Mazda, Nippon Express demonstrate use of renewable diesel for finished-vehicle, parts logistics
- Mazda Motor Corp.
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
Mazda Motor Corp. announced June 2 that it launched a demonstration trial in May with Nippon Express Co. Ltd. using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), also known as renewable diesel, for finished-vehicle transport trailers.
Mazda said it is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire supply chain by 2050, while the NX Group is working toward the realization of a carbon-neutral society by 2050 and contributing to environmental conservation.
Through this demonstration trial, the two companies seek to explore the potential contribution to decarbonization in the logistics for finished vehicles and parts, while also promoting the social implementation of alternative fuels.
This demonstration trial is conducted between Hofu’s Nishinoura district plant and Nakanoseki finished vehicle yard (an approximately 12-kilometer round trip) through the end of fiscal year 2026.
It will evaluate fuel efficiency, performance and operational challenges, while accumulating insights for future expansion.
The renewable diesel—used in a 51-percent blend, according to Mazda—will be procured by NX Shoji Co. Ltd., and the two trailers used in the demonstration trial will be operated under conditions equivalent to those of conventional diesel fuel, including maintenance and inspection practices, with the cooperation of Isuzu Motors Ltd.
Going forward, in addition to logistics companies and vehicle manufacturers, Mazda said it will collaborate with fuel suppliers and regionally rooted businesses to expand demand, enhance supply systems and infrastructure, and build a sustainable environment for the long-term use of HVO.
“We consider it highly meaningful to work together with Nippon Express on this demonstration using HVO,” said Kazuhiko Sumi, Mazda’s chief supply-chain officer. “By steadily accumulating insights on fuel efficiency, performance and operational aspects through real-world operations, and by collaborating with regional partners, we will further promote the practical application and expansion of this initiative.”
Osamu Sasaki with Nippon Express added, “We are honored to participate as a logistics partner in Mazda’s carbon-neutrality initiative and to engage in this HVO-based demonstration. Leveraging our expertise in finished-vehicle logistics, we will carefully evaluate the impact of fuel switching on transport quality and operations, and contribute to the realization of sustainable logistics and decarbonization of the entire supply chain.”
Building on this demonstration trial, Mazda said the two companies will expand the circle of like-minded partners and advance decarbonization across the supply chain.
