Mitsubishi 2000 Annual Report Download - page 25

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world, without sacrificing the superior fuel efficiency inher-
ent to the GDI engine. The new Pajero series launched in
September 1999 and all new gasoline models launched since
then comply with Japanese 2000 Emission Regulations.
Diesel exhaust emissions
The diesel engine offers generally better fuel efficiency and
produces lower CO and HC emissions than its gasoline coun-
terpart. MMC is applying considerable resources to the de-
velopment and improvement of technologies that clean up
diesel emissions and improve fuel efficiency in its commer-
cial vehicles. Included are common rail fuel injection and ex-
haust gas re-circulation systems.
Regulations governing diesel engine emissions in Japan
have become significantly tougher since their introduction in
1974. The Japanese Long-term Emissions Regulations,
which came into force in 1998 and 1999, set very stringent
ceilings that are just a quarter of pre-regulated levels.
MMC has developed a new family of diesel engines that
meet the latest regulations, while delivering higher outputs
and returning better fuel economy. These engines power the
Fighter medium and Canter small trucks which went on sale
in April and May 1999 respectively as well as the Super
Great heavy truck launched this year. Compliant diesel pas-
senger cars include the Delica Space Gear and the new
Pajero, released in June and September 1999 respectively.
MMC is working to improve combustion chamber design
and fuel injection systems, and on the development of NOx
catalysts and diesel particulate filters in order to achieve fur-
ther reductions in emission levels.
Air-conditioner refrigerant
MMC ceased use of the ozone-layer destroying air condition-
er refrigerant CFC-12 in new models in 1994, switching in-
stead to HFC-134a. In 1997, the company began reducing
the amount of HFC-134a refrigerant used per vehicle.
Environmental loading substances
The MMC Action Plan establishes voluntary targets for re-
ducing the amounts of lead used in Mitsubishi vehicles.
Starting with the FTO launched in 1994 and extending to
other passenger cars since, the company has been substitut-
ing aluminum for lead in radiator components. The new reg-
ulation series of minicars introduced in October 1998 also
use lead-free fuel tanks. In 1999, the Company started use of
lead-free wiring harnesses, hoses and ceramic printed circuits
in glazing.
The company is also switching to the use of aluminum
radiators and heater cores as it works to reduce the use of
lead in trucks. The use of mercury and cadmium has been al-
most totally eliminated in new models launched in and after
1998.
■Recycling
The MMC Voluntary Action Plan lays down a minimum re-
cyclability target of 90% by weight for new models intro-
duced in or after 2000; this target is being met by means of
the following measures.
Easy-to-disassemble structures
From an economic perspective, the efficient recycling of mo-
tor vehicles requires that they be easy to disassemble.
Through exhaustive testing and evaluation, MMC conducts
on-going studies into body structures that are easy to disas-
semble. The results are used in drawing up design guidelines
and reflected in the development of new models.
Greater use of readily-recyclable materials
MMC is switching to the use of thermo-plastics in the dash-
board, headliner and parts and components traditionally
made of rubber, a material that does not lend itself to recy-
cling.
More extensive use of recycled materials
The Company is also active in the recovery and material re-
cycling of used polypropylene bumpers and uses air cleaner
cases made from waste paper and engine covers made from
PET bottles.
■Clean-energy vehicles
Hybrid electric vehicles
The Mitsubishi HEV hybrid car is driven by an electric mo-
tor, power for which is supplied by a high-efficiency engine
generator. Three of these vehicles have been part of the
CARB testing program since 1995. The company is currently
developing a high-efficiency HEV that uses the GDI engine,
Environmental stewardship & technology
23