New STI President Horomi Tamou speaks from Subaru Mitaka Gallery

We spoke with Hiromi Tamou, who took over as Representative Director and President of Subaru Tecnica International Co., Ltd. on April 1, replacing Yasuo Hiraoka, who has resigned. After joining Fuji Heavy Industries (currently SUBARU) in 1982, President Nai is a natural engineer who worked mainly in the technology and development department, holding positions such as director of the technology research institute, managing executive officer, and technical supervisor. His hobby is dirt trial competition.

Have you ever been involved in motorsports during your SUBARU STI career?

President Hiromi Tamou ``During the era of the GDB-type World Rally Car, I was asked to develop lightweight parts as a body designer, and I responded to the request. I visited the WRC Monte Carlo race and also visited Prodrive.(Assemble I was impressed by how precisely the details of the WR cars were made.I loved cars, so I joined Fuji Heavy Industries because I wanted to do body design, which I was interested in. My senior, Mr. Tatsumi (Eiji), who is still active at STI, had a great eye for car body design, and I remember often working with him on making test cars.I enjoy dirt trial competitions as a hobby. However, I have been using STI Sports Parts for a long time. "

Is your hobby of dirt trials still active?

President Na: ``Yes, that's right. It's just a hobby, so I don't have any results to be proud of, but the appeal of it is that it's a motorsport that you can do alone, and when I first started doing it (in the 1980s), the SUBARU AWD system was perfect for paved roads. It was said that it was difficult to turn, but it was fun to be able to control the car comfortably on dirt roads.I used to drive Justy and Leone on dirt roads on holidays.In fact, it is still in use today. I drive a VAB WRX STI.I think motorsports are the best teaching material for understanding cars.When I work as a designer, I also get to actually try things out that I have questions about. Yes, it is common today to proceed with design work on a computer. Simulation is of course important, but it is also very important to experience something real. You won't know if it will deform until you actually break it down. I also worked on improving development efficiency, but I always told young engineers that ``designers who don't know anything about things are no good.''

How will you steer STI within the SUBARU Group?

President Hiromi tamou: ``The three pillars of STI's business are racing, specially equipped vehicles, and parts.When you race, you have to win, and the key is how much you can do to achieve that.Also, the intangible and tangible knowledge gained through racing feedback to our products.Also, we believe that STI brand special vehicles and sports parts must provide customers with an exciting experience.By focusing on these in a well-balanced manner, we will contribute to the improvement of the SUBARU brand . I want to do that.The automotive industry will change little by little in the future, and I think motorsports will also embrace change.However, no matter what the power is, once you have a car as a tool in your hands, you want to compete. It's a human instinct. In other words, motorsports will always exist. As long as that is the case, STI will continue to provide excitement."

President Nai seems calm and kind, but I felt that his passion for cars was extraordinary. President, I look forward to your continued support.

What do you think of a return to the #WRC?

It is a great possibility, which is in my mind and my future plans for STI brand. It is very important to Subaru and fans around the world. We will see with the board of directors about the future in the coming months, and we will make a decision.

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