Automobiles depend almost entirely on oil for energy. The consumption of oil has been linked to climate change through the emission of greenhouse gases and to the degradation of the ecosystem through the drilling of oil wells and contamination of water and soil during transport. Such impact may be reduced through either improvements in energy efficiency or a shift to alternative energies.
Nissan's approach to CO2 reduction
We believe that technology has a significant role to play in steadily reducing CO2. It is currently difficult, however, to reduce CO2 emissions to a sustainable level with technology alone. This is something that requires cooperative efforts by all of society. We believe that technologies with superior environmental performance are not those that pursue CO2 reductions only, but those that provide good basic performance at reasonable cost so that they will be widely used. Without this, real sustainability is impossible.
Based on this awareness, we at Nissan are making aggressive efforts to reduce CO2 emissions in all of our corporate activities, and hope these efforts will lead to steps contributing to a sustainable society.
Total CO2 reductions, from development to disposal
Reducing CO2 emissions is a major issue that requires global efforts. In both Nissan vehicles and our corporate activities, we are working to minimize CO2 emissions at every stage, from the time of development to production, distribution, sales, vehicle use and end-of-life recycling.
Highest priority on raising vehicle fuel efficiency
If we look at the entire life cycle of a vehicle (from vehicle manufacturing and vehicle operation using fuel to end-of-life recycling), we see the greatest CO2 emissions occur during the years when the vehicle is driven. We place the highest priority on efforts to reduce CO2 emissions during this time; in other words, on raising vehicle fuel efficiency.
We are actively working to develop technology for the future age of electric-powered vehicles. At the same time, to reduce CO2 emissions from vehicles sold today, we are working hard to develop the technologies to raise engine efficiency to the very highest level and improve fuel efficiency.
Nissan's CO2 Emission Levels
Our Global CO2 Management Way, QCT-C: Incorporating CO2 reduction in our management policy
Nissan's new management policy
Among our various environmental efforts, reducing CO2 emissions is a particularly urgent task. To advance reduction of CO2 emissions companywide in a steady and innovative way, we have adopted a new management policy, QCT-C, that adds a CO2 component to our traditional QCT (quality, cost and time) policy.
With the introduction of QCT-C, we will work to reduce CO2 emissions in all our corporate activities, not just vehicle fuel economy. In this way we will reduce CO2 while maintaining a balance with QCT.
Our major challenge in this is to successfully combine these often conflicting demands. We at Nissan believe that achieving breakthroughs from this and providing new value to our customers is essential.
Real value with the “four rights”
At Nissan, we believe the key to steadily reducing CO2 emissions is to provide effective technologies at prices that customers can afford, so that these technologies will be widely adopted at the earliest possible time.
We try to do this with the “four rights” (the right technology, at the right time, in the right market, at the right value to the customer).
Based on these four rights, we shall provide technology with true value while responding honestly to the needs of customers and society.This is our responsibility as a global automaker and an indication of our sincerity.
Reducing tailpipe CO2 emissions from three sides: the vehicle, driver, and traffic conditions
The level of CO2 emitted while driving is influenced not only by a vehicle's performance and type of fuel but also by how a car is driven and traffic conditions.Nissan thus approaches CO2 reduction of vehicles in operation from three sides: the vehicle, driver, and traffic conditions.With the aim of effectively reducing tailpipe CO2 emissions, we are working to develop and popularize low emission vehicles. At the same time, we are making efforts to educate customers on eco-driving and working with governments, local communities, and other industries to improve traffic conditions, such as by easing congestion with the use of intelligent transport systems that take advantage of IT.
See the following for information about our specific actions.
Effective and efficient technical development through the Alliance
Reducing CO2 emissions is an important responsibility for any automaker, but this is a task that requires vast human and monetary resources for research and development. Making best use of the advantages of our Alliance with Renault, our research and development is conducted effectively and efficiently. Developing common platforms and sharing and apportioning the development of engines and transmissions are ways in which the Alliance helps us to reduce CO2 emissions. The M9R clean diesel engine is a product of our Alliance with Renault.
