Japan to spend ¥209 billion on next-generation cars

Japan will spend ¥209 billion (US$1.69 billion) over five years to help companies develop next- generation cars and fuels that would cut carbon dioxide emissions. In the five years to March 2012, the government will subsidize development of batteries and hydrogen fuel cells for vehicles, and so-called gas-to-liquid technology for producing diesel fuel from natural gas, Satoshi Kusakabe, director of the Trade Ministry’s auto division said. Currently Japan relies almost completely on oil products to meet the fuel needs of its transport sector, and we need to curb it, Kusakabe said. (May 28, 2007)