Mazda Motor Corporation and Nippon Express Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Nippon Express Holdings, Inc., have commenced a joint demonstration trial utilising Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) biodiesel fuel for finished vehicle transport trailers. The operational initiative launched in May 2026.
The trial aligns with the long-term corporate objectives of both entities; Mazda aims to achieve complete carbon neutrality across its global supply chain by 2050, while the NX Group has established identical 2050 targets for its logistics networks. Through the field test, the corporations intend to evaluate the decarbonisation potential of alternative fuels within automotive and component logistics while analysing the requirements for broader market implementation.
The demonstration is being conducted on a 12-kilometre round-trip transit route between Mazda’s Nishinoura plant in Hofu and the Nakanoseki finished vehicle yard. Scheduled to run through the conclusion of fiscal year 2026, the project will monitor fuel efficiency, engine performance, and underlying operational variables to compile data for potential network expansion.
The underlying HVO fuel supply is being procured via NX Shoji Co., Ltd. Under a technical collaboration with commercial vehicle manufacturer Isuzu Motors Limited, the two heavy transport trailers deployed in the trial will operate under standard commercial conditions, maintaining conventional diesel maintenance and inspection schedules to establish a clear baseline.
Looking ahead, Mazda confirmed plans to coordinate with logistics providers, manufacturing peers, fuel distributors, and regional commercial groups to stimulate market demand, optimize distribution infrastructure, and lower structural barriers to long-term HVO adoption.
Kazuhiko Sumi, Director, Corporate Leadership Executive Officer, and Chief Supply Chain Officer at Mazda Motor Corporation, stated: “We consider it highly meaningful to work together with Nippon Express Co., Ltd. on this demonstration using HVO. By steadily accumulating insights on fuel efficiency, performance, and operational aspects through real-world operations, and by collaborating with regional partners, we will further promote the practical application and expansion of this initiative.”
Osamu Sasaki, Executive Officer and Head of the Mobility Business Sales Division at Nippon Express Co., Ltd., added: “Leveraging our expertise in finished vehicle logistics, we will carefully evaluate the impact of fuel switching on transport quality and operations, and contribute to the realization of sustainable logistics and decarbonization of the entire supply chain.”
