作者： sarah

MANAMA, Bahrain, Feb 19, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Power, a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), today announced the successful completion of the Power Station 5 Block 4 gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) power plant at Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba). This plant is powered by Mitsubishi Power's state-of-the-art, hydrogen-ready M701JAC gas turbine and steam turbine.The high-efficiency power plant was developed by a Mitsubishi Power consortium with SEPCOIII to expand Alba's captive power generation capacity in line with its growth and sustainability objectives, and to help accelerate the sustainable economic development of Bahrain.With a combined cycle output of 680.9 MW, the Mitsubishi Power M701JAC gas turbine represents the first deployment of this advanced JAC technology in a Middle Eastern aluminium smelter, contributing to Alba's decarbonization goals while ensuring energy security for its operations.Mitsubishi Power was able to complete the contract a month ahead of schedule and this new milestone marks the successful execution of the project, reinforcing Mitsubishi Power's track record in the delivery of high-efficiency and reliable power solutions for energy-intensive industries.The announcement was made during a ceremony held at Alba's Power Station 5 site attended by high-level officials from Alba including the Chairman of the Board Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive Officer Ali Al Baqali, Chief Power Officer Amin Sultan, and Alba's Executive Management Team and a senior delegation from Mitsubishi Power led by Mr. Takashi Tozawa, Vice President, Energy Systems at MHI and Mr. Khalid Salem, President, Middle East and North Africa, Mitsubishi Power. Senior officials from SEPCOIII were also present including SEPCOIII's Vice President, Kong Lingfen.Mr. Takashi Tozawa, Vice President, Energy Systems at MHI commented: "We are honored to celebrate this landmark project which introduced Mitsubishi Power's state-of-the-art power generation technology to the MENA region and we are proud to mark the completion of this significant milestone for our partner Alba. The successful start of commercial operation at the Power Station 5 Block 4 project with our world-leading, hydrogen-ready M701JAC Gas Turbine is a testament to our dedication to support our customers meet their energy goals as well as to decarbonizing heavy industry. This milestone not only underscores our strong collaboration but also plays a pivotal role in advancing Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 and building a sustainable energy future for the Kingdom."Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chairman of Alba's Board of Directors added: "Power Station 5 Block 4 isn't just an expansion of our power capacity, it's a testament for Alba's vision for a sustainable future, and a powerful symbol of what is possible when innovation and partnership converge. This Project, delivered ahead of schedule thanks to the dedication of our teams and partners like Mitsubishi Power and SEPCOIII, propels us forward on our journey to a greener Bahrain, demonstrating that industrial growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand."As part of the agreement, Mitsubishi Power will continue supporting Alba through a Long-Term Service Agreement (LTSA), ensuring high availability, reliability, and performance of the gas turbine. This ensures that Alba can maintain uninterrupted and efficient power generation, critical for sustaining its aluminium production and supporting Bahrain's industrial growth.Mitsubishi Power is committed to advancing energy solutions for utility and industrial application aligned with decarbonization and economic sustainability goals. Through its innovative gas turbine technologies and digital analytics solutions, Mitsubishi Power supports energy-intensive industries across the MENA region in achieving greater efficiency, resilience, and carbon reduction. Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Feb 19, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today made its first global release of specifications for Honda Next Generation Fuel Cell Module and Honda Fuel Cell Power Generator at H2 & FC EXPO – the 23rd Int’l Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo – which started today at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan.Mass production of the Honda Next Generation Fuel Cell Module is scheduled to begin in 2027 (fiscal year ending March 31, 2028), with mass production of the Honda Fuel Cell Power Generator scheduled to begin in 2026. Honda Next Generation Fuel Cell ModuleThe Honda Next Generation Fuel Cell Module unveiled today is being independently developed by Honda as a successor to the current model Honda jointly developed with General Motors (GM).In addition to achieving a rated output of 150 kW, the Honda Next Generation Fuel Cell Module will feature half of the production cost and more than double the durability compared to the current model. Moreover, the module was downsized by increasing the volumetric power density(1) by more than three times, which increased the flexibility of installation layouts.By further expanding domains for application of the system and sales regions of this next-generation fuel cell module, Honda is striving to make a greater contribution to the realization of a sustainable, energy-oriented society. - CLARITY FUEL CELL equipped model:First-generation Honda FC module introduced in 2016; production discontinued in 2019.- CR-V equipped model:Current FC module codeveloped with GM and installed in CR-V e:FCEV in 2024. Honda Fuel Cell Power GeneratorThe Honda Fuel Cell Power Generator, scheduled for mass production in 2026, is a stationary power storage system capable of supplying hydrogen-derived, clean electricity to large facilities such as factories and offices. It utilizes the fuel cell also being used for the Honda CR-V e:FCEV fuel cell vehicle.The compact size of the Honda Fuel Cell Power Generator realized through the optimization of the design of its cooling system and internal layout enables flexible fit to the installation environments of each customer. Moreover, to promptly provide highly reliable backup power, the Honda Fuel Cell Power Generator is being developed to feature high responsiveness that enables it to begin supplying power within 10 seconds of startup.In addition to supplying power that accommodates the diverse power needs of customers through this product, Honda will contribute to the decarbonization initiatives of customers by offering comprehensive support ranging from product installation to after-sales service. (1) Volumetric Power Density: The amount of electrical energy that can be output per unit volume.About Honda hydrogen businessHonda was one of the first companies to focus on the potential of hydrogen toward the realization of a carbon-neutral society and has been conducting research and development of hydrogen technologies and FCEVs for more than 30 years.Working toward the realization of carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities Honda is involved in by 2050, Honda has identified four core domains for its fuel cell system application – fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), commercial vehicles, stationary power generator and construction machinery – and has been working to further expand opportunities for its hydrogen business to grow it as one of the new core businesses of Honda. Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Feb 19, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Orchestrating Future Fund(1), an ecosystem-based corporate venture capital (CVC) fund, has invested in Aetion, Inc.(2), a U.S.-based provider of healthcare platforms. In addition, NEC and Aetion have started discussions for collaboration in the Real World Data (RWD)(3) / Real World Evidence (RWE)(4) business in drug development.In recent years, the medical field has witnessed a growing demand for the utilization of RWD/RWE to evaluate the safety and efficacy of drug development and to enhance the efficiency of the development and approval processes. However, several challenges persist in leveraging RWD/RWE, including data collection, standardization of data quality and analytical methods, and regulatory compliance.Aetion is a global leader in RWE platforms. The Aetion Evidence Platform® (AEP) is utilized by numerous organizations worldwide, including pharmaceutical companies, regulatory authorities, insurers, and healthcare institutions. AEP enables the standardization, quality assurance, and transparency of RWD, facilitating rapid and accurate analysis from a wide variety of data sources. Additionally, it transforms RWD using scientifically validated methods to generate reliable RWE. This approach addresses the challenges associated with RWD/RWE utilization and supports effective decision-making.NEC aims to address medical and healthcare challenges and create new value through its healthcare and life sciences business, including electronic medical records. Aetion has a highly reliable and proven track record in evaluating the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals. Synergies between the two companies have the potential to improve the efficiency of the drug development process and the creation of new treatment methods. This investment enables NEC and Aetion to further explore business collaboration in the RWD/RWE business in drug development."The NEC Orchestrating Future Fund invests in startups that are pioneering new markets with cutting-edge technologies and innovative business models," said Shigeki Wada, Corporate Senior Vice President of NEC Corporation. "Aetion's RWD/RWE-based medical decision support can contribute to the establishment of next-generation healthcare and is in line with our vision of contributing to personalized medicine. Together with Aetion, we will accelerate our efforts to create new social value.""As Aetion redefines how healthcare organizations make critical decisions with enterprise-grade technology, this investment from NEC Orchestrating Future Fund demonstrates their vision of how our software can help decision-makers in Japan and beyond," said Jeremy Rassen, ScD, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Aetion. "We look forward to continued collaboration with NEC, innovating together to meet the global demand for decision-grade solutions that drive measurable change across the healthcare landscape."(1) Ecosystem-type Corporate Venture Capital in which multiple companies that share NEC's vision of the future of society, "NEC 2030VISION," participate.(2) Head office: New York, U.S.A. Co-founder and CEO: Jeremy Rassen https://aetion.com/(3) Real World Data (RWD) refers to various types of data related to human health and healthcare delivery obtained in everyday life, such as electronic medical records, prescriptions, claims data, and data from wearable devices.(4) Real World Evidence (RWE) is the scientific evidence about the usage patterns, benefits, and risks of a medical product derived from analysis of RWD.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 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Feb 18, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. (Osaka Gas) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) today initiated operations for CO2NNEX®, the city gas industry's first digital platform to enhance visibility in carbon dioxide (CO2) trading and facilitate the transfer and management of Clean Gas Certificates, which certify the environmental value of e-methane,(1) allowing for use of the system during Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan (the Expo).(2)The CO2NNEX platform will be used during the Expo to support Osaka Gas' e-methane production and utilization demonstration(3) by accumulating data and providing visibility on the amount of e-methane biogas produced, as well as its raw materials (CO2 and H2), and CO2 emissions throughout the life cycle. It will also be utilized to manage utilization of the clean gas certificates generated by the demonstration. The clean gas certificates for the e-methane and biogas produced by Toho Gas Co., Ltd., Nihon Gas Co., Ltd., and Hokuriku Gas Co., Ltd. will be transferred through the platform and used for the natural gas supplied by Osaka Gas to the Expo site, contributing to the carbon neutrality of the Expo. The Gas Pavilion and Expo demonstration area presented by the Japan Gas Association will also feature videos for visitors introducing the forward-thinking initiatives by the city gas industry to systematize the transfer of clean gas certificates. (Fig. 1)Fig. 1: System for transfer of Clean Gas Certificate through CO2NNEXTo ensure efficient operation of the platform, Osaka Gas and MHI solicited advice from the Japan Gas Association, and held discussions with Toho Gas, Nihon Gas, and Hokuriku Gas, the companies that will use CO2NNEX for exchange of clean gas certificates for the Expo, as well as with INPEX CORPORATION, which acted as advisor during the proof of concept stage for the system.(4) The aim of these measures was to enhance user convenience and reliability in the transfer and management of clean gas certificates.Along with the reuse of CO2 (CCU(5)), such as for e-methane and recycled carbon fuels (e-fuel, SAF, Green LPG), practical applications for CO2 storage (CCS(6)) technology are expected to emerge in the future. Osaka Gas and MHI are also considering implementing the CO2NNEX digital platform for CO2distribution management in the CCS demonstration project currently being developed, with the aim of utilizing it as a management system for the establishment of the CO2 value chain. (Fig. 2)Fig. 2: Conceptual image of the CO2 value chainPrivate sector utilization of Clean Gas Certificates came into effect on April 1, 2024, and efforts to convert the environmental value of e-methane and biogas produced in Japan into Clean Gas Certificates are gaining momentum. Since the volume of transactions, such as those for the Expo demonstration, is expected to increase further in the future, a system for the transfer and management of clean gas certificates is required. Osaka Gas and MHI will utilize the results from CO2NNEX at the Expo to support the practical application of e-methane technology across society, and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral world by 2030.(1) Environmental value: Since CO2 emitted into the atmosphere (or CO2 in the atmosphere) is captured and carbon recycled as raw material for e-methane, even when e-methane is used (burned), the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere does not increase in real terms, so CO2 emissions are effectively zero.(2) For details on the implementation of CO2NNEX at Expo 2025, see the following press release: "Osaka Gas and MHI to Implement the CO2NNEX® Digital Platform for Managing and Transferring the Environmental Value of e-Methane at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan" (September 25, 2024)www.osakagas.co.jp/en/whatsnew/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2024/09/24/240925.pdfwww.mhi.com/news/24092501.html (3) Osaka Gas' e-methane production and utilization demonstration is a project to build and demonstrate a hydrogen supply chain in urban areas based on methanation using hydrogen derived from renewable energy, and biogas derived from food waste. The project was selected by Japan's Ministry of the Environment for its "Demonstration Project to Build a Model for Lowering the Cost of Hydrogen Supply Using Existing Infrastructure."(4) CO2NNEX Proof of Concept is a project conducted in 2022 that demonstrated the feasibility of a system to enable the transfer and management of clean gas certificates from the standpoint of CO2 emissions in the e-methane supply chain.(5) CCU: Carbon dioxide Capture and Utilization(6) CCS: Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage(7) H-to-A industry: Hard-to-abate industryaAbout Osaka GasOsaka Gas aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its group under the Carbon Neutral Vision the company announced in 2021. Osaka Gas is developing technologies and services that drive the decarbonization of society. As a company serving customers for their life and business advancement, Osaka Gas is actively addressing climate change and other social challenges.About MHIMHI Group is actively involved in programs targeting the realization of a carbon neutral society. Building a CO2 ecosystem is central to its energy transition initiatives. As a global leader in CCUS, the company aims to accelerate this ecosystem development by seeking widespread adoption of related hardware as well as the CO2NNEX® digital platform.For more information, see the CO2NNEX website.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 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Feb 17, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will continue its mission to make ever-better motorsports-bred cars and put smiles on the faces of fans across the globe by competing with two GR010 HYBRID race cars in the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship, starting on Friday 28 February in Qatar.A crew of World Champion drivers will use their skill and close cooperation with engineers, mechanics and team partners to drive the team forward following TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s goal of developing people and technology through motorsports.Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries will compete together for a second year in the #7 GR010 HYBRID, while Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa join forces for the fourth time, aiming for their third drivers’ title together.Eight races on four continents – including the 93rd Le Mans 24 Hours in June – feature eight manufacturers contesting the 18-strong Hypercar class, including Alpine, newcomers Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Peugeot and Porsche. With the GR010 HYBRID, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will challenge for its eighth manufacturers’ World Championship as well as its seventh drivers’ crown, and sixth Le Mans victory.The GR010 HYBRID broke new ground in endurance racing when it was unveiled as the first-ever WEC Hypercar in 2021. Since then, it has undergone various adjustments to enhance reliability and operability, which have combined with team and driver know-how to maintain a record-breaking run of title success.For 2025, the proven GR010 HYBRID package has undergone no significant changes and will enter its fifth season of competition as a tried and tested competitor. The only visible change to the 2025-specification car is the addition of new mandatory LED panels on the sidepod, which indicate position and pit stop timing to enhance the experience of fans at the track and at home.Qatar is the first destination on the 2025 calendar, for WEC’s traditional two-day Prologue pre-season test and the 10-hour Qatar 1812km race. In last year’s inaugural event, Nyck earned second on the grid, but a challenging race required a strong team effort to earn valuable points with fifth and eighth place finishes.Action at the 5.418km Lusail International Circuit begins with seven hours of testing each day on Friday 21 February and Saturday 22 February. Two 90-minute free practice sessions kick off the race week on Wednesday February 26, including one which ends after sunset. The starting grid will be determined in qualifying and Hyperpole on Thursday (5.40pm local, 3.40pm CET) while the race starts at 2pm (midday CET) on Friday 28 February.For more information, visit https://toyotagazooracing.com/wec/release/2025/rd01-preview/. Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Feb 17, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and Red Bull are proud to support “Red Bull Showrun x Powered by Honda,” a special event featuring an F1 machine showrun (demo run) organized by the International TOP Motorsports Experience Executive Committee [ITOM]. On April 2 (Wed), Honda and Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 machines will run through Tokyo. Red Bull Showrun featuring F1 machine is being held for the first time in six years. The first took place in 2019— when Red Bull Racing started to compete in the FIA*1 Formula One World ChampionshipTM (F1) with Honda’s power unit—on the iconic “Icho Namiki” at Meiji Jingu Gaien.Since then, the collaboration between Honda and Red Bull Racing achieved over 63 victories together in F1, secured the Drivers’ Championship four times (Max Verstappen), and claimed the Constructors’ Championship twice and demonstrated astonishing speed and dominance on the world stage.The Honda and Red Bull Racing partnership is set to conclude at the end of 2025 season.In this final year, ahead of the FORMULA 1 LENOVO JAPANESE GRAND PRIX 2025*2, this showrun event brings the speed, sound, smell, power, excitement, and atmosphere of F1 machines to the people.Come witness Max Verstappen, Yuki Tsunoda, and other racing drivers push F1 machines to their limits in Tokyo. Tickets are required for admission. Ticket and venue details will be announced on the official website. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to charity or invested in local community initiatives.*1 FIA: Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile*2 held at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture from Friday, April 4 to Sunday, April 6.Event DetailsTitle:Red Bull Showrun x Powered by HondaDate:Wednesday, April 2, 2025* Rain or shine; canceled in case of severe weatherLocation:Tokyo (details to be announced on the official website)Program:Demonstration runs with F1 machinesF1 machines:Red Bull Racing Honda “RB16B,” Honda “RA272,” and more* Honda “RA272” will not run in case of rain condition* Additional F1 machines to be announced on the official website once confirmedDrivers:Max Verstappen, Yuki Tsunoda, and more* Additional drivers to be announced on the official website once confirmedTickets:Tickets to be announced on the official website once confirmedWebsite:https://redbullshowrun-poweredbyhonda.com/en/Organizer:International TOP Motorsports Experience Executive CommitteeChair:Princess Yohko of MikasaCooperation:Honda Motor Co.,Ltd., Red BullAbout the FORMULA 1 LENOVO JAPANESE GRAND PRIX 2025For details of the FORMULA 1 LENOVO JAPANESE GRAND PRIX 2025, visit: www.suzukacircuit.jp/eng/f1/ Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Feb 17, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta delivered a thrilling finish and another maximum score for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team as they achieved a one-two result on a spectacular Rally Sweden.The FIA World Rally Championship’s only pure winter event on snow and ice was one of the most exciting for many years. Evans and co-driver Scott Martin did an excellent job to lead after opening the road on Friday, heading a tight five-way battle for victory covered by less than 10 seconds. After a high-paced battle through Saturday, Evans would enter Sunday’s final leg leading Katsuta by just three seconds and with only a further 3.3s back to third-placed Thierry Neuville.Katsuta and his co-driver Aaron Johnston drove a superb rally in contention for a first WRC victory, and were quickest out of the traps on the final morning to win the first pass of the 29.35-kilometre Västervik and take the lead from Evans and Martin by 4.5s. Evans responded emphatically on the second pass of the stage, going 6.7s faster than anyone to reclaim the lead.Defending an advantage of 3.7s into the rally-ending Power Stage, Evans secured victory in style as he edged Katsuta to the best time by just 0.2s and to top the Super Sunday classification by 0.8s. His overall winning margin of 3.8s is the smallest in Rally Sweden history.The victory is a 10th WRC triumph for Evans and his second in Sweden, exactly five years to the day since he and Martin scored their first ever win for TGR-WRT on the very same event. Taking a maximum score of 35 points, Evans moves into a 28-point lead in the drivers’ championship over Rallye Monte-Carlo winner Sébastien Ogier, who did not include Sweden in his partial programme of rallies.Following its 95th WRC win, Toyota has moved into second place in the all-time list of most successful manufacturers in the series. With two one-two finishes and maximum points from the first two rounds, TGR-WRT leads the manufacturers’ standings by 48 points.Kalle Rovanperä is up to third place in the drivers’ championship after he and Jonne Halttunen finished fifth overall in Sweden, plus fourth in the Power Stage and fifth on Super Sunday. Sami Pajari and Marko Salminen took seventh overall in their TGR-WRT2 entry.In WRC2, Swedish star Oliver Solberg started his title bid with a home victory in ninth overall. Driving for the Printsport team, Solberg led a one-two finish for the GR Yaris Rally2 car ahead of Finland’s Roope Korhonen of Rautio Motorsport.Quotes:Akio Toyoda (TGR-WRT Chairman)“The top five within a 25-second gap, and there are three GR Yaris Rally1s among them. The top two are Elfyn and Takamoto, with only a 3-second difference between them, and following them were three previous WRC champions including Kalle. This year’s Rally Sweden was really exhilarating as we started the morning of the final day with this situation.Congratulations to Elfyn and Scott for winning the rally! They have faced disappointing results in Sweden over the past few years, so it’s truly great that they finally won there again. Congratulations also to Takamoto and Aaron for finishing in second place! I assume Taka still has some frustration, but I hope this rally helped change something within him. Next up is the Safari Rally, and I’m counting on him to showcase his spirit of ‘returning to the finish line no matter what’.Both Elfyn and Takamoto delivered fantastic performances during the Power Stage. I was really excited. It was an amazing drive from both. Thank you for the perfect one-two finish! I also thank everyone in the team for building cars that allowed the drivers to compete comfortably until the end!For the next rounds, Jari-Matti will step away to temporarily return to driving in the FIA European Historic Rally Championship that starts next month, and I look forward to seeing his stories with the Celica. Juha Kankkunen will take over in his role as Deputy Team Principal, and his first event is one he has a strong connection with, having won it three times. I'm confident that Juha will take good care of the team and I'm also sure that the team will also support him.”Jari-Matti Latvala (Team Principal)“This has been an incredibly close Rally Sweden and it’s been a nerve-wracking final day for us, watching two of our drivers fighting for the win. I’m really proud of both Elfyn and Takamoto for the way that they fought, and for how strong they have been mentally. We saw that from Elfyn and the way that he responded on the penultimate stage of the rally after losing the lead, and Taka has shown that he is ready to win and able to maintain a great performance under pressure without making mistakes. There were only a few seconds between the top drivers for the whole rally, and to fight like this for three days is remarkable. For our team to have scored the maximum 120 points from the first two rallies, we literally cannot have asked for a better start to the season and we are looking forward to Safari Rally Kenya.”Elfyn Evans (Driver car 33)“It’s been an amazing weekend. We led for a lot of the rally but the margins were always tight and it was never really comfortable. This morning I got caught napping a bit in the first stage by Taka, who really made me fight for it, and thankfully we managed to turn it around and unlock good pace on the next stage. I’m very happy with the end result and to have won the Power Stage as well. It’s been a very good start to the season for us and we couldn’t really have dreamed of much better. Usually after a good Rallye Monte-Carlo it’s hard to score well in Sweden but the good conditions gave us a chance and I feel we made the most of it.”Kalle Rovanperä (Driver car 69)“Overall it’s been a difficult weekend for me. We were trying to push hard but we could not have the pace or the performance that we wanted, even on this final day. It’s a big disappointment but this is the only snow rally in the season and now we need to focus on the next rally on gravel with a completely different tyre and work to be stronger there. I’ve been closely following the battle at the front and I’m really glad that both drivers could bring home the one-two and the maximum points for the team: well done to Elfyn who’s done a really good job, and I’m proud of my friend Taka also.”Takamoto Katsuta (Driver car 18)“It’s been a really nice fight with Elfyn and with the Hyundai drivers not far behind us as well. It’s been a really intense battle for the whole rally and there was some pressure throughout but I enjoyed it a lot. At the end, I’m happy to have done a good job for the team, to bring the car to the finish and score some good points. Well done to the team for this result and hats off to Elfyn, who did an amazing drive on the penultimate stage. Next time I will be ready to push more to try and take that victory. I was able to manage the speed through the whole weekend and this is giving me more confidence for the future and a good feeling for Kenya.”Sami Pajari (Driver car 5)“Overall it has been a really enjoyable rally and it’s good to reach the finish without any big mistakes. It’s still quite disappointing what happened on Friday morning when the tyre came off the rim and we lost quite a lot of time, which then maybe gave us not such a good starting position for the next days. Still, I think we had some nice pace and some good moments, including some top-three stage times, and the feeling has been good. It’s been valuable learning and I’m grateful to the team for the support.”PROVISIONAL FINAL CLASSIFICATION, RALLY SWEDEN1 Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1) 2h33m39.2s2 Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1) +3.8s3 Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) +11.9s4 Ott Tänak/Martin Järveoja (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) +16.8s5 Kalle Rovanperä/Jonne Halttunen (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1) +32.8s6 Mārtiņš Sesks/Renārs Francis (Ford Puma Rally1) +2m09.4s7 Sami Pajari/Marko Salminen (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1) +2m27.0s8 Grégoire Munster/Louis Louka (Ford Puma Rally1) +4m08.6s9 Oliver Solberg/Elliott Edmondson (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) +8m23.1s10 Roope Korhonen/Anssi Viinikka (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) +9m05.6s(Results as of 12:30 on Sunday, for the latest results please visit www.wrc.com)2025 FIA World Rally Championship for drivers after round 2:1 Elfyn Evans 61 points2 Sébastien Ogier 33 3 Kalle Rovanperä 314 Thierry Neuville 295 Ott Tänak 266 Takamoto Katsuta 257 Adrien Fourmaux 218 Mārtiņš Sesks 89 Sami Pajari 610 Josh McErlean 62025 FIA World Rally Championship for manufacturers after round 2:1 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team 120 points2 Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team 723 M-Sport Ford World Rally Team 254 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT2 11What's next?The legendary Safari Rally Kenya – the only African round of the WRC – hosts round three on March 20-23. Since returning to the calendar in 2021, the event continues to provide gruelling conditions on rough and rocky roads as well as high speeds across open plains.About Toyota Toyota strives to be a strong corporate citizen, engaging with and earning the trust of its stakeholders, and to contribute to the creation of a prosperous society through all its business operations.Our corporate principles form the basis of our initiatives, reflect values that enable action, and drive our mindset.For the latest Toyota-related news and information:https://tinyurl.com/ToyotaPressReleasenewsroom@global.toyota Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Feb 14, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) and Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Mazda Thailand) held a press conference today in Bangkok, Thailand, and announced their plan to strengthen Auto Alliance (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Mazda’s manufacturing base in Thailand, through investing 5 billion Thai baht and developing it as a manufacturing hub for new compact SUVs with an annual production capacity of 100,000 units by leveraging the strengths of the local supply chain that the company has cultivated in Thailand to date. This will reinforce the plant's role as an export base focused on Japan and the ASEAN market which is expected to grow steadily, as well as strengthen sales in the Thai market where Mazda has been present for the past 70 years.From 2025 to 2027, they plan to introduce a total of five models: two battery EVs, one plug-in hybrid and two hybrids. In Thailand, where the transition to electrification is progressing, Mazda will expand its electrified product line to appeal to a wider range of customers.One of the models is the ‘Mazda6e,’ the new battery-electric vehicle that will be produced by Changan Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Mazda and Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. (CA) in China. The public unveiling of the ‘Mazda6e’ for the Thai market is scheduled for 2025. It is the latest electric vehicle that combines Mazda's strengths in design, Jinba-ittai driving experience, and craftsmanship with electrification and smart-cabin technologies of CA. This model is the product of a longstanding partnership with CA, and will be sold in China, Europe and Thailand.Mazda’s President and CEO, Masahiro Moro, who addressed the press conference, said, “Mazda has built a strong business foundation in Thailand over the past 70 years with the support of many people, including the Thai government. Once again, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone involved. We place great importance on building relationships of trust and empathy with our stakeholders in order to realize our Purpose, which is to ‘ENRICH LIFE-IN-MOTION FOR THOSE WE SERVE.’ Based on this purpose, we will introduce electrified products that are uniquely Mazda and meet the needs of customers in Thailand where electrification is progressing, and strengthen the role of our plant in Thailand to serve as a base for exporting compact vehicles mainly to Japan and the ASEAN market.“Mazda will continue to evolve "the Joy of Driving" based on its "Radically Human" value toward the year 2030, and will strive to deliver "the Joy of Living" by creating moving mobility experiences for customers in their daily lives. Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Toyota City, Japan, Feb 14, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced today that it has developed a new fuel cell (FC) system, its third-generation fuel cell system (3rd Gen FC System), as part of its continued efforts toward the realization of a hydrogen society.The all-new 3rd Gen FC System is designed to meet the particular needs of the commercial sector with the same durability as conventional diesel-powered engines. Additionally, the new system features significant improvements in performance, including fuel efficiency and a significant reduction in costs compared to the prior version. In addition to passenger vehicles, the 3rd Gen FC System will be expanded for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, and is planned for introduction in markets mainly in Japan, Europe, North America, and China after 2026 at the earliest.The 3rd Gen FC System will be unveiled for the first time on Wednesday, February 19 at the H2 & FC EXPO (International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo) in Tokyo, Japan.Toyota views hydrogen as an important fuel in pursuit of carbon neutrality and is actively collaborating with partners across various industries. Toyota has been promoting various initiatives in the areas of "Create, Transport, Store, and Use" hydrogen in relation to its R&D activities. To further accelerate the use cases and adoption of FC technology to achieve a hydrogen society, the continuous evolution of FC technology is necessary, and this 3rd Gen FC system represents a significant step-change.Overview of 3rd Gen FC SystemIn 2014, Toyota launched the MIRAI fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV),and has since sold approximately 28,000 units across more than 30 countries and territories. Additionally, since 2019, Toyota began supplying FC systems for use in other applications, such as buses, railroads, and stationary power generators, supplying more than 2,700 units to more than 100 customers globally.In Japan, Toyota works with many partners, particularly in Tokyo and Fukushima prefectures, to implement these systems in the commercial sector and help create a hydrogen society. The new 3rd Gen FC System was developed based on customer feedback and insights from proof-of-concepts and demonstration tests over the past several years.The main features of the 3rd Gen FC System follow:1. Main Features- Improvement in durability, up to 2x (two times) that of the prior generation, achieving durability comparable to diesel engines and maintenance-free design.- Improvement in fuel efficiency of 1.2x that of the prior generation, allowing for a 20% more cruising range.- Significant cost reduction through innovations in cell design and manufacturing processes.2. Expansion of line-upThe 3rd Gen FC System can be installed in a variety of commercial vehicles, passenger cars, and general-purpose applications, such as stationary generators, rail, and ships. For passenger vehicles, the improved fuel efficiency provides greater cruising range for further peace of mind. For heavy-duty commercial vehicles, the new FC system offers a level of durability comparable to diesel engines and high power. In addition, by designing the system to be more compact, it can be more easily integrated into various commercial vehicles.Toyota will continue efforts toward the realization of a hydrogen society in collaboration with local governments and other companies, associations, and organizations.Overview of H2 & FC EXPODateFebruary 19-21, 2025VenueTokyo Big Sight (Koto-ku, Tokyo)Main exhibits3rd Gen FC system (World Premiere), water electrolysis stack, portable hydrogen cartridges, etc.EventsPresentation planned at the Toyota booth on Wednesday, February 19, 14:00-14:20"Toyota's Efforts towards realizing a hydrogen society" (tentative)By Mitsumasa Yamagata, President, Hydrogen FactoryAbout Toyota Toyota strives to be a strong corporate citizen, engaging with and earning the trust of its stakeholders, and to contribute to the creation of a prosperous society through all its business operations.Our corporate principles form the basis of our initiatives, reflect values that enable action, and drive our mindset.For the latest Toyota-related news and information:https://tinyurl.com/ToyotaPressReleasenewsroom@global.toyota Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Feb 14, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Oita University and Eisai Co., Ltd. (Eisai) announced today the development of a machine learning model to predict amyloid beta(1)(Aβ) accumulation in the brain, combining background data such as age, gender, smoking history and medical history, as well as general blood test and MMSE(2) items. This model is expected to enable primary care physicians to predict the accumulation of brain Aβ, which is an important pathological factor of Alzheimer's disease(3) (AD), during routine medical examinations and to facilitate simple early screening for AD.The details of this model were published in the online edition of the peer-reviewed medical journal Alzheimer's Research & Therapy on January 21, 2025.Currently, although brain Aβ accumulation can be detected by positron emission tomography(4) (amyloid PET) and cerebrospinal fluid testing(5) (CSF testing), the high cost and invasiveness of these tests are recognized as issues. Therefore, in recent years,numerous studies have been conducted on various AD- related blood biomarkers as a more convenient screening method. However, there is almost no research evaluating the predictive performance of models for brain Aβ accumulation using routineclinical data. This study is the first to develop a machine learning model for prediction of amyloid PET positivity using 34 clinical data items consisting of background data (such as age, gender, smoking history, and medical history), general blood test data (such as kidney function, liver function, and thyroid function), and MMSE items, which are routinely collected in dementia care. The evaluation metric of the prediction model, the Area Under the Curve (AUC), was 0.70 for the model combining background data and general blood test data, and 0.73 for the model combining background data, general blood test data, and MMSE data, indicating a certain level of predictive accuracy.Anti-Aβ antibody has been shown to potentially provide greater benefit when treatment is initiated at an earlier stage of AD1 ,making early detection of Aβ accumulation in the brain crucial. This machine learning model can predict brain Aβ accumulation using clinical data that can be collected during routine medical care, and so is expected to be widely used by primary care physicians for early screening of AD.By utilizing the model to determine the necessity of amyloid PET and CSF tests, it is anticipated to lead to early diagnosis andtreatment initiation for AD, as well as a reduction in the economic and physical burden on patients.(1) Amyloid beta: A protein viewed as a cause of Alzheimer's disease, which accumulates in the brain for about 20 years prior to the onset of the disease and forms senile plaques(2) MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination): A method for evaluating cognitive function. It consists of evaluation items such as orientation, memory, attention/calculation, delayed recall, naming, repetition, comprehension, reading, writing, and figure copying, and is evaluated between 30 to 0 points (normal to severe).(3) Alzheimer's disease: the most common cause of dementia, and its pathological characteristics include senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal cell death(4) Amyloid PET: a brain imaging test visualizing Aβ accumulation in the brain(5) Cerebrospinal fluid testing: A test analyzing cerebrospinal fluid for Aβ42, phosphorylated tau, and total tau as biomarkers of Alzheimer's diseaseBackground and Outline of ResearchAs Japan has become a super-aging society with the rise in the number of dementia patients over the age of 65, the developmentof new therapeutic agents for AD, the most common cause of dementia, is an urgent issue. In AD, accumulation of Aβ in the brain is apathological event that precedes onset. It has been shown that anti-Aβ antibody could offer greater benefit if treatment is initiated atearlier stages of AD1, highlighting the importance of earlier detection of Aβ accumulation in the brain. While imaging such as amyloid PET useful for AD diagnosis and fluid biomarkers are used for detection, these methods have challenges related to invasiveness and cost.Therefore, many machine learning-based brain Aβ prediction models have been developed as simpler screening tools, but oftenthese models incorporate markers not measured in routine clinical practice, such as imaging data and ApoE genotype. This study is the first to attempt the development of a machine learning model to predict amyloid PET positivity using only background dataand general blood test results routinely collected in dementia care.Results and Significance of ResearchThis research utilized outpatient data from Oita University Hospital collected between September 2012 and November 2017, anddata from a prospective cohort study (USUKI STUDY) on the elderly without dementia aged 65 and older living in Usuki City, Oita Prefecture, conducted between October 2015 and November 2017. The prediction model was created using three machine learningtechniques: Support Vector Machine, Elastic Net, and L2 regularization logistic regression, combining 12 items on participants'backgrounds (age, gender, smoking history, medical history - hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, thyroid disease), 11 general blood test items (kidney function, liver function, thyroid function, etc.), and 11 MMSE item scores of 262 individuals (136 men, 126 women, median age 73.8 years) with mild cognitive impairment or normal cognitive function, and evaluating the model’s performance.For the prediction performance using L2 regularization logistic regression, both the model combining participant backgrounds and MMSE items and the model combining participant backgrounds and general blood tests showed an AUC of 0.70, indicating similarperformance. Furthermore, the model that combined all of these elements (participant backgrounds, general blood tests, and MMSEitems) showed an improved performance with an AUC of 0.73. Analyzing the key factors contributing to the prediction of Aβ accumulation identified delayed recall and place orientation among MMSE items, age, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and mean corpuscular volume as important factors.Academic Paper:Title:  Machine learning models for dementia screening to classify brain amyloid positivity on positron emission tomography using blood markers and demographic characteristics: a retrospective observational studyAuthors: Noriyuki Kimura (Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University), Kotaro Sasaki (Eisai Co., Ltd), TeruakiMasuda (Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University), Takuaki Ataka (Department of Neurology, Faculty ofMedicine, Oita University), Mariko Matsumoto (Eisai Co., Ltd.), Mika Kitamura (Eisai Co., Ltd.), Yosuke Nakamura (Eisai Co., Ltd.), Etsuro Matsubara (Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University)Publisher: Alzheimer's Research & TherapyPlease direct any interview requests or inquiries to the contact information provided below For further information or any inquiries regarding this study Noriyuki Kimura, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University TEL: +81-(0)97-586-5814, FAX: +81-(0)97-586-6502Email：naika3@oita-u.ac.jpMedia Inquiries:Oita UniversityPublic Relations Section, General Affairs Division, Department of General AffairsTEL: +81-(0)97-554-7376Eisai Co., Ltd.Public Relations Department TEL: +81-(0)3-3817-5120 Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.