Toyota to develop new biofuel-powered diesel engine

Toyota Motor Corp. plans to propose joint development of a new diesel engine, powered by biofuel, with Isuzu Motors Ltd. under a tie-up accord they recently agreed to conclude, Toyota officials said. The planned joint work will develop a device to control the supply of biodiesel fuel to the engine and the technology to secure the necessary durability of parts. Toyota will also propose joint studies to develop engines powered by dimethyl ether and gas-to-liquid (GTL) fuel. Toyota hopes to make the planned engine commercially viable in about three years. (November 10, 2006)