2007 Report on Environmental Protection Efforts: On the Road to Sustainable Mobility
[November 2007]

The Japanese automobile industry is a major player in a key sector of the global economy. As such, it makes significant contributions to economic and social development around the world through its activities and the use of its products. At the same time, with the pressing demand for appropriate responses to safety and environmental concerns, the Japanese automotive industry is committed to taking on greater responsibilities to meet these and other social needs.

In the pursuit of sustainable mobility, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) promotes a broad spectrum of activities aimed at, among other objectives, curbing global warming, improving air quality, and advancing vehicle recycling. Curbing global warming is a particularly urgent priority. Japan's automobile industry is working vigorously to reduce CO2 emissions by aggressively introducing into the market vehicles that meet Japan's 2010 fuel efficiency targets and by developing highly fuel-efficient vehicles that meet the 2015 targets established this year. Further measures are meanwhile being studied to combat global warming within a post-Kyoto Protocol framework targeting 2030 and 2050. To improve air quality, Japan's automakers are also promoting the widespread use of low-emission heavy trucks that comply with Japan's new long-term regulation. In the vehicle production process, too, they are making very significant advances in reducing emissions of CO2 and other air pollutants as well as waste, based on their own voluntary targets. In addition, JAMA carries out wide-ranging activities aimed at improving traffic flow and actively promotes fuel-conserving eco-driving practices.

Virtually every sector in Japan is now focusing on the efficient use of resources and recycling to help promote the development of a sustainable society. Under the End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling Law, JAMA is playing a leading role in the achievement of measurable progress in the area of vehicle recycling.

We hope that this report will deepen your understanding of the environmental protection measures taken by the Japanese automobile industry at every stage in the vehicle life cycle, from development, production and use to final disposal through recycling.

Fujio, Cho, Chairman
Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.
October 2007