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Toyota and Shell have begun trials of new technology aimed at raising
environmental benchmarks for automotive diesel engines.
Toyota has provided 10 British-built Avensis sedans equipped with its D-CAT
(Diesel Clean Advanced Technology) emission reduction system.
D-CAT reduces diesel exhaust particulates by up to 80 per cent.
It was first revealed by Toyota president Fujio Cho at the 2002 Tokyo Motor
Show and introduced on the production Avensis sedan early this year.
Shell has joined the test program with a new low-emission Gas to Liquids
(GTL) diesel fuel.
GTL fuel is colourless, ordourless and virtually free of sulphur and
aromatics. It is compatible with existing diesel engines for cars, commercials
and trucks, and with existing filling station networks.
Toyota’s D-CAT system is based on the innovative Diesel Particulate NOx
Reduction (DPNR) catalytic converter system that simultaneously and
significantly reduces particulates and NOx – two of the most challenging
elements in diesel vehicle exhaust gas – to well below future ultra-low emission
requirements.
This system has been proven to greatly improve diesel emissions, with
considerable benefits to the environment and health.
“The development of clean diesel systems that reduce CO2 levels in the
atmosphere is attracting considerable attention,” said Mr Cho, who is also a
leading environmentalist.
“Combined with our extremely high-precision computer-controlled common rail
fuel injection system, Toyota’s DPNR catalytic converter system achieves initial
reductions of 80 per cent in particulate matter and 50 per cent in NOx in diesel
engine exhaust fumes.”
The 10 British trial vehicles will be used by various charity organisations
and hospitals for three months.
Shell has been at the forefront of GTL fuel development. It produces the fuel
as part of the Shell Middle Distillate Synthesis Process (SMDS) that produces
diesel, kerosene and LPG from natural gas.
GTL fuel offers a cost-effective option that brings significant reductions in
a range of emissions, especially when combined with advanced engine technology
such as that provided by Toyota in this trial.
Toyota is at the forefront of much of the work around the world to develop
the advanced cars which make use of the advanced fuels.
Shell produces GTL fuel in Malaysia and is building the biggest GTL plant in
the world in the Gulf state of Qatar, which holds 15 percent of the world’s gas
reserves.
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