In its most recent (2007) report, the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reaffirmed scientific evidence supporting the view that consumption of fossil fuels is the principal cause of global warming.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation views better fuel economy as one of the most effective means of addressing this problem, and it has achieved significant gains through developing new technologies. In 2006 the average fuel consumption of its domestic petrol-engined cars, at 6.41L/100km, was 29% better than in 1990.
In parallel, Mitsubishi is also developing ways to reduce fossil fuel useage at every stage of a vehicle’s life cycle.
Mitsubishi’s new generation engines are specifically designed to continue to provide high performance, while delivering low fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions.
The latest petrol engines deliver significant benefits through the development of a variable valve timing mechanism called MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control), while the adoption of aluminium cylinder blocks has reduced weight, increased recyclability and boosted fuel-efficiency.
Mitsubishi is also investing heavily in the development of high-efficiency diesel engines, which will achieve better fuel economy and emit fewer CO2 and exhaust emissions.
Mitsubishi is a leader in the development of compact and lightweight Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs). These transmissions contribute to improved fuel economy by changing continuously and steplessly though what is effectively an infinite number of gear ratios. This enables the engine to run more efficiently. CVT transmissions now feature in a number of Mitsubishi’s new vehicles, including Outlander and Lancer.
The company remains conscious that its performance vehicles must feature superb levels of efficiency in both power transmission and fuel economy. This has led to the development and use of the Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission in vehicles such as Evo X and Lancer Ralliart.
Reducing weight improves not only fuel consumption and emissions but can also enhance a vehicle’s overall performance.
Employing aluminium space-frame construction can save up to 32% of the weight of a comparable steel monocoque body, while adding to rigidity. The result is better handling, stability and crashworthiness – major benefits for the vehicle’s occupants.
Aluminium space frames feature in plans for future Mitsubishi vehicles such as the Concept-RA .
Vehicle air conditioning units can consume significant amounts of power, thus impairing fuel economy. There has been much international cooperation to improve this situation.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is a founding member of the Mobile Air Conditioning Climate Protection Partnership. This grouping - comprising the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide - launched in 2005 a global challenge to reduce air conditioning-related power consumption by 30% or more.
MMC and its sister company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries took up the gauntlet and devised a new high-technology system that reduced power consumption by 39%. This achievement was recognised by the EPA, which awarded MMC and MHI its 2007 Climate Protection Award.
Mitsubishi is also developing air-conditioning units that use coolants other than the traditional, but environmentally damaging, HFC134a.
http://www.epa.gov/cppd/awards/2007winners.html#cgma
Mitsubishi is working worldwide to increase penetration of its 18-model range of ‘4-star’* low-emission vehicles (LEVs), which achieve 75% less harmful emissions than Japan’s 2005 standard.
A key LEV is the i-car, launched in New Zealand in 2006.
Unit sales of 4-star registered vehicles in Japan accounted for 72% of total sales and 57% of minicar sales.
* '4-Star' denotes a 75% reduction in emissions below the Japanese Government's 2005 emissions standard
Mitsubishi is steadily reducing CO2 emissions from production and logistics operations by introducing energy-saving equipment and by switching to cleaner fuels.
CO2 emissions from Mitsubishi factories in Japan in 2006 were 31% less than in 1990.
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