Mazda’s famed rotary engine gets modern twistーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
Japan’s car industry is a major pillar of the country’s economy, but automakers are facing a host of challenges. Decarbonization and US tariffs are hitting firms hard. As part of its survival strategy, Mazda Motor has decided to stick with the development of internal combustion engine vehicles, which has left the company as an outlier in the auto sector. >> I love cars. I love to drive. >> Mazda’s president and CEO, Moro Masahiro, spoke at Japan’s biggest automobile exhibition, the Japan Mobility Show. He was clear about the outlook facing Japan’s auto industry. >> You could say it’s like sailing without a chart. On some days, the sky is clear, but on others, there are storms. It’s hard to predict the weather, but we can clearly see the North Star. >> Mazda unveiled its hybrid concept car that’s equipped with a rotary engine, while other automakers showcase their latest EV models. Its iconic rotary combustion engine has long symbolized Mazda’s technology. Some consumers may be concerned that the era of the internal combustion engine is over, but we want to dispel those concerns. We just want to show our spirit. We don’t reject battery EVs or electrification of vehicles. We have put a lot of effort into the development of our technology to realize new technologies. This is the carbon dioxide capture device. >> As part of its decarbonization strategy, Mazda is developing a system to capture CO2 in car exhaust, something it says is still in the concept phase. The company says the system has the potential of resolving problems when used with carbon neutral fuels. In the past, the longer we drove, the more carbon dioxide our cars emitted. By combining carbon neutral fuel and the CO2 capture system, we can reduce harmful emissions. I believe the technology will prove invaluable in the future. Put it to practical use, drivers will be able to drive to their heart’s content without worrying about emissions. Mazda’s decision to stick with the internal combustion engine is based on the belief that drivers should be able to share an intuitive connection with their cars. I believe many people actually enjoy driving. We intend to adapt to the times while ensuring the drivers can still get a thrill from being behind the wheel. >> Automotive industry expert Kawabatumi says Mazda is trying to leverage its advantage, but that this strategy may only work until around 2040 at most. She says the question is whether it can properly execute the business transformation and reinvestment needed to develop next generation vehicles going forward. As CEO, Moro needs to shift Mazda into high gear to adjust to a fast changing business environment while making the most of the company’s strengths.
Mazda Motor is reviving its legendary rotary engine technology in a bid to propel itself toward future prosperity.
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