[sarathlal]

Major Japanese automakers, with Government backing, has assembled the Research Association of Automotive Internal Combustion Engines(AICE).

Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Daihatsu have announced this alliance with an aim to improve fuel economy from both gas-powered and diesel-powered engines by as much as 30 percent before the end of the decade.



Key points;

• Expected to be a $20 million project
• Japanese government committing to half the project cost.
• Member companies will jointly conduct basic research on a better internal combustion engine.
• The r&d will eventually feed into production vehicles.
• 10-year time frame for achieving world-leading advancements in combustion engine efficiency.
• AICE will target both diesel and gasoline technology.
• Target thermal efficiency rates for both approaching 50 percent(currently 39 and 42 for petrol/diesel).
• Fuel efficiency of gasoline and diesel engines increase by 30 percent by 2020.
• Diesel engines - focus on eliminating particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions.
• Petrol engines - focus on achieving more complete combustion cycles and better ignition while reducing knock.

Source: http://www.autonews.com/article/2014...medium=twitter

[GTO]

When I read the article, I remember Iacocca's book where he was whining about laws in the USA, and how they prohibited manufacturers to jointly work toward newer technologies.

I think it's a fabulous move and one that'll benefit smaller manufacturers (Mazda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki) more than the cash-rich biggies such as Toyota & Honda. Also respect the Japanese government for their support to this collaboration.

Why should 10 people work separately to solve the same problem? If the team is handled effectively, they could pool in resources & talent for the common goal.

The challenge from European manufacturers has truly shaken the Japanese up. In terms of technology, VW has the likes of Toyota & Honda up against the wall.

[rrsteer]

There was a time when the Japanese were the most innovative manufacturers around. 1989 was their year, where they shocked the world with one great product after another spanning almost the entire spectrum- from a better Ferrari to a better Benz! The Japanese auto industry in some ways mimics the rise and fall of its stock markets.

Here is a nice read for those interested: http://www.automobilemag.com/feature...-25-years-ago/

[desdemona]

The Japanese are lagging badly in China, still haven't broken-through in Europe, are feeble (except for Lexus in the US) in the premium/luxury/sportscar stakes, and has Hyundai threatening to eat their lunch in other, newer emerging markets like India. A great, much needed cooperative initiative, then, I guess.

[pdma]

Lets all hope that we can now look forward to better FE without compromising on important aspects like tires , quality of material used for the body and other inappropriate practices being adapted by the manufacturer's to achieve those magic numbers to lure customers.

cheers,
pdma.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by rrsteer

There was a time when the Japanese were the most innovative manufacturers around.

So true.

Except for mass-market hybrids (like the Prius), we've seen no innovation from Japan in the last 2 decades. On the other hand, the Europeans popularised dual-clutch gearboxes, common-rail diesels & small turbo-petrol direct-injection engines. All you need to be convinced of this situation is drive a Vento DSG, then a City CVT.

From being leaders, the Japanese are now trying to catch up.

[desdemona]

And: they have, perhaps for financial but I suspect for 'cultural' ones as well been slow in the newer emerging mass car markets like India.

Though the recent moves here by Honda and also Toyota (etios, Liva) shows that they are waking up. Hyundai is the real threat to them, nowhere more so than in India and the US.

How one wishes Mazda (with SkyActiv efficiency tech) were here in India. Guess they just don't have products that can compete at the brutal prices expected here.