Mazda to Cut Vehicle Emissions 30% by 2015

Japanese automaker Mazda Motor Corporation (MSDAF.PK) said it aims to reduce fuel consumption across its fleet of vehicles 30% by 2015.

It said this will require a "holistic approach" including the use of lighter materials, the introduction of a Smart Idle Stop System and new engine desgins. 

Mazda’s is the only idle stop system in the world that restarts the engine from idle by injecting fuel directly into the cylinder and igniting it to force the piston down, which the company says enables a fast and quiet restart as well as an improvement in fuel economy by up to 7 to 8%.

In 2009, Mazda said it will introduce an E85 fuel-compatible flex-fuel engine in the Northern European and North American markets. And in 2011, the company plans to introduce new diesel engines featuring direct injection technology, turbocharging systems and NOx reduction technology, which Mazda says will enhance fuel economy by 20%.

This month the company also received permission from the Japanese government to begin road-testing it Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid. The company said it will be available for commercial lease later this year.

Mazda is developing hydrogen combustion technology, as opposed to the hydrogen fuel cell technology being pursued by rival carmakers Toyota and Honda. The company said development of its Hydrogen RE vehicle is progressing well. It said the vehicle has  the performance equivalent ofa 3.0-liter gasoline engine and a hydrogen range of 400 kilometers.

Mazda is also making itself known in the area of carbon neutral bioplastics. Developed in collaboration with government, industry and academia, Mazda is already using these new eco-friendly products in the new Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid and, in June 2008, Mazda commenced the Mazda Bioplastic Project to develop a bioplastic made from non-food-based cellulosic biomass. The project aims to have the bioplastic ready for use in vehicles by 2013.