Tokyo transit buses will test mixed synthetic fuel

Transit buses running on an environmentally friendly diesel fuel substitute will operate routes in Tokyo between July and December in government-funded field trials to be conducted by a team from Toyota Motor Corp., Hino Motors Ltd. and Showa Shell Sekiyu KK. The fuel being tested is a mixed synthetic fuel comprising 20% biodiesel from vegetable oil added to the synthetic liquid fuel known as Fischer-Tropsch diesel (FTD) which is derived from natural gas. FTD has no sulfur and emits less particulate matter and carbon monoxide when combusted than regular diesel fuel. (July 1, 2010)