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PRESS RELEASE

New AEROSTAR large public bus series
Japan's first 2004 (New Short-term)
Emission Regulation-compliant bus

Also first bus to receive ultra-low diesel vehicle PM certification

March 8 , 2004


Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation announces today the launch of a new AEROSTAR series of large public service bus that complies with Japan's 2004 (New Short-term) Emission Regulations and earns Ultra-low Diesel Particulate Matter Emissions certification*1 . The new compliant AEROSTAR series goes on sale at Mitsubishi Fuso dealerships throughout Japan today March 8.

Mitsubishi Fuso has played a lead role in reactivating public transport since it launched Japan's first step-less public service bus AEROSTAR in 1997. In February 2004, the company launched the AERO Non-step HEV - Japan's first mass-produced series-hybrid large bus which delivers outstanding environmental performance and public service features. With its advanced technology capabilities and highly competitive products, Mitsubishi Fuso maintains its leading share in the public service bus market.

The new AEROSTAR announced today is the first bus in Japan to comply with the 2004 (New Short-term) Emission Regulations and to earn Ultra-low Diesel Particulate Matter (PM) Emissions certification. Available in step-less, one-step and two-step floor models, the new AEROSTAR lineup of low-emission buses provides a proactive answer to environmental concerns. As Japan's leading bus manufacturer, Mitsubishi Fuso will continue to improve the environmental performance and public service features in its lineup.

*1: Granted to vehicles achieving PM levels 75% or more below requirements of the 2004 (New Short-term) Emission Regulations

AEROSTAR ultra-low PM series features
  • First bus in Japan to comply with 2004 (New Short-term) Emission Regulations.
  • First bus in Japan to receive Ultra-low Diesel PM Emission certification.
  • 8-Tokenshi LEV & LEV-6 designation
  • Automobile NOx & PM Control Law compliant
  • Cooled EGR and Mitsubishi Fuso’s own continuous-regenerative diesel particulate filter (DPF).


Mitsubishi Fuso AEROSTAR large public service bus (special trim model)
Ultra-low diesel vehicle PM emissions certified


I. Product features
1. Regulatory compliance
(1) 2004 (New Short-term) Emission Regulations - first in Japan

The marriage of Mitsubishi Fuso’s Environment Engine, featuring cooled EGR and blow-by gas recirculation, with Mitsubishi Fuso’s own continuous-regenerative diesel particulate filter (DPF) enables early compliance with the 2004 (New Short-term) Emission Regulations due to come into force in the autumn this year (applying to vehicles with GVW of 12-tons and over).

(2) Ultra-low diesel PM emission certification

The new AEROSTAR is also the first large public service bus in Japan to earn certification under the more stringent Ultra-low Diesel Vehicle PM Emissions System introduced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport for PM levels 75% or more lower than those required by the 2004 Emission Regulations.
(3) Other regulations & ordinances
The new AEROSTAR series also complies with the following regulations and ordinances:
  • 8-Tokenshi and LEV-6
  • Automobile NOx & PM Control Law
  • 1998 Noise Regulations
  • Mid-term Brake Safety Regulations

8-Tokenshi LEV mark


LEV-6 mark

2. Advanced environmental technology

Exhaust gas control system

(1) 6M70T Environment Engine
The AEROSTAR series is powered by the Mitsubishi Fuso 6M70T*2 Environment Engine which adds a high-precision electronically controlled cooled EGR*3 system to its highly-appraised MIQCS*4 combustion and high-pressure common-rail injection systems to realize a significant decrease in in-cylinder PM. It also features a positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV) that recirculates blow-by gas*5 to the intake manifold and an on-board diagnostics system (OBD).

*2: Uses low-sulfur diesel fuel (50ppm sulfur content)
*3: Exhaust gas recirculation
*4: Mitsubishi Innovative Quiescent Combustion System
*5: Un-burnt fuel vapor that squeezes past the piston rings during a compression stroke

• MIQCS (Mitsubishi Innovative Quiescent Combustion System)
Mitsubishi’s proprietary combustion control system maximizes air and fuel mixing and combustion efficiency by injecting fuel under high pressure into large diameter combustion chambers. The increased combustion efficiency over conventional combustion systems, which rely on the air flow within the chamber, reduces in-cylinder NOx and PM, and also improves fuel economy.

• High-pressure common-rail fuel injection system
The Environment Engine employs a common-rail high-pressure fuel injection system that optimizes fuel injection for all engine loads and driving conditions. Working in conjunction with the MIQCS combustion control system, this technology significantly reduces in-cylinder PM.

• Cooled EGR
The new EGR system gains a water-cooled cooler and features more precise control of the EGR valve operation. The improved system recirculates optimum quantities of cooled exhaust gas to the engine, thereby lowering the combustion temperature and reducing NOx emissions.

• PCV*6 blow-by gas recirculation
The Environment Engine models uses a positive crankcase ventilation system that recirculates blow-by gas to the intake duct. This environment-friendly feature prevents the release into the atmosphere of combustion gases that can leak from the engine.

*6: Positive crankcase ventilation

• On-board diagnostics
AEROSTAR models employ an on-board diagnostics system that monitors the operating status of the EGR system as well as any trouble in emissions reduction systems caused by wiring circuit malfunctions. A warning light alerts the driver in the event of trouble.

(2) Mitsubishi Fuso's own continuous-regenerative DPF
Designed for use with low-sulfur fuels, the new continuous-regenerative diesel particulate filter employs a powerful, high-capacity oxidizing catalyst and a PM filter to efficiently break down and trap PM emissions.

In the first stage of PM after-treatment, a considerable proportion of the already low engine-out PM emissions from the clean 6M70T Environment Engine is broken down and purified by a powerful oxidizing catalyst. This significantly reduces the load on, and limits the build up of PM in, the filter downstream of the catalyst. Preventing clogging of the filter under low exhaust gas temperature conditions, this eliminates the need for forced PM oxidation which adversely impacts fuel economy.

The new DPF is now maintenance free after optimization of filter pore size prevents the accumulation of lubricating oil ash emitted from the engine, thereby eliminating the need for periodic cleansing.


New continuous-regenerative diesel particulate

(3) Powertard brake standard specification
All ultra-low PM AEROSTAR models are now fitted as standard with the Powertard (compression release brake) brake that was previously available as an option. Mitsubishi Fuso’s own Powertard brake converts the resistance encountered by the pistons in the compression stroke into brake pressure. The Powertard brake is operated using a column-mounted lever and offers a choice of Gentle and Hard modes.

II.Sales target
AEROSTAR series total: 1,000 units / year

III. Manufacturer's recommended retail price (Tokyo delivery; incl. consumption tax)

Ultra-low PM model Engine Capacity
(persons)
Main features Price
PJ-MP37 JKF 6M70T
184kW(250PS)
69 Ultra-low PM / Step-less floor 24,381,000 yen
PJ-MP35 JPG 90 Ultra-low PM / Two-step floor 18,306,750 yen
KL- MP35 JMVF* 6M70
184kW(250PS)
80 1999 (Long-term) Emission Regulations compliant / One-step floor 18,448,500 yen
* 1999 (Long-term) Emission Regulation-compliant model to remain in lineup

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