First concrete initiative to increase commercial FC mobility options in local transportation

TOKYO, Feb 8, 2023 – (JCN Newswire) – Fukuoka Prefecture, Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT), and Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) have entered an agreement to conduct trials of a small fuel cell electric bus (FC bus) that runs on hydrogen, an environmentally-friendly next-generation energy source, on the BRT Hikoboshi Line (officially “Hitahikosan Line BRT”), a bus rapid transit system planned for launch around the summer of 2023.

This initiative will be the first implementation of the partnership agreement between Fukuoka Prefecture and CJPT, entered into on December 26 last year, to expand commercial FC mobility and create a sustainable hydrogen society with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality. Fukuoka Prefecture and CJPT will work with JR Kyushu to hold the trials with a view to bringing FC mobility to local transportation.

With the cooperation of communities along the line, JR Kyushu is working toward the launch of the BRT Hikoboshi Line, which is under development based on the concept of being “kind to people, communities, and the future.” Expectations are that the trials of a next-generation small FC bus will further advance efforts toward regional development as an environmentally friendly transportation option.

Going forward, Fukuoka Prefecture, CJPT, and JR Kyushu will collaborate in preparing to launch the trial runs as follows.

1. Overview of the initiative

Trial runs for the practical application of next-generation small FC buses that run on hydrogen energy

Significance and aims of the trials

• The trials aim to deepen awareness of hydrogen as a future energy source by using it to operate a local transportation system familiar to residents while achieving region-wide sustainable growth.
• By verifying the feasibility of adopting FC mobility, the trials will increase the options for local transportation and help create a green transportation system.
• While bringing the use of hydrogen to local transportation, the trials will lead to the development of areas along the Hitahikosan Line BRT.

Roles of each party

Fukuoka Prefecture: Overall coordination and support for improving the environment of the trial runs CJPT: Development planning for the next-generation hydrogen bus and coordination of the trial vehicle JR Kyushu: Operation of the trial vehicle on the BRT Hikoboshi Line

2. Trial vehicle

Vehicle styling

Drawing on the image of hydrogen as an environmentally friendly energy, the trial vehicle is styled to reflect the blue skies prevalent along the route of the BRT Hikoboshi Line. The use of a pattern that depicts the flowing robes of Orihime―a name for star Vega and lover of Hikoboshi (the star Altair) from Japanese legend―creates a unified and original styling for all vehicles to operate on the BRT Hikoboshi Line.

Vehicle overview

Small FC bus 1 vehicle
FC bus based on the Toyota Coaster, 20-seater(1) with actual seating for 14 (planned)

Length x Width x Height 6,990 mm x 2,100 mm x 2,630 mm
Second-generation FC system from Mirai FCEV, with outstanding environmental performance of zero CO2 emissions during operation(2)

Trial period

Approximately fall 2023 to spring 2025 (planned)

Additional information

Detailed information, including the start date and timetables of the trial to be conducted prior to the trial runs and the actual trial runs, will be announced at a later date.

(1) Includes driver’s seat
(2) FC mobility options are environmentally friendly vehicles that use a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, which does not generate CO2 emissions during use.

For more information, visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/38698094.html.

Men love their cars almost as much as they love dogs, and one could call these four-wheeled beasts man’s second best friend. 

For a lot of guys, keeping their cars in tip-top condition is a must. A well-maintained ride is also essential to retain its value and longevity. Have you just gotten a brand-new car? Or are you simply trying to start maintaining your old ride properly? 

Regardless of what kind of owner you are, there are many things you can do to keep your ride looking fresh and clean, and today, we’re going to look at three of them.

#1. Regular Washing and Waxing

These are two of the simplest yet most effective methods to keep your car looking fresh.

Washing your car regularly is the first step in maintaining a clean and fresh appearance. Dirt, grime, and other contaminants tend to build up on the surface, causing a car to look dull and dingy. To keep your ride looking its best, try to wash it at least once a week with mild soap and water.

However, while a good weekly wash can be more than enough, waxing your car has a number of additional benefits. The wax acts as a barrier between your car’s paint and the environment, protecting it from UV rays, bird droppings, and other damage.

Waxing also helps to enhance the shine and luster of your car’s paint. As the wax is applied, it fills in any tiny scratches and scuffs, creating a smooth and even surface that reflects light better. This results in a brighter and more vibrant appearance that gives you the “new and shiny” look that car owners desire so much.

In addition to keeping your car looking clean and fresh, washing and waxing can also have other benefits. These two methods can extend the life of your vehicle by preventing rust and other forms of corrosion, which can cause costly and unsightly damage over time. 

#2. Get a Car Wrap

If you are looking for a more simplistic yet effective method, consider Paint Protection Film (PPF), more commonly known as “car wraps,” which is made from high-quality vinyl material that is specifically designed to withstand the elements. This means it can protect your car’s paint from the sun, rain, and other environmental factors that tend to dim the luster of the paint.

The “wrap” nature of it also means that it has the benefit of being easily removed. 

One of the best aspects of this option is that you can change the look of your vehicle whenever you like without damaging or changing the original paint. This makes car wraps quite an affordable and effective way to switch things up anytime you get bored of having the same look.

Wraps have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to get wraps instead of having their cars painted. Why? Because paint jobs can be expensive and take a long time to complete. (Especially if the car needs to be disassembled to be painted.)

With a car wrap, the process is much faster and less expensive and can be completed in a matter of days rather than weeks. This is especially true if you get it done from a professional car wrap service. You essentially want to find a place that has enough experience in dealing with a variety of cars and has been in the business for a while. 

A lot of times, getting a wrap done at a mediocre place can leave you feeling pretty disappointed. You might notice bubbles and ripples in a few areas that ruin the entire look.  

The best places usually have decades of experience and can provide a variety of other services as well, such as paint protection films, color-change wraps, and stripes and graphics, to name a few. 

#3. Car Detailing

Regular detailing is another essential step in keeping your car looking its best. Detailing involves thoroughly cleaning the interior and exterior of your vehicle as well as performing any necessary repairs and maintenance.

Car detailing generally goes through several steps, such as exterior washing, where a high-pressure washer removes accumulated dust and mud from the surface of the car. This wash needs to be thorough, with special attention paid to areas that are prone to dirt build-up, such as the wheels, underbody, and door sills.

Auto detailers then go through several other steps, such as claying, polishing, and interior cleaning.

To get the most out of your detailing appointment, choose a reputable shop that uses high-quality equipment. A good detailer will not only clean your car but also check for any signs of damage, such as chips or cracks in the paint, and perform any necessary repairs.

Detailing services can remove scratches, scuffs, and other signs of wear and tear, leaving your car looking as good as new.

Conclusion

Few things are as satisfying as a car that’s shiny and fresh. However, It can be difficult to maintain your ride if you aren’t sure what you should be doing. Washing, waxing, detailing, and wrapping are but some of the ways that car owners can ensure their rides keep that “fresh out of the shop” look.  

It’s always best to entrust any car work to a professional. The last thing you want is to try and wing it yourself and end up making a mess of things. You don’t want to use your precious ride as a practicing bench for delicate jobs like car wrapping. Leave that to the pros so you can have peace of mind. 

Tire care and maintenance are essential parts of your car’s overall health. It’s not just about keeping your tires in good condition to ensure a safe ride, but wheel balancing and alignment also helps maximize the life of your tires and maintain their performance. But how do you keep on top of tire care? Taking advice from professionals who have years of experience in this field can help you make sure that your vehicle is running smoothly for as long as possible. In this article, we’ll discuss some useful tips from the pros when it comes to taking care of your tires.

Check Your Tires Regularly for Wear and Tear

In order to ensure your tires are in good condition, it’s important to check them on a regular basis. Look for signs of wear and tear such as cracks or bulges. While you can use a tire tread depth gauge to get an accurate reading of the amount of tread left on your tires, simply inspecting them visually can give you an idea as to their condition. Furthermore, regular inspections can help you identify any potential problems early on before they become a bigger issue. Furthermore, it’s important to check the air pressure of your tires as well. Under-inflated tires can lead to excessive wear, decreased fuel efficiency, and safety risks.

Rotate Your Tires Regularly

Doing tire rotation is very important to ensure even wear and tear on all four tires. It’s recommended that you rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or as suggested by the vehicle manufacturer. Additionally, it is important to check the alignment of your tires after a rotation. This will help improve the lifespan and performance of your tires by offering them even wear and tear. In addition, it can help reduce the chances of tire-related problems such as excessive vibration, premature wear, and poor handling. Furthermore, it’s important to have your tires balanced after every rotation. This helps ensure that the tires are balanced correctly and will help improve performance and increase longevity.

Make Sure That You Replace Any Damaged or Worn-Out Tires

When inspecting your tires, pay special attention to any signs of damage or excessive wear. If you find that the tread is too low or if there are signs of cracks and bulges, it’s important to have them replaced immediately. Worn-out tires can mean unsafe driving conditions and could also lead to further damage being caused to other parts of the car. Additionally, it’s important to also have any nails or other objects that may be stuck in your tire properly removed and patched up by a professional.

Inspect Your Wheel Alignment at Least Once a Year

Wheel alignment should be checked at least once a year and is important for preserving the lifespan of your tires. Poor wheel alignment can lead to excessive wear on some parts of your tire, while other areas may remain unaffected. It’s important to have it checked regularly as a poor wheel alignment can significantly reduce the life of your tires, as well as the performance of your vehicle. Furthermore, it’s important to have your tires balanced as well. This helps ensure that the tires are evenly balanced and can help improve performance and extend their lifespan.

Maintain Proper Air Pressure Levels in Each Tire (Including the Spare)

That way they are not over-inflated or under-inflated, which can lead to uneven wear patterns on the tread surface of the tire(s). In addition, it’s important to make sure that you are using the correct air pressure level according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Under-inflated tires can lead to excessive wear and poor fuel economy as well as safety risks. It’s also important to check the air pressure of your spare tire just in case you need it. Furthermore, it’s important to regularly inspect the valve stem for any signs of damage or wear.

Align and Balance Your Tires After Every Rotation

As mentioned previously, it’s important to have your tires balanced after every rotation. This helps ensure that the tires are properly balanced and can help improve performance and extend their lifespan. Additionally, it’s important to check the alignment of your tires as well. Poor wheel alignment can lead to excessive wear on some parts of the tire, while other areas may remain unaffected. Furthermore, it’s important to make sure that your tires are aligned correctly as this can help improve performance and handling as well as reduce the chances of tire-related problems such as excessive vibration, premature wear, and poor handling.

In conclusion, following these simple tire care and maintenance tips can help ensure that your tires last longer, perform better, and are safe to drive on. It’s important to keep a regular check on the condition of your tires as well as have them rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or as suggested by the vehicle manufacturer. Additionally, it’s important to inspect your wheel alignment at least once a year and maintain proper air pressure levels in each tire (including the spare). Furthermore, it’s important to have your tires balanced after every rotation, as well as aligned properly. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your tires last longer and perform better.