We recognise that our vehicles impact on the environment in various forms as they go through their lifecycle of production, use and recycling. For this reason, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact in the following key areas:
Improving our Environmental Management - by:
The EIP 2010 reviews four major areas of our environmental policy to bring them in line with new world-wide environmental regulations, including the 2005 Kyoto Protocol. The EIP 2010 also aims to reduce Mitsubishi’s dependence on oil.
Mitsubishi Motors EIP 2010 Outline:
1. Environmental Management
MMC will expand our integrated global environmental management framework beyond manufacturing systems facilities to include non-manufacturing affiliates and subsidiaries in Japan and around the world.
2. Prevention of global warming
MMC will improve fleet fuel economy by achieving compliance with the 2010 Japanese Fuel Consumption Standards in FY2007 and by pushing forward its development of clean diesel engines, high-efficiency transmissions and other core next-generation technologies including:
3. Prevention of environmental pollution
MMC will advance R&D programs to make next-generation electric vehicles market-ready. These vehicles will decrease environmental pollution, and help to reduce global warming and society's dependence on oil.
4. Recycling / Resource Conservation
While continuing to design our products so that they are easier to recycle, MMC will work to make all parts and components re-usable. We will also work to reduce shredder residue disposal costs and raise our shredder residue recycling rate before relevant legislation comes into force in 2015.
For the full EIP 2010, click here (http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/corporate/environment/e/index.html)
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Next-generation Clean Diesel Engines:
The excellent fuel efficiency of diesel engines means they improve fuel consumption by 20-30% compared to petrol engines.
Exhaust gasses can be a problem for diesel engines, which is why MMC is promoting the development of new, clean, diesel engine technology. These engines will aim to produce the same level of emissions generated by petrol engines while using less fuel.
The new clean diesel engine already meets the standards imposed by EURO5, Europe’s next-generation emissions regulations, and the next step is to market the engine in North America and Japan. MMC will continue to aim for top output and fuel efficiency in diesel engines.
Development of Bio-ethanol Fuel-compatible Vehicles:
Bio-ethanol fuel, which is produced from plants that absorb CO2 in the atmosphere as they grow, has been designated as a zero-emission or ‘carbon-neutral’ fuel by the Kyoto Protocol-based method of calculating carbon dioxide emissions.
Mitsubishi Motors is developing flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) that can run on petrol, bio-ethanol, and fuels that combine the two. In 2007, we launched our first FFVs into the Brazilian market.
The FFV system achieves optimal fuel combustion by estimating the ratio of bio-ethanol in the fuel based on the output of an exhaust gas density sensor fitted in the exhaust system. As a result, the engine can handle petrol-ethanol mixes with proportions of ethanol from 0% to 100% while achieving performance and exhaust emissions on par with petrol vehicles.
Development of the Twin Clutch SST - A Next-generation High-efficiency Transmission
The Twin Clutch Sports Shift Transmission is a high-efficiency transmission developed by MMC. It combines the sportiness and fuel efficiency of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic. Mitsubishi plans to fit the Twin Clutch SST to new high-performance sports sedans.
Improving Petrol Engine Efficiency
MMC has promoted innovations in our passenger car petrol engine line-up since 2004. We aim to pair our common design concepts with features such as high performance, low fuel consumption, lower exhaust emissions, and lighter, more compact engines. In 2006, we launched the 3.0L MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) engine in the new Outlander.
This new engine series delivers a high level of performance, including top-class maximum power output and maximum torque, through the MIVEC system. It is also paired with an aluminium cylinder block to make it lighter and more fuel-efficient than conventional engines.
Reduction in Power Consumption of Automotive Air Conditioning
MMC understands that reducing the power consumed by automotive air conditioning helps to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. The new Power-saving Automotive Air Conditioning Unit that we have developed in conjunction with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries won the US Environmental Protection Agency Climate Protection Award in 2007 for achieving a reduction in power usage.
Green Plastic
MMC is in the process of developing a plant-based resin with broad practical applications. As it is a carbon-neutral material, it not only preserves petroleum resources, but also reduced CO2 emissions. We are currently exploring its uses in producing car interior components.
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Pajero Forest
The Pajero Forest covers over three hectares of mountain woodlands in Japan. MMC has launched an initiative to conserve and cultivate this area for at least seven years, dating from June 2007. We will be joining the local community in tree-planting and other activities to ensure that the forest continues to flourish.
On June 14, 2007, Mitsubishi held opened the Pajero Forest and Local Mountain Restoration Initiative with a ceremony, in which Mitsubishi Motors President Osamu Masuko and local officials planted trees to mark the occasion.
North American Prairie Restoration Project
Since 1999, Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. has promoted prairie restoration activities through participation in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Prairie Restoration Project. Involving the cultivation of warm season wild grasses and 26 types of wildflowers, the project covers 3.9 acres around the MMNA factory, and has resulted in natural prairie in the surrounding region being substantially restored.
Environmental Conservation Activities in Australia
In 2006, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd. in conjunction with the Australian Carbon Biosequestration Initiative held an event to plant enough trees to cover the carbon emissions generated by the Mitsubishi cars owned by the South Australian State Government. MMAL workers and volunteers planted over 7000 trees, resulting in 22 hectares of land becoming forest.
]]>Our annual Social & Environmental reports provide a comprehensive guide as to our global and local environmental activities. Select from the following to download each item.
2007 Social & Environmental Report
2006 Social & Environmental Report
2005 Social & Environmental Report
2004 Social & Environmental Report
2003 Social & Environmental Report
2002 Social & Environmental Report
2001 Social & Environmental Report
2000 Social & Environmental Report
1999 Social & Environmental Report
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