Work on environmental issues is reflected in the company’s
current Corporate Philosophy, Environmental Policy
and Operating Criteria for Environmental Conservation. Subaru of America has committed
manpower, time and planning to carry out these initiatives. With its work being
revolutionary in scope as well as evolutionary in process, Subaru has committed
to responsibilities and deadlines beyond legislated governmental requirements.
The Subaru Environmental Conservation program impacts the entire life cycle of a
Subaru vehicle, from development and design, through production, utilization and,
finally, the end of the vehicle’s life. Some initiatives are obvious, such
as improving fuel economy and lowering emissions. Other initiatives such as the
introduction of unique hybrid vehicles have had more recent exposure, helping to
raise public awareness. Still others – recycling, in particular – are
less publicized, yet far-reaching.
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The B11S concept vehicle is environmentally friendly in its design. |
Vehicle Operation –
Fuel Economy, Exhaust Emissions and Noise
Subaru continually improves technologies that address traditional owner concerns
about fuel mileage, the air we breathe and vehicle noise.
Fuel economy:
Some gasoline-powered Subaru vehicles already meet fuel-economy standards set for
2010 and have done so since 2000. In all of its vehicles sold worldwide, Subaru
is attempting to meet these standards by 2006. Subaru uses engine technologies that
deliver the most mileage from every drop of fuel and designs the entire drivetrain
function efficiently.
Emissions: Subaru
engines are designed to run with very low emissions. Among the most recently introduced
Subaru vehicles, the new Legacy and 2.5-liter Outback models meet stringent standards
required by a number of states where these Super-Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (SULEV2)
are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV).
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Overhead Camshafts – reduced friction from more direct-valve operation,
improved efficiency |
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Electronic Control Units – computer control, greater operating precision |
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Transmission Gearing – balanced between performance and fuel economy |
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Four Valves per Cylinder – increased airflow, more complete ignition |
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Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection – precise measurement, reduced
fuel waste |
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Turbocharger (some models) – operated by exhaust gases, greater power
without added friction |
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Catalytic Converter – promote chemical reactions to reduce emissions |
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Noise reduction:
One sign of a premium vehicle is its provisions for reducing noise. Subaru engineers
attempt to reduce noise through insulation and component design.
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Hood Insulation |
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Air Intake
• Increased volume of air cleaner
• Increased rigidity of air-cleaner case and chamber
• Resonator |
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Engine
• Increased rigidity of block and oil pan
• Accessories modified to reduce noise |
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Transmission
• Increased rigidity of the transmission case
• Improved accuracy of gear contact |
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Exhaust System
• Added exhaust chamber
• Optimized pipe thickness
• Damped heat shield cover
• Main muffler
– Increased capacity
– Variable valve
– Improved internal structure |
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Insulation Panel Under the Engine |
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Bulkhead insulation |
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Tires selected for low noise |
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Rear Differential
• Improved accuracy of gear contact |
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Clean Energy Vehicles –
Hybrid Vehicles the Subaru Way
Subaru continues development of clean-energy vehicles, which emit little, if any,
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide or other chemicals that may contribute
to global warming or pollution. Testing includes electric- and natural-gas-powered
vehicles.
In May 2002, Fuji Heavy Industries teamed with NEC Corporation to establish NEC
Lamillion Energy, Ltd. The new company’s purpose is to merge technologies,
combining laminate-type manganese lithium-ion battery cell technology from NEC with
automotive combination battery technology from FHI. NEC Lamillion Energy is developing
secondary batteries for hybrid, electric and fuel cell electric vehicles of the
future. These batteries will be thinner, lighter and cheaper than existing batteries,
yet perform better. This technology is showcased in the Subaru B9SC concept car
as part of its Sequential Series Hybrid Electric Vehicle (SSHEV) powertrain.
Recycling –
Returning More
Conservation of the environment requires recycling. Subaru tries to make recycling
efficient and cost-effective at every point in its vehicles’ life spans. Recycling
efforts begin in development and design, then continue through production and use.
At the end of a vehicle’s service life, Subaru employs technologies that efficiently
reuse the maximum amount of the materials from it.
Vehicle development and design:
As it plans vehicles, FHI takes into consideration a recycling-oriented society
15 years in the future. Studies of current recycling efforts indicate how vehicles
might be designed to be easily dismantled at end-of-life. Parts are labeled as to
composition – something Subaru started to do in 1973. More recently, coding
that indicates composition is placed on component exteriors to make them easier
to sort. In addition, air-conditioning systems and air bags are designed for easier
dismantling.
Subaru has substantially reduced the use of substances that have harmful environmental
impacts. These include lead, asbestos, cadmium and its compounds, chromium compounds
and mercury and its compounds.
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Sequential Series Hybrid Electric Vehicle (SSHEV) combines driving pleasure with
consideration for the environment, utilizing a high-performance electric motor and
gasoline engine for power. In combination with the Symmetrical AWD layout, the longitudinal
engine, electric generator motor, transmission, electric drive motor and transfer
case give this hybrid vehicle unprecedented balance, stability and agility.
The electric motor provides maximum torque from start-up through a wide speed range.
At about 50 miles per hour, the gasoline engine takes over. Acceleration is seamless
between the motor and engine. The gasoline engine also assists the electric motor
whenever and wherever driving conditions warrant, such as when added power is required.
Gasoline
Engine – 2.0-liter, SOHC boxer engine that charges the Lamillion
battery and assists the electric driving motor at high speeds or under added loads.
Electric
Generator Motor – Operates only in high-efficiency generation range
to maintain stable storage capabilities, providing electricity to the high-density
manganese-lithium ion battery.
Transmission
– A newly designed compact transmission that adjusts and controls the mix
of motor/engine power to suit driving style and speed.
Electric
Drive Motor – Provides torque exceeding that of a gasoline engine,
along with smooth acceleration, from start-up to about 50 miles per hour.
Transfer
Case – Distributes torque to the front and rear axles, an essential
part of the Subaru Symmetrical AWD system.
Subaru High-Density
Manganese-Lithium Ion Lamillion Battery – Features a laminated
structure with alternating layers of insulating materials and specially designed
electrodes, storing electricity to be used by the electric motor.
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Sequential
Series System – The electric motor is the heart of the series-type
hybrid, offering excellent acceleration from low through medium speeds and efficient
operation. The system utilizes gasoline-engine power for electrical generation as
well as high-speed and heavy-duty use.
Parallel
Series System – The main power drive is by gasoline engine, with
the electric motor providing partial assist.
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Today’s Subaru vehicles utilize recycled materials from other industries as
well as their own. Recycled materials include plastic bottles used as insulation,
plastic bumper waste as bumpers, scraps from clothing manufacturers as base trim
layers, and paint sludge and used paper as vibration-absorbing door panels. Engine
covers are made from nylon resin reused from the fishing industry.
Vehicle Production:
FHI facilities recycle materials to help reduce waste and pollution. More vehicle
components are manufactured using materials of the same composition, making recycling
efforts easier and producing parts with less waste. At the end of the vehicles’
lives, the same materials can be recycled into parts for the next generation of
vehicles.
For bumpers, Subaru developed a proprietary technology that removes paint film,
allowing easier bumper recycling. Waste from manufacturing seat covers, instrument
panels and door trim is pulverized and mixed to be molded into interior parts such
as side covers for seats and inner parts of glove compartments.
Throughout production, suppliers help reduce waste by shipping parts in recyclable
multipurpose packaging. Shipping crates are designed to fold and be returned to
suppliers to be used over and over again.
Legacy:
• Insulation panels under the engine
• Fuel tank protector
• Rear-quarter trim and quarter trim pocket
Impreza:
• Air ventilator
• Trunk trim
• Turn indicator cover
Other Subaru models worldwide:
• Trunk boxes
• Splashboards for the rear bulkhead
• Engine cover
• Battery cover
• Miscellaneous panels
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End-Of-Life Vehicles:
Subaru has developed technologies for end-of-life vehicles, including processes
and procedures for recovering and destroying fluorocarbons and scrapped bumpers
as well as processes for activating air bags without undue noise.
Subaru also is developing tools and equipment for recycling auto glass and is experimenting
with possible products using the recycled glass materials. In addition, the company
is trying to find ways to reduce automobile shredder residue – the materials
left over when the remaining parts of a vehicle are shredded.
Subaru of
America, Inc. understands its responsibility to the global environment,
society at large, our customers, our distribution network and our employees. As
we conduct our business operations into the future, we commit to establish and maintain
an effective environmental management system that extends further than just meeting
the stated environmental laws and regulations and that encompasses the integration
of sound environmental practices in all of our business decisions.
We commit to:
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Comply with all environmental laws and regulations related to our business activities |
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Implement effective pollution prevention systems that protect our air, land and
water |
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Conserve natural resources, by reducing, reusing and recycling materials |
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Continuous improvement of our Environmental Management System (EMS) |
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Create employee awareness and commitment to SOA’s Environmental Philosophy
and Policy |
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Work with SOA’s business partners to improve their operational impact on the
environment |
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Subaru of America, Inc. reaffirms our commitment to being a world-class leader in
environmental performance. |
May 2004
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The environmental work that Subaru began decades ago most likely never will be completely
finished. That’s a challenge when marshaling the forces of heavy industry
to be environmentally responsible.
The work that Subaru does for environmental conservation pervades every aspect of
business and manufacturing. From the functioning of catalytic converters and lithium
batteries, to the packaging used by suppliers, to the recycling of bumpers, Subaru
tries to make every aspect of its presence in the community healthy and helpful.
Environmental efforts by Subaru include affiliations with organizations that also
are concerned with such issues. One of these affiliates is Leave No Trace. Read
more about the work that Subaru is doing with Leave
No Trace.
Another online exclusive pertaining to Subaru and the environment is a
glossary of terms related to environmental conservation.
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