Mitsubishi Motors was recently awarded the Director's Award, Prevention of Global Warming Division in the 1997 Environmental Agency Awards to Major Contributors to Environmental Preservation for the development and popularization of the company's GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine that dramatically reduces fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

The award was presented at the "Assembly to Mark Environment Day" held at the Yurakucho Asahi Hall in Tokyo on June 5, which is designated as Environment Day in Japan. The presentation ceremony was attended by Prince and Princess Akishinnomiya and the Director of the Environmental Agency, Ms Michiko Ishii. The award was accepted on behalf of the company by Mr Yuhiko Kiyota, Director & Deputy Corporate General Manager of Office of Passenger Car Development & Engineering.

The Environmental Agency presents the Director Awards each year as part of its activities to promote the Month of the Environment, June, to individuals and organizations (corporations) in recognition of their efforts to preserve the environment. 51 individuals and 59 corporations were presented awards this year. The Prevention of Global Warming Division was established for the first time this year to reflect the growing awareness worldwide of seriousness of the global warming problem.

Mitsubishi Motors was presented the Director's Award, Prevention of Global Warming Division, for its efforts in developing and popularizing the GDI engine that significantly reduces CO₂ emissions, a principal factor in global warming.

The GDI engine has been high acclaimed in Japan and overseas and received numerous awards for being a next-generation engine that curbs CO₂ emissions while also returning low fuel consumption and delivering high power outputs.

Mitsubishi Motors first introduced the 4G93 1.8-liter GDI engine to power the New GALANT and LEGNUM series launched in August 1996. This was followed by the introduction of the new 6G74 3.5-liter V6 GDI engine to power a new PAJERO model launched in May this year. The company further plans to use GDI engines to power two sedan models and three sport utility vehicles before the end of the year in its on-going fight to reduce CO₂ emissions.

Details of Award