Tokyo -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that the Bluebird Sylphy became the first car in Japan to receive SU-LEV (Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle) certification by reducing exhaust emissions by an additional 75% from the levels required by the 2005 exhaust emission regulations. This certification was awarded by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport under its low-emission vehicle certification system. The new 18Vi 70th-II and 18Vi-G 70th-II grades that received this certification will join the lineup of the 70th anniversary special specification models that Nissan began marketing in October this year and are to be released nationwide in Japan on January 20, 2004.
Bluebird Sylphy 18Vi-G 70th-II [fitted with optional equipment]
The 2005 exhaust emission regulations were established in September this year as new long-term exhaust emission standards that succeed the 2000 exhaust emission regulations (new short-term regulations). Compared with the 2000 short-term regulations, the 2005 exhaust emission regulations further tighten the standards by requiring passenger cars to reduce both nitrogen oxide (NOx) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions by another 55%, among other requirements. The LEV certification system was revised in October with the establishment of two categories: U-LEV (Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle) certification that requires an additional 50% reduction and SU-LEV certification that requires an additional 75% reduction of exhaust emissions from the levels mandated by the 2005 exhaust emission regulations. The exhaust emission levels required for SU-LEV certification are lower by approximately one-half from the 75% reduced levels specified heretofore in relation to the 2000 exhaust emission regulations. This means that the SU-LEV levels are among the most stringent exhaust emission requirements anywhere in the world.
The Bluebird Sylphy that has now become Japan's first certified SU-LEV was launched in the Japanese market in August 2000. Advanced environmental technologies are one key element of this car's product concept. The 2WD models fitted with a 1.8-liter engine achieve the same superior exhaust emission performance as the Sentra CA, which is marketed in California as "the cleanest gasoline-fueled car in the world." These models attain exhaust emission levels that are lower again by approximately one-half from the 75% reductions required in relation to the 2000 exhaust emission regulations.
Amid rising global demands for environmental protection, Nissan has been proceeding with vigorous measures to prevent air pollution under the Nissan Green Program 2005, a medium-term environmental action plan that was announced in January 2002. Under this program, Nissan set a goal of having 80% of all its passenger cars sold in Japan emit 75% fewer exhaust emissions than the 2000 exhaust emission regulations by the end of March 2003. That goal was accomplished ahead of schedule in February this year, and approximately 85% of all Nissan passenger cars sold in Japan today are certified as attaining those reduced exhaust emission levels.
In addition to being certified as SU-LEVs, the newly added 18Vi 70th-II and 18Vi-G 70th-II grades also comply with Japan's 2010 fuel economy standards, thereby qualifying for tax reductions*1 under the Green Tax program. Besides their outstanding environmental performance, the cars also adopt Nissan's highly acclaimed "interior environment package" consisting of a Plasmacluster Ion® air conditioner incorporating a bacteria removal function*2, green-tinted windshield glass that blocks out infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and an odor-absorbing headliner. Moreover, they are also equipped with dedicated fog lamps built into the front bumper and are priced at readily affordable levels.
*1For vehicles complying with the requirements of the Green Tax program, the automobile acquisition tax on newly registered vehicles for personal use is reduced by 15,000 yen until March 31, 2004, and for SU-LEVs the automobile tax is reduced by 50% for one year beginning from the next fiscal year after a vehicle is registered.
*2This air-conditioner system incorporates Sharp Corporation's Plasmacluster® technology. Plasmacluster and Plasmacluster Ion are trademarks of Sharp Corporation.
Dealers selling the Bluebird Sylphy
Nissan and Motor channel dealers of the Nissan Blue Stage (including Nissan Red & Blue Stage dealers that handle all models)
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