by respecting individuals and the Corporate Code of Conduct and
acting on the same sense of values.
1. We develop and provide creative products and services while
paying sufficient attention to the environment and safety.
2. We respect the rights and characteristics of individuals.
3. We promote harmony with society and contribute to
the prosperity of society.
4. We meet social norms and act honestly and fairly.
5. We maintain global perspective and aim to be in harmony with
international society.
Management Philosophy
Aiming to be a compelling company with a strong market
presence built upon its customer-first principle.
Annual Report 2019
02
SUBARU Business Style
Vision for 2025
From a company making things,
to a company making people smile.
SUBARU, by no means a large automaker, is implementing a business model centered
on selection and concentration of limited management resources, creating added value,
and pursuing uncompromising differentiation.
Under the STEP mid-term management vision, we will swiftly, steadily, and powerfully,
move forward and solidify our foundation for the sustained growth of both the
automotive and aerospace businesses.
03
Annual Report 2019
Strengthening of the
management foundation
We will strengthen the management foundation by
pursuing qualitative improvement in every aspect
of the company, including products, services,
culture, human resources, organizations, finance,
and operations.
Focus business strategy to
enhance strengths
Rather than pursue an omnidirectional business
strategy, we have chosen to optimally focus our
limited management resources on categories and
markets in which we can leverage our strengths. In
business development, our product focus is mainly
on SUVs and sports models, and our market focus is
on the United States and other developed countries
in mature stages of motorization.
Achieve an industry-leading
profit margin
While continuously making strategic investments
for future sustained growth, we will pursue a
management approach that emphasizes a high
operating margin, focusing on differentiation and
value-added strategies. On that basis, we will aim
for steady volume growth.
Annual Report 2019
04
History
History of the SUBARU Group
SUBARU, which can trace some of its roots to Aircraft Research Laboratory,
has continuously nurtured highly creative technologies and increased corporate value
by pursuing business alliances to respond to major changes in the times.
Here we outline the history of the SUBARU Group to date.
1917
Establishment of Aircraft Research Laboratory
1968
Establishment of Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA)
1931
Establishment of Nakajima Aircraft Co., Ltd.
1968
Dissolution of the business alliance with Isuzu Motors Ltd.
1945
Change of company name from
Nakajima Aircraft to Fuji Sangyo
1968
Signing of a business alliance agreement with
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
1946 Production of the
first Rabbit Scooter
1968
Start of exports of Robin engines for
snowmobiles to Polaris (USA)
1969
Start of operation of the Yajima Plant
1953
Establishment of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
Start of aircraft production and automobile development
1960 Opening of the Gunma Main Plant
1960
Listing of shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange
1972
Release of the Leone 4WD Estate Van,
the world’s first mass-production 4WD passenger vehicle
1978
Conclusion of a 767 business agreement with Boeing
1983
Start of full-scale operation of the Oizumi Plant
1987
Release of the Justy model equipped with the world’s
first electro-continuously variable transmission (ECVT)
1966
Signing of a business alliance agreement with
Isuzu Motors Ltd.
1987
Establishment of Subaru-Isuzu Automotive, Inc. (SIA)
in the U.S. in a joint venture with Isuzu Motors Ltd.
SUBARU Models
through the Years
1966
1972
1984
SUBARU 1000
four-door sedan released
Rex released
Justy released
1958
1969
1977
1985
SUBARU 360 released
R-2 released
Brat released
Alcyone released
1961
1971
1983
1989
SUBARU
Sambar truck released
05
Annual Report 2019
Leone coupe released
Domingo released
Legacy series released
Origin of the SUBARU Name and Logo
“SUBARU” is Japanese for the Pleiades star cluster in the
constellation Taurus. These stars are also known as “six-
star group.” The name reflects the fact that Fuji Heavy
Industries was formed from capital contributions from
five companies that sprang from Nakajima Aircraft.
1989
Establishment of Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI)
1989
Completion of Subaru Research & Testing Center (SKC)
1990
Subaru of America (SOA) made a wholly owned subsidiary
2005
Dissolution of the alliance with GM, agreement to enter
into a business alliance with Toyota Motor Corporation
2007
Start of production of Toyota cars (Camry) at SIA
1991
Participation in the Boeing 777 program
1993
Start of operation of the Handa Plant
1999
Capital and business alliance with
General Motors Corporation (GM) (USA)
1999
Business alliance with Suzuki Motor Corporation
2000
2002
2003
2003
2005
Dissolution of the business alliance with
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Dissolution of the SIA joint venture with Isuzu Motors Ltd.
and formal signing of a contract production agreement
The Legacy wins the 2003–2004
Car of the Year Japan award
Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA)
made a wholly owned subsidiary
Participation in the Boeing 787 program
Delivery of main wings for next-generation transport
aircraft and next-generation fixed-wing patrol aircraft
2012
2012
2014
2016
Start of knockdown production of the
SUBARU XV in Malaysia
Termination of production of mini-vehicles and
shift to marketing on an OEM basis
Signing of an agreement to participate in a project to
develop and mass produce the Boeing 777X
Termination of contract production of the
Toyota Camry at SIA
Transfer of production of Impreza vehicles for
North America to SIA
2016
All-new Impreza Sport/GR wins the 2016–2017
Car of the Year Japan award
2017
Change of company name to SUBARU CORPORATION
2017
Termination of production and sales of
SUBARU general-purpose engines and generators
2018
Introduction of the SUBARU BELL 412EPX helicopter
1992
1998
2008
2014
Vivio released
Pleo released
Exiga released
Levorg released
1992
2003
2012
2014
Impreza series released
Outback released
SUBARU BRZ released
WRX released
1997
2005
2012
2018
Forester released
B9 Tribeca released
SUBARU XV released
Ascent released
(Exclusively for North America)
Annual Report 2019
06
Message from the CEO
We must restore trust in quality,
the cornerstone of the SUBARU brand,
and rebuild a foundation for
sustained growth.
Representative Director of the Board,
President and CEO
Tomomi Nakamura
07
Annual Report 2019
A Look Back at My First Year as President
During the fiscal year ended (FYE) March 2019, my first year as Representative Director, President and CEO,
we swiftly moved ahead with various reforms under STEP, our new mid-term management vision, aimed at
making SUBARU a company that is trusted by, and resonates with, customers. It was a very difficult year in
terms of financial performance because of having to operate some domestic production lines at reduced
speed as part of placing the highest priority on stable, high-quality production and inspections, as well as
dealing with the occurrence of new quality problems. Nevertheless, there are positive signs that the
corporate culture reforms, which we have made our top priority, have led to changes in our workplaces and
to the mindsets of employees. FYE March 2019 was also a year in which latent issues at SUBARU came to
light, which enabled us to confirm that we are moving in the right direction with corporate culture reforms,
quality reforms, and the Make-a-Subaru project, the initiatives we have made the centerpiece of STEP. We
will now proceed with rebuilding the foundation on which to achieve sustained growth for SUBARU by
further accelerating these activities.
SUBARU is a brand that has been and is nurtured by customers. Why have customers chosen SUBARU?
Why is the SUBARU brand loved? The basis for this affinity is trust in the SUBARU brand, and I believe that
the source of that trust can be found in functional characteristics, such as drivability and safety, and high
quality that includes vehicle durability. Nevertheless, recently the quality that is the cornerstone of the
brand has slipped, and I consider it my mission to implement fundamental reforms to right the situation.
I intend to heed the voice of customers, fully meet their expectations, and respond to their sentiments and
will strive to enable SUBARU to regain the trust of our customers, shareholders, and other stakeholders as
quickly as possible.
The Business Environment
Todayʼs mobility society is in a once-in-a-century period of transformation, and to respond to this change,
SUBARU is investing and pursuing development in the new technology fields known as CASE*. Nevertheless,
as a relatively small player in the automotive industry, SUBARU cannot develop everything on its own. For
SUBARU to compete into the future by enhancing its strengths and distinctive attributes, we must select
sectors and domains on which to focus in-house development and allocate resources accordingly. In other
fields, we want to efficiently and effectively respond by utilizing business alliances and collaborative
initiatives with other companies. In the area of electrification, we have already introduced a plug-in hybrid in
the U.S. in cooperation with Toyota Motor Corporation. Moreover, in June 2019 we announced that we will
jointly develop with Toyota a platform dedicated to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for the midsize and large
passenger vehicle category and jointly develop a C-segment-class BEV SUV model for sale under each
companyʼs own brand. In connection with this agreement with Toyota, we will shift its existing BEV
development resources to joint project and pursue greater efficiency in technology, development,
procurement, and other areas. Our approach to automated driving is to focus mainly on advanced driver
assist technologies that substantially alleviate driver burden, rather than on driverless systems, and we are
further evolving the driver assist system EyeSight, which already enjoys widespread popularity. In the area of
connectedness, we have begun development of new technologies and services that utilize connected car
technologies and data, and will accelerate planning and development to meet expanding customer needs.
Although SUBARU is not involved in car sharing at this time because we think that most of our customers
prefer to own their own cars in order to enjoy active car lifestyles, I think that it will become necessary to
consider an approach to car sharing if customer needs for it increase. At the end of June 2019 we announced
a capital and business alliance with MONET Technologies as an initiative to realize and popularize mobility
services. We intend to pursue “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind” appropriate to a new era and want to
collaborate with other automakers to contribute to resolving social issues relating to mobility.
One change in the business environment we are carefully watching is the trend in trade negotiations
between Japan and the U.S., which is a key market that accounts for a high proportion of SUBARUʼs sales.
Although we have expanded local production in the U.S. in step with increases in unit sales in the market,
even in 2018 about half of the vehicles we sold in the U.S. were exported from Japan, and we also export
from Japan some parts used in locally assembled vehicles. SUBARUʼs business is expected to be affected
depending on the outcome of trade negotiations, and we are envisioning various scenarios and considering
responses.
* An acronym of the words: Connected, Autonomous, Shared & Services, and Electric
Annual Report 2019
08
Message from the CEO
STEP Initiatives
In July 2018, SUBARU announced STEP, a new mid-term management vision, with the aim of making
SUBARU a company that is trusted by, and resonates with, customers through the provision of “Enjoyment
and Peace of Mind.” A variety of initiatives are set forth in STEP, and in FYE March 2019 we focused
particularly on implementing corporate culture reforms and quality reforms. An explanation of these
reforms follows.
Initiatives overview (9 Boxes + 1)
0
“Change the Culture”
Corporate culture reforms
Accelerate efforts to become “a company that does the right thing in the right way.”
Continuous efforts aimed at corporate culture reforms.
Mono-zukuri (Car-making)
Sales and service
New mobility domain
1
Enhance corporate quality
Quality reforms
Build a strong brand
More enjoyment,
more peace of mind
Enhance quality at customer
contact points
From “A car you can love” to
“A car, a brand, and people
you can love”
Alliance enhancement
Generate new value through
connected car technologies
Sustainable growth based
on focus strategy
Launch “Make-a-Subaru”
project
– Target 5% share in the U.S. –
Steady growth in each region
Initiatives to create new
technologies and businesses
2
3
* Please refer to the SUBARU corporate website for details on the STEP
mid-term management vision
WEB
STEP: the Mid-term Management Vision
https://www.subaru.co.jp/en/ir/management/plan/
Corporate Culture Reforms
We are implementing corporate culture reforms, the foundation of STEP, with the strong determination to
never again cause problems such as the repeated improprieties in final vehicle inspections (see pages
19–20). I and other senior managers have visited plants and offices throughout the Group to directly
communicate managementʼs firm resolve and engaged in communication with employees by holding
discussion meetings to exchange views. We have also engaged in vigorous, constructive discussions in
Japan with labor unions for the purpose of promoting corporate culture reforms and confirmed that labor
and management will work together to accelerate reform initiatives. Workplace visits have given me many
opportunities to sense a restoration of self-confidence and an increase in motivation among our
employees, and I feel that a change of mindset has steadily progressed over the course of the year.
Of course, corporate culture cannot be changed overnight, and it is important to maintain a sense of
urgency while continuing efforts to change the mindset of employees. To enable all employees to feel that
SUBARU is an open and transparent company where people are free to speak their minds, I think that all
managers, from senior management to frontline managers, must change their own mindset and behavior.
I intend to actively solicit the views of individual employees and carry on with corporate culture reforms
until they become deeply rooted and irreversible.
09
Annual Report 2019
Quality Reforms
Quality reforms are the highest priority in STEP. SUBARU aims to be No. 1 in the kind of quality that makes
our products suitable for long-term use with peace of mind, and we will pursue quality improvement in every
business process, from product planning to production, sales, and service.
The number of recalls resulting from product defects occurring during design or manufacturing has
increased recently. SUBARU caused considerable concern and inconvenience to customers because of
numerous recalls, including major ones, in FYE March 2019. These recalls also had a major impact on
financial performance because of the large number of vehicles and considerable expense involved. As I
mentioned earlier, quality is the cornerstone of the SUBARU brand. I am keenly aware that fundamentally
improving quality is an urgent task, and in FYE March 2019 we focused on implementing quality reforms in
engineering and product development and in manufacturing. Our engineering and product development
divisions have studied and begun implementing fundamental quality reforms starting from the development
planning and design stages. These reforms include a review of development schedules and supplier
selection and collaboration to enable reliable confirmation of quality, sharing of parts across models,
updating of durability testing facilities, and increasing personnel. In manufacturing, we will achieve better
quality production by making investments in facilities necessary to ensure quality, including updating aging
facilities, reviewing and improving processes; making investments for the purpose of securing the necessary
number of employees and for employee upskilling; and reviewing the approach to line operation and labor
management.
Also, to instill a quality-first mindset in all employees, on April 1, 2019 we revised the Quality Policy (see
page 53), which articulates a vision of quality that SUBARU should aspire to realize. As SUBARU makes a new
start toward restoring trust, we conducted a top-to-bottom review to ensure that the revised policy can be
continuously used for a long time and that it will serve as a guidepost for quality that all employees can
share. Furthermore, we used language that is simpler and easier to understand than that of the previous
policy to ensure that all employees thoroughly understand the policy content and can apply the new policy
in their own daily work behavior. I am convinced that the way to change the company is to change the
mindset and behavior of each employee.
Market Strategy
In STEP, we announced a target of unit sales of 1.3 million vehicles worldwide in 2025. Although trade-
related concerns remain as an external factor to be considered, sales are strong in the U.S., the largest
growth driver for SUBARU, and we will continue to press ahead to achieve sales of 1.3 million vehicles.
Although some say that overall demand in the U.S. has peaked, we consider the U.S. a market that
continues to offer high potential. We forecast continued underlying strength in demand at a level of 17
million vehicles, supported by a robust economy. We are receiving highly positive feedback from the
market. Sales of the Ascent, introduced in the middle of last year, are strong, and SUBARU has been able to
acquire new customer segments. Although we are planning for sales at the 700,000 unit level (up 3% year on
year) in calendar year 2019, we intend to ensure the success of the upcoming introduction of all-new
versions of two key models, the Outback and Legacy, in the second half of the year and link that success to
The all-new Outback (U.S. market specification) was announced on April 17, 2019 at the New York International Auto Show.
The vehicle will be manufactured at Subaru of Indiana Automotive and is scheduled for launch in the U.S. and Canada in fall 2019
Annual Report 2019
10
Message from the CEO
further sales expansion next year and beyond. Although we plan to expand the dealer network from the
current 631 to about 650 dealers in the future, we have no intention of increasing dealers merely on the
basis of numbers. Rather, we plan to develop our sales network by opening dealers to fill open points (areas
with no dealers), mainly in the Sunbelt. To encourage dealers to invest in the SUBARU business, it is
necessary to secure dealer income, and we consider it important to increase unit sales per dealer to
accomplish this. A cooperative framework with dealers is essential for achieving our growth strategy, and we
will grow together with our dealers and pursue U.S. market share of 5% in partnership with them.
Retail Unit Sales and Market Share in the U.S. Market
3.8
3.9
3.5
3.3
3.1
2.7
2.3
2.3
2.1
2.1
(Units)
800,000
700,000
600,000
500,000
400,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
0
(Calender year)
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Source: MOTOR INTELLIGENCE “U.S. Market New Vehicle Deliveries” (2009–2018)
(%)
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0
Market Share
Ascent
Tribeca
SUBARU BRZ
Forester
WRX
Crosstrek
Impreza
Outback
Legacy
In the Japanese market, we are strengthening new proposals, using products such as all-new Forester
and SUBARU XV (known as Crosstrek in North America) models equipped with e-BOXER and special
edition vehicles as a hook, and stepping up communication with customers using media messaging and
exhibitions. Also, by improving and supporting the dealer network, the actual point of contact with
customers, as well as the work performed by dealer staff and the working environment, we aim to make
SUBARU a brand whose products, dealers, and dealer staff are loved by people. In so doing, we will restore
customer trust. Although total demand in Japan is contracting, we want to maintain annual passenger car
sales of approximately 120,000 vehicles.
Although extremely strict environmental regulations make China and Europe difficult markets for
SUBARU, which does business mainly in the U.S., we will aim to utilize all-new Forester and SUBARU XV
models equipped with the e-BOXER system to support sales in these markets. These are the first SUBARU
hybrid models to be introduced in Europe, and I think their reputation in the market will represent a new
departure in our sales strategy.
With regard to production capacity, we believe we have a foundation in place to support sales of 1.3
million vehicles. Although future changes in the business environment may necessitate changes to our
production plans, there is no major change in our existing plans at this time.
Aerospace Business
FYE March 2019 marked the start of a number of new projects in the aerospace business, including the
center wing section of the Boeing 777X and complete products such as helicopters. We intend to carefully
nurture each of these projects and develop them into pillars that will support the growth of the Aerospace
Company. Aerospace is a growth industry, and the aerospace business requires leading-edge technologies
in all areas of development and manufacturing. The mutual utilization of strengths is progressing within the
SUBARU Group in ways such as the application of leading-edge technologies from the aerospace business
in automobile development and introduction in the aerospace business of expertise in cost-cutting and
other areas cultivated in the automotive business. We will continue efforts to generate new synergies and
aim to contribute to overall business growth by further utilizing the strengths of both business units.
11
Annual Report 2019
Initiatives to Enhance Corporate Value
SUBARU considers it necessary to promote and ensure the penetration of CSR initiatives on a group-wide,
global scale to contribute to solving social issues through our businesses and meet stakeholder
expectations and demands. We have defined Six Priority Areas for CSR in STEP and are implementing
initiatives aimed at achieving a balance between creating a sustainable society and achieving sustained
growth. By applying the Six Priority Areas for CSR in our business activities, we will contribute to diversifying
social needs and fulfill our social responsibilities as a corporation. In so doing, the SUBARU Group will
become a corporate group trusted by society as a truly global company and contribute to the creation of a
more affluent and sustainable society.
The SUBARU Group has made the automotive and aerospace businesses the pillars of its business
operations. In the SUBARU Environmental Policies, revised in April 2017, we defined SUBARUʼs fields of
business as the earth, the sky and nature and made protecting the Earthʼs environment a key priority in
business activities. The Group aims to reduce direct CO2 emissions* by 30% compared to FYE March 2017
levels by FYE March 2031 and is currently implementing reduction initiatives group-wide. In addition to
installing a captive-consumption solar power system and purchasing CO2 emissions-free hydropower, we
have initiated new CO2 emissions reduction measures. We forecast reduction of approximately 20,000
t-CO2, equivalent to around 3% of annual emissions, by FYE March 2021.
In product-related environmental measures, in addition to focusing on improving the environmental
performance of existing models, we will shift to joint development of BEVs with Toyota Motor Corporation
and expand our line of products with enhanced environmental performance.
SUBARU considers corporate governance one of the managementʼs top priorities. To strengthen
management oversight of business execution, we obtained approval at the 88th Ordinary General Meeting
of Shareholders to increase the number of outside directors from two to three. As a result, outside directors
now make up one-third of the Board of Directors (three of nine members). In addition, we have appointed
SUBARUʼs first female officer (an outside corporate auditor) and are promoting diversity management. In
April 2019, we reorganized the departments responsible for oversight of business execution, established
the Risk Management Group under the direction of a Chief Risk Management Officer (CRMO), and clarified
reporting lines. This will enable us to increase the effectiveness of group-wide internal controls and risk
management.
* CO2 directly emitted from SUBARU Group plants and offices (Scope 1 and 2)
Annual Report 2019
12
Message from the CFO
Director of the Board,
Executive Vice President and CFO
Toshiaki Okada
We will identify and prioritize the necessary resources
in the categories and markets in which SUBARU
can leverage its strengths and link them to
the improvement of medium- and long-term
corporate value and sustained growth.
Business Performance in FYE March 2019
Consolidated unit sales in FYE March 2019 decreased by some 67,000 units year on year to 1,000,000 units.
Unit sales in overseas markets decreased by 39,000 units to 865,000 units as a result of factors including a
decrease in unit shipments of the Forester in the first half of the year ahead of a full model change. This
decrease was also despite strong retail sales boosted by the impact of the all-new Ascent, which was
introduced in the summer of 2018 in the key U.S. market, and continued strong performance from the
Crosstrek (known as the SUBARU XV outside North America). Unit sales in the domestic market decreased
by 28,000 to 135,000 units as a result of factors including lower sales of the Impreza, SUBARU XV, and Levorg,
despite strong sales of the Forester, which underwent a full model change in July 2019.
Since fall 2018, the Gunma Plant has placed the highest priority on maintaining stable quality in both
production and inspections so that the plantʼs continuing operation at lower production line speeds, as well
13
Annual Report 2019
as halt in production in January 2019 following the occurrence of defects in purchased parts and other
issues, lead to a unit production decrease by 61,000 units year on year to 989,000 units. Consolidated unit
sales were consequently affected due to insufficient supply.
As a result, consolidated net sales decreased 1 by 2.2% to 3,160.5 billion yen. Operating income
decreased by 48.5% to 195.5 billion yen because of the unit sales decrease, cost increases in areas relating
to quality, caused chiefly by recalls, and a decline in profit per unit attributable to costs related to
environmental response initiatives. Ordinary income decreased by 48.3% to 196.2 billion yen, and net
income attributable to owners of parent decreased by 32.9% to 147.8 billion yen.
Outlook for FYE March 2020
Since SUBARU is voluntarily applying the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) from the
beginning of FYE March 2020, forecasts are calculated based on IFRS.
We forecast strong sales of the Ascent, Forester, and Crosstrek in the key market of North America and
a new-model effect for the Forester in other markets and, as a result, have planned for consolidated unit
sales of 1,058,000 vehicles.
We have also planned for consolidated revenue2 of 3,310.0 billion yen. Although we have factored into
the forecast improvement in sales volume and mixture due to a projected increase in unit sales, as well as a
projected decrease in quality-related costs, in light of increases in R&D expenses and SG&A expenses̶as
well as the impact of exchange rates and higher raw material prices̶we are planning for operating profit3
of 260.0 billion yen, profit before tax4 of 270.0 billion yen, and profit for the period attributable to owners of
parent5 of 210.0 billion yen. In the second half of the year, we are projected to start the restoration of
production line speed at the Gunma Plant. Consequently, we forecast higher consolidated unit sales,
revenue, and operating profit in the second half than in the first half and will aim for operating profit at an
annualized level of 300.0 billion yen from the second half of the year.
We plan for incentives per vehicle in the U.S. of 2,200 U.S. dollars, an increase of 100 U.S. dollars year on
year. We plan to begin sales of all-new versions of the Legacy and Outback in the North American market in
the fall, and the main reason for the 100-U.S. dollar increase is a planned effort to boost sales before the
model change. Sales of the Ascent, Forester, and Crosstrek remain strong, and incentives for these three
models are being controlled at low levels. However, while the interest rate environment is improving, we think
it will be necessary to boost incentives due to factors such as changes in the competitive environment. We
also intend to closely monitor the status of sales, supply, and inventory as well as carefully manage expenses.
1
An accounting policy change (deduction of sales incentives from net sales) was implemented beginning in FYE March 2019. Figures for comparison
years have been calculated by applying the revised policy
2 “Net sales” under Japanese Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (JGAAP)
3 “Operating income” under JGAAP
4 “Income before income taxes” under JGAAP
5 “Net income attributable to owners of parent” under JGAAP
FYE March 2019: Analysis of Increase and
Decrease in Operating Income Changes
(Consolidated)
(Billions of yen)
FYE March 2020: Analysis of Increase and
Decrease in Operating Profit Changes
(Consolidated)
(Billions of yen)
R&D
expenses
18.6
379.4
R&D
expenses
SG&A expenses
18.6
and others
379.4
SG&A expenses
and others
Sales volume &
mixture and others
Sales volume &
mixture and others
Sales volume &
mixture and others
-98.7
-98.7
-87.4 -10.7 -5.7
195.5
-87.4 -10.7 -5.7
195.5
Cost reduction
Cost reduction
Loss on currency exchange
Loss on currency exchange
Sales volume &
mixture and others
R&D
expenses
R&D
expenses
SG&A expenses
and others
SG&A expenses
and others
25.7
3.6
70.6
195.5
181.7
195.5
-13.8
Accounting
standard
difference
181.7
Loss on
Loss on
currency
currency
exchange
exchange
-13.8
Accounting
standard
difference
-14.8 -9.2
-14.8 -9.2
Loss on
Loss on
currency
currency
exchange
exchange
Cost
Cost
reduction
reduction
Cost
Cost
reduction
reduction
25.7
Other
3.6
2.4
260.0
70.6
Other
2.4
260.0
’18/3
Operating
income
Result
-183.9 billion yen
’18/3
Operating
income
Result
’19/3
Operating
-183.9 billion yen
income
Result
’19/3
Operating
income
Result
’19/3
Operating
income
Result
(JGAAP)
’19/3
Operating
profit
Result
(IFRS)
’19/3
Operating
income
Result
(JGAAP)
’19/3
Operating
+78.3 billion yen
profit
Result
(IFRS)
’20/3
Operating
+78.3 billion yen
profit
Planned
(IFRS)
’20/3
Operating
profit
Planned
(IFRS)
Annual Report 2019
14
Message from the CFO
Progress with STEP
We have made quality reforms the highest priority in STEP, SUBARUʼs mid-term management vision, and are
undertaking fundamental improvement of quality, which is the basis of customer trust. We have set a five-
year investment framework of 150.0 billion yen for enhancement of total quality, from product planning and
production to points of contact with customers. Quality enhancement initiatives at each department have
begun, such as augmentation of facilities and personnel in R&D and production as well as improvement of
the workplace environment and employee work styles.
With regard to the profit plan, we think it will be difficult to achieve the planned three-year (FYE March
2019 to FYE March 2021) operating profit of 950.0 billion yen (exchange rate assumption of ¥105 to US$1.00)
because of an increase in temporary quality-related costs due to the occurrence of a major recall and in
costs related to complying with environmental regulations, changes in plant operation schedules, and other
factors. Nevertheless, by steadily implementing the initiatives set out in STEP, we intend to first of all solidify
the profit foundation to enable us to achieve single-year operating profit of approximately 300.0 billion yen,
and in the future aim for an operating margin of 10%. Going forward, further cost increases will be
unavoidable due to the tightening of environmental regulations, and we recognize that we must now
consider how to carry out vehicle mono-zukuri (car-making) in order to secure profits, in addition to how to
evolve our current business model and enhance our brand power while communicating with the market.
Financial and Capital Strategies
The Company engages in business management with return on capital, financial soundness, and shareholder
returns as the three key indicators of capital policy. Specifically, the Company has declared a policy of
providing appropriate shareholder returns while maintaining a high degree of balance between return on
equity (ROE) and the shareholdersʼ equity ratio over the medium and long term. We have set a minimum
shareholdersʼ equity ratio of 50% and want to secure cash reserves equivalent to two monthsʼ sales. We have
set a target of maintaining ROE of 10% and will aim for ROE of 15% or higher. Although we recognize that
we currently have ample cash reserves, we expect the level of reserves to decline somewhat due to factors
including expenditures accompanying performance of recall work that occurred up to FYE March 2019.
With regard to profit distribution, we ensure balanced distribution of profits to all stakeholders and
provide continuous, stable shareholder returns, with dividend payments as the primary component of
returns. Although the level of profits declined sharply in FYE March 2019, since we judged that the main
reasons for the decline are temporary, we declared an annual dividend payment for FYE March 2019 of
Capital Expenditures Depreciation Expenses
R&D Expenditures
Capital expenditures
Depreciation expenses
Capital expenditures
Depreciation expenses
(Billions of yen)
(Billions of yen)
158.5
135.7
141.4
140.0
110.7
64.8
65.0
77.0
113.5
89.8
88.8
100.0
200
150
100
50
0
150
120
90
60
30
0
121.1
120.0
114.2
102.4
102.7
83.5
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3 ’20/3
(Planned)
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3 ’20/3
(Planned)
* FYE March 2020: IFRS figures
Capital expenditures, amortization expenses, and lease obligations
pertaining to lease transactions and intangible assets are not
included
* The figures represent expenditures pertaining to R&D activities that
occurred during the reporting periods
Since under IFRS, the portion of such expenditures for which asset
value is recognized is recorded as intangible assets and amortized
based on estimated useful life, the figure differs from “Research and
development expenses” on the consolidated income statement
(corresponding to “Research and development expenses” on the
consolidated statements of income under JGAAP)
15
Annual Report 2019
144 yen per share (half-year dividend of 72 yen and year-end dividend of 72 yen), the same as for FYE March
2018. We plan to maintain a dividend of 144 yen per share (half-year dividend of 72 yen and year-end
dividend of 72 yen) again in FYE March 2020. Although concerns about a global slowdown due to trade
friction are heightening, there is no change in our policy of making a dividend payment of 144 yen the basis
of shareholder returns and conducting flexible share repurchases while taking into account cash flow.
The automotive industry is in a period of transition to a new era, and social demands for the new
technologies called CASE* are increasing against a backdrop of tightening local environmental performance
regulations, tax systems, and safety performance assessments. At the same time, since the commercial
viability of these technologies is by no means high at this time, we recognize that the industry is entering a
difficult business phase.
In this business environment, it is important for SUBARU, by no means a large automaker, to determine
the business sectors in which it can leverage its strengths and intensively invest in necessary resources with a
view to the improvement of medium- and long-term corporate value and sustained growth. In my role as
CFO, I will work to meet the expectations of our shareholders and other stakeholders by supporting
improvement of medium- and long-term corporate value and sustained growth through an appropriate
response to financial risks and financial strategies, including utilization of the SUBARU Groupʼs funds through
centralized management and both optimal allocation and timely investment in growth sectors. I request your
further understanding and support in the coming years.
* An acronym of the words: Connected, Autonomous, Shared & Services, and Electric
Capital Policy
Net cash
Ratio of shareholdersʼ
equity to total assets
ROE
Shareholder returns
Two monthsʼ worth of
net sales at minimum
50% at minimum
10%
15%
144 yen
To conduct flexibly
Minimum
Target
Yearly dividend per share
Share repurchases
Free Cash Flow
Ratio of Shareholdersʼ Equity to Total Assets
Dividend per Share
Dividend Payout Ratio
Free cash flow (Left)
Ratio of shareholders’ equity to total assets (Right)
Dividend per share (Left)
Dividend payout ratio (Right)
(Billions of yen)
400
300
200
100
0
358.6
51.851.8
52.8
54.2
53.8
215.6
46.5
138.8
91.2
15.7
(%)
80
60
40
20
0
(Yen)
160
120
80
40
0
144
144
144
144
68
25.725.7
20.320.3
50.150.1
39.439.4
74.774.7
(%)
120
90
60
30
0
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
* Application of Partial Amendments to Accounting Standard for Tax
Effect Accounting, effective from FYE March 2019
Retroactively applied to the figures for FYE March 2018
Annual Report 2019
16
Financial and Non-Financial Highlights
Years ended March 31
Financial Highlights
SUBARU CORPORATION and its consolidated subsidiaries
3,232.3 3,326.0
3,232.7
3,160.5
2,877.9
Net Sales
(Billions of yen)
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
Operating Income Operating Margin
Operating income (Left)
Operating margin (Right)
(Billions of yen)
565.6
423.0
14.714.7
410.8
379.4
17.517.5
12.412.4
11.711.7
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
(%)
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
195.5
6.26.2
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
* Change of accounting policy effective from FYE March 2019
(deduction of sales incentives from net sales)
Retroactively applied to the figures for FYE March 2018
108
Capital Expenditures Depreciation Expenses
R&D Expenses
Capital expenditures
Depreciation expenses
(Billions of yen)
(Billions of yen)
121
108
Exchange rate (Yen to the U.S. dollar)
111
111
158.5
141.4
135.7
110.7
64.8
65.0
77.0
113.5
89.8
88.8
200
150
100
50
0
150
120
90
60
30
0
114.2
121.1
102.4
102.7
83.5
’15/3
’15/3
’16/3
’16/3
’17/3
’17/3
’18/3
’18/3
’19/3
’19/3
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
* Accompanying a change in accounting policy effective from the FYE March
2019, change of depreciation method for certain tangible fixed assets of the
Company and its major domestic consolidated subsidiaries from the declining-
balance method to the straight-line method
Non-Financial Highlights
Direct CO2 Emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2)
Waste Generation
Overseas Group companies
Domestic Group companies
SUBARU
Overseas Group companies
Domestic Group companies
SUBARU
612,044 623,786
668,667 687,468 678,839
(Tons of CO2)
800,000
600,000
400,000
200,000
0
(Tons)
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
162,893 166,856 170,589
190,924 185,736
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
* Beginning in FYE March 2019, the reporting basis of SUBARUʼs CO2 emissions has
changed from “non-adjusted greenhouse gas emissions” to “adjusted greenhouse
gas emissions,” which are based on the Act on Promotion of Global Warming
Countermeasures. The change has been retroactively applied to emissions since
FYE March 2015. CO2 reduction initiatives are described on page 45
* Includes scrap metal sold
17
Annual Report 2019
Interest-Bearing Debt D/E Ratio
Interest-bearing debt (Left)
D/E ratio (Right)
(Billions of yen)
250
200
150
100
50
0
211.2
0.210.21
170.0
148.3
0.130.13
0.100.10
100.4
86.2
0.060.06
0.060.06
ROE ROA
ROE
ROA
36.9
23.6
29.3
20.7
(Times)
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
(%)
40
30
20
10
0
20.2
15.3
14.6
13.4
9.4
6.7
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
Free Cash Flow
Ratio of Shareholders’ Equity to Total Assets
Free cash flow (Left)
Ratio of shareholders’ equity to total assets (Right)
(Billions of yen)
400
300
200
100
0
46.546.5
138.8
358.6
51.851.8
52.852.8
54.254.2
53.853.8
215.6
91.2
15.7
(%)
80.0
60.0
40.0
20.0
0
* ROA = Operating income / Total assets
(average at the beginning and end of the term)
Consolidated Unit Sales
(Thousand units)
1,200
911
958
1,065
1,067
1,000
900
600
300
0
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
* Application of Partial Amendments to Accounting Standard for Tax Effect
* Automobile unit sales of SUBARU CORPORATION and
Accounting, effective from FYE March 2019
Retroactively applied to the figures for FYE March 2018
its consolidated subsidiaries
Water Consumption
Overseas Group companies
Per unit of consolidated net sales (Right)
Domestic Group companies
Number of Employees
SUBARU
Non-consolidated
Consolidated
(Thousand m3)
5,000
4,367
4,401
4,462
(Thousand m3/100 million yen)
0.30
4,843
4,673
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
0.150.15
0.140.14
0.130.13
0.140.14
0.150.15
0.24
0.18
0.12
0.06
0.00
29,774
31,151
32,599
33,544
34,200
13,883
13,883
14,234
14,234
14,708
14,708
14,879
14,879
15,274
15,274
(Persons)
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
* Excluding executive officers, advisors, and dispatches
Annual Report 2019
18
Featured Topic
Report on Improprieties Relating to
Final Vehicle Inspections
Here, we provide an overview of improper conduct during final
vehicle inspections and SUBARUʼs response to those instances,
and report on specific measures to prevent any reoccurrence.
WEB
Please refer to the SUBARU corporate
website for details.
https://www.subaru.co.jp/en/jpfvi/top.html
Overview of Improprieties Relating to Final Vehicle Inspections
On December 19, 2017 and April 27, 2018, SUBARU reported to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
(MLIT) about improper conduct during final vehicle inspections discovered in October 2017. On June 5, 2018, SUBARU was
required by the MLIT to conduct a thorough investigation and develop measures to prevent any reoccurrence of
improprieties in connection with vehicle fuel economy and emissions sampling procedures and other final vehicle
inspections. In response to this, SUBARU commissioned a team of external professionals, including an attorney, to conduct
a thorough investigation from an objective and neutral perspective. The investigation newly identified inappropriate
conduct in connection with final vehicle inspections and on September 28, 2018 SUBARU released the investigation report.
Furthermore, an internal investigation triggered by an on-site inspection conducted by the MLIT in October 2018 found
that some inappropriate conduct had continued.
Since the end of 2017, SUBARU has reinforced education for final vehicle inspectors, reviewed personnel assignments,
and promptly implemented feasible facilities modifications, updating of inspection equipment software, and various other
measures. Taking this all into account, executives and managers spent considerable time participating in inspections at
final inspection sites, holding discussions with final vehicle inspectors, and verifying the effect of various measures already
implemented to prevent reoccurrence of improper conduct, and worked to ensure compliance. Subsequently, as a result of
halting production lines to verify the effect of preventive measures, on October 26, 2018 SUBARU found that the preventive
measures function effectively and that the soundness of the final vehicle inspection process had been ensured, and
SUBARU confirmed that the identified improper conduct had ended. No improper conduct similar to that identified in the
investigations conducted to date has been discovered since the resumption of production.
Given the background to the above repeated improprieties, on November 14, 2018 SUBARU received from the Minister
of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism a recommendation of actions, such as a review and thorough implementation
of prevention measures. Also, on December 19, 2018, MLIT notified the Tokyo District Court to apply a civil fine against
SUBARU pursuant to the Road Transport Vehicle Act, since part of the improper sampling tests constituted a case of partial
non-implementation of important final vehicle inspections. As a result, on March 8, 2019, the Tokyo District Court imposed
a non-penal fine of 83.4 million yen.
Response to Improprieties Relating to Final Vehicle Inspections
The Company takes the current situation resulting from repeated improper conduct extremely seriously. We have resolved
to recover the trust of all stakeholders as quickly as possible by further accelerating activities to become “a company that
does the right thing in the right way.” We are boldly implementing corporate culture reforms and have implemented
various measures to prevent a reoccurrence of improper conduct, which can be divided into the following four categories.
Measures that strengthen managementʼs sense of ownership and clarify its responsibility for compliance and
quality assurance
Measures to detect and prevent improper work
Development of a structure to promptly correct improper work when it occurs
Measures that are promptly implemented and continuously operated in the future
SUBARU has further subdivided the abovementioned preventive measures into 65 items and is currently implementing
the measures. Implementation of 57 items has been completed as of April 23, 2019, when the quarterly progress report
was submitted to the MLIT. SUBARU will continue to mount a group-wide effort to implement measures to prevent any
reoccurrence of improper conduct and to constantly improve and increase the reliability of those measures.
19
Annual Report 2019
Status of Implementation of Measures to Prevent any
Reoccurrence of Improprieties Related to Final Vehicle Inspections
Changing Our Mindset, Starting with Management
Senior management is taking the initiative in ascertaining the situation on the ground,
ensuring that a change in employee mindset reaches every corner of the workplace, and
engaging in activities to foster a corporate culture that places the highest priority on quality.
In addition to regular efforts to raise awareness of quality and compliance through an
in-house newsletter, SUBARU uses feature articles and extra issues of the in-house
newsletter to convey senior managementʼs commitment to corporate culture reform
throughout the Group. Also, SUBARU holds discussions between senior management and
employees for the purpose of invigorating communication with frontline workers.
Since November 2018, President Nakamura has visited plants and offices throughout
the Group, including the Gunma Plant and Aerospace Company Utsunomiya Plant, to
communicate face to face with employees about managementʼs firm resolve to prevent
any reoccurrence of the repeated final vehicle inspection problems and to recover trust.
Also, SUBARU has implemented organizational changes in order to steadfastly and more
robustly implement measures to prevent any reoccurrence of the final inspection
problems, including establishment of the Vehicle Inspection Department within the Quality
Assurance Division effective December 1, 2018 and institution of a new organizational
structure with respect to the director in charge of manufacturing, effective January 1, 2019.
Improvement of Communication
At final inspection sites, team leaders and final vehicle inspectors review each dayʼs work
together and mutually confirm whether inspections have been carried out in accordance
with standard operations and whether the standard operations themselves are appropriate.
Also, to realize various improvements, senior personnel and inspectors periodically hold
meetings to discuss improvements to all aspects of work and consider improvement
measures. Furthermore, department general managers hold monthly regular meetings at
all workplaces, at which they directly confirm the status of improvement of inspection sites
and individual problems and concerns, introduce best practice examples from other
worksites, and discuss problems for which improvement has been delayed. In this way,
following sharing of workplace problems at each level of management, workplace-level
measures for improvement are rapidly implemented. Furthermore, measures for
improvement that, according to their nature, must be implemented beyond the workplace
level are realized through discussion with team leaders, assistant managers, section
managers, or department general managers. This daily communication is contributing to
raising the awareness of final vehicle inspectors and to continuous improvement activities.
Improvement of Facilities
SUBARU has implemented various improvements in the final vehicle inspection process to
ensure reliable inspections and quality. One example of a facilities improvement is the
conversion of a device used in speedometer tests. Whereas previously a monitor constantly
displayed the speed being measured, now only the speedometersʼ measurement results
are displayed, enabling inspectors to focus their attention on the speedometers. In
addition, final vehicle inspector trainees wear different colored caps and helmets to clearly
indicate that they are trainees. Work training is conducted at actual production lines on a
one-to-one basis by inspectors with trainer qualifications. Through these improvements,
SUBARU is developing a reliable inspection system and rigorously ensuring quality.
Note: This is an English translation of the original Japanese text. If there are any discrepancies between this text and
the original Japanese text, the original Japanese text prevails
Annual Report 2019
20
Business Overview
Automotive
Business Unit
SUBARU continues to develop cars that promise
total driving enjoyment and safety for all passengers.
Consolidated Net Sales Contribution
Ratio of the Automotive Business Unit
95.4%
Net Sales
(Billions of yen)
The launch of the SUBARU 360 in 1958 marked SUBARUʼs start as an
automaker. Ever since, we have contributed to the development of Japanʼs
automotive industry by creating a succession of distinctive cars equipped
with creative technologies such as the horizontally opposed engine and
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. We continue to take on new challenges in
order to provide all of our customers with “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind.”
For example, we continue to evolve the EyeSight driver assist system, have
improved safety performance and driving performance by adopting the
Subaru Global Platform, our next-generation vehicle platform, and were the
first Japanese automaker to use a pedestrian protection airbag.
3,152.0
3,039.4
2,699.0
3,062.3
3,014.5
Overview of FYE March 2019
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
* Change of accounting policy effective from FYE
March 2019 (deduction of sales incentives from
net sales)
Retroactively applied to the figures for FYE
March 2018
Operating Income
(Billions of yen)
600
543.6
400
400.9
397.7
361.5
200
0
184.9
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
21
Annual Report 2019
■ Consolidated global unit sales decreased by 6.3% year on year to
1,000,000 units.
■ Sales in Japan were 135,000 units. Overseas sales were 865,000 units.
* Vehicle volume figures are rounded off to the nearest thousand
Consolidated Automobile Sales
by Region (Thousand units)
Japan ............................... 135
United States ................... 660
Canada .............................. 57
Russia ................................... 8
Europe ................................ 32
Australia ............................. 42
China ................................. 23
Others ................................ 43
Total ................................. 1,000
Product Lineup
Legacy Series
Consolidated unit sales: 260,000 units
Sales regions: Japan, North America, Russia, Europe,
Australia, China, and other
Consolidated unit sales: 260,000 units
Sales regions: Japan, North America, Russia, Europe,
Australia, China, and other
Consolidated unit sales: 41,000 units
Sales regions: Japan, North America, Russia, Europe,
Australia, and other
Impreza Series
(SEDAN)
(5 Door)
Consolidated unit sales: 15,000 units
Sales regions: Japan, Europe, Australia, and other
Consolidated unit sales: 7,000 units
Sales regions: Japan, North America, Europe,
Australia, and other
(North America: CROSSTREK)
Consolidated unit sales: 322,000 units
Sales regions: Japan, North America, Russia, Europe,
Australia, China, and other
(Exclusively for North America)
Consolidated unit sales: 67,000 units
Sales region: North America
OEM Models
Consolidated unit sales: 28,000 units
Sales region: Japan
(OEM supply from Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.)
* For the period from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019
* Automobile sales of SUBARU CORPORATION and its consolidated subsidiaries
Annual Report 2019
22
Business Overview
Automotive Business Unit
The SUBARU Concept of All-Around Safety
Aiming for the highest level of peace of mind
and safety for all passengers
SUBARU pursues automobile safety performance from every perspective and is
refining and perfecting core technologies on the basis of four safety criteria:
primary safety, active safety, preventive safety, and passive safety.
Primary
Safety
Active
Safety
Preventive
Safety
Passive
Safety
Safe situation
Hazardous
situation
Accident
Collision
Spread of
damage
Preemptive
accident
avoidance
Damage
reduction
during an
accident
Primary
Safety
Basic design features for avoiding accidents
Increasing driving safety through basic design features such as
car shape and controls
Visibility design
Driving position
Interface
Active
Safety
The ultimate in driving performance for greater safety
Facilitating hazard avoidance through performance improvement
in the basic functions of a car: driving, turning, and stopping
Horizontally opposed engine
Symmetrical AWD
Preventive
Safety
Advanced technology that supports safe driving
Supporting safe driving by helping avoid collisions and reduce
damage
EyeSight
Passive
Safety
Extra precautions just in case
Minimizing damage when an accident occurs
Engine layout
Pedestrian protection airbag
Subaru Global Platform
Safety Performance
Recognized Worldwide
SUBARU has received the highest rating in the
NCAP1 conducted by the authorities in Japan,
the U.S., Australia, and other countries, as well
as in the safety performance assessment
conducted by the IIHS2 in the U.S.3
In the IIHS safety performance assessment,
all models equipped with EyeSight and specific
headlights received the 2019 Top Safety Pick
Plus (TSP+) rating. The 2019 TSP+ awards only
apply to the North America models.
1 NCAP: New Car Assessment Program
2 IIHS: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
3 For ratings details, please refer to rating agency websites
23
Annual Report 2019
Europe
Euro NCAP
5★
Japan
JNCAP
FIRST PRIZE
JNCAP
5★
シャドウ付き
JNCAP
ASV+++
Australia
ANCAP
5★
U.S.A.
IIHS
TSP+
* The 2019 TSP+ awards
only apply to the North
America models.
U.S.A.
US-NCAP
5★
JNCAP ASV+++ rated models:
Impreza/SUBARU XV and Forester (models equipped with EyeSight) in 2018
JNCAP 5-star rated and first prize models: Forester in 2018
2019 IIHS TSP+ rated models: 2019 Impreza, Crosstrek, Legacy, Outback, WRX, Ascent, and
Forester (models equipped with EyeSight and specific headlights)
UN-NCAP 5-star rated models:
2019 Impreza, Crosstrek, Legacy, Outback, Ascent, and Forester
Euro NCAP 5-star rated models: Impreza and SUBARU XV in 2017
ANCAP 5-star rated models: Forester in 2019
SUBARU Core Technologies
Horizontally-Opposed Engine (Boxer engine)
Compact, low center of gravity
The horizontally opposed engine has pistons arranged symmetrically to the left and
right of the crankshaft. Since the opposed pistons mutually cancel out engine
vibrations, the engine can rotate smoothly, which reduces vibrations conveyed to the
vehicle interior. The engineʼs low height and compact design contribute to low vehicle
center of gravity. The stable attitude provides a high sense of security during driving.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Superior overall weight distribution
The combination of the low center of gravity provided by the horizontally opposed
engine and superior longitudinal-transverse weight balance achieved by placing
the transmission near the center of the vehicle maximizes all-wheel drive capability
and delivers superb driving performance in various conditions. SUBARU has been
committed to Symmetrical AWD as a core technology that drivers can depend on
in every situation from day-to-day town use to high-speed highway driving.
Subaru Global Platform
A next-generation vehicle platform designed
with the future in mind, looking ahead to 2025
SUBARU is sequentially introducing the Subaru Global Platform, starting with the all-
new Impreza launched in October 2016. The new vehicle platform substantially
increases body and chassis rigidity and further lowers vehicle center of gravity, raising
the level of active safety and passive safety and delivering responsive handling
performance and a comfortable ride with reduced unpleasant vibration and noise.
EyeSight Driver Assist System
Stereo cameras for advanced object
recognition capabilities
The use of two cameras positioned to the left and right, like human eyes,
contributes to preventive safety by helping avoid accidents, reduce impact, and
alleviate driver burden by enabling three-dimensional recognition of cars,
pedestrians, and other objects in front of the vehicle and accurate recognition of
the distance, shape, and speed of movement of these objects. SUBARU began
development of a driver assist system using stereo cameras in 1989. Application of
research results and experience accumulated over many years since then has
culminated in EyeSight, a system that anyone can use with peace of mind. In 2017,
we introduced EyeSight Touring Assist, which dramatically reduces driver fatigue by
automatically assisting accelerator, brake, and steering operation at a wide range
of speeds from 0 to approximately 120 km/h for expressway driving.
SUBARU pursues “protecting peopleʼs lives” and evolves preventive safety
technologies with the aim of eliminating fatal accidents involving SUBARU
vehicles* by 2030.
* Elimination of accidents resulting in the death of drivers or passengers in SUBARU vehicles and accidents
resulting in the death of pedestrians, cyclists, or other persons due to collision with SUBARU vehicles
SUBARU Boxer
Conventional In-Line Engine
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Subaru Global Platform
Stereo cameras
Annual Report 2019
24
Business Overview
Debut of the All-New
FORESTER
As a top-selling model in the SUBARU lineup, the all-new fifth-generation Forester is positioned as a key
part of the company’s global strategy. The new model offers packaging that balances excellent handling
with a spacious interior as well as easy-to-use features, bringing comfort and enjoyment for all passengers.
Under SUBARU’s design philosophy “Dynamic x Solid,” we have created the new design for the Forester
that imparts a feeling of the toughness of an SUV and easy-to-use functionality.
Incorporates the Driver Monitoring System,1
SUBARU’s first-ever occupant recognition technology
2018-2019
Equipped with the e-BOXER 2 power unit system,
which makes even everyday driving enjoyable thanks
to smooth acceleration from a motor assist function
Incorporates the Subaru Global Platform, which
provides top-of-class comfort and safety
performance
Pedestrian protection airbags and EyeSight Touring
Assist, the latest advanced safety equipment, come
standard 3 in all models
1
2
3
A safety feature designed to alert an inattentive driver, not to prevent driver
inattention or accidents
A hybrid system that combines a horizontally-opposed engine and electric-drive
technology for eco-friendly performance in addition to SUBARUʼs signature
driving enjoyment
The Forester specifications shown on this page are the specifications in Japan
25
Annual Report 2019
Car Assessment (JNCAP)
Received
the Grand Prix Award
for collision safety
performance
The Forester won the Grand Prix Award in the collision
safety performance assessment for earning the highest
score in the 2018–2019 Japan New Car Assessment
Program (JNCAP) collision safety performance
assessment. It also received Advanced Safety Vehicle
Triple Plus (ASV +++) rating, the highest rating in the
preventive safety performance assessment. The
Foresterʼs high safety performance in a wide range of
areas from accident risk reduction to collision damage
reduction has been demonstrated once again.
シャドウ付き
The Head of Developmentʼs Uncompromising
Attention to Detail that is Winning
the Forester Worldwide Acclaim
Concept of the All-New Forester
We defined the SUBARU value proposition that shaped development of the
Forester as “Trust in Forester̶Able to go anywhere, suitable for use in any
situation.” We created the product by following the core concept of the previous
model and adding new value concepts. We sought to add two new value
concepts. The first is the ability to share comfort and a dynamic space, for all
passengers alike̶the driver and loved ones. The second is that through owning
or riding in the vehicle, drivers will feel able to embark on an exciting adventure
and that all passengers, regardless of generation, can feel a sense of adventure.
These two value concepts are the key development themes for the new Forester.
Comfort for Loved Ones
When I considered what makes a comfortable car, I thought of the Japanese
expression fukuyoka (meaning “well-rounded”). As an example, for the door trim,
we used soft-touch materials all the way up to the top of the window shoulder and,
for areas that come into contact with the body, we devised a way of expressing
interior richness with a spacious seating area and plush interior surfaces. As a
result of thinking through how to provide comfort, we concentrated on creating
comfort with an emphasis on the back-seat area. For instance, we created
spacious legroom by using nearly all of the added wheelbase length of the new
platform for the rear seats and also enhanced the comfort of the rear-seat
environment. Furthermore, although the Driver Monitoring System (DMS) was
initially conceived for the purpose enhancing safety and peace of mind, such as
through preventing the driver from dozing off, since a key objective was to
create a comfortable car, we brainstormed ways of utilizing the DMS to enhance vehicle comfort. We came up with an idea
to increase the customer value of the DMS by utilizing the facial recognition software to automatically adjust the driverʼs
seat position and mirror angles to preset individual preferences.
Project General Manager
Product & Portfolio Planning Division
Tomoyuki Nunome
Stir of Adventure
The word “adventure” can mean many things: for instance, the sense of expectation when the driver straps into the driverʼs
seat or the feeling of excitement about going on a new journey together with loved ones. First, we thought about how to
embody the notion of adventure in a car and decided to do everything we could to achieve this. One example of this is the
cargo area, designed to contribute to a sense of excitement. The engineers and designers drew up plans and considered
together how to create a cargo area that looks spacious from the rear and has a large luggage area with room to stow
everything needed for a family picnic. The result is a cargo area with a 1,300-mm extra-wide rear gate opening, which is
exciting in its potential.
The e-BOXER power unit was first conceived with the idea of using an electric motor to enhance traditional SUBARU
strengths, not simply to improve fuel economy. However, following repeated discussion among the project team members,
we decided to use a motor to compensate for the weaknesses of gasoline engines. The advantage of a motor is that since
it runs on electricity, it can be simply switched off and on. Using an electric motor for functions for which a gasoline engine
is ill suited, resulted in much smoother driving performance. We also considered whether we could use the motor to further
improve driving performance on uneven road surfaces. Getting just the right amount of engine power using the accelerator
is most difficult at the slow speeds required for rough and bumpy terrain. Since (unlike a gasoline engine) motor operation
varies linearly with the accelerator pedal position, cars equipped with the e-BOXER power unit become a great deal easier
to drive. By combining e-BOXER with X-MODE 4 and concentrating on using the motor to assist when the accelerator pedal
is pressed, we were able to evolve X-MODE to make it easier to drive even on bad roads. I think that the development of
e-BOXER has allowed us to create a car that really supports a sense of adventure.
4
X-MODE is an AWD control function. Appropriately controlling the driving force of the four wheels, braking, and other vehicle functions makes it possible to smoothly
escape from bad road conditions
Annual Report 2019
26
Business Overview
Aerospace Company
Leveraging tradition and innovative technologies to
develop and produce a wide variety of aircraft.
SUBARUʼs roots trace to 1917 and Aircraft Research Laboratory, later to
become Nakajima Aircraft. The Aerospace Company, which has inherited
Nakajima Aircraftʼs manufacturing technologies and spirit, leads Japanʼs
aerospace industry and develops and produces a wide variety of aircraft.
In the defense program, we develop, manufacture, maintain, repair,
and provide technical support for products such as the UH-1J utility
helicopter used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force for disaster relief
and other purposes, the T-5 Maritime Self-Defense Force trainer,
unmanned aerial vehicles (more than 15 models developed over a half
century), and flight simulators. In the commercial program, we participate
in many international joint development projects for Boeing. For the 777X,
Boeingʼs newest large passenger airliner, we are responsible for the Center
Wing and its integration with main landing gear (MLG) wheel well, as well
as MLG doors and Wing-to-Body Fairings (forward). In addition, taking
advantage of an alliance with Bell Textron, we jointly developed the
SUBARU BELL 412EPX and have started sales.
By further refining our technologies through involvement in a wide
variety of aircraft programs, we will continue to take on additional challenges
for growing into an aircraft manufacturer with a global presence.
Consolidated Net Sales Contribution
Ratio of the Aerospace Company
4.2%
Net Sales
(Billions of yen)
152.8
142.8
138.8
142.2
131.7
200
150
100
50
0
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
* Change of accounting policy effective from FYE
March 2019 (deduction of sales incentives from
net sales)
Retroactively applied to the figures for FYE
March 2018
Operating Income
(Billions of yen)
18.9
18.2
12.3
9.1
6.0
20
15
10
5
0
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
Boeing 777X
SUBARU BELL 412EPX
27
Annual Report 2019
Overview of Center Wing Box and
SUBARUʼs Technology
SUBARUʼs advanced technological capabilities
continue to support the development and
production of wings that have proven their worth
in the worldʼs skies for more than 40 years.
Since first participating in the Boeing passenger program in 1973, we have
been involved in development and production as a key partner of Boeing for
more than 40 years. We manufacture the center wing box, the critical aircraft
section where the right and left wings are attached to the forward and aft
fuselage sections. Since the center wing box contains the fuel, they must have
high mechanical strength and high fluid tightness. For these reasons, great
accuracy and advanced assembly technologies are required for its
manufacture, and SUBARU is one of the few companies capable of making
them. The Handa Plant, where center wing boxes are manufactured, is a
global-level production center that produces these parts for the new Boeing
777X as well as for the Boeing 777 large airliner, the Boeing 787 mid-size
airliner, the Ministry of Defenseʼs P-1 maritime patrol aircraft, and the C-2
transport aircraft.
SUBARUʼs advanced technological capabilities are recognized worldwide.
For example, we engage in development on the “Drop test for Simplified
Evaluation of Non-symmetrically Distributed sonic boom” Project (D-SEND)
together with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
A center wing box (Handa Plant)
President
Aerospace Company
Shoichiro Tozuka
Message from the Company President
The Aerospace Company will contribute to
the enhancement of the SUBARU brand.
We are a start-to-finish aircraft builder with a wide-range of integration capability
from aircraft development and manufacturing to flight testing. Flight safety is an
important factor for aircraft, and for many years we have fostered a culture in which
quality and safety are recognized as inextricably linked and uncompromisingly
pursued. This total safety concept is at the core of SUBARUʼs DNA.
In the commercial airplane business, the production rate of the Boeing 787,
which is our major product, has reached 14 shipsets per month. Meanwhile, for the
Boeing 777X, the latest derivative of the Boeing 777 series, we have completed
delivery of components for test airplanes and expect full-scale production to start.
In the defense program, we have successfully made the first flight and delivered
the prototype of a New Utility Helicopter for Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
in FYE March 2019. We have begun production of the SUBARU BELL 412EPX, which
is based on the New Utility Helicopter, and will engage in full-scale production and
sales from FYE March 2020.
We will continue to hone and perfect every aspect of our business and pursue
further growth with the aim of expanding the SUBARU brand to the sky and space.
Annual Report 2019
28
Directors, Auditors, and Executive Officers
(As of August 8, 2019)
Directors of the Board
Director of the Board
Yasuyuki Yoshinaga
Representative
Director of the Board
Tomomi Nakamura
Representative
Director of the Board
Kazuo Hosoya
Director of the Board
Toshiaki Okada
Director of the Board
Yoichi Kato
Director of the Board
Tetsuo Onuki
Outside Director
Shigehiro Aoyama
Outside Director
Yasuyuki Abe
Outside Director
Natsunosuke Yago
Auditors
Standing Corporate Auditor
Akira Mabuchi
Standing Corporate Auditor
Shuzo Haimoto
Outside Corporate Auditor
Shigeru Nosaka
Outside Corporate Auditor
Kyoko Okada
29
Annual Report 2019
Executive Officers
Chairman
President
Yasuyuki Yoshinaga
Tomomi Nakamura
CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
Deputy President
Kazuo Hosoya
Chief General Manager of Manufacturing Div. and Gunma Plant
Executive Vice President
Toshiaki Okada
CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
Executive Vice President
Yoichi Kato
CRMO (Chief Risk Management Officer)
Executive Vice President
Katsuyuki Mizuma
Chief General Manager of Overseas Sales & Marketing Div. 1 and
Overseas Sales & Marketing Div. 2
Executive Vice President
Tetsuo Onuki
CTO (Chief Technology Officer)
Executive Vice President
Atsushi Osaki
CQO (Chief Quality Officer)
Chief General Manager of Quality Assurance Div.
Senior Vice President
Hideaki Matsuki
Chief General Manager of Parts & Accessories Div.
Senior Vice President
Hiromi Tsutsumi
General Manager of Human Resources Dept.
Senior Vice President
Shoichiro Tozuka
Company President of Aerospace Company
Senior Vice President
Takuji Dai
CIO (Chief Information Officer)
Chief General Manager of IT Strategy Div., Senior General Manager of
Corporate Planning Div.
Senior Vice President
Fumiaki Hayata
Chief General Manager of Corporate Planning Div.
Senior Vice President
Tatsuro Kobayashi
Chief General Manager of Purchasing Div.
Senior Vice President
Eiji Ogino
President of SIA 1
Vice President
Katsuo Saito
General Manager of General Administration Dept. and
Investor Relations Dept.
Vice President
Yasushi Nagae
Chief General Manager of Customer Service Div.
Vice President
Jinya Shoji
Senior General Manager of Overseas Sales & Marketing Div. 1, EVP 2 of SOA 3
Vice President
Yoichi Sato
Chief General Manager of Japan Sales & Marketing Div.
Vice President
Takeshi Seiyama
SIA 1 Senior Vice President of SIA, Senior General Manager of
Purchasing Div.
Vice President
Osamu Eriguchi
Chief General Manager of Engineering Div. 2
Vice President
Tomoaki Emori
Senior General Manager of Corporate Planning Div.
Vice President
Tatsuya Okuno
Chief General Manager of Engineering Div. 1
Vice President
Tamotsu Inui
Chief General Manager of Cost Planning & Management Div.
Vice President
Tetsuo Fujinuki
Chief General Manager of Engineering Management Div.,
Senior General Manager of Engineering Div. 1, and Technical Research Center
Vice President
Hiroshi Wakai
Company Vice President of Aerospace Company,
Senior General Manager of Engineering & Development Center
Vice President
Kazuhiro Abe
Chief General Manager of Product Planning Div.
1 Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.
2 Executive Vice President
3 Subaru of America, Inc.
Annual Report 2019
30
Corporate Governance
Basic Policy on Corporate Governance
In accordance with the corporate philosophy and management philosophy (see page 02), SUBARU has articulated the
vision “From a company making things, to a company making people smile” and is working to enhance corporate
governance to gain the satisfaction and trust of all its stakeholders by achieving sustainable growth and improving its
corporate value in the medium to long term as a top management priority.
SUBARU clearly separates management decision-making and oversight from business execution and aims to realize
efficient management by expediting decision-making.
SUBARU ensures proper decision-making and oversight of corporate management and the execution of business
operations as well as enhancing compliance and its risk management systems through the monitoring of its
management and operations and advice provided by outside officers.
SUBARU provides proper and timely disclosure of information in order to improve transparency of management.
Management Organization
The Company has chosen a company with a board of corporate auditors as its corporate governance structure. The
Board of Directors decides and supervises important matters of business execution, and the Board of Corporate
Auditors audits the execution of duties by directors.
With regard to the business operation system, the Company has established the Executive Management Board
Meeting as a preliminary consultation body to conduct deliberations on company-wide management strategies and the
execution of important business before their presentation at the Board of Directorsʼ Meeting. In addition, the Company
has adopted a vice president system and established the Executive Board Meeting as the decision-making body of each
business department, and converted the Aerospace division into an internal company in order to clarify responsibilities
and accelerate the execution of business operations.
The Board of Directors is composed of nine directors, and the Company has sought to strengthen governance by
appointing three outside directors among them.
The outside directors provide sound advice about decisions on important matters of business execution and monitor
all aspects of management on the basis of a wealth of knowledge and experience concerning corporate management.
The Board of Corporate Auditors is composed of four corporate auditors, two of whom are outside corporate
auditors. The outside corporate auditors perform a management oversight function independent from senior
management, performing a role of auditing from the viewpoint of legality and appropriateness on the basis of broad
and advanced knowledge.
The Company appoints as outside directors and outside corporate auditors persons who meet the criteria
for independence established by the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the Companyʼs independently established criteria
for independence.
System of Corporate Governance
Election and
dismissal
Election and
dismissal
Reporting
General Meeting of Shareholders
Election and
dismissal
Proposal and
reporting
Board of Corporate Auditors: 4
Board of Directors: 9
Collaboration
Corporate auditors: 2
Auditing
Outside corporate auditors: 2
Directors: 6
Outside directors: 3
Reporting
Auditing
Reporting
Reporting
Auditing
Auditing
Reporting
Internal
auditing
Election, dismissal,
and oversight
Submission and
reporting
Executive Management Board Meeting
Chairman: President and CEO
Transfer of authority
and oversight
Submission and reporting
of important matters
Corporate operations departments at HQ
Automotive Business Unit
Executive Meeting
Aerospace Company
Executive Meeting
V
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Collaboration
Internal Audit Department
31
Annual Report 2019
Executive Nomination Meeting*
Executive Compensation Meeting*
* The Executive Nomination Meeting and
Executive Compensation Meeting consist of
the two representative directors of the Board,
the director in charge of the Secretarial Office,
and the three outside directors.
Submission and
reporting of
important matters
Policy instructions
Approval of
plans, etc.
Plan proposal
reports, etc.
Corporate Governance Meeting
CSR Committee
Social Contribution Committee
Environmental Committee
Compliance Committee
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The Company currently has one advisor, who is not a retired president or CEO. The principle role of the advisor is to
be available on a regular basis to provide business advice upon request. The advisor does not participate in meetings
and is not involved in management. In principle, the term of office of the advisor is one year.
SUBARU has abolished the Senior Advisor System.
Policy and Procedure for Nominating Candidates for Director and Corporate Auditor
For the purpose of realizing the Companyʼs corporate philosophy, effective corporate governance, and sustained growth
and improvement of corporate value in the medium and long term, the Board of Directors nominates as candidates for
directors and corporate auditors persons with a wealth of experience, high levels of ability and insight, and advanced
expertise appropriate to a director or corporate auditor of the Company. The Board of Directors considers matters such
as diversity within the Board and appoints two or more independent outside directors in the interest of ensuring
monitoring and oversight of management from an independent perspective, improving management transparency, and
enhancing shareholder value.
The Company has established the Executive Nomination Meeting as a voluntary committee. To ensure fairness and
transparency in decisions on executive appointments, the Executive Nomination Meeting, in accordance with inquiries
from the Board of Directors, submits to the Board of Directors proposals on the nomination, appointment, and dismissal
of officers sufficiently deliberated on and approved by its members, who include the independent outside directors.
These personnel matters are decided by resolution of the Board of Directors. Explanations of matters such as the
candidateʼs background, the status of concurrent positions, insight, and expected roles at the Company are provided for
each nomination and appointment. Approval of the Board of Corporate Auditors is obtained for nominations of
candidates for corporate auditor.
The Executive Nomination Meeting consists of the two representative directors, the director in charge of the
Secretarial Office, and the three outside directors, and is chaired by Representative Director of the Board, Tomomi
Nakamura. The Executive Nomination Meeting was convened five times in FYE March 2019 and submitted reports
mainly on the executive structure and appointments, the division of duties of executives, and the appointment of
representatives of major subsidiaries.
Promotion of Diversity Management
Despite a process of selecting officer candidates, in which the Company identifies and shortlists candidates without
regard to gender or nationality and considers the capabilities and other attributes of candidates, the Board of Directors
is currently composed entirely of men. For this reason, the Company is implementing initiatives to ensure gender
diversity on the Board of Directors. In particular, in order to encourage diversity among everyone who works in the
SUBARU Group, the Company has made promoting active roles for women a top priority and set a target of increasing
the number of female managers in 2020 by at least five times the number in 2014, the year the target was set, in
accordance with a policy of promotion through merit based on demonstrated ability. The rate of target achievement
was 90% as of March 31, 2019. Furthermore, we have set a new target for 2025 of at least 12 times the number in 2014.
Through these activities, we will expand the pool of female candidates for executive officer, vice president, department
general manager, and section manager and encourage diversity within the Board of Directors and throughout the
Company.
In addition, as part of the promotion of diversity management, a female outside corporate auditor was elected at the
88th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders as SUBARUʼs first female officer.
Board of Directorsʼ Meeting Participation Rate
Category
FYE March 2015
FYE March 2016
FYE March 2017
FYE March 2018
FYE March 2019
Number of meetings held
Attendance rate
14 times
100%
15 times
96.3%
15 times
96.3%
17 times
99.0%
16 times
98.4%
* Attendance rates for newly elected directors are calculated based on the number of Board of Directorsʼ meetings held after they assumed office
So that the directors and corporate auditors fully discharge their duties, the Company holds study meetings to continuously
provide them with information and knowledge related to business activities necessary for management oversight. In addition,
to continuously provide the outside officers with information about SUBARUʼs management philosophy, corporate culture, and
business environment, etc., the Company provides business reports from the operating divisions and opportunities for plant
tours and has prepared an environment that encourages sharing of information and exchange of ideas among executives.
Annual Report 2019
32
Corporate Governance
Reasons for Appointing the Outside Officers
Outside Directors
Name
Independent
Officer Status 1
Reasons for Appointing
Shigehiro
Aoyama
○
Yasuyuki
Abe
○
Natsunosuke
Yago
○
Mr. Shigehiro Aoyama has served in significant posts at Suntory
Holdings Limited. He has abundant experience and broad
knowledge and expertise in business management, as well as
advanced knowledge in the field of marketing. He has served
three years as an independent outside director for the Company
as of the conclusion of the 88th Ordinary General Meeting of
Shareholders. During his tenure, Mr. Aoyama has provided
valuable advice on the management of the Company based on
his abundant experience and extensive knowledge as a business
manager as well as his deep insight into corporate social
responsibility. Therefore, the Company has appointed Mr. Aoyama
with the expectation that he will continue to provide sufficient
advice and oversight of all aspects of the Companyʼs management
from an independent perspective.
As representative director and senior executive operating
officer of Sumitomo Corporation, Mr. Yasuyuki Abe has been
involved in management in both a supervisory and executional
capacity, possesses extensive experience and knowledge in
business management, and has an advanced understanding of
the IT field. Mr. Abe has served three years as an independent
outside corporate auditor for the Company as of the conclusion
of the 88th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders. During
his tenure, he has supervised the execution of duties conducted
by directors, as well as understood the true nature of the
problems facing the Company and offered his frank opinions to
senior management in a timely and appropriate manner.
Therefore, the Company has appointed Mr. Abe with the
expectation that he will provide sufficient advice and oversight
of all aspects of the Companyʼs management from an
independent perspective when he assumes office as an outside
director of the Company.
Mr. Natsunosuke Yago served successively as president and
representative director and chairman of the Board at Ebara
Corporation, and has extensive experience and knowledge in
business management. Mr. Yago is especially knowledgeable in
the areas of internal control and governance, and the Company
has appointed him with the expectation that he will provide
sufficient advice and oversight of all aspects of the Companyʼs
management from an independent perspective when he assumes
office as an outside director of the Company.
Meeting Attendance
(FYE March 2019)
Board of
Directors
Board of
Corporate
Auditors
Significant Concurrent
Positions 2
Attended
16 of 16
meetings
̶
External Director,
Takamatsu Construction
Group Co., Ltd.
Outside Director,
Miraca Holdings Inc.
President, the Distribution
Economics Institute of
Japan
Attended
14 of 16
meetings
Attended
12 of 13
meetings
Director of the Board
(External), Chairman of
the Board, JVC KENWOOD
Corporation
Advisor, ORANGE AND
PARTNERS CO., LTD.
̶
̶
President, Ebara
Hatakeyama Memorial
Foundation
In addition to the number of Board of Directorsʼ meetings shown in the above table, there was one written resolution passed that has been deemed
equivalent to a Board of Directorsʼ meeting, pursuant to Article 370 of the Companies Act and the Articles of Incorporation.
Outside Corporate Auditors
Name
Independent
Officer Status 1
Shigeru
Nosaka
Kyoko
Okada
○
○
Reasons for Appointing
Mr. Shigeru Nosaka has been involved in management in both a supervisory and
executional capacity as a director and executive vice president and vice chairman of the
Board at Oracle Corporation Japan and possesses extensive experience and knowledge
in business management. Also, Mr. Nosaka has served as chief financial officer of Oracle
Corporation Japan for many years and has ample knowledge of finance and accounting.
The Company has appointed him with the expectation that he will appropriately perform
the duties when he assumes office as of an outside corporate auditor of the Company.
Significant Concurrent
Positions 2
Vice Chairman of the Board,
Oracle Corporation Japan
(Planned retirement in
August 2019)
Ms. Kyoko Okada has accumulated extensive experience and knowledge in areas such as
CSR and corporate culture at Shiseido Co., Ltd. and has a career in management auditing
as a corporate auditor at Shiseido. Ms. Okada has worked at a company that offers
numerous products for women, and the Company has appointed her with the expectation
that she will appropriately perform the duties when she assumes office as an outside
corporate auditor of the Company, including providing advice concerning the Companyʼs
challenges from her unique viewpoint as a woman
Director, Japan Cancer
Society
Outside Audit & Supervisory
Board Member, NS
Solutions Corporation
1 Outside directors and outside corporate auditors unlikely to have conflicts of interest with general shareholders as stipulated by the Tokyo Stock Exchange
2 As of June 30, 2019
33
Annual Report 2019
Messages from the Outside Directors
Applying External Management Knowledge
as an Advocate for Stakeholders to
Contribute to the Evolution of
Risk Management at SUBARU
Shigehiro Aoyama
Outside Director
Appointed as outside director in June 2016
Initiatives in connection with reform of the Corporate Governance Code have greatly accelerated in recent
years. In particular, companies have been strongly urged to recognize the importance of outside officers. One
factor in this is that shareholders and other stakeholders sense the limitations of the theory that management
knows the industry and company better than anyone else and can run a company on that internal logic. The
kind of governance change that is being called for involves the incorporation of outside management
knowledge and corporate reform plans through the infusion of “outside blood.”
The most important prerequisite for outside directors is independence. Since outside directors have no
relationships of interest or connections to corporate officers with executive functions, they are in a position
to speak their minds without hesitation. Outside directors are expected to say things they consider
beneficial for the company without fear of conflict, even if their opinions differ from views within the
company. In essence, there is a requirement for a governance structure in which officers who are non-
executive directors devote themselves to oversight, and the result of that oversight can be reflected in
resolutions of the Board of Directors.
Outside directors must have a certain level of insight based on previous experience and skills gained as
executives, and be able to offer incisive comments to management as both advocates for all stakeholders,
and importantly, from the perspective of shareholders. For this reason, I consider it important for outside
directors to refine their ability to observe the status of management execution and ask questions to confirm
that it does not unknowingly include any conventional wisdom or risks specific to the company or industry.
Also, since all experience and skill becomes obsolete with the passage of time, insight that relies solely on
oneʼs own experience and skills is dangerous. Outside directors must refine and update their insight by
recognizing that their skills must be dynamic rather than static.
However, even if outside directors maintain their independence and engage in activities to refine their
insight on corporate value enhancement, it is meaningless if the company does not accept it. I think there
must be a relationship built on trust by which the outside directors express their views based on a sense of
loyalty to the company or, simply, a commitment to increasing corporate value by any means. In addition, the
inside directors must accept those views with humility and endeavor to make changes. Although the most
important mission of outside directors is, of course, to provide oversight of the management of the inside
directors, along with checks and balances, I think that a relationship built on trust between the inside officers
and outside directors is the starting point for corporate governance today.
From my perspective as an outside director, there is no doubt that SUBARU has a corporate culture of
earnestness and sincerity, but I feel that a couple of issues for SUBARU are how little it communicates with
the outside world and how late it has been in addressing certain business challenges that are pertinent to
the times.
SUBARUʼs entire industry faces todayʼs changes, such as those represented by CASE, and the changing
social needs for mobility. Impelled by a sense of urgency that comes with the shifting industry, it is important
to have a mentality that allows us to speedily embrace the challenge of technological development and
innovation. SUBARU must refine and perfect what it considers its greatest strengths.
SUBARU has evolved top-of-class safety technologies, such as EyeSight, and is enthusiastically committed
to the issue of safety. The aim of eliminating fatal traffic accidents involving SUBARU vehicles by 2030, set
forth in the mid-term management vision, concretely expresses SUBARUʼs responsibility as a manufacturer.
Annual Report 2019
34
Corporate Governance
I think this is an example of what SUBARU can do to contribute to the creation of a sustainable society.
In closing, I consider risk management to be the single most important aspect of corporate management
today and express this view at every opportunity. Risk management involves recognizing risk factors that the
company faces and always considering countermeasures. As a matter of fact, emphasizing and ensuring
compliance is the most critical requirement for risk management. Like a small leak that sinks a great ship, a
seemingly insignificant compliance violation can bring down a company. Furthermore, a company should
realize that there is risk in simply continuing the conventional ways of thinking about and carrying out
business operations, work practices, and strategy, and that these need to be transformed. It is precisely this
sort of transformation that is the greatest management challenge today, and a company will evolve if they
consider risk management to consist of the continuous probing of its current activities and internal logic.
Therefore, I think that it is more important than ever to bring in outside ideas and outside blood, and that
outside directors have a major role to play.
Applying the Experience Gained through Networking
with a Variety of Industry Sectors for Deeper
company-wide Discussion to Promote the Sustained
Growth of SUBARU and Increase Corporate Added Value
Yasuyuki Abe
Outside Director
Served as outside corporate auditor from June 2016 to June 2019
Appointed as outside director in June 2019
One important role of outside directors is to maximize corporate value from the perspective of shareholders
and other stakeholders. I have been newly appointed as an outside director, but my three years of service as
a SUBARU outside corporate auditor has enabled me to ascertain the companyʼs current strengths as well as
the challenges it faces. For this reason, I think I will be able to contribute more comprehensively to
discussions about future management challenges and other matters. My previous activities at a trading
company span many years, and I have worked particularly within the global information industry in the fields
of finance, distribution, and in other new businesses. As a matter of course, I feel that I have a slightly
different point of view from SUBARUʼs inside corporate officers, who have mainly specialized in the
automotive business. In my capacity as an outside corporate auditor, I primarily focused on confirming
whether the company was functioning properly. My standpoint will now change, and as a director I will fulfill
the role of more actively obtaining information from outside sources and feeding it back to the Company.
One issue I have observed at SUBARU is that, although the company sincerely and earnestly deals with
any issues it may have, I feel SUBARU has little contact with other companies in the automotive or other
industries and is seldomly proactive in seeking information from outside sources. There are certainly business
opportunities to be found in the outside world, and it is also important to experience outside stimuli. Even if
the benefits of contact with external parties do not immediately appear, that contact may become the
starting point for diverse ideas. Also, as SUBARU continues its mono-zukuri (car-making) activities, seeing the
world from a broader perspective and thinking flexibly may lead to new businesses. I see no need for
SUBARU to limit and narrowly define its business domains when its business opportunities are limitless.
Since a company is like a living thing, it cannot live long without maintenance. A company that grows will
naturally change, and it must also undergo guided change. I strongly hope that SUBARU will shift its way of
thinking, take advantage of the strengths and potential afforded by its business scale, and continue to take
on challenges even if it means changing its business model. At the same time, I want SUBARU to continue to
honestly pursue the delivery of “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind” to customers, while accelerating its current
activities to become “a company that does the right thing in the right way.” Iʼm convinced that in so doing,
SUBARU will achieve further development at a new stage.
35
Annual Report 2019
My strength as an outside director is the connections I have obtained through networking and interacting
with various industry sectors. I want to share the information I can obtain from those connections to deepen
company-wide discussion in preparation for SUBARUʼs sustained growth, and contribute to increasing
corporate added value.
Considering Risks and Opportunities from
an Objective, Third-party Perspective and
Contributing to SUBARUʼs Sustained Growth through
Discussions at Meetings of the Board of Directors
Natsunosuke Yago
Outside Director
Appointed as outside director in June 2019
I consider it the primary role of outside directors to bring the objective eye of a third party to meetings of
the Board of Directors. Our role is to contribute to correct management decisions by identifying
discussion points that inside directors tend to overlook and expanding the scope of discussion at Board
meetings. The integration of the automotive industry with the information and communication industry is
expected to advance at an accelerated rate due to the introduction of fifth-generation (5G) mobile
communication systems, as well as the development of artificial intelligence. These are expected to give
rise to an unprecedented seismic shift within the automotive industry and I think the Board of Directors
will be required to discuss issues from a more long-term perspective. In such discussions, I want to
consider risks and opportunities from an objective perspective and help guide the Board of Directors to
reasonable conclusions.
When I make decisions as a business executive, I like to emphasize the risks of not taking action. It is
the role of executives to make final decisions on whether or not to do something. Moreover, they are
required to make decisions one after another (and quickly). I consider the risks of not taking action
(problems that will occur because of not taking action), and if I judge that there are no such risks, or that
a problem can be solved using an existing method, I make the decision to not do something. Of course,
if I judge that a significant risk (including loss of opportunities) will occur if no action is taken, I make the
decision to go ahead. Compared to the decision-making approach of considering the benefits and risks
of taking action, I think this makes it easier to narrow down what should really be done. In addition, Iʼd
like to share two proverbs I have followed in the past when I make business decisions: “First, start from
small things” when beginning a project, and “Fortune is unpredictable and changeable” when a project
has ended. The first saying reminds me to start with what I can do in order to accomplish the final
objective, and the second saying helps me moderate my emotions so that when I evaluate results I am
not carried away by success or excessively discouraged by failure.
I have high expectations that SUBARU will steadily grow as a company by protecting and achieving
wider penetration of its brand image. Rather than aiming for the expansion of scale (sales) or a simple
maximization of (short-term) profit, I think this can be achieved by prioritizing investment in R&D and
human resources in order to increase customer satisfaction. Brand value is not something achieved
overnight, but something built up over a long period of time in the history of a company. SUBARUʼs
brand image in the market (including among the industry, consumers, and investors) is excellent, and the
brand itself increases corporate value. At a time when a major seismic shift is about to occur across the
entire automotive industry, I am convinced that a highly valuable brand image will ensure SUBARUʼs
existence as a company.
Annual Report 2019
36
Corporate Governance
Policy and Procedure for Determining the Amount of Compensation for
Directors and the Calculation Method
Compensation, etc., of directors is determined in view of the following items.
Compensation, etc., is at a level commensurate with the roles and responsibilities of directors and is appropriate, fair,
and balanced.
The compensation structure is determined by giving consideration to providing motivation for sustained improvement
in corporate performance and corporate value and securing talented personnel.
The specific composition of compensation, etc., is as described below. The total amount of compensation and level
of each compensation type are set according to job responsibilities and status as inside or outside director by utilizing
survey data from external specialist organizations and other sources.
Compensation System for Directors (Excluding Outside Directors)
1. Basic
compensation
2. Short-term
performance-linked
compensation
3. Long-term
incentives
A fixed portion with the specific amount
determined based on job position, taking into
consideration elements such as the business
environment
A performance-linked portion with the specific
amount determined based on consolidated
ordinary income for the current fiscal year, taking
into consideration personnel development and
the business environment, and adjusted
according to the matrix of combined ROE and
improved shareholdersʼ equity ratio, which are
both performance indicators aligned with the
Companyʼs capital policy
Compensation to grant restricted stock for the
purpose of providing an incentive for sustained
improvement of the Companyʼs corporate value
and further value sharing with the shareholders
Fixed portion
Performance-linked portion
1.
Basic
compensation
2.
Short-term
performance-linked
compensation
3.
Long-term
incentives
Compensation to
grant restricted stock
In view of the role of outside directors in the monitoring and oversight of management from an independent standpoint,
the Company does not provide short-term performance-linked compensation or long-term incentives to outside directors.
By a resolution passed at the 85th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders, held on June 28, 2016, the maximum
total amount of annual compensation, etc., for directors is 1.2 billion yen (including 200 million yen for outside directors).
The maximum total amount of monetary compensation related to long-term incentives is 200 million yen per year, within
the abovementioned limitation. The maximum number of directors provided for in the Companyʼs Articles of
Incorporation is 15.
The Company has established the Executive Compensation Meeting as a voluntary committee. To ensure fairness and
transparency in decisions on executive compensation, the Executive Compensation Meeting, on the basis of delegation by
the Board of Directors, determines specific compensation amounts, including the compensation system, following
sufficient deliberation by its members, who include the independent outside directors. With regard to revisions of the
compensation system and other matters pertaining to compensation overall, proposals approved by the Executive
Compensation Meeting are deliberated and decided on by the Board of Directors. The Executive Compensation Meeting
is composed of the two representative directors, the director in charge of the Secretarial Office, and the three outside
directors, and is chaired by Representative Director of the Board, Tomomi Nakamura.
In STEP, the mid-term management vision announced on July 10, 2018, the Company set forth a profit plan that
includes operating income of 950.0 billion yen for the three-year period from FYE March 2019 to FYE March 2021. The
Company aims to achieve a ratio of shareholdersʼ equity to total assets of 50% and to maintain a minimum ROE of 10%
while aiming for ROE of 15% or higher. For FYE March 2019, consolidated ordinary income was 196.2 billion yen, the ratio
of shareholdersʼ equity to total assets was 53.8% (down 0.4% year on year), and ROE was 9.4%. On the basis of these
results, the Executive Compensation Meeting, under the authority of the Board of Directors, determined the amount of
short-term performance-linked compensation to pay to each director.
By a resolution passed at the 75th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders, held on June 27, 2006, the maximum
total amount of annual compensation, etc., for corporate auditors is 100 million yen. An amount determined through
discussion among the corporate auditors based on position, taking into consideration the business environment, is paid as
basic compensation for corporate auditors. The maximum number of corporate auditors provided for in the Companyʼs
Articles of Incorporation is five.
37
Annual Report 2019
Total Amount of Compensation by Officer Category,
Total Amount by Compensation Type, and Number of Eligible Officers
Classification
Number
Basic compensation
(paid in fixed monthly
installments)
Directors (excluding outside directors)
Corporate auditors
(excluding outside corporate auditors)
Outside executive officers
Total
9
2
4
15
291
56
46
393
Total compensation (millions of yen)
Performance-linked compensation
Short-term performance-linked
compensation
80
Long-term
incentives
51
ー
ー
80
ー
ー
51
422
56
46
524
Note: The above table includes four directors who retired by the last day of FYE March 2019
At the end of FYE March 2019, there were seven directors (including two outside directors) and four corporate auditors (including two outside corporate auditors)
Development of Internal Control Systems
The Company has adopted, by resolution of the Board of Directors, a basic policy on development of a system to ensure
that execution of duties by directors complies with laws and regulations and the Articles of Incorporation, as well as on the
development of other systems stipulated by ordinance of the Ministry of Justice as necessary to ensure the properness of
operations of a stock company and a corporate group consisting of the stock company and its subsidiaries. The Company
plans, develops, and applies revisions to this basic policy as needed.
Status of Auditing by Corporate Auditors
SUBARUʼs corporate auditors attend meetings of the Board of Directors and other important meetings, inspect business
sites and subsidiaries, interview members of the Internal Audit Department, and audit the execution of duties by directors
and others in accordance with the audit policy and audit plan established by the Board of Corporate Auditors.
(Status of initiatives by the corporate auditors to ensure effectiveness of auditing)
The Companyʼs corporate auditors attend meetings of the Board of Directors, Executive Management Board Meeting,
Compliance Committee, CSR Committee, and other important meetings, express their opinions as necessary, and
ensure the effectiveness of auditing. They also conduct executive interviews with directors and vice presidents, perform
on-site audits of important business sites and affiliated companies, and confirm the status of development and operation
of internal control systems. The corporate auditors receive monthly reports from the Internal Audit Department and
Legal Department and receive reports on the status of subsidiaries from the departments in charge as needed. In
addition, they hold conferences with the corporate auditors of major subsidiaries. The corporate auditors cooperate with
the accounting auditors through quarterly exchanges of information and opinions and discuss the appointments of the
accounting auditors.
Status of Internal Auditing
SUBARU has established the Internal Audit Department as an internal auditing organization and conducts internal audits of
business execution at SUBARU and its domestic and overseas Group companies. At the beginning of the fiscal year, the
department prepares an internal audit plan for the fiscal year that takes into consideration the internal control status of the
Group as a whole and systematically implements the plan. The department prepares and distributes to the directors,
corporate auditors, and concerned parties audit reports on the results of internal audits and reports on a quarterly basis at
the Executive Management Board Meeting.
The Internal Audit Department and corporate auditors work to deepen collaboration and strengthen the auditing
function through monthly internal audit report meetings held by the department and quarterly dialogues about internal
control that include the director in charge of the department. The department and corporate auditors endeavor to
strengthen the auditing function through quarterly information sharing with the accounting auditors.
Policy on Cross-Shareholdings
Regarding major listed stocks held by the Company as cross-shareholdings, each year the Board of Directors examines each
instance of cross-shareholding to determine whether its purpose and the benefits derived from it justify the capital cost. If
the Board of Directors judges that cross-shareholding will contribute to management and business strategies in the medium
and long term, the Company continues to hold the shares. The Company has been steadily reducing cross-shareholdings of
listed shares since the Corporate Governance Code went into effect, and the number of issues was 10 as of March 31, 2019.
Annual Report 2019
38
Corporate Governance
Number of Issues of Cross-Shareholdings and
Total Amount Reported on the Balance Sheet
Category
FYE March
2015
FYE March
2016
FYE March
2017
FYE March
2018
FYE March
2019
Number of
issues
(Issues)
Listed
Unlisted
Total
60
31
91
32
31
63
30
32
62
18
31
49
10
31
41
Amount
reported on
the balance sheet
(Millions of yen)
Listed
38,503
28,238
12,795
8,836
3,138
Unlisted
552
526
544
535
535
Total
39,055
28,764
13,339
9,371
3,673
Listed Cross-Shareholdings
Total amount reported on the balance sheet (left)
Number of issues (right)
(Millions of yen)
60,000
6060
50,000
40,000
38,503
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
(FYE)
3232
3030
28,238
28,238
12,795
1818
8,836
1010
3,138
2015
2016 2017 2018 2019
(Issues)
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Evaluation Results of the Effectiveness of the Board of Directors
In accordance with the Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Companyʼs Board of Directors analyzes and evaluates the
effectiveness of the Board, then considers and implements measures to improve any issues identified. In FYE March 2019, the
Boardʼs analysis and evaluation centered on confirmation of measures to address issues identified in previous evaluations in
addition to fixed-point observation from the FYE March 2018 evaluation. A report on the analysis results follows.
Evaluation and Analysis Methods
Timing of implementation: March 2019
Respondents:
Implementation procedure: Self-evaluation using a questionnaire prepared by a third-party body
All directors and corporate auditors (11 in total, including outside officers)
1) A third-party body conducted a self-evaluation questionnaire survey of all directors and
corporate auditors using an anonymous questionnaire.
2) The third-party body aggregated and analyzed the questionnaire data.
3) A report received from the third-party body was verified and discussed by the Board of Directors.
1) Board of Directorsʼ management structure 2) Board of Directorsʼ oversight function
3) Shareholder dialogue 4) Addressing of issues identified in the FYE March 2018 evaluation
Questionnaire items:
Each director performed a self-evaluation by answering questions using a four-point rating scale and provided their own
thoughts on points of excellence relating to SUBARUʼs Board of Directors and the necessary points to further increase the
Boardʼs effectiveness, before submitting the completed questionnaire directly to the third-party body.
Evaluation Results
The Board of Directors received an evaluation report from the commissioned third-party body as described below.
As was the case with the evaluation results up to FYE March 2018, it was confirmed that free and open discussion is
conducted from a company-wide perspective at meetings of the Board of Directors.
On the other hand, the results of this fiscal yearʼs evaluation were generally the same as the previous year or less positive than
the previous year. (Please refer to the aggregated questionnaire responses.) The Board attributes this to increased recognition
of the need for further improvement amid a series of instances of inappropriate conduct and the Company has responded.
It was confirmed that there is strong awareness that successor training and information provision to outside officers are
areas in which further improvement and functional enhancement is expected.
Issues Identified in the Previous Fiscal Yearʼs Evaluation
The Company addressed in FYE March 2019 the following issues identified in the previous fiscal yearʼs evaluation.
1. Reinforcing risk identification and management systems
Efforts to review and reinforce the risk identification and management systems in response to the improprieties have
progressed, and the need to continue such efforts and firmly establish the system was confirmed.
2. Enhancing discussion of medium- to long-term management strategy
There was consensus on the need to further increase opportunities to discuss the Companyʼs medium- to long-term
vision and business strategy.
39
Annual Report 2019
Effective April 1, 2019, the Company newly established the Corporate Planning Division for the purpose of accelerating
management strategy planning and implementation, and the Market Strategy Department and Logistics Management
Department under the Corporate Planning Division. The Company also established the position of Chief Risk Management
Officer (CRMO) for the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of internal controls and risk management, and the Risk
Management & Compliance Office under the control of the CRMO.
3.0
4.0
2.0
1.0
Future Initiatives
In response to the evaluation report received from the third-party body, the Board of Directors verified and discussed
future initiatives. As a result, the Board confirmed that it will continue its efforts to reinforce risk identification, bolster
management systems, and establish a firm foundation for the corresponding practices and enhance discussion of medium-
to long-term management strategy. It also confirmed that it will discuss policy for succession planning and successor
development.
The Board of Directors will improve Board functions, strengthen corporate governance, and promote continuous
enhancement of corporate value by continuing to evaluate its effectiveness.
Aggregated Questionnaire Responses
FYE March 2018
FYE March 2019
Board of Directorsʼ
Management Structure
Board of Directorsʼ Oversight Function and
Shareholder Dialogue
Ⅰ-1) Board of Directorsʼ
composition
Ⅱ-1) Board of Directorsʼ
supervisory function
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
Ⅰ-5) Board of
Directorsʼ
contribution
Ⅰ-2) Board of
Directorsʼ
management
Ⅲ) Shareholder
dialogue
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
Ⅱ-2) Board of
Directorsʼ risk
management
systems
Ⅰ-4) Board of Directorsʼ
Ⅰ-3) Decision-
support structure
making process
Ⅱ-4) Executive
nomination and
compensation
Ⅱ-3) Board of
Directorsʼ
discussion
Questions
Category
Ⅰ. Board of Directorsʼ management structure
Matters Examined
1) Board of Directorsʼ
composition
2) Board of Directorsʼ
management
Board of Directorsʼ size
Board of Directorsʼ composition
(proportion of inside and outside directors)
Board of Directorsʼ composition
(diversity and specialty)
Frequency, duration, and distribution of meetings
Appropriateness of agenda
Quality and quantity of documents
Timing of document distribution
Pre-meeting explanation
3) Decision-making process
Chairʼs leadership
Adequate discussion
4) Board of Directorsʼ
support structure
5) Board of Directorsʼ
contribution
Environment and systems for providing information
Provision of information to outside directors
Training of inside directors
Stance toward initiatives
Diverse values
Company-wide perspective
Stakeholder perspective
Ⅱ. Board of Directorsʼ oversight function
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
Content of explanations and reports
Training of outside directors
Mutual respect
1) Board of Directorsʼ
supervisory function
2) Board of Directorsʼ
risk management systems
3) Board of Directorsʼ
discussion
Reporting systems
Supervision of management
Risk management systems
Subsidiary management systems
Information-sharing on risks and
risk response
Systems for managing progress of
response measures
Thorough awareness of compliance issues
Discussion of management strategy
Discussion of capital policy
Discussion of cross-shareholdings
Discussion on strengthening governance
Responses to social and environmental issues
4) Executive nomination and
compensation
Composition of Executive Nomination Meeting and
Executive Compensation Meeting
Successor development
Incentive-based compensation
Ⅲ. Shareholder dialogue
Shareholder dialogue
Sharing shareholder and investor views
Enhancement of shareholder and
investor dialogue
Annual Report 2019
40
The SUBARU Groupʼs CSR
CSR
The SUBARU Group engages in CSR activities with
the aim of contributing to society through its
business and achieving a sustainable society.
Our Approach to CSR
The world faces a great many social issues and challenges, such as global warming, human rights issues, and an aging and
declining population, and there are rising expectations that corporations will help resolve these issues. Initiatives to
address a variety of social issues are required in the SUBARU Groupʼs business domains, such as efforts to reduce
environmental impact, prevent traffic accidents, and alleviate traffic congestion.
Therefore, as a corporate citizen we not only develop, manufacture, and sell products with outstanding safety and
environmental performance and quality, but we also engage in CSR activities to meet the needs of society and address
social challenges. The automotive industry has entered a once-in-a-century transition period and the social environment is
constantly changing. We consider it necessary to promote and ensure the penetration of CSR initiatives on a Group-wide,
global scale to contribute to society through our businesses and meet stakeholder expectations and demands. To that
end, in FYE March 2019 we reviewed the Eight CSR Action Items and newly defined Six Priority Areas for CSR.
By applying the thought process behind the Six Priority Areas for CSR to how we conduct business, we will fulfill our
social responsibilities as a corporation and continue to provide “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind” to our customers and other
stakeholders. In so doing, the SUBARU Group will become a corporate group trusted by society and contribute to the
creation of a more affluent, sustainable society as a truly global company.
CSR Policy (Revised in June 2009)
1.
We respect the laws and regulations, human rights, international standards of behavior and the rights and morals of
stakeholders under our Corporate Code of Conduct.
2. We become involved as a corporate citizen in addressing social issues facing society today.
41
Annual Report 2019
The Process of Formulating the Six Priority Areas for CSR
In conjunction with STEP, the mid-term management vision, the SUBARU Group has reviewed the previous Eight CSR
Action Items and newly selected Six Priority Areas for CSR: people-oriented car culture, resonance and coexistence, peace
of mind, diversity, environment, and compliance.
In selecting the priority areas, we first identified 41 CSR priority topics for which social needs were high and then
conducted a questionnaire survey of experts and investors in North America and Japan. Finally, we considered CSR from
two perspectives: areas for contributing to society by taking advantage of business strengths, and areas for meeting the
expectations of society. As a result, we selected people-oriented car culture, resonance and coexistence, peace of mind,
and diversity as areas for contributing to society by taking advantage of business strengths. We selected peace of mind,
diversity, environment, and compliance as areas for meeting the expectations of society. Although peace of mind and
diversity overlap, we selected peace of mind because it is an area in which the needs of society and the SUBARU Groupʼs
business strengths coincide and selected diversity because we broadly define it as including not only the diversity required
by society but also diversity in the products we provide to our customers.
Since information disclosure and dialogue with stakeholders and reflection of stakeholder feedback in management are
essential for restoring trust, we will implement what we call “6M+1E” initiatives: the Six Priority Areas (“6M,” with “M”
standing for materiality) plus information disclosure and dialogue with stakeholders and reflection of feedback in
management (“1E,” with “E” standing for engagement).
Application of the Six Priority Areas for CSR in Management
SUBARU
The SUBARU Group
Board of Directors
Executive
Management
Board Meeting
Application in
management
Information
disclosure and
dialogues
Stakeholders
6 Priority Areas for CSR
o
t
i
c
fi
c
e
p
s
s
e
i
t
i
r
o
i
r
P
U
R
A
B
U
S
s
ʼ
y
t
e
c
o
S
i
s
n
o
i
t
a
t
c
e
p
x
e
People-oriented
Car Culture
Resonance and
Coexistence
Peace of Mind
Diversity
Environment
Compliance
Our Six Priority Areas for CSR and Basic Approach
People-oriented
Car Culture
SUBARU believes that a car is more than just a means of transport. SUBARU will foster a sustainable mobility culture
by providing customers with added value in the form of products and services which make the car a partner that
enriches peopleʼs lives and minds, while cherishing the human emotions of enjoyment and peace of mind.
Resonance and
Coexistence
SUBARU will become a company that is trusted by, and resonates and coexists with both individual customers and
society as a whole by engaging seriously with their voices through greater person-to-person communication.
Peace of Mind
SUBARU will become a company that provides all stakeholders with the utmost peace of mind.
Diversity
Environment
Compliance
The SUBARU Groupʼs approach to promoting diversity has two key elements: offering products that respect diverse
forms of market value, and respecting and reflecting the diverse values of all those who work for the SUBARU Group.
In order to pass on “The earth, the sky and nature,” SUBARUʼs fields of business, to future generations, we provide
utmost care to the environment with our company-wide activities.
SUBARU will become a company that operates in accordance with laws, regulations, and societal norms, ensuring
that our focus on compliance as a priority permeates throughout and is practiced by all those who work for the
SUBARU Group.
Annual Report 2019
42
The SUBARU Groupʼs CSR
CSR Promotion System
The CSR Committee (secretariat office: Sustainability Promotion Department) meets twice a year as a forum for discussing CSR
initiatives, and confirms the status of the PDCA cycle of each specialized committee and department. The CSR Committee,
which is chaired by SUBARUʼs representative director of the Board and president and includes all executive officers as
members, considers and discusses the social aspects of SUBARUʼs businesses and works to strengthen CSR initiatives.
Board of Directors
Submission and
reporting
Instructions and
approval
Executive Management Board
Meeting
Committees
Instructions and
approval
CSR Committee Secretariat Office:
Sustainability Promotion Department
Reporting
Environmental Committee
Review
Submission and
reporting of
important matters
Social Contribution Committee
Corporate Governance Meeting
Compliance Committee
etc.
Relationship to Stakeholders
The SUBARU Group believes that its CSR initiatives must place importance on the relationship with stakeholders and that
disclosing information to stakeholders, engaging in dialogue with them, and reflecting this in the management of the
business are all essential. In order to realize our vision of becoming “A Compelling Company with a Strong Market Presence”
as stated in our management philosophy, the SUBARU Group will continue to make efforts to gain trust from our
stakeholders, and to make useful social contributions while at the same time increasing our corporate value.
Initiatives for the Sustainable Development Goals
The SUBARU Group recognizes the importance of responding to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide a
roadmap for achieving a sustainable future by 2030. To respond to climate change, we aim to reduce the SUBARU Groupʼs direct
CO2 emissions (Scope 1 and 2) to 30% below FYE March 2017 levels (based on a total emissions volume basis) by FYE March
2031, and we expect to reduce CO2 emissions by an amount equivalent to 3% of annual emissions by FYE March 2021. To reduce
traffic accident fatalities and injuries, we continue to implement initiatives to achieve our target of eliminating fatal accidents
involving SUBARU vehicles* by 2030. Through these initiatives, we are contributing to the creation of a sustainable society.
* Elimination of accidents resulting in the death of drivers or passengers in SUBARU vehicles and accidents resulting in the death of pedestrians, cyclists, or other persons
due to collision with SUBARU vehicles
43
Annual Report 2019
Environment
SUBARU Environmental Policies
SUBARU Sustainability Principles
“The earth, the sky and nature” are SUBARUʼs fields of business.
With the automotive and aerospace businesses as the pillars of SUBARUʼs operations, our fields of business are
the earth, the sky and nature. Preservation of the ecosystem of our planet, the earth, the sky and nature, is of
utmost importance to ensure the future sustainability of both society and our organization. We align our
business strategy to enhance these global goals in all of our operations.
1.
2.
3.
We develop and deliver products to meet societal needs and
contribute to the environment through advanced technologies.
By striving to create advanced technologies that put the environment and safety first, we will
develop and deliver products that can contribute to protecting the earthʼs environment.
We focus on efforts aimed at coexistence with nature.
Together with efforts to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions in all of our operations, we will promote
active engagement with nature by stressing forest conservation.
We take on challenges as one through an all-SUBARU approach.
Utilizing our unique organizational character that allows us to oversee the entire supply chain, all of
us together will take on the challenges of environmental protection of our planet through an all-
SUBARU approach.
Environmental Principles
SUBARUʼs fields of business are the earth, the sky and nature. SUBARU understands that the health and
preservation of biodiversity and controlling climate change are critical to ensuring a sustainable future for our
planet earth, nature, communities, and businesses.
Products
Purchasing
Production
We develop our products and
conduct R&D in light of the
lifecycle environmental impacts
of our products.
Our purchasing activities reflect
consideration for biodiversity
and other aspects of
environmental protection.
We strive to minimize our
environmental impact through
improving energy efficiency
and waste management.
Logistics
Sales
Management
We strive to minimize our
environmental impact through
enhancing energy efficiency
and promoting pollution
prevention.
We endeavor to recycle
resources efficiently and reduce
waste.
We will strive to improve our
sustainability program through
contributions that meet societal
needs and by publicizing our
activities as Team SUBARU.
[Established: April 1998, Revised: April 2017]
Annual Report 2019
44
The SUBARU Groupʼs CSR
Basic Approach to Climate Change and Specific Initiatives
Basic Approach to Climate Change
SUBARU has declared that “The earth, the sky and nature” are our fields of business, and the gifts of nature are essential for
our businesses and products. Recently, the problem of climate change, as exemplified by increasingly frequent and
damaging abnormal weather, is a common threat to humanity. We consider the reduction of greenhouse gases emitted by
human activities (hereafter expressed as CO2 equivalents in the interest of convenience), which have been identified as a
cause of climate change, an essential activity for realizing sustainable growth for both society and SUBARU.
In accordance with this belief, to help achieve the goal adopted in the Paris Agreement of 2015 of limiting global
warming to less than 2ºC above pre-Industrial levels, we will not only work to improve the environmental performance of
our products, but also strive to protect the global environment throughout product lifecycles, from mining raw materials for
automobiles to manufacturing, transport, use, and disposal.
Product Initiatives
SUBARU believes that the question of how to improve fuel economy, a measure of product environmental performance, is
important for reducing CO2 emissions, which are said to be a cause of global warming. Even as we pursue improving fuel
economy in existing gasoline engine vehicles, we will actively work to reduce CO2 emissions by expanding our lineup of
electrified vehicle models and, furthermore, by pursuing EV development with an eye on the increasingly stringent fuel
economy regulations in various countries.
SUBARU will also utilize the alliance with Toyota Motor Corporation as a strategic move to prepare for the coming era
of full-scale electrification. In June 2019, we announced that we have agreed to jointly develop with Toyota a platform
dedicated to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for midsize and large passenger vehicles and a C-segment-class BEV SUV
model. By combining the technological strengths of both companies̶for instance, the electrification technologies that
Toyota is employing to bring together other companies that share its aspirations, and the all-wheel drive (AWD)
technologies that Subaru has cultivated for many years̶we will seek to create products that feature the unique appeal of
BEVs and aim to launch them in the first half of the 2020s.
Partnership with Communities: SUBARU Forest Project
To conserve the natural capital of local communities, SUBARU is focusing on activities to conserve forests, a key source of
CO2 absorption. Specifically, we have undertaken the SUBARU Forest Project, in which we are working to conserve local
forests under agreements with Gunma Prefecture, Utsunomiya City in Tochigi Prefecture, and Bifuka Town in Hokkaido,
localities closely connected with our business.
Initiatives at the Production Stage
The SUBARU Groupʼs direct CO2 emissions (Scope 1 and 2) are quite low in comparison with total emissions, including
Scope 3 emissions. However, we have set forth an environmental policy of global environmental protection throughout the
entire value chain and believe that taking the initiative in efforts to reduce direct CO2 emissions will lead to further
enhancement of the all-SUBARU approach to environmental protection.
Therefore, in the Environmental Action Plan for FYE March 2022 and beyond, we have set a target of reducing the
SUBARU Groupʼs direct CO2 emissions to 30% below FYE March 2017 levels (based on a total emissions volume basis) by
FYE March 2031. Furthermore, in Phase I: Preparation of the action plan, we intend to implement CO2 reductions ahead of
schedule. Through measures such as the introduction of renewable energy, we will aim for CO2 emissions reduction of
approximately 20,000 t-CO2, which is an amount equivalent to approximately 3% of annual emissions, by FYE March 2021.
Direct CO2 Emissions
Reduction Targets
Roadmap for 30% Reduction
in CO2 Emissions by FYE March 2031
Target
achievement
year
FYE March
2021
FYE March
2031
Target
Reduction of
approx. 20,000 t-CO2
Equivalent to approx. 3% of
annual emissions
30% reduction
from FYE March 2017 levels
based on a total emissions
volume basis
45
Annual Report 2019
2019
(FYE)
2021
Phase II: Approach
In anticipation of a CO2 increase accompanying an
increase in production activities, active introduction
of renewable energy and CO2-free power sources
in addition to advancing energy conservation
2026
2031
Target
Phase I: Preparation
Phase III: Challenge
Formulation of the next Environmental
Action Plan
Implementation of voluntary CO2 reductions
ahead of schedule while continuing the
current plan (The Sixth Voluntary Plan)
Consideration and implementation of all available
means of reducing CO2 from a Group-wide
perspective, taking into consideration external
factors such as technological innovation, markets,
and regulations
30%
reduction
in direct CO2
emissions
(Scope 1 and 2)
SUBARUʼs Principal Initiatives for a Reduction of 20,000 t-CO2 by FYE March 2021
Installation of captive-consumption
solar power system
4
Gunma Oizumi Plant
(projected reduction: 2,600 t-CO2)
3
1
Purchase of electricity from
hydroelectric power generation
5
Renewable
energy system
installation
Renewable
energy electricity
purchase
Utsunomiya South Plant and
2nd South Plant
(projected reduction: 5,400 t-CO2)
2
2
Green Power
Certification
utilization
Facilities in Oizumi including
Subaru Accessory Center, etc.
(projected reduction: 330 t-CO2)
Head office and
training center in Tokyo
(projected reduction: 1,000 t-CO2)
Tokyo Office in Mitaka
(projected reduction: 4,000 t-CO2)
Gunma Main Plant
(projected reduction: 6,200 t-CO2)
New Initiatives
Existing initiatives
1 Installation of a Solar Power System at SUBARU
Facilities in Oizumi, Gunma Prefecture
(Projected reduction: 330 t-CO2)
4 Installation of One of Japanʼs Largest
Captive-Consumption Solar Power Systems
(Projected reduction: 2,600 t-CO2)
We will install a captive-consumption solar power system at SUBARU
facilities in Oizumi, Gunma Prefecture. We aim to complete the
system, with expected power output of 1 MW (generating 1,145 MWh
of electricity annually), in FYE March 2020. We plan to use the power
generated by the system at the Subaru Accessory Center and the
Kanto PDI Center, which is projected to reduce emissions by 330
t-CO2, approximately 40% of the CO2 emitted from these facilities.
2 CO2 Emissions-Free Hydropower Introduction of
Aqua Premium
(Projected reduction: 10,200 t-CO2)
We will introduce Aqua Premium, an electricity rate plan under which
only CO2 emissions-free hydropower is sold, to purchase a portion of
the electric power used at the Main Plant in Gunma and Tokyo Office
in Mitaka. This is projected to reduce emissions by approximately
10,200 t-CO2 (annual output: 21 GWh equivalent).
3 Utilization of Green Power Certification
(Projected reduction: 1,000 t-CO2)
At the Head Office in Ebisu and the Subaru Training Center in
Hachioji, we aim to realize CO2 emissions-free offices by utilizing the
Green Power Certification and Green Heat Certification systems.
We are installing a solar power system that will be among the largest
captive-consumption solar power systems in Japan1 at the Gunma
Oizumi Plant (Gunma Prefecture).
The facility, which will have expected power output of approximately
5.6 MW (generating 6,100 MWh of electricity annually), is scheduled
to be completed and start operation by FYE March 2020. This is
projected to reduce emissions by approximately 2,600 t-CO2,
equivalent to some 2% of the plantʼs annual CO2 emissions.
5 “Tochigi Furusato Denki” Program for Local Production
and Local Consumption of Electricity
(Projected reduction: 5,400 t-CO2)
In April 2018, we introduced the Tochigi Furusato Denki program2,
Japanʼs first program for local electricity production and consumption,
which uses a hydropower plant owned by Tochigi Prefecture as a
power source, at the Aerospace Company Utsunomiya South Plant
and 2nd South Plant (Tochigi Prefecture).
Participation in the program is projected to reduce emissions by
approximately 5,400 t-CO2, equivalent to some 15% of the SUBARU
Aerospace Companyʼs total annual CO 2 emissions. Under the
program, part of the electricity charges paid by SUBARU will be used
for environmental protection initiatives in Tochigi Prefecture.
1 Based on a study by Japan Facility Solutions, Inc.
2
A program offered by the Tochigi Prefecture Public Enterprise Bureau and TEPCO Energy Partner, Inc. to provide electric power generated by eight hydroelectric
power plants owned by Tochigi Prefecture that emit no CO2 during power generation. Participating companies are able to eliminate CO2 emissions associated with
their electricity usage.
For further information, please see the program website (in Japanese): http://www.pref.tochigi.lg.jp/j03/furusato/furusatodenki_top.html
Principal Risks and Opportunities Relating to Climate Change
Approach to Risks and Opportunities
Failure to take climate change countermeasures would seriously affect SUBARUʼs markets in Japan, North America, and
elsewhere, and SUBARU would be unable to continue business operations. SUBARU has set a level well below 2ºC, in line
with the purpose of the Paris Agreement, as a long-term temperature increase goal and is analyzing short-term and
medium-term scenarios for achieving the goal, taking into account various factors.
Annual Report 2019
46
The SUBARU Groupʼs CSR
We are considering various product scenarios, keeping in mind the fuel efficiency regulations determined by national
governments in the countries where we do business and comprehensively taking into consideration factors such as the
electrification scenarios of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and related governments, progress with electrification
in the automotive markets, the status of social infrastructure development, technologies capable of withstanding
actual use by customers, securing of reasonable profits, and progress with decarbonization in upstream and
downstream product processes.
We have prepared FYE March 2031 targets related to production, taking into consideration factors including Japanʼs
Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), stability of supply and procurement prices of low-carbon energy in Japan and
the U.S., progress with the energy mix promoted by the Japanese government, and carbon pricing. We are currently
formulating initiatives (an Environmental Action Plan) based on energy conservation activities, which takes into
consideration the installation of energy-saving equipment and the introduction of renewable energy.
Principal Identified Risk*
Product-Related Risks
1) Failure to comply with fuel efficiency regulations in Japan, the U.S., Europe, or China could result in negative incentives,
such as penal or administrative fines for violation of laws and regulations or carbon credit purchases, and SUBARU
could incur additional costs or losses. Also, failure to reach a certain level of fuel economy could limit product sales
opportunities.
2) Rapid electrification of vehicles that does not meet customer needs could cause SUBARU to incur unnecessary
development costs not aligned with needs or cause a decrease in customer satisfaction, which could lead to not only
unforeseen losses and loss of sales opportunities, but also delays in product electrification.
3) In the transition to electrified vehicles, it is important to low-carbonize/zero-carbonize in all processes from procurement
through to use and disposal while securing profitability. If overall decarbonization initiatives involving SUBARU products
upstream and downstream processes do not progress, SUBARU may be unable to achieve the targets throughout
product lifecycles.
4) From a medium- to long-term perspective, SUBARU believes that electrification will steadily advance and sudden
market penetration might happen at a certain stage. Failure to have appropriate technologies and products in place at
that point in time could have a significant impact on product sales opportunities.
Risks at the Production Stage
1) If SUBARU vehicles continue to use energy derived from fossil fuels, SUBARU will be subject to geopolitical factors, such
as oil availability, as well as government-imposed carbon taxes or emissions reduction regulations, and costs could rise.
2) From a medium- to long-term perspective, SUBARU believes that renewable energy will become mainstream. However,
at this time there are issues with respect to cost and stability of supply, and it is necessary to consider cost effectiveness.
Risks Related to Overall Business Operation
1) Insufficient efforts to achieve low-carbon/zero-carbon operations could damage SUBARUʼs brand value and have an
adverse effect on employee recruitment and sales. This could also make it difficult to procure funds from investors over
the medium to long term and lead to an increase in the cost of capital.
2) Some say that achieving the Paris Agreementʼs current national emissions targets of below 2ºC will not be enough, so
if countries adopt more stringent targets, SUBARUʼs business could be severely affected.
Principal Identified Opportunities*
1)
If SUBARUʼs efforts to make products more environmentally friendly and climate change adaptation and mitigation
progress on a global scale all appropriately proceed, SUBARU may be able not only to maintain its key markets, but
also to gain further support for the safe products that provide peace of mind at which SUBARU excels, and sales
opportunities could also increase through the creation of new markets, even in the face of the extreme weather
conditions that can not, to some extent, be avoided in certain parts of the world.
Meeting expectations with respect to climate change could lead to an increase in SUBARUʼs brand value and have a
positive impact on employee recruitment and sales. This could facilitate procurement of funds from investors over the
medium to long term and lead to a decrease in the cost of capital.
Transitioning to renewable energy while taking cost effectiveness into consideration could free SUBARU from the price
fluctuation risk inherent in energy derived from fossil fuels and prevent future cost increases.
2)
3)
* The above risks and opportunities are based on historical facts and currently available information and may change significantly due to factors such as future economic
trends and the business environment surrounding SUBARU
47
Annual Report 2019
Risk Management
Status of Development of the Risk Management System
The SUBARU Corporate Planning Department, which is responsible for functions common to each business, plays a central
role in efforts by the corporate departments to strengthen risk management in close collaboration with each business unit.
Furthermore, the Internal Audit Department periodically audits business execution at each business unit and affiliated
company. In addition, to contribute to development of the internal control system, SUBARU has set up and operates a
system and organization to ensure compliance, which is considered the most fundamental aspect of risk management.
To promote the practice of compliance Group-wide, SUBARU has established the Compliance Committee to conduct
deliberations and discussions, make decisions on important compliance matters, engage in information exchange and
communication, and endeavor to implement compliance fairly and effectively. SUBARU has assigned compliance officers
and compliance staff to each business unit and organized a system for meticulously practicing compliance at the workplace
level. SUBARU systematically and routinely provides education and training for officers and employees and promotes
compliance awareness through in-house publications and other means as necessary. To promote the practice of
compliance in the SUBARU Group, SUBARU provides education and training and compliance information through those
in-house publications to affiliated companies and increases the effectiveness of compliance by promoting participation in
the SUBARU internal reporting system (Compliance Hotline).
Effective April 1, 2019, SUBARU newly established the Risk Management & Compliance Office for the purpose of
strengthening initiatives to address legal compliance and corporate culture reform issues facing SUBARU. The Risk
Management & Compliance Office, General Administration Department, Group Company Management Department,
Sustainability Promotion Department, Legal Department, and Internal Audit Department together constitute the Risk
Management Group, which is overseen by the Chief Risk Management Officer (CRMO).
Message from the CRMO
Director of the Board
Executive Vice President
and CRMO
Yoichi Kato
In an organizational change effective April 1, 2019, SUBARU newly established the
Risk Management Group and the position of Chief Risk Management Officer (CRMO),
who oversees this Group. Although this reorganization is part of efforts to strengthen
internal control, which has been strongly required of companies in Japan and abroad
since the 2000s, I consider this a matter of particular importance for SUBARU, which
was shaken by final vehicle inspection problems. Although to date SUBARU has taken
several measures to strengthen internal control, such as establishment of the
Corporate Administration Division, by once again clarifying reporting lines concerning
risk management and internal control and clearly defining the communication route
between workplaces and management, SUBARU is attempting to reduce the sense
of distance between them and enhance and strengthen management involvement in
internal control, in both form and substance. Since there were serious concerns about
the risk management response level under the previous organizational structure,
SUBARU newly established the Risk Management & Compliance Office to put in
place a system for systematically engaging in Group-wide risk management. SUBARU
combined the Risk Management & Compliance Office with the Legal Department,
the Sustainability Promotion Department (the former CSR & Environment
Department), and other departments closely involved with risk management and with
the General Administration Department, which serves as the secretariat office of the
Emergency Response Headquarters, to form an organization overseen by the CRMO.
The automotive industry is said to be facing a once-in-a-century transition period.
Managing a business in such turbulent circumstances is like navigating a ship in a fog
that limits visibility. I believe that at such a time risk management fulfills the role of a
sea captain who helps keep the ship on a steady and sure course. I will devote myself
each day to ensuring that the Risk Management Group provides guidance to enable
maintenance of sustainable management.
Annual Report 2019
48
The SUBARU Groupʼs CSR
Compliance
Basic Approach and Policy
In the Corporate Governance Guidelines, SUBARU has designated the practice of compliance as one of the most
important management priorities. We are keenly aware that rigorous Group-wide compliance forms the foundation for the
Groupʼs management, and we will instill in each employee not only compliance with all laws, ordinances, and internal
regulations required in business activities, but also rigorous pursuit of open and fair business activities that conform to the
ethical principles, common practices, and norms of society at large. To link the Corporate Governance Guidelines to action,
SUBARU has set up and operates a compliance system and organization and engages in compliance activities, such as
various types of training.
Corporate Code of Conduct and Conduct Guidelines
SUBARU has established the Corporate Code of Conduct (see page 02) and Conduct Guidelines as compliance standards
for the practice of compliance-oriented corporate activities. In FYE March 2018, we revised the content of the Conduct
Guidelines to further promote Group compliance. We explain the Code and Guidelines in detail in the Compliance
Manual, which is distributed to all employees of the SUBARU Group, and concisely explain the main points in the
Compliance Manual: Compliance Essentials, and strive to ensure compliance in our employeesʼ day-to-day actions.
Compliance Regulations
In 2001, with the approval of the Board of Directors, SUBARU instituted the Compliance Regulations as basic regulations
that stipulate the system, organization, and methods of operation related to compliance. In FYE March 2019, following
deliberation by the Compliance Committee and with the approval of the Board of Directors, we revised the regulations in
order to reflect the content of revisions to the Corporate Governance Guidelines and realize flexible operation of the
Compliance Committee to ensure more rigorous compliance practice.
Compliance System
Auditors
Internal auditing
results reporting
Board of Directors
Reporting of very critical/
urgent compliance issues
Establishment
Reporting of deliberation/decision
Compliance Committee
Compliance Committee chair
Compliance Committee member
Secretarial work
Reporting of important items
Internal Audit
Department
(internal audit)
Consultation/
cooperation
Secretariat Office:
Department in charge of compliance
Risk Management & Compliance Office
Consultation/
cooperation
Deliberation/reporting of scandals
Compliance status reporting
Manager in charge of compliance
Compliance Planning Subcommittee
Personnel in charge of compliance
Consultation/
cooperation
Internal auditing
Office/department/company
Group companies
Compliance System,
Organization, and Operation
SUBARU established the Compliance
Committee as a Group-wide committee to
promote compliance. The Committee
deliberates, discusses, decides, and
exchanges information on important
compliance matters. Each department
institutes its own compliance action plan
(compliance program) each year to
promote compliance and engages in
continuous and systematic autonomous
activities. Following the discovery of
improprieties relating to final vehicle
inspections at SUBARU, in FYE March 2019
the director of the board and chairman
became the chairman of the Compliance
Committee, and since the start of FYE
March 2020 a director of the board and
executive vice president who serves as
Chief Risk Management Officer (CRMO), a
newly established position, has chaired
the committee, which is fundamentally
reviewing and implementing compliance-
related initiatives.
49
Annual Report 2019
Establishment of the Risk Management & Compliance Office
After deep reflection on the improprieties relating to final vehicle inspections at SUBARU discovered in FYE March 2018,
with the aim of preventing any repetition of similar mistakes, in FYE March 2019 SUBARU established the Compliance
Office as an independent organization to strengthen company-wide compliance-oriented initiatives. Furthermore, in FYE
March 2020 we reorganized the Compliance Office as the Risk Management & Compliance Office, expanding its role to
that of a hands-on organization that plans and implements Group-wide internal control and risk management. The Risk
Management & Compliance Office principally engages in the following work.
Planning and implementation of internal control and risk management for the entire SUBARU Group
Planning and operation relating to compliance promotion for the entire SUBARU Group (including matters relating to the
Compliance Committeeʼs secretariat office), planning and operation of compliance training, education, and internal
awareness activities, and operation of the SUBARU Groupʼs internal reporting system (Compliance Hotline)
Improvement of the Compliance Hotline System
In addition to seeking solutions through their superiors, regular and temporary employees who work in the SUBARU Group
have the option of using the Compliance Hotline to seek consultation about any compliance-related problems they have
discovered within the Group.
The Hotline Desk has been set up within the Company, and employees assigned to the Hotline Desk in accordance
with internal rules directly accept reports by post, telephone, and e-mail, conduct fact-finding investigations, and respond
to reports. The names and departments of persons making reports are kept strictly confidential and are not disclosed
without their consent, and consideration is given to ensuring that they suffer no disadvantage due to the consultation.
Since April 2008, we have added an external specialist organization as a point of contact and worked to make the system
easier to use by extending its hours and reinforcing the mechanisms that ensure the confidentiality of the names and
departments of persons seeking consultation. To publicize the Compliance Hotline System, we have distributed cards that
provide information on how the hotline system works and contact details to employees of SUBARU and Group companies
and put up posters in workplaces. We have included an explanation of the service provided by the external specialist in the
posters and also posted information on the Company intranet.
Compliance Hotline (from Consultation to Solution)
Compliance Hotline card
The Compliance Hotline received 199 consultation requests in FYE March 2019, and the general manager of the
Compliance Office (or, since FYE March 2020, the general manager of the Risk Management & Compliance Office due to a
change of organization name) played a central role in efforts to expeditiously solve problems following fact-finding
investigations. Matters reported to the Compliance Hotline are reported to management or the Compliance Committee as
necessary, and measures are taken to prevent any reoccurrence of problems.
In FYE March 2019, we redesigned the awareness card and posters to include the message that SUBARU wants
employees to use the Compliance Hotline system to report even minor matters if they feel that something is wrong. We
also provided various types of compliance training and prepared and distributed compliance-related tools. Thanks to these
initiatives, operation of the system improved, with efforts to increase employee compliance awareness, including
encouraging a mindset of actively using the system, leading to increases in the number of consultation requests from
employees and in the number of reports that lead to an appropriate response and solution.
Annual Report 2019
50
The SUBARU Groupʼs CSR
Compliance Activity Achievements
Compliance Training
In the belief that the entire SUBARU Group must work in harmony to achieve rigorous compliance, we provide compliance
training and practical legal training to employees of all Group companies. This training is organized by the Legal
Department, Risk Management & Compliance Office, and human resource and education departments. Each department
and affiliated company incorporates its own education program into its action program (compliance program) and
complements this education by holding study meetings on important work-related laws and ordinances and providing
compliance awareness training conducted by Legal Department and Risk Management & Compliance Office personnel
and others. In FYE March 2019, some 7,700 persons participated in these training programs organized or supported by the
Legal Department and Compliance Office (reorganized as the Risk Management & Compliance Office in April 2019).
SUBARU prepares and provides various support tools to promote the day-to-day practice of compliance, including tools
specifically intended for affiliated companies such as SUBARU distributors in Japan. In addition, we distribute urgent
information on a timely basis in the form of Compliance Information and work to raise compliance awareness Group-wide. In
FYE March 2019, we provided Compliance Awareness Training for SUBARU Group managers, shared information on the
causes and background of the occurrence of improprieties relating to final vehicle inspections at SUBARU, and promoted
measures in each department to prevent the occurrence of similar improprieties. We also expanded the scope of company-
wide compliance education provided to managers every year in October, which is designated as Compliance Month, to
section heads and other employees and implemented initiatives to broaden the base of compliance. Furthermore, in FYE
March 2019 we newly prepared the Compliance Manual: Compliance Essentials as a tool to contribute to the practice of
compliance-oriented corporate activities and distributed it to all employees of the SUBARU Group.
H4
H1
SUBARU
コンプライアンス・ホットライン
情報漏洩、不正取引、データ偽装、個人情報流出、著作権侵害、ハラスメント…こんな 行為以外にも「なにか変かも?」と感じることがあれば、
コンプライアンス・ホットラインまで気軽にご相談を。SUBARUグループで働く方なら、どなたでも相談いただけます。
外部窓口
コンプライアンス従 業 員 相 談 窓 口
内部窓口
ホットライン・デスク(本 社-コンプライアンス室)
0120-061-065
。すまし答応と」すでンイラプルヘの場職「※00:12〜00:41)土〜月(間時付受
メール:subaru-helpline@e-cuore.com
03-3473-7107
00:9)日平(間時付受
〜18:00 メール:cpl-hotline@subaru.co.jp
郵送:〒150-8554 東京都渋谷区恵比寿 1-20-8 エビススバルビル
」クスデ・ンイラトッホ・スンアイラプンコ「URABUS社会式株
株式会社 SUBARU コンプライアンス室
2018.10
S10
EYW O R D
K
「お客様の笑顔をつくる会社」
10の心得
『コンプライアンス マニュアル』エッセンシャル版
Compliance training (Tokyo Office)
Compliance Manual: Compliance Essentials
51
Annual Report 2019
Quality
Approach to Quality
To make SUBARU a company that is trusted by, and resonates with, customers through the provision of “Enjoyment and
Peace of Mind,” under the banner of a new quality policy and with Quality First as our watchword, all SUBARU employees
actively promote the provision of high-quality products and services that inspire customers. In addition, SUBARUʼs affiliated
companies in Japan and overseas establish quality policies in accordance with the business content of each company and
regional characteristics and carry out quality control based on these policies.
Message from the CQO
Executive Vice President
and CQO
Atsushi Osaki
Quality is the foundation of “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind,” SUBARUʼs core value,
and delivering quality is one of our most fundamental responsibilities to our
customers. Quality can be broadly defined to include everything from product quality
to customer service quality, the quality of the day-to-day work of individual
employees, and the quality of corporate activities, and it is important to steadily
improve these dimensions of quality. To ensure that SUBARU moves forward with the
creation of high-quality products that are attuned to customer lifestyles and further
enriches peopleʼs lives and with improvement of service quality, I intend to play a
leading role in instilling a standard so that SUBARU Group employees make quality
the highest priority above all else.
Airbag defects and other problems that lead to recalls and service campaigns
have continued to occur, and I deeply regret that we have caused concern and
inconvenience to our shareholders, customers, and many other stakeholders.
Although we have seen steady improvement in the results of third-party quality
assessments for the U.S. market, our relative quality ratings in comparison with other
automakers are regrettably declining, and I consider this a critical issue.
In response to these problems and issues, in new vehicle development we aim to
eliminate recalls and service campaigns by further reinforcing milestone management
at each stage of development and systematically working to prevent any reoccurrence
of past defects. We will make high-quality products that are easy for customers to
understand and use, taking into account customer usage conditions, and
simultaneously work to minimize vehicle downtime and increase customer satisfaction
by undertaking call center expansion, building a system for the smooth provision of
replacement parts and repair parts, and improving efficiency in service operations.
Quality reforms are a top priority in STEP, SUBARUʼs mid-term management
vision. For this reason, we are reviewing all business processes, from product planning
and parts procurement by supplier to production and shipping at our plants, and
implementing reforms. To ensure that the departments involved in these processes
do not waver in the philosophy that quality is key, we will also strengthen the authority
of the CQO and rigorously reinforce quality management systems across all product
development and manufacturing functions.
In addition, we will invest in facilities for quality-related technology development, in
simulators and other control-related evaluation facilities, and in facilities with modifiable
temperature and atmospheric pressure control for environmental and durability
evaluation. In manufacturing, whereas until now we have made capital expenditures
mainly for the purpose of increasing capacity, from now on we will invest heavily in the
renewal of aging facilities and the enhancement of traceability to raise the level of
quality, while also utilizing IoT. We will actively invest in areas that contribute to quality
improvement, including human resources investment, and aim to be No. 1 in the kind
of quality that makes our products suitable for long-term use with peace of mind.
Annual Report 2019
52
The SUBARU Groupʼs CSR
Initiatives to Instill the Mindset that Quality is the Top Priority
SUBARU is continuing various initiatives to promote a change of mindset and behavior on the part of each individual
employee for the purpose of making quality the highest priority. A prime example of these initiatives is the Quality Policy
revision implemented in April 2019.
Quality Policy
At SUBARU, quality is our highest priority as we earn the trust of our customers.
1. We will deliver long lasting products that our customers can use with peace of mind.
2.
3.
We will continually improve our products and services by always listening closely to our customersʼ voice.
We will be a good corporate citizen in all markets where we do business by ensuring compliance with all
internal rules, local laws, regulations and social norms.
Revised in April 2019
Points of Emphasis in Revising the Quality Policy
Communicate the
powerful message that
“Quality is important
above all else”
Align the direction and
focus of all activities
toward customers
Promote a change of
mindset and behavior
by engaging with
individuals in an easy to
understand way
Clearly express the
importance of
compliance
Under the leadership of top management, all employees will apply this policy in their day-to-day work.
In addition to this revision to the Quality Policy, SUBARU will continue the following activities that support quality reforms.
1. Education activities involving periodic posting of quality reform-related articles in Shuho, SUBARUʼs in-house magazine
2. Holding of a “Quality Caravan” event in November (designated as Quality Month) to directly convey SUBARUʼs quality
situation and customer feedback to employees at all business sites and to suppliers, beginning in FYE March 2019
3. Addition of a quality awareness course to the employee level-specific education curriculum, beginning in FYE
March 2020
Through these activities, we are working to foster among employees the mindset that quality is the highest priority.
Although we believe that employeesʼ quality awareness has steadily increased due to these initiatives, we will thoroughly
inculcate this quality-first mindset and ensure that it is not transitory.
Quality Management System
1. Establish Quality Management System (QMS) based on the Quality Policy and ISO9001 Standard and put it into practice
for orderly and effective operations.
2. Aim to increase customer satisfaction by ensuring conformity with customer requirements and legal and regulatory
requirements.
3. Undertake continuous improvement of the QMS through business process improvement.
53
Annual Report 2019
Operation of Quality Management Cycle
With its QMS, SUBARU works to assure quality in each process from design and development to sales as well as creating a
cycle to create even higher quality products. In addition, SUBARU strives to work through this cycle swiftly in order to meet
customer needs without any delay.
Quality Management Cycle
Development of a System for Improving Quality
SUBARU has established a quality improvement system centered on the Quality Assurance Division in order to analyze after-
sales quality defects and customer requests to realize higher-quality development and production. On the basis of customer
feedback collected from around the world, SUBARU is identifying quality-related issues, investigating causes, and
formulating countermeasures together with relevant departments and suppliers.
Quality Improvement System
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assistance
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Quality Assurance
Division
Investigation
into cause of
quality issues /
analysis / framing and
deployment of
countermeasures
Production
units
Development
units
Annual Report 2019
54
The SUBARU Groupʼs CSR
Human Resources
Approach to Human Resources Development
In STEP, the mid-term management vision, SUBARU set forth the vision “From a company making things, to a company
making people smile.” As part of realizing this vision, we consider human resources development a critically important
priority. We assist highly motivated employees in pursuing individual growth by utilizing a personnel system that consists of
occupational skill certification programs, a performance assessment system, a goal management system, personnel
rotation, and an education and training system as a tool for the development of human resources. In addition, SUBARUʼs
affiliated companies in Japan and overseas promote initiatives in accordance with the business content of each company
and regional characteristics.
Approach to Diversity
For SUBARU Group to continue offering customers its unique value, each SUBARU employee needs to be able to express
his or her unique abilities as an individual with various values and characteristics. This is why the SUBARU Group values
diversity in gender, nationality, culture, lifestyle, and other attributes and strives to create workplace environments where
everyone finds it comfortable to work. In addition, SUBARUʼs affiliated companies in Japan and overseas promote
initiatives in accordance with the business content of each company and regional characteristics. We established the
Diversity Promotion Office in January 2015 to promote diversity at SUBARU even more proactively. The office has
designated “promoting active roles of female employees,” “employing people with disabilities,” “planning and promoting
employment of non-Japanese,” and “promoting employment of the elderly” as priority themes. Among them, SUBARU has
placed particular emphasis on efforts to promote active roles of female employees.
Approach to Work-Life Balance
The SUBARU Group believes that it is important to create an environment that increases employee job satisfaction and
enables individuals to fully demonstrate their abilities so that our employees can bring smiles to the faces of customers.
SUBARU respects employee diversity, promotes diversity in work styles to achieve work-life balance, and is enhancing
programs that support a healthy work-life balance. In addition, SUBARUʼs affiliated companies in Japan and overseas
promote initiatives to support work-life balance in accordance with the business content of each company and regional
characteristics.
Approach to Ensuring Respect for Human Rights
SUBARU states “We respect the rights and characteristics of individuals” in the Corporate Code of Conduct (see page 02),
and we respect the human rights of all stakeholders involved in our business activities. To enable employees to fully
demonstrate their individual abilities, we pursue diversity in gender, sexual orientation (LGBT status), age, nationality,
culture, and lifestyle. Our basic approach to ensuring respect for human rights is to strive to create safe and comfortable
workplace environments within the SUBARU Group and our supply chains, which includes zero tolerance of forced labor
and child labor.
55
Annual Report 2019
Diversity
Promoting Active Roles for Female Employees
SUBARU set a 2020 target of increasing the number of female managers by at least five times the number in 2014, and we
expect to achieve this target by April 2020. (The number of female managers at SUBARU Corporation was four in 2014 and
is 18 as of April 2019.) We have now set a new 2025 target of increasing the number of female managers by at least 12
times the number in 2014, and we are further strengthening initiatives to develop female managers.
Support for Womenʼs Career Development
In addition to a mentoring program for female managers and manager candidates, SUBARU has provided career advancement
training for female team leaders since FYE March 2017 for the purpose of systematically developing the next generation of
female manager candidates. In FYE March 2019, 46 female employees received the training. We plan to further step up
personnel rotation, which expands the scope of employeesʼ work and contributes to personal growth.
We have also instituted a rehiring assistance program for employees who left the company for unavoidable reasons,
such as the job transfer of a spouse. We began candidate registration in FYE March 2010, and to date 10 employees have
utilized this program to return to work.
Initiatives at Special Subsidiary SUBARU Bloom Co., Ltd.
SUBARU Bloom Co., Ltd., which obtained accreditation as a special subsidiary in FYE
March 2015, continued to actively engage in the employment of persons with
disabilities in FYE March 2019. As of April 2019, 67 employees and 17 instructors
engage in cleaning work at SUBARUʼs employee dormitories and plants.
In addition to employing persons with disabilities, in FYE March 2019 SUBARU
Bloom once again actively welcomed people from nearby areas for visits and tours
and, at the request of the Gunma Prefecture Board of Education, introduced its
initiatives to persons involved in local special needs education. Since FYE March 2017,
SUBARU Bloom has been registered as a Supporter Company for Employment of
People with Disabilities, which is a program for cooperating companies that actively
promote employment of persons with disabilities that is sponsored by the
Department of Employment Support for People with Disabilities of Gunma Prefecture.
Going forward, SUBARU Bloom will continue efforts to improve the management
stability and work quality of special subsidiaries while expanding its network with
other companies involved in employment of persons with disabilities. True to its
name, SUBARU Bloom will aspire to be a company that helps the individuality of
every employee to bloom and strive for increased employment, retention, and
community contributions.
Initiatives for Non-Japanese Employees
SUBARU recruits both new graduates and mid-career employees regardless of
nationality, and employs foreign nationals as regular employees and temporary
workers. We translate safety and quality policies, work procedure manuals, and other
documents into multiple languages to promote understanding by non-Japanese
employees. In particular, the Gunma Plant, which employs many foreign nationals,
retains interpreters for English, Portuguese, Tagalog, Spanish, and Chinese to
facilitate communication with non-Japanese employees.
SUBARU provides language training and overseas training for Japanese
employees and engages in initiatives to enhance employeesʼ ability to communicate
with people from other countries and understand cultures different from their own.
International personnel exchanges also help energize SUBARUʼs corporate culture
and contribute to securing human resources.
SUBARU appropriately manages the Technical Intern Training Program for foreign
technical interns. We engage in safety- and quality-based initiatives that contribute to
the success of technical interns after they return to their home countries. Overseas
business sites and affiliated companies independently recruit human resources and
strive to secure personnel suited to their specific policies and businesses.
Certificate for Supporter
Company for Employment of
People with Disabilities
(sponsored by Gunma Prefecture)
Manual translated into five languages
Annual Report 2019
56
The SUBARU Groupʼs CSR
Work-Life Balance
Initiatives for Work-Style Reform
SUBARUʼs Status of Compliance with the Work-Style Reform Act*
Category
Accurate monitoring of
working hours
Promotion of utilization of
5 days of annual paid leave
Details
Introduction in July 2018 of a company-wide attendance system with centrally managed
electronic records (PC log-in and time-card recording of entry and exit times) to enable accurate
monitoring of working hours
Start of an initiative covering all employees in FYE March 2019. Goal of achieving utilization of at
least 5 days of leave within 7 months of granting of leave by employees newly granted 10 days or
more of leave. Institution of an operating rule to ensure utilization of 5 days by all employees
Maximum limit on overtime work
Establishment and operation of a more rigorous standard than required by law (maximum of 590
hours per year and 79 hours per month)
Increase in the pay rate for overtime work
exceeding 60 hours per month
In compliance since FYE March 2011
* The Work-Style Reform Act is a law passed in June 2018 to amend labor-related laws for the purpose of promoting work-style reforms
Initiatives to Reduce Long Working Hours
SUBARU has created an environment to reduce long working hours through measures such as the introduction of a
flextime work system and designation of regular-hour business days (no-overtime days). In addition to the previous
designation of no-overtime days, in FYE March 2016 we began to designate at all business sites an “ultra no-overtime day”
on which all employees, including managers, leave work at a set time. In FYE March 2018, we began the practice of locking
the doors to the work floors at 10 pm to ensure that employees leave work, mainly at the Gunma Plant and for the Tokyo
Office development departments. In FYE March 2019, we expanded the scope of this initiative to include all back-office
departments at the Gunma Plant. Clearly indicating the maximum overtime hours permitted has increased employee
awareness of work hours.
Assistance with Balancing Work and Childcare
SUBARU believes that it is important to create an environment that enables employees to continue their careers with a
sense of security, without having to leave employment because of childcare, and has instituted support systems that meet
or exceed statutory requirements to achieve a balance between work and childcare. SUBARU has stipulated that the
childcare leave system can be extended to the end of the first April after a child turns two years old, and has also made the
short work-time system for childcare available until the start of a childʼs fourth grade of elementary school, while making it
possible to use the system together with flextime (core time of two hours). This policy has had a tremendous effect in back-
office departments, where now nearly no one leaves employment due to childcare. We are currently stepping up initiatives
to assist employees in pursuing career advancement while balancing childcare and work.
SUBARU believes that it is necessary for the Gunma Plant to create a workplace environment that enables shift workers
in production who return to their jobs after childcare leave to work with peace of mind. In FYE March 2019, on a trial basis,
we opened an on-site conference room for use by a qualified childcare worker to provide early morning daycare until the
daycare center opens. We introduced this system on a full-scale basis in FYE March 2020.
We explain the content of these support systems in level-specific employee training and are publicizing the existence
of various systems and promoting their use through the Maternity Leave and Childcare Handbook on the intranet.
Number of Employees Taking Childcare Leave (SUBARU non-consolidated)
Measure
Overview
FYE March 2015 FYE March 2016 FYE March 2017 FYE March 2018 FYE March 2019
Leave system available
to employees caring
for children
Childcare leave
(persons)
Rate of returning to
work after childcare leave (%)
Retention rate one year after
returning to work (%)
Male
Female
Total
Male
Female
Male
Female
2
91
93
100
100
98.9
6
101
107
100
98
100
95
8
88
96
100
87.5
100
10
88
98
100
83.3
97.2
21
80
101
100
97.5
100
90
57
Annual Report 2019
Respect for Human Rights
Activities to Raise Awareness of Human Rights
SUBARUʼs Conduct Guidelines (see page 49) clearly state, “We do not unfairly discriminate on grounds of gender, LGBT
status, age, place of birth, nationality, race, ethnicity, beliefs, religion, social status, physical disability, disease, or any other
pretext.” In order to raise awareness regarding respect for human rights, since FYE March 2016 we have deepened
understanding of the need for diversity and SUBARUʼs diversity initiatives through new employee training and manager
training. In FYE March 2019, we held 10 training sessions attended by 435 employees.
Preventing Harassment
To prevent all forms of harassment, SUBARU has prohibited harassment in the Rules of Employment and instituted
guidelines. To prevent workplace harassment, we have prepared the Explanatory Booklet on Workplace Harassment and
informed all SUBARU employees of it. In addition, we have distributed to all managers and supervisors the Workplace
Harassment Prevention Handbook, which contains precautions and suggestions for creating workplaces free from
harassment.
SUBARU has prepared an environment for all employees, including employees of Group companies, to seek
consultation and advice by establishing the Compliance Hotline and Harassment Hotline, which provide internal and
external points of contact for consultation about harassment. By creating easily accessible systems, we encourage
employees to feel free to seek consultation and strive for the early detection and resolution of problems.
Annual Report 2019
58
Consolidated Ten-Year Financial Summary
SUBARU Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries
Years ended March 31
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
Operating results (for the year)
Net sales 1
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 1
Operating income (loss)
Income (loss) before income taxes
Net income (loss) attributable to
owners of parent
Depreciation/amortization 2
Capital expenditures 3
R&D expenses
Financial position (at year-end)
Net assets
Shareholdersʼ equity
Total assets 4
Ratio of shareholdersʼ equity to
total assets 4
Cash flows
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in)
investing activities
Free cash flow
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities
Per share
Net income (loss) (EPS)
Net assets (BPS)
Dividends
Other information
ʼ10/3
ʼ11/3
ʼ12/3
ʼ13/3
ʼ14/3
ʼ15/3
ʼ16/3
ʼ17/3
ʼ18/3
ʼ19/3
ʼ19/3
(Thousands of U.S. dollars)8
¥1,428,690
1,152,763
275,927
¥1,580,563
1,241,427
339,136
¥1,517,105
1,222,419
294,686
¥1,912,968
1,501,809
411,159
¥2,408,129
1,728,271
679,858
¥2,877,913
2,017,490
860,423
¥3,232,258
2,187,136
1,045,122
¥3,325,992
2,386,266
939,726
¥3,232,695
2,442,706
789,989
¥3,160,514
2,561,753
598,761
$28,470,534
23,076,777
5,393,757
248,577
255,001
250,727
27,350
(443)
Millions of yen
(16,450)
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
65,785
89,077
37,175
84,135
63,214
50,326
56,062
67,378
42,907
43,959
52,879
38,453
58,611
67,035
48,115
290,748
120,411
93,082
119,588
61,544
94,986
49,141
353,369
326,489
328,865
206,616
61,486
98,537
60,092
437,378
423,045
392,206
261,873
71,821
135,346
83,535
479,533
565,589
619,003
436,654
72,938
168,338
102,373
528,916
410,810
394,695
282,354
85,653
196,616
114,215
410,542
379,447
297,340
220,354
102,102
193,789
121,084
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
381,893
380,587
1,231,367
413,963
412,661
1,188,324
451,607
450,302
1,352,532
596,813
595,365
1,577,454
770,071
765,544
1,888,363
1,030,719
1,022,417
2,199,714
1,349,411
1,343,732
2,592,410
1,464,888
1,458,664
2,762,321
1,561,023
1,552,844
2,866,474
%
30.9
34.7
33.3
37.7
40.5
46.5
51.8
52.8
54.2
Millions of yen
176,734
138,208
54,865
166,715
313,024
311,543
614,256
345,442
366,298
174,006
1,567,480
Millions of yen
(62,656)
(51,109)
(26,602)
(71,370)
(33,903)
(172,780)
(255,676)
(254,252)
(150,711) (158,327)
(1,426,241)
Millions of yen
114,078
87,099
Millions of yen
(18,560)
(39,408)
28,263
2,586
95,345
(60,766)
279,121
138,763
358,580
91,190
215,587
15,679
141,239
(63,011)
(110,546)
(126,190)
(189,044)
(170,937)
(96,617)
(870,345)
403,232
195,529
195,838
147,812
102,749
169,960
102,719
1,612,825
1,605,291
2,982,725
53.8
3,632,393
1,761,364
1,764,146
1,331,518
925,583
1,531,033
925,313
14,528,645
14,460,778
26,868,976
̶
Yen
Yen
Yen
(21.11)
488.58
0
64.56
528.88
9
Non-consolidated exchange rate
Number of shares issued
Number of shareholders 5
Number of employees (parent only)
Number of employees
(consolidated)
Yen to the U.S. dollar
Thousands of shares
Persons
Persons
Persons
Number of units
Consolidated automobile unit sales 6
SUBARU vehicle unit production
Domestic
U.S. (SIA) 7
Thousand units
Thousand units
Thousand units
Thousand units
93
782,865
39,223
12,483
27,586
563
557
453
104
86
782,865
34,240
12,429
27,296
657
624
459
165
49.27
576.97
9
79
782,865
33,139
12,359
27,123
640
635
465
171
153.23
762.87
15
82
782,865
28,890
12,717
27,509
724
692
511
181
264.76
980.98
53
100
782,865
51,386
13,034
28,545
825
772
609
164
335.57
1,310.15
68
559.54
1,721.90
144
365.77
1,902.56
144
287.40
2,025.31
144
192.78
2,093.60
144
(U.S. dollars)
1.74
18.86
1.30
108
782,865
70,942
13,883
29,774
911
887
681
207
121
782,865
79,594
14,234
31,151
958
929
693
236
108
769,175
76,471
14,708
32,599
1,065
1,033
698
335
111
769,175
132,570
14,879
33,544
1,067
1,036
687
349
111
769,175
133,879
15,274
34,200
1,000
977
605
372
̶
̶
̶
̶
̶
̶
̶
̶
̶
1 Change of accounting policy effective from FYE March 2019 (deduction of sales incentives from net sales); Retroactively applied to the figures for FYE March 2018
2 Accompanying a change in accounting policy effective from the FYE March 2019, change of depreciation method for certain tangible fixed assets of the Company
and its major domestic consolidated subsidiaries from the declining-balance method to the straight-line method
3 Increase in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
4 Application of Partial Amendments to Accounting Standard for Tax Effect Accounting, effective from FYE March 2019; Retroactively applied to the figures for FYE
March 2018
59
Annual Report 2019
Operating results (for the year)
Net sales 1
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 1
Operating income (loss)
Income (loss) before income taxes
Net income (loss) attributable to
owners of parent
Depreciation/amortization 2
Capital expenditures 3
R&D expenses
Financial position (at year-end)
Net assets
Shareholdersʼ equity
Total assets 4
Ratio of shareholdersʼ equity to
total assets 4
Cash flows
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in)
investing activities
Free cash flow
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities
Per share
Net income (loss) (EPS)
Net assets (BPS)
Dividends
Other information
(21.11)
488.58
0
64.56
528.88
9
Yen
Yen
Yen
Persons
Persons
Persons
Non-consolidated exchange rate
Yen to the U.S. dollar
Thousands of shares
Number of shares issued
Number of shareholders 5
Number of employees (parent only)
Number of employees
(consolidated)
Number of units
Domestic
U.S. (SIA) 7
Consolidated automobile unit sales 6
Thousand units
SUBARU vehicle unit production
Thousand units
Thousand units
Thousand units
93
782,865
39,223
12,483
27,586
563
557
453
104
86
782,865
34,240
12,429
27,296
657
624
459
165
49.27
576.97
9
79
782,865
33,139
12,359
27,123
640
635
465
171
290,748
120,411
93,082
119,588
61,544
94,986
49,141
153.23
762.87
15
82
782,865
28,890
12,717
27,509
724
692
511
181
¥1,428,690
1,152,763
275,927
¥1,580,563
1,241,427
339,136
¥1,517,105
1,222,419
294,686
¥1,912,968
1,501,809
411,159
248,577
255,001
250,727
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
(16,450)
27,350
(443)
65,785
89,077
37,175
84,135
63,214
50,326
56,062
67,378
42,907
43,959
52,879
38,453
58,611
67,035
48,115
ʼ10/3
ʼ11/3
ʼ12/3
ʼ13/3
ʼ14/3
ʼ15/3
ʼ16/3
ʼ17/3
ʼ18/3
ʼ19/3
ʼ19/3
(Thousands of U.S. dollars)8
¥2,408,129
1,728,271
679,858
¥2,877,913
2,017,490
860,423
¥3,232,258
2,187,136
1,045,122
¥3,325,992
2,386,266
939,726
¥3,232,695
2,442,706
789,989
¥3,160,514
2,561,753
598,761
$28,470,534
23,076,777
5,393,757
353,369
326,489
328,865
206,616
61,486
98,537
60,092
437,378
423,045
392,206
261,873
71,821
135,346
83,535
479,533
565,589
619,003
436,654
72,938
168,338
102,373
528,916
410,810
394,695
282,354
85,653
196,616
114,215
410,542
379,447
297,340
220,354
102,102
193,789
121,084
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
Millions of yen
381,893
380,587
413,963
412,661
451,607
450,302
596,813
595,365
1,231,367
1,188,324
1,352,532
1,577,454
770,071
765,544
1,888,363
1,030,719
1,022,417
2,199,714
1,349,411
1,343,732
2,592,410
1,464,888
1,458,664
2,762,321
1,561,023
1,552,844
2,866,474
%
30.9
34.7
33.3
37.7
40.5
46.5
51.8
52.8
54.2
403,232
195,529
195,838
147,812
102,749
169,960
102,719
1,612,825
1,605,291
2,982,725
53.8
3,632,393
1,761,364
1,764,146
1,331,518
925,583
1,531,033
925,313
14,528,645
14,460,778
26,868,976
̶
Millions of yen
176,734
138,208
54,865
166,715
313,024
311,543
614,256
345,442
366,298
174,006
1,567,480
Millions of yen
(62,656)
(51,109)
(26,602)
(71,370)
(33,903)
(172,780)
(255,676)
(254,252)
(150,711) (158,327)
(1,426,241)
Millions of yen
114,078
87,099
Millions of yen
(18,560)
(39,408)
28,263
2,586
95,345
(60,766)
279,121
138,763
358,580
91,190
215,587
15,679
141,239
(63,011)
(110,546)
(126,190)
(189,044)
(170,937)
(96,617)
(870,345)
264.76
980.98
53
100
782,865
51,386
13,034
28,545
825
772
609
164
335.57
1,310.15
68
559.54
1,721.90
144
365.77
1,902.56
144
287.40
2,025.31
144
192.78
2,093.60
144
(U.S. dollars)
1.74
18.86
1.30
108
782,865
70,942
13,883
29,774
911
887
681
207
121
782,865
79,594
14,234
31,151
958
929
693
236
108
769,175
76,471
14,708
32,599
1,065
1,033
698
335
111
769,175
132,570
14,879
33,544
1,067
1,036
687
349
111
769,175
133,879
15,274
34,200
1,000
977
605
372
̶
̶
̶
̶
̶
̶
̶
̶
̶
5 Number of shares per trading unit: 100 shares
6 Automobile unit sales of SUBARU CORPORATION and its consolidated subsidiaries
7 U.S. production base Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.
8 U.S. dollar figures have been translated from yen, for convenience only, at the rate of ¥111.01 to US$1.00, the approximate rate of exchange at March 31, 2019
Annual Report 2019
60
Five-Year Unit Sales
Years ended March 31
Consolidated Automobile Sales
Domestic units
Legacy
Impreza
Forester
Levorg
WRX
Exiga
SUBARU BRZ
OEM
Others
Passenger cars
Minicars
Domestic total
Overseas units by region
U.S.
Canada
Russia
Europe
Australia
China
Others
Overseas total
Overseas units by model
Legacy
Impreza
Forester
Levorg
WRX
Ascent
Tribeca
SUBARU BRZ
OEM
Others
Overseas total
Grand total
ʼ15/3
ʼ16/3
ʼ17/3
ʼ18/3
ʼ19/3
(Number of units)
13,845
39,462
21,103
40,559
7,514
1,937
1,890
1,127
439
127,876
34,876
162,752
527,630
42,439
11,559
35,730
38,889
53,821
37,875
747,943
235,791
196,403
269,649
0
37,982
0
64
7,914
135
5
747,943
11,358
39,794
22,044
23,555
6,956
4,498
1,995
884
502
111,586
33,702
145,288
582,674
47,579
5,723
41,778
44,611
44,388
45,824
812,577
286,979
217,272
250,072
7,713
43,120
0
34
7,387
0
0
812,577
11,065
51,592
24,239
23,775
6,552
4,284
2,253
2,066
567
126,393
32,542
158,935
667,613
53,061
5,338
40,915
49,106
44,000
45,574
905,607
333,339
238,858
272,768
6,823
47,185
0
7
6,627
0
0
905,607
9,328
66,748
18,139
21,342
8,252
3,498
1,879
2,889
480
132,555
30,889
163,444
670,931
56,820
7,729
40,228
55,674
26,872
45,231
903,485
281,846
306,673
260,853
3,913
42,739
0
1
7,460
0
0
903,485
5,864
46,838
32,941
12,878
7,060
23
1,241
2,712
147
109,704
25,615
135,319
659,702
56,826
8,120
32,133
41,731
22,776
43,287
864,575
253,860
275,089
226,756
2,160
33,861
67,177
0
5,672
0
0
864,575
910,695
957,865
1,064,542
1,066,929
999,894
*Automobile sales of SUBARU CORPORATION and its consolidated subsidiaries
Consolidated Automobile Sales by Region
Consolidated Automobile Sales by Model
Japan
Europe
U.S.
Australia
Canada
China
Russia
Others
Legacy
Exiga
OEM
Impreza
Ascent
Others
Forester
Tribeca
Minicars
Levorg
SUBARU BRZ
WRX
(Thousand units)
1,200
(Thousand units)
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
0
1,065
1,067
1,000
1,000
958
911
1,065
1,067
1,000
958
911
800
600
400
200
0
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
*Automobile sales of SUBARU CORPORATION and its consolidated subsidiaries
*Automobile sales of SUBARU CORPORATION and its consolidated subsidiaries
61
Annual Report 2019
Non-Consolidated Automobile Sales
(Number of units)
ʼ15/3
ʼ16/3
ʼ17/3
ʼ18/3
ʼ19/3
Domestic units
Legacy
Impreza
Forester
Levorg
WRX
Exiga
SUBARU BRZ
OEM
Passenger cars
Minicars
Domestic total
Export units
Legacy
Impreza
Forester
Levorg
WRX
Exiga
SUBARU BRZ
OEM
Export total
Complete knockdown (CKD) overseas
Total
Grand total
14,734
40,277
21,569
41,832
7,991
2,016
1,941
1,224
131,584
35,563
167,147
34,344
199,770
265,072
0
37,865
5
8,418
135
545,609
222,513
935,269
U.S. Retail Sales (Calendar Year: January to December)
Legacy
Impreza
Forester
WRX
Ascent
Tribeca
SUBARU BRZ
U.S. total
ʼ14
191,060
128,952
159,953
25,492
0
732
7,504
513,693
11,665
41,137
22,631
24,014
7,181
4,797
2,070
904
114,399
35,642
150,041
50,353
218,866
249,202
7,880
43,177
0
7,005
0
576,483
242,424
968,948
ʼ15
212,741
155,712
175,192
33,734
0
0
5,296
582,675
11,529
53,136
24,231
24,626
6,724
4,356
2,394
2,575
129,571
34,124
163,695
39,719
191,873
278,963
6,805
46,730
0
6,653
0
570,743
9,753
68,937
19,000
22,525
8,284
3,833
1,999
2,862
137,193
31,717
168,910
32,122
214,631
254,397
3,813
44,053
0
7,451
0
556,467
6,091
49,117
34,553
13,328
7,206
7
1,256
2,843
114,401
26,344
140,745
26,073
197,657
230,136
2,060
30,590
0
4,980
0
491,496
353,770
348,144
402,985
1,088,208
1,073,521
1,035,226
ʼ16
248,204
150,915
178,593
33,279
0
0
4,141
615,132
ʼ17
238,723
196,181
177,563
31,358
0
0
4,131
647,956
(Number of units)
ʼ18
218,963
220,784
171,613
28,730
36,211
0
3,834
680,135
Non-Consolidated Domestic Automobile Sales by Model
Non-Consolidated Automobile Export Units by Model
Legacy
Exiga
Impreza
SUBARU BRZ
Forester
OEM
Levorg
Minicars
WRX
Legacy
WRX
Impreza
Exiga
Forester
SUBARU BRZ
Levorg
OEM
(Thousand units)
200
(Thousand units)
600
167
164
169
150
141
150
100
50
0
500
400
300
200
100
0
546
576
571
556
491
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
Annual Report 2019
62
Financial Review
Business Segments and Scope of Consolidation
The SUBARU Group (“the Group”) consists of three business segments: the core Automotive Business Unit, which accounts
for approximately 95% of consolidated net sales; the Aerospace Company; and Other Businesses, consisting of businesses
that do not belong to either of the other two segments. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019 (April 1, 2018 to March 31,
2019; the “fiscal year under review”), SUBARU CORPORATION (“the Company”), 78 subsidiaries, and 10 equity-method
affiliated companies were included in the scope of consolidation.
Overview of Business Performance
The global economy remained stable during the fiscal year under review, while uncertainties due to trends in trade issues
caused some slowdown in the second half of the year. The Japanese economy also continued on a gradual recovery path,
as the employment and income environment improved and consumer spending recovered, although concerns over the
impact of the uncertainty over the world economy persisted. Meanwhile, the exchange rate was mostly stable.
Consolidated net sales for the fiscal year under review decreased by 72.2 billion yen (2.2%) from the previous fiscal year
to 3,160.5 billion yen mainly due to the fall in automobile unit sales. The increase in quality-related expenses triggered by
the recall of engine parts in November 2018 and the decrease in automobile unit sales affected consolidated operating
income, which dropped by 183.9 billion yen (48.5%) to 195.5 billion yen compared with the previous fiscal year. Net income
attributable to owners of parent also fell by 72.5 billion yen (32.9%) from the previous fiscal year to 147.8 billion yen.
3,232.3 3,326.0
3,232.7
3,160.5
2,877.9
Net Sales
(Billions of yen)
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
Operating Income/
Net Income Attributable to Owners of Parent
Operating income
Net income attributable to owners of parent
(Billions of yen)
565.6
423.0
436.7
410.8
379.4
261.9
282.4
220.4
195.5
147.8
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
’15/3
’16/3
’17/3
’18/3
’19/3
* Change of accounting policy effective from FYE March 2019
(deduction of sales incentives from net sales)
Retroactively applied to the figures for FYE March 2018
Analysis of Increase and Decrease in Operating Income Changes (Consolidated)
(Billions of yen)
Gain on
currency
exchange
32.7
410.8
R&D
expenses
18.6
379.4
– 44.2
SG&A
expenses
and others
– 7.7
Cost
reduction
– 6.9
R&D
expenses
– 5.3
Sales
volume &
mixture and
others
– 98.7
SG&A
expenses
and others
195.5
– 87.4
Sales
volume &
mixture and
others
– 10.7
Cost
reduction
– 5.7
Loss on
currency
exchange
’17/3
Operating income
–31.4 billion yen
’18/3
Operating income
–183.9 billion yen
’19/3
Operating income
63
Annual Report 2019
Segment Information
Automotive Business Unit
Net sales from the Automotive Business Unit were 3,014.5 billion yen, down by 47.9 billion yen (1.6%), and segment income
was 184.9 billion yen, down by 176.5 billion yen (48.8%), compared with the previous fiscal year. Consolidated global unit
sales decreased by 67,000 vehicles (6.3%) year on year to 1,000,000 units.
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