TOKYO & LOS ANGELES, Dec 19, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., Japan's only international payment brand (JCB), and JCB International Credit Card Co., Ltd. (JCB USA), the US subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., are pleased to announce the enablement of JCB Contactless payment acceptance at all NJ TRANSIT contactless bus and light rail validators.NJ TRANSIT is a state-owned public transportation system that serves the US state of New Jersey and portions of the states of New York and Pennsylvania, and is a vital infrastructure not only for locals, but also for travelers. NJ TRANSIT has now enabled contactless payments, giving JCB cardmembers the convenience of tapping their contactless cards or smartphones on NJ TRANSIT contactless fare payment systems for bus and light rail.Yutaka Nakazawa, President & CEO of JCB USA, said, “We are excited to announce that JCB cardmembers can now experience the convenience of contactless payments on NJ TRANSIT bus and light rail services, simply by tapping their cards or smartphones on the validator. We greatly value NJ TRANSIT’s implementation of JCB’s contactless technology, further extending the reach of JCB, a leading payment brand from Asia. Since the early 2000s, JCB has been at the forefront of contactless technology in Japan. As JCB’s contactless acceptance continues to grow rapidly around the world, we remain committed to expanding our network to offer greater convenience and security for transportation users worldwide."About JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 49 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are now issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 158 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/ ContactAnna TakedaCorporate CommunicationsTel: +81-3-5778-8353Email: jcb-pr@info.jcb.co.jp Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Dec 18, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. held a press briefing to introduce the direction of its hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) business and the latest advancement made to its original 2-motor hybrid system, Honda e:HEV.(1) Honda also presented next-generation technologies scheduled to be installed in its future hybrid-electric vehicles.Striving to realize carbon neutrality for all Honda products and corporate activities by 2050, Honda has set a target to make battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles represent 100% of its new vehicle sales globally by 2040. Honda has been working to establish a strong EV brand and EV business foundation from a mid- to long-term perspective with an eye toward the period of EV popularization, which is expected to begin in the second half of the 2020s.In the meantime, demand for hybrid-electric vehicles remains high in the current market, within the EV shift period through the mid-2020s. To accommodate such high demand, Honda will continue making steady progress in the development of new hybrid-electric vehicles.Honda hybrid-electric vehicles equipped with the e:HEV system realize outstanding fuel economy (environmental performance), achieved by the highly efficient two-motor hybrid system, and high-quality and exhilarating driving experience (driving performance), delivered by the high-powered traction motor.With the renewal from the current system to the next-generation system, Honda will further refine the existing strengths of e:HEV to offer “the joy of mobility that resonates with all of the driver’s senses” through its new and more attractive hybrid-electric vehicles. In doing so, Honda will strive to achieve its global annual hybrid-electric vehicle sales target of 1.3 million units(2) by 2030. Moreover, by improving production efficiency and pursuing cost reduction, Honda will ensure high profitability and further growth of its hybrid-electric vehicle business, which will continue to play a fundamental role that supports future EV business.Overview of the next-generation e:HEV systemThe e:HEV realizes highly efficient driving in all situations by seamlessly and automatically switching between three modes: 1) the EV Drive Mode, where the vehicle runs using only electricity from the battery; 2) the Hybrid Drive Mode, where the vehicle runs on the motor alone using electricity generated by the engine; 3) and the Engine Drive Mode, unique to Honda e:HEV, where the engine is directly connected to the wheels via a clutch.For the next-generation e:HEV, component parts, including engine and drive unit, and control technology will be renewed respectively for both the small-size system (with a 1.5-liter engine) and the mid-size system (with a 2.0-liter engine) to further improve environmental performance and a high-quality and exhilarating driving experience of e:HEV models.- The all-new 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter direct-injection Atkinson cycle engines, front drive unit and integrated cooling system will be developed, and by combining them with the new Next-generation Mid-size Platform currently being developed, Honda will aim to improve fuel economy of the next-generation e:HEV models with the mid-size system by more than 10% compared to the first-generation 2-motor hybrid models.- In light of compliance with future environmental regulations around the world, the new engines are designed to realize a theoretical air-fuel ratio(3) without compromising power output for all driving situations, from everyday driving and situations where powerful acceleration is required such as merging onto an expressway, realizing both excellent power output and fuel economy.- The new 1.5-liter engine will achieve a significant improvement in fuel economy by expanding the range where engine RPM becomes highly efficient in balance with engine torque, by more than 40% compared to the current 1.5-liter engine for the e:HEV system.- The new front drive unit will feature both downsized packaging and increased efficiency. By maximizing the commonality between the drive unit for the small-size and mid-size systems, the cost will be reduced significantly, which contributes to the improvement of business viability.- Moreover, engine and motor performance in each drive mode will be made even more efficient. In Engine Drive Mode, the fuel economy will be improved by increasing torque transmission efficiency when the engine is directly connected and also by expanding range where highly-efficient Engine Drive Mode will be used during high-speed cruising by utilizing battery assist.- The power conversion and engine efficiency will also be improved for EV Drive Mode and Hybrid Drive Mode. As a result, both 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter engines will achieve the highest(4) combustion efficiency. Honda S+ ShiftThe next-generation e:HEV will feature Honda S+ Shift, a new function designed to pursue the “joy of driving” that further accentuates the sense of oneness between the driver and the vehicle, while fully leveraging the characteristics of the e:HEV system. Without compromising high environmental performance unique to hybrid-electric vehicles, the Honda S+ Shift precisely controls the engine RPM during acceleration and deceleration to realize direct drive response and sharp gear shifting. Honda plans to install Honda S+ Shift in all of its future hybrid-electric vehicle models featuring the next-generation e:HEV, starting with the all-new Honda Prelude scheduled to go on sale in 2025. Adoption of electric all-wheel drive (E-AWD) unitStarting with the next-generation e:HEV models, Honda will adopt an electric AWD drive unit (E-AWD) that can be shared between hybrid-electric vehicles and EVs. Compared to the mechanical AWD, the E-AWD increases maximum driving force and contributes to the realization of more powerful starting acceleration performance. The technology to control distribution of driving force to the front and rear tires, which Honda has amassed through the development of mechanical AWD, will be further advanced to enable the E-AWD system to optimize front-rear driving force distribution based on changes in tire ground contact load during acceleration/deceleration and turning. Moreover, by precisely controlling the highly precise and responsive motor torque control, the vehicle’s ability to trace the desired driving line and driving stability will be improved regardless of road surface conditions, enabling driving at the will of the driver and with greater peace of mind. Adoption of the Next-generation Mid-size PlatformIn line with the advancement of the next-generation e:HEV system, Honda will completely renew current mid-size platform for its hybrid-electric vehicles and pursue the further wholistic advancement of the vehicle. New body rigidity management was adopted to realize high driving stability and lightweight. A sporty and exhilarating driving experience will be achieved by adopting a new steering stability index, which provides the ability to flex the vehicle body to control load on each tire during cornering. The simplified body structure also contributes to an overall vehicle weight reduction by 10% compared to current Honda e:HEV models.Moreover, Honda is striving to develop the lightest platform in its class by reducing the platform weight by approximately 90kg compared to the platform for the current e:HEV models through the adoption of a new design method and a new lightweight body. Based on the modular architecture concept, which realizes a high commonality ratio among various models, series models will be developed while common sections, such as the engine room and rear floor, and unique sections such as the rear cabin are developed separately. With this development method, Honda is striving to achieve a commonality ratio of more than 60% among all models that adopt this Next-generation Mid-size Platform. This will enable production of unique and diverse models more efficiently and cost-effectively.For the improvement of hybrid-electric business viabilityIn the 25-year history of its hybrid-electric business which started with the introduction of the Insight in 1999, Honda has taken a variety of measures to improve production efficiency in addition to enhancing product appeal and advancing technologies for its hybrid-electric vehicles.In particular, Honda has been pursuing the reduction of the cost of its hybrid-electric vehicles, mostly with the key components such as batteries, power control units, and motors, through measures such as the improvement of production efficiency through cooperative development activities with suppliers and the establishment of a local production system and capability, and commonization of parts across different models.As a result, the cost of hybrid-electric systems has been reduced dramatically. For example, the current version of the North American Accord hybrid has achieved a 25% cost reduction compared to the Accord hybrid model that went on sale in 2018, contributing significantly to improved profitability.Moreover, for next-generation hybrid-electric vehicles, Honda is aiming to reduce the cost of each hybrid-electric model up to 50%, comparing the model to be launched in 2027 and the same model launched in 2018, respectively.(1) e:HEV is a global communication name for the Honda high-efficiency two-motor hybrid system with outstanding fuel economy, which is the core of Honda electrification technologies. The e: represents the Honda desire to ‘energize’ people and bring about a smile and high spirits by using ‘electricity’ as the ‘energy.’(2) Unit sales of finished vehicles of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and its consolidated subsidiaries.(3) The ideal mixing ratio of oxygen to fuel to achieve the highest combustion efficiency during the combustion of gasoline.(4) Based on Honda internal research. Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Dec 18, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) today announced executive-level personnel changes effective March 31 and April 1, 2025, and made nominations for Members of the Board to be proposed at the 100th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders scheduled on June 27, 2025. MHI also announced the appointment of current Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Eisaku Ito, as President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 1, 2025. He succeeds Seiji Izumisawa, who will take on the role of Chairman of the Board after six years as MHI's top executive. These appointments were approved at a meeting of MHI's Board of Directors held in Tokyo today.Mr. Ito will assume the role of President & CEO after serving as Executive Vice President, CTO, and Head of the Technology Strategy Office since April 2020, his latest position in a career that spans over 30 years at MHI. In a previous role, Mr. Ito promoted the development of a wide range of our company's technologies and businesses, the improvement of business processes, and the marketing of new products and services. He also played an important role in responding to the rapid evolution of digitalization and AI technologies by establishing the Digital Innovation Headquarters. Going forward under Mr. Ito's leadership, we will work to achieve further growth as one of Japan's leading manufacturing and technology companies.During his tenure as President & CEO, Mr. Izumisawa led the restructuring of the thermal power business, the discontinuation of SpaceJet development, and the divestment of the machine tools business. In FY2023, the final year of the 2021 Medium-Term Business Plan, order intake, revenue, and profit reached record highs, making a significant contribution to improving the company's margins. In addition, Mr. Izumisawa has been working to enhance our future growth areas, including the businesses related to the Energy Transition.Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Izumisawa said, "MHI Group is now working to strengthen our portfolio of businesses by leveraging the business and financial foundations we have built over many years, while contributing to societal challenges such as the realization of Carbon Neutrality and addressing national security concerns. We must steadily develop our growing core businesses-Gas Turbine Combined Cycle (GTCC), Nuclear Power, and Defense-while striving to commercialize our future growth areas. For this reason, MHI now requires a leader with knowledge of a wide range of businesses and technologies, fairness, a sense of responsibility to resolve a variety issues, and a determination to take on the challenges of the future. Mr. Ito has deep insight into MHI's core businesses, including gas turbines, and a wide range of technical expertise. Moreover, he has succeeded in resolving many product development issues in the past, and I am confident that his tenacity and leadership will enable MHI to achieve further growth."Mr. Ito commented, "The reforms enacted by Mr. Izumizawa have further advanced MHI Group's position as a global company. Following the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic, both revenue and profit are now at record highs. As we continue to receive strong orders, we will work to build a robust business structure and value chain to reliably deliver products and solutions to our customers. We will also focus on developing diverse talent and technological infrastructure while promoting digitalization and automation. I am honored to be able to take on the challenge of leading MHI and of joining our Group employees in efforts to optimize the portfolio of businesses, execute our growth strategy, and fulfill our commitments to solve long-term societal challenges-including through MISSION NET ZERO (2040 Carbon Neutrality Declaration)-all with the goal of achieving further growth."About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Dec 18, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it has decided to build a new plant in Japan to produce the next-generation fuel cell system being developed independently by Honda.Honda aims to start operating the new plant in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2028 (FY2028), utilizing part of the land and buildings of the Powertrain Unit Factory, located in Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, which discontinued production of automobile powertrain components in October 2024. The new plant will be the first facility dedicated to the production of the fuel cell system being developed independently by Honda and will feature state-of-the-art equipment to achieve high-efficiency and high-quality production with annual production capacity of 30,000 units. Honda is expecting to receive a government subsidy for the production of next-generation fuel cell systems, including the establishment of the new plant, as it has qualified for a project led by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) for the purpose of supporting the establishment of supply chains consisting of Japanese manufacturing companies in the GX (green transformation) * area, which is part of the nation’s initiatives to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.Striving to grow its hydrogen business as one of its new core businesses, Honda has been working to further expand opportunities for its hydrogen business by identifying four core domains for the utilization of its fuel cell system: fuel cell vehicles (FCEV), commercial vehicles, stationary power stations and construction machinery.By leveraging the strength of its independently developed and produced next-generation fuel cell system, Honda will strive to gain a 5% share of the FC-powered truck market by 2030, and also pursue an ambitious target of gaining 30% market share by around 2040.*GX (green transformation) refers to the process/initiative toward transforming the current fossil fuel-based society into a society powered by clean energy, which leads to the realization of carbon neutrality.Overview of the new plantLocationMoka City, Tochigi Prefecture, JapanProduction item Fuel cell systemPlant building area28,901㎡Annual production capacity30,000 unitsAmount of government subsidy14.78 billion yen (maximum amount) * To be determinedFor reference:About Honda hydrogen business: https://global.honda/en/hydrogen/ Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Dec 18, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701), a leading global IT and network transformation services provider, has been selected as winner of the Most Innovative Product/Service/Automation (Vendor) Global at the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit 2024. NEC received this award for Telecom B2B/ Enterprise Network Solutions. This encompasses Telecom B2B Networks, Datacenter Networks, IT Network Solutions and Open Optical Transport Products that comply with the Open All-Photonic Network Functional Architecture of IOWN(1). The transformative network solutions were chosen for their extensive global deployment across industries such as telecom operators, datacenter providers, finance, retail, and power/utilities.The 18th edition of the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit, under the theme "Global, Regional, Digital," is one of the most anticipated and largest ICT events in the industry. Comprising thousands of distinguished guests, the two-day gathering, held from December 10-11, 2024 in Dubai, UAE, welcomed C-level executives within the ICT industry and a broad range of professionals, including telecom operators, telecom vendors/suppliers, industry regulators, government officials, content providers, cybersecurity experts, consultants, and smart city innovators.Early this year, NEC announced the enhancement of NEC Value Added Networks Solutions for Enterprises in collaboration with leading global partners. As part of NEC's Value Added Network Solutions—including Transport Networks, Datacenter Networks, Enterprise Networks, Network Security, and Network Automation/AI—the advanced enterprise network solutions now offer a comprehensive lineup for both telecommunications companies and enterprises, addressing connectivity and security needs. The solutions feature cutting-edge technologies like AI data center networking, network automation/AI, SD-WAN, and SASE. Organizations can flexibly choose from various deployment models—on-premises, cloud, or managed services. For these solutions, as a leading global system integrator, NEC offers its Network Transformation Service, a multi-vendor service tailored to address each business's unique challenges. Featuring a wide range of top-tier solutions from global leading vendors in its solution portfolio, this expert service enhances network agility, flexibility, and robustness, reshaping networks into the foundation of an organization’s AI and digital strategy."We are delighted to have been honored with this prestigious award from Telecom Review for three consecutive years. This award marks a significant milestone in advancing AI-driven network innovation with our valued customers across various industries worldwide," said Masayuki Kayahara, General Manager, Service Provider Solutions Department, NEC Corporation. "We are committed to continually innovating the network, extending beyond mere connectivity to drive greater value creation."(1)Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) is an advanced communications infrastructure incorporating cutting-edge photonics, computing and other technologies to realize a smarter world promoted by the IOWN Global Forum (https://iowngf.org/).About NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com. Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.