Automakers in Japan to continue green path

Major Japanese automakers will continue to promote the development of environmentally friendly cars even after the government scraps incentives and tax breaks for buyers of such vehicles. In April 2009, the Japanese government launched tax cuts and exemptions, effective through spring 2012, for vehicles that meet certain environmental criteria. Sachito Fujimoto, senior chief director at Honda Motor Co.’s R&D center in charge of developing the FCX Clarity fuel-cell car, expressed hope that all of Honda’s eco-friendly vehicles will be powered by fuel cells in the future. Toyota Motor Co., whose Prius gasoline-electric hybrid became Japan’s top-selling vehicle in April to September, will stick to its hybrid technology. Meanwhile, Nissan Motor Co. will launch the Leaf electric vehicle in 2010, but it will also keep improving the fuel efficiency of gasoline models. (October 22, 2009)