Abstract
In order for automobiles to be developed as a means of transportation that continues to provide the convenience of mobility in the future, it is important to minimize their negative effects on the environment, traffic accidents, and traffic congestion. With the aim of achieving an affluent mobile society, Toyota has long contended that this social task is extremely important and has been actively involved in addressing it.
With regard to environment, Toyota has been actively developing hybrid technology that is considered a core technology for the solution of three major issues: 1) improving fuel efficiency in order to reduce CO2 emissions, 2) developing exhaust emissions abatement systems to minimize atmospheric pollution, and 3) pursuing energy diversification.
In terms of safety, Toyota's vehicle development aims to provide optimal driving support based on driving conditions, not only by integrating individual safety technologies and systems in the vehicle, but also by adopting an infrastructure-respondent system. By increasing such integration in the future, Toyota seeks to reduce dangers related to vehicle use as we pursue vehicles that do not cause accidents.
Nanotechnologies have shown great potential and are expected to produce the breakthrough technologies that will yield innovative solutions to the above issues surrounding automotive transportation.
