Japan's automakers are stoking R&D investment to meet mounting demand for a staggering array of technologies. Toyota by far outpaces the pack.

Mitsubishi's third-quarter results got a boost from higher volume and beneficial foreign exchange rates, prompting the company to lift its full fiscal year targets.

Despite a 42 percent drop in quarterly profit, the automaker lifted its full-year guidance for net income and revenue.

Subaru's output fell 20 percent to 207,000 in the quarter, while deliveries plummeted 35 percent to 173,000 in the same period.