Month: 2025-07

TOKYO, June 30, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) have acquired Approval in Principle (AiP)(1) from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for their jointly developed liquefied CO2 (LCO2) / methanol carrier. AiP acquisition for this type of carrier marks a world's first(2).Conceptual diagram of LCO2 / methanol carrier operationTechnologies for converting CO2 into fuel or chemical products are attracting attention as a means of utilizing CO2 in CCUS (Carbon dioxide Capture, Utilization and Storage). One such approach is the ongoing study toward realizing a supply chain for producing synthetic methanol(3) from captured CO2. Synthetic methanol is expected to serve as one of the marine fuels that will contribute to decarbonization in the maritime shipping industry.The vessel for which Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and MOL acquired AiP is based on a low-pressure LCO2 carrier. It aims to transport CO2, which serves as raw material, on outward voyages and synthetic methanol on return voyages. Use of dedicated vessels for CO2 or methanol results in empty-cargo operation on half of their trips. If dual transport of CO2 and methanol is achieved, empty-cargo trips can be eliminated, thereby improving overall transport efficiency. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and MOL will move forward with the development of the LCO2 / methanol carrier, building on the findings and technical challenges identified during the concept study. The goal is to achieve commercialization of the LCO2 / methanol carrier through collaboration with relevant companies in the supply chain and other partners.MHI Group is currently pursuing strategic measures to strengthen its business for the energy transition. In conjunction with this initiative, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding is making efforts to contribute to the advancement of the maritime industries in Japan and around the world by utilizing its shipbuilding-based marine engineering technologies in addition to conventional shipbuilding. The development of LCO2 / methanol carrier is one example of these efforts. Collaboration with MOL also demonstrates MHI Group's commitment to partnerships. Moving forward, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue to build strategic global partnerships both to incorporate external expertise and actively advance the development of a CCUS value chain. Through these efforts, the company aims to provide its technologies, products and services to ever more customers.The MOL Group is currently working to build supply chains for synthetic fuel/methanol and CO2 through initiatives such as its investment in HIF Global LLC(4), a U.S.-based company that develop, produce and transport synthetic fuel/methanol across North and South America and Australia. LCO2 / methanol carrier is expected to enhance the overall economic viability of such supply chains and contribute significantly to their realization. In line with the "MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2," MOL is targeting net-zero emissions Groupwide by 2050. By further accelerating initiatives to transport CO2 as well as to develop and supply synthetic methanol, MOL aims to contribute to realization of a low-carbon or decarbonized society.AiP Certification(1) Approval in Principle (AiP) indicates that a certification body has reviewed the basic design of the subject equipment and confirmed that it meets technical requirements and relevant safety standards. In this case, the inspection was conducted based on the IGC Code (International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk), IBC Code (International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk), and ClassNK Classification Rules applicable to ships transporting liquefied gases and dangerous chemicals in bulk.(Note 2) Based on surveys performed by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and MOL.(Note 3) Synthetic methanol (e-methanol) is a synthetic fuel made from CO2 and hydrogen generated from renewable energy.(Note 4) For details, see MOL's press release issued September 20,2024: https://www.mol.co.jp/en/pr/2024/24108.htmlAbout MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Toyota City, Japan, June 30, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) -TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team‘s Sébastien Ogier secured second overall as well as maximum bonus points on the final day of a demanding Acropolis Rally Greece.Podium CeremonyGreece’s rough and rocky roads, combined with searing ambient temperatures of over 40°C, presented an extreme challenge for the GR YARIS Rally1, its drivers and the tyres. Loose stones and bedrock creating steps in the road were a constant hazard of Friday’s stages west of capital city Athens, while the narrow and twisty roads in the mountains of the final two days meant even a small mistake would be heavily punished.Ogier was on the leading pace again despite running second on the loose gravel roads on Friday’s stages, helping to clear a line for rivals starting behind. Beginning Sunday’s final leg 43.6 seconds behind Ott Tänak (Hyundai) made a third victory in as many rallies unlikely for Ogier and co-driver Vincent Landais, but they still excelled on Sunday, winning both the penultimate test and the Power Stage to finish atop the Sunday classification and clinch 10 extra points in addition to 17 for finishing second overall.Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin finished fourth overall to remain in the lead of the championship together. As first car on the road on Friday, Evans faced an uphill battle to fight near the front but a calm and collected drive throughout the rally, avoiding the pitfalls involved in the high-attrition Acropolis, ensured he collected a strong haul of points. He took third on Super Sunday and fourth-fastest time on the Power Stage, and now leads Ogier by nine points and Tänak by 12 points.Having to settle for second place on a rally for the first time in 2025, TGR-WRT continues to lead the manufacturers’ championship at the halfway point of the season with a 65-point advantage.Kalle Rovanperä, Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari all returned to action to complete the final day. Rovanperä, who had stopped with damage on Saturday’s fourth stage after an overshoot, had to stop and change a tyre on SS15 but went on to finish second in the Power Stage and recover four points together with co-driver Jonne Halttunen.Takamoto Katsuta and co-driver Aaron Johnston had also retired on Saturday afternoon after an overshoot and set their sights on a strong push in the Power Stage, but would have to stop and change a tyre, ending any hopes of points.Sami Pajari demonstrated strong pace in his TGR-WRT2 entry, fighting for a podium position on Friday morning with co-driver Marko Salminen. A technical issue related to the fuel system forced him out of action, but he returned on Sunday and gained valuable experience running first on the road in a WRC event for the first time.In the WRC2 category, Oliver Solberg comfortably secured a third victory of the season for the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, winning in commanding fashion to claim the points lead and finishing sixth overall in his Printsport-run car. Kajetan Kajetanowicz (Rallylab Technology) and Alejandro Cachón (Teo Martín Motorsport) made it three GR Yaris Rally2 cars inside the class top five and overall top 10.Quotes:Juha Kankkunen (Deputy Team Principal)“I think we can be quite happy with how the rally finished today. Of course we would like to win every rally, but it’s just not possible and it was again a great fight between Seb and Ott. They both did a fantastic drive, but this time Ott was just a bit faster over the weekend and nobody could beat him. Still, Seb was first on the Power Stage and Super Sunday; he’s in good form at the moment and has been fantastic across the very difficult last three rallies. Elfyn has also done a fantastic job opening the road on these rallies and still coming away with solid points. Kalle’s speed is still there, as he showed in the Power Stage, and the same is true for Taka and Sami – they were all just a bit unlucky this weekend.”Elfyn Evans (Driver car 33)“It’s been a tough weekend with very difficult conditions but we’ve managed to avoid trouble and finish fourth again – and we also got some Sunday points to top up the tally and soften the blow compared to our rivals. We definitely knew coming into these last three rough gravel rallies opening the road that it would be possible to lose our lead of the championship, so on that side I’m pleased. Now we move onto a different type of rally where we hope to show some more pace and performance.”Kalle Rovanperä (Driver car 69)“It was a tricky day restarting today. With our starting place we didn’t have much to play for but we had quite OK pace on the Power Stage and at least we could take four points from there, which was probably the maximum we could do. It hasn’t been the best weekend for me, not being on the pace and level where I should be. I know that there is room to improve and we will work to come back stronger for Estonia.”Sébastien Ogier (Driver car 17)“It has been another really strong weekend for us. There was not much we could do about Ott’s pace, also considering the difference in start position, so well done to him on a well-deserved win. Taking 27 points is the maximum I think we could get out of this weekend, so we can be very happy. We have reached the mid-point of the season and we are still strongly ahead in the manufacturers’ championship. Thanks to the team for pushing very hard all the time and let’s keep going like this in the second half of the season.”Takamoto Katsuta (Driver car 18)“It was a pity that the Power Stage didn’t work out for us. We chose to focus on it and were pushing a lot, but not in a crazy way: looking at the split times we were fastest overall until we had to stop and change the tyre. It was a frustrating weekend but we know that this rally can be very tough and these things can happen; the important thing is to keep my head up and prepare for the next events in Estonia and Finland.”Sami Pajari (Driver car 5)“I had a nice feeling driving again today; thanks to the team for getting us back on the road. It was something really strange and unfamiliar for me to be first on the road and sweeping it clean, but it was also good experience. It’s safe to say it’s not been the weekend we were hoping for but the beginning on Friday was quite strong, so it is good to see the pace is getting there and I’m looking forward to the next events.”PROVISIONAL FINAL CLASSIFICATION, ACROPOLIS RALLY GREECE1 1 Ott Tänak/Martin Järveoja (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) 4h12m20.1s2 2 Sébastien Ogier/Vincent Landais (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1) +32.8s3 3 Adrien Fourmaux/Alexandre Coria (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) +3m09.8s4 4 Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1) +3m31.1s5 5 Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) +8m59.5s6 6 Oliver Solberg/Elliott Edmondson (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) +10m34.7s7 7 Gus Greensmith/Jonas Andersson (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) +11m28.5s8 8 Yohan Rossel/Arnaud Dunand (Citroën C3 Rally2) +11m43.7s9 9 Kajetan Kajetanowicz/Maciej Szczepaniak (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) +12m56.7s10 10 Alejandro Cachón/Borja Rozada (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) +14m19.9s27 27 Kalle Rovanperä/Jonne Halttunen (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1) +39m08.9s30 30 Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1) +44m09.1s46 46 Sami Pajari/Marko Salminen (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1) +1h22m21.0s(Results as of 17:30 on Sunday, for the latest results please visit www.wrc.com)2025 FIA World Rally Championship for drivers after round 7:1 Elfyn Evans 150 points2 Sébastien Ogier 1413 Ott Tänak 1384 Kalle Rovanperä 1175 Thierry Neuville 966 Takamoto Katsuta 637 Adrien Fourmaux 618 Sami Pajari 329 Oliver Solberg 1910 Grégoire Munster 182025 FIA World Rally Championship for manufacturers after round 7:1 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team 358 points2 Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team 2933 M-Sport Ford World Rally Team 974 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT2 57What's next?Rally Estonia (July 17-20) returns to the WRC calendar after one year away, offering fast gravel stages around Tartu that combine wide and narrow sections with a generally soft and sandy surface. Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Toyota City, Japan, June 30, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - On June 10, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus (Mitsubishi Fuso) and Hino Motors (Hino) concluded definitive agreements for integration.As part of the initiative, a holding company will be established with Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino as wholly owned subsidiaries, which is slated to commence operations in April 2026 with investment from Daimler Truck and Toyota as well. See the related link for more details.The four firms agreed to collaborate based on a shared desire to create the future of commercial vehicles and will work together to address issues involving commercial vehicles, such as carbon neutrality and logistics efficiency.Mitsubishi Fuso CEO Karl Deppen, who is slated to serve as the CEO of the new company, described it as a “daunting responsibility” and commented as follows.CEO DeppenWe are combining our strengths to shape the future of the industry.Combining these two trusted brands and their resources, capabilities, and expertise allows us to meet the transportation needs of the coming era more precisely than ever before.Hino President Satoshi Ogiso also described this collaboration as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”President OgisoAs a leader in passenger vehicles, Toyota drives the future of mobility, while Daimler Truck, with its deep insight into the transportation industry, contributes its high technical capabilities as a top-class commercial vehicle company.Powerful support from both of these companies will enable us to run the new company together with Mitsubishi Fuso, with whom we've long held a friendly rivalry throughout Japan and Asia.Based on our shared desire to help build a more prosperous world through mobility, we will establish a system where the four firms leverage their individual strengths while working together.A new step forward by the four firms toward the future of commercial vehicles. During the Q&A session at the end of the press conference, Yuta Tomikawa raised his hand to ask the following question.“You said that the use of hydrogen in mobility must be accelerated to build the future of commercial vehicles, but the fact is that hydrogen infrastructure remains insufficient. Is there anything that collaboration between these four companies can do to address this issue?”Watch the video to find out the answer. Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Japan, June 30, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – DENSO CORPORATION, Toray Industries, Inc., Nomura Research Institute, Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd., MATEC Inc., and REVER CORPORATION are pleased to announce the establishment of the BlueRebirth Council. Initiated by these six companies, the Council aims to build a manufacturing and recycling integrated value chain to realize Car-to-Car *1 recycling, starting with automated precision dismantling*2, which efficiently disassembles end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) for material recovery and recycling.In recent years, the automotive industry has sought to transition to a circular economy to help realize a sustainable society, taking on the significant challenge of reducing natural resource consumption by greatly expanding the use of recycled materials. However, the mainstream global method remains shredding ELVs followed by material sorting, which makes it extremely difficult to secure high purity recycled materials. Furthermore, collaboration between manufacturing and recycling industries has not been sufficient, and as a result, initiatives to use recycled materials as automotive components— which require both high quality standards and adequate supply volumes for mass production—have not progressed sufficiently. In addition, the automotive recycling industry faces challenges in promoting automation and digitalization and in addressing worker shortages by improving workplace environments.The newly established BlueRebirth Council aims to address these challenges and, looking ahead to 2035, evolve the automotive recycling industry into a “recycled materials manufacturing industry” that plays a key role as part of a new resource-circulating value chain within the automotive industry. Through these efforts, the companies behind the Council are committed to realizing a true Car-to-Car recycling system.As specific initiatives, the Council will engage in discussions and research, as well as advance technology development and demonstration projects together with participating companies, research institutions, and other stakeholders, starting with the automated precision dismantling of ELVs to build a manufacturing and recycling integrated value chain. In addition, we will make recommendations to relevant companies and organizations.　Automated precision dismantling is an advanced intelligent system that utilizes AI and sensor technologies to enable robots to operate along the optimal path even for deformed parts. This not only ensures the quality and volume of recycled materials that were difficult to achieve with conventional methods, but also contributes to fundamentally solving worker shortages.Furthermore, by recording information such as material provenance and environmental impact on a digital platform and sharing it across the manufacturing and recycling value chain, we can ensure a reliable and stable supply of recycled materials.The Council is committed to expanding the use of recycled materials in automotive recycling and building a manufacturing and recycling Integrated value chain toward a Car-to-Car model. Through these efforts, the companies aim to contribute to the realization of a circular economy in the automotive industry.Overview of BlueRebirth CouncilDate of EstablishmentJune 30, 2025ChairpersonHirotsugu Takeuchi (DENSO CORPORATION, Executive Officer, CTO and CDO)Vice ChairpersonNaoto Matsuoka (REVER CORPORATION, President and Executive Officer)Executive CommitteeDENSO CORPORATION, Toray Industries, Inc., Toyota Motor Corporation,Nomura Research Institute, Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.,MATEC Inc., REVER CORPORATIONMembersApproximately 30 companies (as of the time of establishment)WebsiteBlueRebirth BlueRebirth Council’s Vision for 2035 (1) Car-to-Car: Returning all automobile parts to raw materials, utilizing them in new vehicle production, and creating a closed-loop recycling system.(2) automated precision dismantling: Automatically performing sophisticated dismantling and precise sorting by leveraging robotics technology and AI-based recognition and decision-making capabilities. Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Tokyo, Japan, June 30, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has decided to make changes to the previously announced plan to begin operation of a plant in Moka City, Tochigi, Japan, dedicated to production of the next-generation fuel cell module.The original plan was to utilize part of the land and buildings of a former Honda Powertrain Unit Factory in Moka City, and begin operation of a dedicated plant to produce the next-generation fuel cell module developed independently by Honda. Preparation for this project was already underway, with an aim to begin operation of the plan in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2028 (FY2028) with annual production capacity of 30,000 units. However, in light of recent changes in the global hydrogen market environment, Honda reassessed the plan in the direction to reduce initial production capacity and delay the timing to begin full production.The original plan had qualified to receive a government subsidy under a project led by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) to support the establishment of supply chains consisting of Japanese manufacturing companies in the GX (green transformation) * area. However, Honda decided to opt out of the program as its revised plan will no longer fulfill the requirement of starting operation before the end of the FY2028 with an annual production capacity of more than 20,000 units.Honda was one of the first companies to focus on the potential of hydrogen toward the realization of a carbon-neutral society and has been conducting research and development of hydrogen technologies and FCEVs for more than 30 years. Working toward the realization of carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities Honda is involved in by 2050, Honda has identified four core domains for the utilization of its next-generation fuel cell module – fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), commercial vehicles, stationary power generator and construction machinery – and has been working to further expand opportunities for its hydrogen business to grow it as one of the new core businesses of Honda.* GX (green transformation) refers to the process/initiative toward transforming the current fossil fuel-based society into a society powered by clean energy, which leads to the realization of carbon neutrality. Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Adoption of "C-puzzle80," newest model in series of refrigeration condensing units using CO2 refrigerantAccolades received not merely for equipment upgrade but also for refurbishment conducted while maintaining operation of existing facilityAward is MHI-AC&R's 5th consecutive JARAC award since 2021C-puzzle80TOKYO, June 30, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Corporation (MHI-AC&R), a Group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), has received a Recommendation Award in the Refurbishment Equipment category of the 42nd Excellent Energy Saving Equipment Awards of the Japan Association of Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Contractors (JARAC) for its advancement of energy saving in upgrading cooling equipment in a superannuated cold-storage warehouse. High accolades were given to the energy savings and reduction in carbon emissions achieved by the company's "C-puzzle80," its newest refrigeration condensing unit using a natural refrigerant of carbon dioxide (CO2).The JARAC Awards were created to further promote energy saving and environmental protection of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment by calling for examples of excellence and presenting awards of recognition as a way of contributing to the development and proliferation of energy-saving technologies, and to heighten awareness in related industries toward energy saving and environmental protection. The new award marks the fifth consecutive year MHI-AC&R has received a JARAC Award.The cold-storage warehouse for which MHI-AC&R received this award was constructed approximately 30 years ago by Kanefuji Cold Storage Co., Ltd. of Hokkaido. After undertaking a detailed study of the existing facility's operating status, MHI-AC&R prepared a refurbishment proposal targeting energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. Adoption of the C-puzzle80 resulted in an 11.3% power saving and an annual reduction in CO2 emissions by 31.95 tons. Additionally, the refurbishment work was conducted while the existing facility remained in operation, and verification was carried out upon work completion. MHI-AC&R received acclaim not merely for its facility upgrade but also for its measures taken to ensure proper execution and its detailed control method, etc.Reduction in Carbon Emissions from Adoption of C-puzzle80Further energy saving with the existing cold storage warehouse was difficult owing to the facility's relatively low specific power consumption*. Adoption of the latest C-puzzle model, however, enabled a variety of energy saving methods, for example by reducing equipment dimensions, which enabled more efficient operation. In addition, availing of the cold climate of Hokkaido where the facility is located, a design was adopted to promote high-efficiency operation when the outside temperature is low.A variety of innovations were also made to cut costs. For example, the numbers of freezers and cooling units were reduced based on calculation of the requisite cooling capacity in reflection of the warehouse's operating conditions. Furthermore, cooling units and ducts were improved in order to prevent reductions in the weight and volume of stored food or other items caused by desiccation if they come in contact with cold air, and power to operate the facility was reduced. To save energy, a new control method was adopted combining conventional power demand control and power standardization control. The new method automatically adjusts the number of freezers and cooling units in operation and achieves stable, energy-saving operation by minimizing the number of units in operation and preventing unnecessary speed changes and freezing unit starts and stops. These innovations not only reduce initial costs but enable cuts in running costs as well.The newly adopted C-puzzle80 is a model positioned as a large-capacity unit within the series ranging from 10HP to 80HP. The series can accommodate outside temperatures ranging from -15degC to +43degC, and multiple models can be combined. The C-puzzle80 is ideal for adoption not only in cold-storage and frozen-storage warehouses and showcases, but also for multi-purpose cooling. Adoption of all models in the series has also been facilitated by elimination of the need to report their manufacture under the High Pressure Gas Safety Law.With a keen eye on the future, MHI-AC&R today is focusing its resources toward achieving a carbon-neutral world. Going forward, the company will address customer needs through development and adoption of ever more innovative energy-saving technologies.*Specific power consumption is calculated by dividing annual power usage by capacity tonnage. It is used when evaluating and comparing power usage of cold-storage warehouses.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.