Feb 28, 2022 | Business
Isuzu Motors Limited (Isuzu), Hino Motors, Ltd. (Hino), and Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced today that they plan to strengthen their efforts to electrify buses toward the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2050. In collaboration with Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Co., Ltd., which works to solve social issues through the spread of CASE technologies, we will expand our lineup to increase customer options and reduce vehicle cost, in addition to popularizing practical and sustainable electric vehicles.
1. Isuzu and Hino to begin production of BEV flat-floor route buses in FY2024
– Toward the realization of a decarbonized society in 2050, Isuzu and Hino plan to begin production of battery electric vehicle (BEV) flat-floor route buses* in 2024 at Isuzu-Hino joint venture J-Bus Ltd.
– Isuzu and Hino have been collaborating in the bus business since 2002 and have been precisely responding to the requirements of bus operators in Japan. Recent rapid moves toward carbon neutrality are heightening the need for zero-emission route buses, and Isuzu and Hino intend to respond to that need.
– The BEV flat-floor route bus planned for production start in FY2024 will be developed by Isuzu, and the adoption of a BEV powertrain, which will provide zero CO2 emissions during vehicle use, is aimed at contributing to the realization of a decarbonized society. Also, toward achieving zero onboard accidents, by taking advantage of the freedom of layout afforded by BEVs, the flat-floor area of the bus’ interior can be greatly expanded compared to conventional non-step buses, significantly improving travel safety.
2. Isuzu, Hino, and Toyota to begin study for the planning and development of next-generation FCEV route bus
– Additionally, Isuzu, Hino, and Toyota have agreed to begin studying the planning and development of next-generation fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) route bus based on the BEV flat-floor route bus to be produced from FY2024.
– The next-generation FCEV route bus will combine the platform of the BEV flat-floor route bus scheduled for launch in FY 2024, with Toyota’s fully developed fuel cell system found in the Toyota Mirai and the SORA fuel cell bus. By sharing the same components between BEVs and FCEVs, Isuzu, Hino, and Toyota aim to significantly reduce costs, and by adopting new-generation fuel cell stacks and utilizing Toyota and Hino’s FCEV bus development know-how to date, they aim to provide longer-life, higher-added-value electrified vehicles.
– Through this initiative, Isuzu, Hino, and Toyota intend to contribute to the realization of a hydrogen-based society in Japan, by applying Japan’s strengths in fuel cell technology.
Isuzu is advancing its global environmental actions based on the “Isuzu Environmental Vision 2050” (announced in 2020), an Isuzu Group roadmap for addressing global environmental issues over the long term and securing a prosperous and sustainable society by the year 2050. Meanwhile, Hino, through its “Hino Environmental Challenge 2050” (announced in 2017), has set a goal of achieving zero environmental impact and is accelerating its efforts by additionally establishing the “Hino Environmental Milestone 2030” as an interim target in April 2021. Toyota has also formulated its “Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050” (announced in 2015), which aims to significantly reduce CO2 emissions during vehicle use and is endeavoring to develop and promote the use of electrified vehicle technologies.
*A bus with a flat, single-level floor that extends from the front of the bus to almost the rear
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Feb 28, 2022 | Business
The upcoming 157th episode of the Clicks & Bricks podcast will feature Casey Hogue, founder and executive creative director of Serotonin Creative Consultancy. Serotonin is a company that has distinguished itself for practicing and promoting the triple bottom line framework of business that focuses on three dimensions of performance: people, planet, and profit.
Hogue’s naturally creative bent found its place at the prestigious ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Advertising Design. Hogue was a recipient of various scholarships and grants while studying at ArtCenter.
While pursuing his degree and after his internship at global advertising powerhouse TBWAChiat DayTequila, Hogue lost no time forming the advertising department’s The Art Directors’ Club. The organization helped expand the advertising industry exposure of ArtCenter students to various disciplines and opened them to mentoring opportunities.
After he graduated in 2005, Hogue’s career never strayed far from his path as an art and creative director. His nearly 20 years of experience found him working freelance and full-time — learning all that he could along the way and collaborating with some of the best American and global brands.
Unafraid to take risks, Hogue founded his company, Serotonin Creative Consultancy, in the middle of the global pandemic in 2021. Prior to founding his own company, Hogue worked as the Creative Director of E. & J. Gallo Winery for over four years.
At Serotonin, Hogue and his team combine their expertise in the fields of technology, psychology, writing, and design to help their clients communicate, connect, and engage with their audience. By taking this multidisciplinary approach, Serotonin has been able to help develop and strengthen their clients’ brands, solve their problems, and achieve their business objectives.
According to Hogue, sustainability has always been at the core of their business. In fact, Serotonin is part of the California Green Business Network, which aims to build a healthy green economy in the state.
By emphasizing the importance of achieving the triple bottom line in business, the Serotonin team is able to help their clients in their quest to not only grow and become profitable but also make the world a better place.
Company owners and entrepreneurs looking to develop their business and make a positive impact on the world are sure to benefit from the Clicks & Bricks podcast featuring Hogue.
About Clicks and Bricks:
Clicks and Bricks is a St. Louis-based podcast, hosted by Ken Cox, helping small to midsize companies showcase their products and services from all over the US. Ken is a forward-thinking, technology-driven business man. The podcast not only spotlights these growing companies but also seeks their advice about what pieces of technology have worked best for them.