March 16, 2000
JAPAN'S AUTOMAKERS SET TO REDUCE DIESEL-VEHICLE EXHAUST EMISSIONS
The Japanese automobile industry has for decades made the reduction of vehicle exhaust emissions a leading priority. Working together with the petroleum industry, Japan's automakers are now planning to carry out the following measures in order to reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions from diesel vehicles and are seeking the cooperation of both the public and private sectors in this effort.
Reducing Emissions in New Vehicles:
- With stringent
new diesel-vehicle exhaust emission regulations expected to come into effect around
2007, automakers intend to develop the technologies required for compliance well
in advance of the enforcement date.
- Efforts are also being made to introduce into the market by 2003-2004 a range of diesel emission technologies including diesel particulate filters, or DPFs, that will meet anticipated new PM emission requirements.
Reducing Emissions in Vehicles in Service:
Vehicles in service are to be retrofitted with PM-reducing equipment and comprehensive retrofitting will be carried out on a priority basis for vehicles used mainly in large cities, where the replacement of diesel vehicles with alternative-fuel (including LPG and CNG) vehicles will also constitute a major goal. The automobile industry will call on all sectors concerned to introduce measures and policies supporting the changeover not only to new vehicles that meet current regulations but also to alternative-fuel vehicles.
Promoting the Japan Clean Air Program (JCAP):
The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association and the Petroleum Association of Japan are currently engaged in a joint project to determine appropriate technologies and fuel properties for reduced vehicle emissions. This collaborative effort is referred to as the Japan Clean Air Program and it aims to expedite the review and assessment process for new emission reduction technologies including DPF.
