Mitsubishi 2006 Annual Report Download - page 19

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MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2006
The sharp increase in oil prices in recent years is contrib-
uting to rising global demand for vehicles with better fuel
economy. MMC is initiating product and development strat-
egies which meet this market trend.
In June 2006, MMC announced a joint development
project with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) to
create 2-liter class diesel engines. The aim is to make these
engines not only fully compliant with “Euro 5” exhaust
emission standards due to come into force in Europe from
2010, but also the top of their class in terms of power
output. MMC plans to obtain a broad range of support from
MHI for this project, including advanced combustion analy-
sis technology and basic research and testing equipment.
MHI engineers will also be dispatched to aid in the project.
MMC is working to develop technologies that prioritize
eco-friendly performance. Symbolic of this is technology for
new-generation electric vehicles that emit no CO2. MMC is
also positioning the above clean diesel engines as a core
technology alongside various fuel diversification technologies.
Electric Vehicle Development Program
MMC is pressing ahead with development efforts in new-
generation electric vehicles using the MIEV (Mitsubishi In-
wheel motor Electric Vehicle) system. These vehicles are the
embodiment of the ultimate eco-friendly vehicle—one that
emits no CO2 or any other exhaust emissions whatsoever
while in use. MMC has been focusing research on funda-
mental component technologies such as high-performance
lithium-ion batteries, highly efficient electric motors, regen-
erative braking systems, and electricity-driven air condition-
ing. This research has entailed production of two test
vehicles— Colt EV and Lancer Evolution MIEV .
Looking ahead, while continuing to improve these com-
ponent technologies, MMC will pursue joint research with
electric utility companies in areas such as the develop-
ment of rapid battery recharging systems.
MMC is pressing ahead with development of an electric
vehicle based on a minicar format, conducive to electric
vehicles both in terms of driving distance and use. The
goal is to bring this product to market by 2010.
“Green Plastics” Development Program
The interior appointments of automobiles typically contain
many materials such as oil-based plastics that have a high
environmental impact. In its “Green Plastics” program, MMC
is developing original plant-based plastics technology with
the goal of creating eco-friendly alternative materials for com-
mercial use in successive stages.
In February 2006, MMC announced the development
of the first eco-friendly plastic to emerge from this program.
Created in collaboration with the Aichi Industrial Tech-
nology Institute, this material is a resin that can be manu-
factured from plant-based raw materials. It is combined
with fibers derived from fast-growing bamboo to create a
material for use in automobile interiors. Compared with
conventional materials derived from petrochemical resins,
the new biomaterial generates more than 50% less CO2
emissions over the course of its life cycle from harvesting
to disposal, and reduces emissions of VOCs by approxi-
mately 85%.
Moreover, in June 2006, MMC announced the success-
ful development of floor mats made from a plant-based
resin and nylon fibers, developed in conjunction with Toray
Industries, Inc. The second successful product of the “Green
Plastics” program, these floor mats are due to enter com-
mercial use during 2006.
Basic R&D Policies
Eco-friendly Product Development
Eco-friendly Product Development
The
Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV concept car
(Unveiled at the 2006 Detroit Motor Show)