Mitsubishi 2002 Annual Report Download - page 30

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Efforts to achieve this target are ongoing: by the end of
March 2001, approximately 60% of all MMC vehicles
sold were in conformity with the 2010 target levels for
fuel economy.
Reduction and collection of air-conditioner coolants
MMC is working to reduce the use of alternative-CFC cool-
ant HFC134a in its vehicle air-conditioning systems, and
is also developing new systems that eliminate its use
entirely. Separately, the company has established an
operational system to collect and recover HFC134a from
post-use vehicles.
Manufacturing/distribution initiatives
At the manufacturing stage, MMC is working to lower car-
bon dioxide emissions through various energy-saving pro-
grams. Within its distribution operations, MMC is promot-
ing reduced use of packing and packaging materials.
Smoother traffic flow
In a bid to reduce traffic congestion and thereby pro-
mote increased fuel economy, MMC is engaged in
research and development programs related to vehicle-
mounted intelligent transport systems (ITS) and the pro-
motion of their widespread adoption.
Pollution prevention
Development and commercialization of clean-
energy vehicles (CEVs)
CEVs aim either to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions
directly or replace the use of energy derived from oil
fossil fuels with alternative sources.
Fuel-cell vehicles
MMC is undertaking R&D into the commercialization of
fuel-cell vehicles in conjunction with DC.
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)
MMC is developing a large no-step bus that will be pow-
ered by HEV technology; it promises to combine low
pollution with exceptional fuel economy. (See the
Tech-
nology
section for further details.)
Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles
MMC is developing a range of CNG vehicles, from large
commercial trucks and buses to passenger cars, mini
cars, and other vehicles.
Introduction of LEVs in response to
government regulations
The Japanese government has introduced a number of
systems designed to promote the widespread use of
low-emission vehicles (LEVs) and vehicles with higher
fuel economy. In July 2000, MMC launched its first ve-
hicle, the
CHARIOT GRANDIS minivan, to be certified
as conforming to LEV performance specifications is-
sued by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Trans-
port. In the years ended March 2001 and 2002, MMC
received additional government certification for 5 mod-
els (11 versions), and 8 models (18 versions), respec-
tively.
In a separate move, the Japanese government has
also tried to promote the purchase of eco-friendly prod-
ucts by government bodies and related organizations,
through legislation that stipulates performance specifi-
cations for products with lower environmental impact. As
of June 30, 2002, 6 MMC models (14 versions) conformed
to these eco-purchasing stipulations. By March 2004,
MMC aims for 70% of all of its vehicles sold in Japan (on
a unit basis) to be designated as low-pollution vehicles
(either ULEVs or vehicles with officially approved low fuel
consumption levels).
Manufacturing initiatives
In its manufacturing processes, MMC is taking mea-
sures designed to restrict emission of atmospheric pol-
lutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and
dioxins. Such measures include the conversion to lead-
free, electrical paint-application processes.