OSAKA, Japan (January 31, 2008) Yanmar Co, Ltd is proud to announce the opening of Yanmar Kota Kinabalu R&D Center ("YKRC") in Kota Kinabalu-city of Sabah, Malaysia. This will be the first R&D Center to be established outside of Japan.
Biomass-derived fuels is rapidly gaining prominence as a way to fight against global warming. At Yanmar, research on alternative fuels such as FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester), waste cooking oil, rapeseed oil and palm oil is conducted both in Japan and overseas.
Taking advantage of the biomass-rich location of Asia, YKRC's R&D will focus on biodiesel fuels and its affect on engine durability and lubricantion. Biodiesel fuels derived from palm oil, non-edible jatropha oil and waste cooking oil will mainly be used.
In addition to Biodiesel fuel research, the center plans to become the hub for environmental technology and information, as well as a dedicated R&D center for the region. In the future, research on biogas, biomass utilization as well as aquaculture will be conducted.
Since the development of the world's first compact practical diesel engine, Yanmar has been the pioneer of highly efficient and energy saving engines, agricultural and industrial machinery. With the establishment of YKRC, Yanmar will further strive to develop Biodiesel fuel related engine technologies, to contribute to an environmentally sustainable society.
