March 1, 2004
JAMA Launches Survey on
Targeted Substances Content in Motorcycle Parts
The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA) has introduced a standard survey format on the basis of which, as of this month, it will begin collecting data on targeted substances present in motorcycle components.
JAMA’s four motorcycle-manufacturing members - Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha - are currently preparing for the implementation in autumn of a "Voluntary Motorcycle Recycling Program" and other initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of motorcycles. As part of this overall effort, the voluntary reduction of four designated substances present in motorcycle parts-lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium and cadmium-will be pursued within a specific time frame.
The common survey format will facilitate the collection of data on the content of these substances in motorcycle parts, which in turn will enable manufacturers to address more effectively the issue of reducing the environmental impact of those parts. Also envisaged is an expansion in the number of targeted substances, to include substances used not only in parts production but also in motorcycle manufacturing itself.
Information on the designated substances as obtained through the distribution of this survey form will be compiled in a database and made available for individual vehicle models. Specifically, motorcycle manufacturers in cooperation with JAMA are gearing up to use this data as the basis for disclosing environmental impact-related information when marketing new models. This information will, in addition, make it possible to gauge the progress made in meeting established reduction targets for the substances concerned (see below), thereby supporting ongoing efforts to devise more effective measures towards that end.
JAMA Reduction Target for Environmentally Hazardous Substances in New Motorcycles
| SubstanceReduction Target | Remarks | |
| Lead | Beginning January 2006: Reduce amount used per vehicle volume to 60g or less (in case of 210kg weight vehicles) | |
| Mercury | Beginning 2004 (with start of voluntary motorcycle recycling
program): Use banned, with exceptions made only for trace use in
parts indispensable for traffic safety, such as: * Navigation systems, other liquid crystal displays * Combination meters * Discharge headlamps |
Active development of alternative technology for exempted parts (containing trace amounts) is ongoing. |
| Hexavalent Chromium | Beginning January 2008: Use banned | Contained in anticorrosion treatment to ensure long-term use of bolts and other safety-related parts. |
| Cadmium | Beginning January 2007: Used banned | Trace amounts contained in electrical and electronic parts (IC substrates, etc.). |
