Japanese firms to boost fuel efficiency

Japanese manufacturers JFE Steel Corp., Tosoh Corp. and Showa Denko K.K. said they will use lighter trailers and upgrade their ships for better fuel efficiency. JFE Steel will use customized trailers developed jointly with Tokyu Car Corp., which are 40% lighter than standard models. The trailers are estimated to lower transport costs by ¥200 million (US$2.08 million). Tosoh and Showa Denko will concentrate on making lighter transport ships. Lighter trailers and ships will mean that loads can be increased, the companies said. Tosoh will fit its ships with specialized parts, such as fins, to increase fuel efficiency while Showa Denko will use ships to deliver goods to Northern Japan in addition to tank trucks, which will allow for bigger loads with smaller fuel costs. Tosoh expects the upgrades, which would increase fuel efficiency by 7%, to be completed within two years. (May 23, 2009)