Daihatsu Sonica Wins the Director General of the Agency of Natural Resources and Energy Award of the Energy Conservation Grand Prize

Jan. 17, 2007

DAIHATSU MOTOR CO., LTD. (Daihatsu) announced today that the Sonica minivehicle won the Director General of the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Award of the 17th Energy Conservation Grand Prize (energy-conserving devices and systems prize) in Japan.

In light of the importance of effectively utilizing resources and energy in Japan and taking action concerning the issue of global warming, this prize recognizes outstanding contributions to reductions in greenhouse gases emission such as carbon dioxide. It is intended to raise awareness of energy conservation and to promote the development and spread of energy-saving technologies.

The Sonica that was released in Japan in June 2006 boasts fuel efficiency of 23km/liter1 (2WD), the highest in the turbo-engine fitted mini-vehicle class2, while achieving high cruising performance.

The features of the Sonica are as follows.

  1. A newly-developed continuously variable transmission (CVT) that is highly efficient, lightweight, and compact, which uses the world's first input-speed reduction type three-shaft gear train system.
  2. A newly-developed KF-DET engine, which pursues high output through a longer stroke and increased efficiency through lower mechanical losses.
  3. A package with a lower vehicle height to reduce aerodynamic drag while still ensuring ample interior space.
1. As certified by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in the 10-15 Japanese test cycle
2. According to Daihatsu survey as of June 2006
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