Tokyo/Hiroshima: In a move aimed at advancing bioenergy use in the logistics sector, Mazda Motor Corporation and Nippon Express Co., Ltd. have launched a demonstration project using biodiesel fuel for transporting finished vehicles, supporting their long-term carbon neutrality goals and efforts to decarbonize automotive supply chains.
The trial, which began in May 2026, uses hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biodiesel fuel in vehicle transport trailers operating between Mazda’s Nishinoura district plant in Hofu and the Nakanoseki finished vehicle yard. The route covers a round-trip distance of approximately 12 kilometres and the project will continue through the end of fiscal year 2026, according to JCN Newswire.
The initiative forms part of Mazda’s target of achieving carbon neutrality across its entire supply chain by 2050. It also supports the NX Group’s objective of helping build a carbon-neutral society while promoting environmental conservation.
By introducing bioenergy-based fuel into vehicle logistics operations, the two companies aim to assess its potential to reduce emissions from finished vehicle and parts transportation while encouraging wider adoption of alternative fuels.
During the demonstration, fuel efficiency, vehicle performance and operational challenges will be evaluated under real-world operating conditions. The trailers will be maintained and operated in the same manner as conventional diesel-powered vehicles.
The biodiesel fuel for the project is being supplied by NX Shoji Co., Ltd., while Isuzu Motors Limited is cooperating in the operation and maintenance of the transport vehicles used in the trial.
Mazda said the project will help generate practical data and operational experience that could support broader deployment of HVO biodiesel fuel in logistics operations.
Kazuhiko Sumi, Director, Corporate Leadership Executive Officer and Chief Supply Chain Officer at Mazda, said the company considers the collaboration with Nippon Express highly significant.
He said the demonstration would help build knowledge on fuel efficiency, performance and operational requirements through actual field operations while promoting wider practical application of HVO fuel in partnership with regional stakeholders.
Osamu Sasaki, Executive Officer and Head of the Mobility Business Sales Division at Nippon Express, said the company was pleased to participate in Mazda’s carbon neutrality initiative as a logistics partner.
He said the company would use its expertise in finished vehicle logistics to evaluate the impact of biodiesel fuel on transport quality and operational efficiency while contributing to sustainable logistics and supply chain decarbonization.
Looking ahead, Mazda plans to work with logistics providers, vehicle manufacturers, fuel suppliers and regional businesses to strengthen fuel supply networks, improve infrastructure and support long-term adoption of HVO-based bioenergy solutions.
The two companies said the demonstration project will serve as a foundation for broader industry collaboration aimed at accelerating decarbonization across the automotive supply chain.
