Global News: Mazda Wins Green Technology Award

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the Mazda Axela (known overseas as the Mazda3) and Mazda Biante models equipped with its unique idling stop system, i-stop, have won the prestigious 2009 Eco-Products Award from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).

The Eco-Products Awards were established in 2004. The awards are intended to encourage the spread of eco-friendly products in Japan and support the organizations that supply them through public recognition of excellence and by providing information about outstanding products and services that are less harmful to the environment.

Idling stop systems reduce fuel consumption by automatically shutting down the engine when the driver stops the vehicle. Mazda’s i-stop system improves fuel economy by approximately 10 percent (under Japan’s 10-15 mode test cycle) and provides a natural driving feel, ensuring the driver experiences no sense of discomfort. Mazda’s system stands out thanks to its quick combustion restart method that employs direct injection and special technology to control piston positions as the engine shuts down. With the potential to be introduced on a wide range of vehicles, i-stop is an effective and low-cost green technology.

The Eco-Products Award recognizes Mazda’s development of this idling stop system, which features a smooth and quiet operation, and these two advanced vehicles that actively encourage eco-friendly driving.

Credits: wilswong