Japanese autoparts manufacturers switch focus to hydrogen
The Nikkei reports today that Japanese autoparts makers are rapidly increasing their focus on fuel cell vehicles as expectation builds that the popularity of these vehicles will grow in the coming years. Keihin, a local engine parts maker, has invested millions of yen installing equipment to manufacture fuel cell vehicle parts; Yachiyo Industry, a fuel tank manufacturer has begun developing hydrogen tanks; and Aisan Industry, a maker of fuel injection equipment has been working on hydrogen injectors for Toyota. Tokyo-based Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting forecasts the Japanese market for fuel cell vehicles will grow to about 400,000 units in 2030.

TOKYO -- Japanese autoparts manufacturers are turning their attention to fuel cell vehicles on expectations that the world will see more of this new type of automobile that runs on electricity generated by a hydrogen-oxygen reaction.

Keihin, a Honda Motor affiliate that makes engine parts, spent hundreds of millions of yen to install equipment to build parts for fuel cell vehicles at its Miyagi Prefecture plant. Sixteen or 17 types of parts, including those for controlling hydrogen gas and motors, will be produced beginning at the start of 2016 for a Honda fuel cell vehicle slated to be released in March. Keihin plans to pitch its products to U.S. and European automakers as well.