Automakers Racing to Boost Fuel Efficiency

Mazda Motor Corp. mounted its “i-stop” fuel-saving system, which automatically stops the engine when a vehicle stops and restarts it instantly, on its Axela compact car. The system improves mileage by some 10 pct, Mazda said. The automaker plans to use the system in every vehicle model for sale in Japan and Europe. Mazda President Takashi Yamanouchi said his automaker will boost fuel efficiency by improving all aspects of vehicles, including engines and car body structures. Nissan Motor Co. has developed a system that enables fuel-efficient driving by analyzing experienced motorists’ driving. For example, the system curbs the engine’s rotation when a driver presses down the accelerator to start driving, helping reduce excess fuel consumption. Five Nissan models, including the Cube subcompact, are equipped with the system. Germany’s BMW AG has started a joint study with Toshiba Corp. on a technology to generate electricity with engine waste heat to power electronic devices. The auto industry sees it is impossible to improve fuel efficiency drastically after years of efforts. What automakers can do is to continue making small improvements for better fuel efficiency, an official at BMW Japan Corp. said. (June 24, 2009)