Eight Japanese automakers and one automobile research institute (Suzuki Motor Corporation, Daihatsu Motor, Toyota Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor Co, Fuji Heavy Industries, Honda R&D Co, Mazda Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Japan Automobile Research Institute) have jointly established the Research Association of Automotive Internal Combustion Engines (AICE).

In an effort to realise further improvement of fuel economy from automobiles and reduce tailpipe emissions, the participating automakers will work together to identify and present research needs that address issues and challenges facing them in the area of combustion technologies for internal combustion engines and technologies which achieve cleaner tailpipe emissions.

The AICE members will jointly conduct basic and applied research utilising knowledge and expertise amassed in academia. The main aim is to utilise the research results to help accelerate the development activities of each automaker. Towards this end, AICE says it will gather knowledge and expertise of industry, academia and the

government to strengthen the fundamental technologies of internal combustion engines, and strive to improve Japan’s collective expertise in the area of internal combustion engines and to nurture engineers and leaders who will continue promoting collaboration among industry, academia and the government.

According to Keiji Otsu, president of AICE, who is also managing officer, Honda R&D Co, “Through research conducted by AICE, we would like to further increase Japan’s global competitiveness in the area of internal combustion engines. AICE also will promote collaboration among engineers and the nurturing of younger engineers of the next-generation. Moreover, I hope that the initiatives of AICE will gain praise and support from an increasing number of universities, research institutions, relevant organisations and experts and spread broadly to contribute to the further advancement of industrial technologies in Japan.”