The automaker is betting that its cars will appeal to younger Japanese buyers who are also more open to trying South Korean imports, thanks to the local success of electronics brands and hip Korean culture.

Subaru's outlay shows the all-wheel drive specialist is finally turning its focus to full-electric vehicles after introducing its first serious contender, the Solterra crossover, only this year.

In ramping up regional output to meet booming demand for EVs, Panasonic also aims to increase localized sourcing of battery materials, targeting a 50 percent local procure rate.

The automaker is ready for takeoff in the brand-new world of electric air mobility. But for now, it is skipping further investment in a Japanese startup founded partly by its own engineers in favor of an American aerospace company focused on fast, quiet flying machines.