Toyota and Shell Launch Trial of D-CAT and Gas to Liquids Technology To Reduce Car Emissions
Tokyo, Japan, July. 06, 2004 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota and Shell Gas & Power launch today a trial of Shell Gas to Liquids (GTL) Fuel in a fleet of ten Toyota Avensis cars equipped with D-CAT emission reduction technology. The Driving Tomorrow's Clean Technology trial combines the expertise of the two companies and their state of the art technologies to deliver ultra- low vehicle emissions. The trial is part of a joint Toyota/Shell research programme developing new vehicle and fuel technologies, which couple sustainable mobility with improved performance. David Jamieson MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, will launch the trial at Shell Centre, in London. The event will be hosted by Dr Akihiko Saito, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Corporation and Malcolm Brinded, Group Managing Director, Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies. Shell GTL is a clean, colourless and synthetic fuel, derived from gas. It is the most cost effective of alternative fuels, and its unique properties – excellent combustion characteristics and virtually free of sulphur – deliver significant emission benefits. Toyota Diesel Clean Advanced Technology (D-CAT) is a revolutionary technology simultaneously and continuously reducing both Particulate and NOX in diesel exhaust gas. The Driving Tomorrow's Clean Technology trial will demonstrate that low-emission GTL can be used in today's diesel car engines, without any conversion or investment. In addition, when utilised in advanced clean diesel vehicles, such as the commercially available Toyota D-CAT Avensis - emissions are vastly improved without sacrificing performance. During the trial, the GTL fuelled cars will be driven by the British Red Cross, Shelter, Guy's and St Thomas's Hospital Trust and the Energy Saving Trust in the London area. Over the next three months, these organisations will use the cars in fund-raising events and to provide help to those who are homeless or ill and may need hospital care. Malcolm Brinded, Group Managing Director, Royal Dutch/Shell Group said "Shell and Toyota are leading the way in GTL technology. This is a very important moment for both our companies and reinforces our common goals and complementary strategies for a cleaner environment." Toyota Motor Corporation Executive Vice President, Akihiko Saito, said: "This joint effort is possible because Toyota and Shell are of a like mind when it comes to sustainable development, innovating for the future and enriching society." Transport Minister David Jamieson said: "I very much welcome this initiative. I am very pleased to see leading players in the oil and motor industries working together like this to find creative ways of reducing the impact of road transport on the environment. Gas to liquids fuels offer a number of potential environmental benefits, which is particularly good news in a city like London. And when used in cars which are already very clean, the end result is even better." Notes to Editors 1. Over the last decade, Shell has been operating the world's first commercial Gas to Liquids plant of its type, with its proprietary technology to convert natural gas into clean liquid products. Shell has announced plans to build the first world-scale manufacturing plant in Qatar, a country that holds almost 15% of the world’s gas resources. 2. Toyota's D-CAT (Diesel Clean Advanced Technology) system is based on a revolutionary catalytic converter that simultaneously and significantly reduces particulates and NOx—two of the most challenging elements in diesel vehicle exhaust gas—to well below Euro IV requirements. It has positive implications for both air quality and health. 3. Toyota is leading the automotive sector's shift towards more environmentally friendly technologies by investing in a wide range of powertrains, fuels and emission reduction technologies. In addition to D-CAT, the UK-built Toyota Avensis cars being used in the trial are equipped with Toyota!s high-precision, electronically controlled common rail fuel injection system. About Toyota Motor Corporation Toyota Motor Corporation was established in 1937 and is one of the world's biggest automakers operating worldwide. The company operates a joint venture with General Motors in California. Toyota enjoys a strong 40%-plus domestic market share (excluding minicars). Boasts highly efficient production thru lean production system.For further information, please visit the Toyota Motor Corporation home page at: ?Company_Show.asp?compid=2241 <http://?Company_Show.asp?compid=2241>