Issues and responses
Automobiles are composed of 20,000 to 30,000 parts produced and assembled through many different processes. Despite the complexity of motor vehicle production, the Japanese auto industry makes great efforts to promote energy conservation and environmental protection measures (including waste reduction and recycling) throughout the manufacturing process.

Environmental protection measures
Because of the need to protect the ozone layer, the Japanese automotive industry now uses solvents other than CFCs in its manufacturing operations and has furthermore completely eliminated the use of CFCs for refrigerant purposes as of 1996. It also aims to protect air quality by reducing sulfur oxide (SOx) and NOx emissions through fuel conversion and the introduction of low-NOx burners and by reducing hydrocarbon emissions in the painting process. Water conservation is promoted by reducing the amount of water used in factory operations and purifying waste water.

Reduced consumption of energy
The Japanese automotive industry has implemented a wide range of measures to promote energy conservation at its plants and facilities, including the introduction of energy-saving equipment and new strategies to curtail energy consumption in work methods. The industry is also aiming to reduce the amount of CO2 emitted in its manufacturing operations to 1990 levels by the year 2000. By 2010, it hopes to reduce CO2 emissions even further.