JARA NEWSfromJapan Automotive Recyclers Alliancewww.jara.co.jp

Ta k a t a a i r b a g r e c a l l s
seriously impact recyclers
The burden placed to recyclers to detachairbags from end-of-life-vehicles (ELVs) is
increasing as the number of vehicles affected byrecalls expands. Under the Automobile
Recycling Law, the “collection” of airbags is
usually conducted by forced on-board
deployment. As for vehicles that have notappropriately processed under the recall steps,
however, it takes times to complete thecollection.

Measures performed at a raid pace
There are two types of recall measures forairbags made by Takata Corp: 1) those that are
to be replaced with “improved parts” and 2)
those that are to be replaced with new parts until
improved parts are available. At present, thetransport ministry, carmakers and dealers areworking hard to perform recall measures at a
rapid pace to prevent vehicle occupants frombeing injured by accidents. A carmaker’s service
representative says that the ratio of vehicles that
we have already taken measures has expanded
to 90 percent of total affected vehicles and it iscoming close to 95 percent.” However, thenotice for recall measures might not be received
by the vehicle owners who have moved to otherplaces since buying their vehicles.
At the sites of automobile recyclers, there
has been an increase in the arrival of vehicles
that have been recalled and for which measures
have yet to be taken. “About 10 to 20 percent of
the vehicles that arrived each day are recalled

CO2 Reduction Effect(based on JARA System)

The use of Reuse Parts saved

3,087 tons of CO2 emissionsin March 2017
The reference figure represents the difference of carbon
dioxide (CO2) emissions at the vehicle repair using
genuine (new) parts and recycled parts.**: Based on "Green Point System", which was jointly
developed by the Japan Automotive Parts Recyclers
Association and Waseda University Environmental
Research Institute using a life cycle assessment (LCA)
technique.

May 2017, No. 111

Published by JARA Corporation
Tokyo Head Office: Shinawa Bldg. 1-2-2-7F,
Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo JAPAN 103-0027
Phone: +81 3 3548 3010 / Fax: +81 3 3231 4690

Removing the airbags concerned and theirinflators from the dashboard should be
performed before “collection” under the law

It takes times to detach airbags
depending on vehicle types, such asimported brands

vehicles,” said a major recycler. The Japan Auto
Recycling Partnership (JARP) sends notices tocontracted recyclers at the time that a carmakersubmits a recall to the authority. On a requestbasis, JARP also marks the vehicle concerned in
an orange color on the screen of the recycling
system so that recycling worker can identify
vehicles for which measures have or have notyet been taken. The recycler, proceeds with theappropriate airbag recycling and “collection”process.

2016. Of that, there were 43 cases related toairbags made by Takata Corp., which affected
6,218,677 vehicles: approximately 40 percent
of total affected vehicles. As such, an increase
in recall-affected vehicles in total ELVs isexpected in the future. Recyclers’ costs for
airbag detachment are unlikely to be reduced.
Meanwhile, JARP shows their intention tocooperate with recyclers who are involved in
Takata airbag issues, saying “just tell us
whether they experience any problems: we will
put forward our best efforts.” The Japan
Automobile Recycling Promotion Center also
said: “don’t hesitate to tell us if they needanything.” (Daily Automotive News, April 13issue)

Difficult to achieve both safety andefficient operations
However, there is a problem: most recyclers
pointed out that “stickers (that indicates thatrecall measures have been completed) are notapplied to vehicles or are pulled off despite thefact that recall measures have been taken,” and“airbags are set to be unable to be temporary
activated, but this is not indicated.” This meansthat recyclers must check all ELVs regardless oforange-colored identifiers in order to secure
workers’ safety. Detachment of such airbags
requires extra time and costs. Although anadditional fee called a “particular charge” forsuch detachment work is given to recyclers, they
say that “more money is needed in considerationof their burden.” The important point is that therecycling fee that car users pays is based on thedetachment of airbags. The Automobile Bureauof the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry,says: “We understand that the recyclers arefacing a heavy burden, but ask them to take partin appropriate recycling in the same manner as
before.” An increase in particular charges might
be difficult.
According to the report “Submissions andRecalled Vehicles in 2016” published on April 7
by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure
Transport and Tourism, a total of 364 cases
covering 15,848,401 vehicles was submitted inGreenhouse gas emissions
down 2.9% in 2015
According to the Ministry of Environment,
Japan’s emissions of greenhouse gases in 2015
declined 2.9 percent from the previous year to132.5 metric tons. It marked a year-on-year
decrease for two consecutive years due to the
expanded use of energy saving measure and theyear’s relatively cool summer and warm winter.
The expanded use of renewable energy andreuse of some nuclear power stations also
contributed to the nation-wide reduction ofemissions. The ministry, though is has not yet
been announced, has estimated a reduction ofgreenhouse gas emissions in the year 2016 as
well. If so, Japan will see this reduction forthree years in a row.
The 2015 result means a 6 percent reductioncompared with the reduction reported in 2013.
The government aims to achieve 26 percent
reductions in 2030 compared to 2013. (DailyAutomotive News, April 15 issue)

JARA NEWS No. 111 May 2017 Page 2
Spacious workplace in the newJapan Rebuilt plant

A wide storage
space is arranged

JARA's Partner Rebuilt Maker

Japan Rebuilt Co.
focuses on truck parts
Japan Rebuilt Co., Ltd. is developing a solid basefor sustainable business growth. The Osaka-based
recycler newly opened a new plant in Sakai city and isstrengthening the production of increasingly demandedtruck parts.
The company was es tablished in September
1980. Founder Katsuhiro Tanaka began operations
remanufacturing automotive parts in 1970. He went tothe United States in 1975 to learn rebuilt transmissions
technology. In 1976, he started a rebuilt parts business inJapan.
Forty years later, his company handles up to 27
parts items including drive shafts, transmissions, powersteering, engines, electric parts, and radiators. In 2000, aproduction line for new drive shafts was completed. With
this, Japan Rebuilt “can make products even if ‘cores’ forrebuilt parts are not available,” Tanaka said.
On the other hand, auto recycling businesses arefacing hard times driven by the declining number of
ELVs, the cost hike of purchasing ELVs, and price falls
in scrap steel. The shrinking demand for new vehicle,
increased exports of used vehicles from Japan, aging
vehicles on roads, and the extended period of the average
service life of vehicles were behind the downturn.
Tanaka warns of the hard business environment: “Ourindustry will continue weakening if we continue on thisLike its new plant, Japan Rebuilt's existing
plant will be upgraded

President Katsuhiro Tanaka, right, andPlant Manager Noriaki Tanaka, centerpath.” However, he also says that “we should take allopportunities when things are hard.”
His new plant, which is located in the renovatedbuilding of a former office furniture factory, is locatednearby the Izumi Office for Motor Vehicle Inspection
and Registration Association, encompasses about
6,600 square meters. It houses ample spaces for parts
production, storage of parts and cores, as well as truck
platforms for shipment. Tanaka says that “to manufacture
good products, fine and modern facilities are essential.”
Engines, transmissions, and catalyzers are the mosthighly demanded production items. Backed by the ample
storage of cores, the company is always ready for theshipment of these specific trucks parts. In the plant,
an efficient layout is employed ranging from washing,disassembly, and assembly, thereby providing a highly
productive operation. In addition, the latest versions oftesters and washing equipment have been introduced. A
guide route for visitors is also arranged inside the plant.
Japan Rebuilt opened a web service called “Japan
Rebuilt Product Search System” in March 2016. Orders
can be received on the web. (Daily Automotive News,April 6 issue)

Scan tools expand in repair
and recycling businesses
In order to make scan tools an engine to power
existing businesses, seminars and workshops regarding
such equipment are actively held. In addition to theirapplications in vehicle overhaul, scan tools are also seen
as essential equipment for body repair and recycled parts
production firms. The transport ministry plans to support
workshops by providing subsidies for such activities.
A vehicle repair company says that “supports from car
users and dealers might help our business.”
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport andTourism estimates that about 80 percent of vehicle repair
businesses have scan tools. There were 7,275 factories
designated as “Scan Tool Promotion Factories” by
the Japan Automobile Service Promotion Association(JASPA) as of the end of 2015. Now, such factories aremoving from the era of “possession” to “utilization” ofsuch equipment.
Other industry groups are also assisting workshops
and related activities. The Japan Automobile Repair
Insurance Confidence (JARIC) holds “JARIC Vehicle
Diagnostics Training Course for Car Mechanics” throughwhich participants will be allowed to skip its “BasicWorkshop.” In heavy-duty vehicle repair businesses, theLotas Truck Network, jointly with the All Japan Lotas
Club’s Committee of Education, hosted its generalpurpose scan tool workshop in six regions across Japan.
JASPA introduced scan tools in its retrainingprograms. The group aims to enhance technical levels
by offering such programs focusing on advanced
technologies for those who have the qualifications forvehicle body repair.

About 80% of vehicle repair stations havescan tools
Repair glass businesses are also eager to acquirefamiliarity with scan tools because cameras for collision
impact mitigation system are often mounted on thewindshields of newer vehicles. They are asked to check
whether systems work when the glasses are replaced.
Scan tools are becoming essential as vehicles’ safety
technologies develop. Repair businesses are likely
to survive only if they fully utilize scan tools. (Daily
Automotive News, April 7 issue)

Toyota to begin
demonstration tests of fuelcell vehicle in ChinaOn April 18, Toyota Motor Corporation announced
that it will send two "Mirai" fuel cell vehicles (FCVs)
to China in October 2017 to conduct demonstration
tests in the country. Coinciding with the start of thesetests, Toyota will also establish a hydrogen station at its
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (China)
Co., Ltd., its Chinese research and development base,located in Changshu, Jiangsu Province.
Between December 2014 and February 2017, anapproximate total of 3,000 units of the Mirai sedan havebeen sold across Japan, the United States and Europe.
Toyota will also start demonstration tests of FCVS in
China as a next-generation eco-friendly vehicle. There
are presently five hydrogen stations in China which
are centered in the metropolitan regions of Beijing,
Shanghai and Guangzhou. The hydrogen station which
Toyota plans to construct will be the first of its kind in
Changshu.
Toyota will carry out demonstration tests on theMirai FCV for three years between 2017 and 2020.
Specifically, Toyota will conduct research into vehicle
performance within the environment in China, research
into the quality of China's hydrogen, as well as a varietyof quality and durability evaluations. The company
will also engage in promotional activities and attempt
to gauge how receptive Chinese consumers are to thevehicle, such as by exhibiting the Mirai at domestic
events in China.
Toyota will expand sales of hybrid vehicles, plug-in
hybrid vehicles and FCVs in China.
It is also planning to introduce electric vehicles tothe Chinese market in the next few years.

JARA NEWS No. 111 May 2017 Page 3

Dismantling process flow chart
How the Car Dismantling machine works
1. Receiving andevaluating cars
Incomingvehicles tested
on dynamometerto check engine
condition

3. Parts collection

4. Collecting
undercarriage
parts and engines

Efficiently collectreusable parts

The car is turned to safely
collect engine, exhaustsystem and suspension parts

Remove fluids such as fuel, various types ofoil and chlorofluorocarbon gas

13Cu

Al

CopperAluminium

63.546

Tyres

Batteries

Doors

Seats

Bonnets

ExhaustEngine Suspension

After treating, the scrap cars
are cut up and crushed orpressed into materials thatmeet industry needs

After pre-processing,
the car is sorted into raw
components such as
ferrous, non-ferrous andplastics
29

2. Collecting fuel, fluids andchlorofluorocarbon gas

6.Volume
reduction
processes

5. Car dismantlingprocessHarnesses

MotorsRadiator

26.982Blocks of material can then be
distributed to smelting plants
for recycling

5. Processes
after removing
parts
Once thoroughly
cleaned, the parts
become good quality
recycled parts

The Evolution of car dismantling industry by Kobelco
Four times* the vehicle dismantlingcapability compared with hand dismantling.

EngineCatalytic
AgentsBody SteelSeats

Improved recovery
rate of rare earth metals
Windows26

13297846FeAlCu

Pt

Pd

Iron

Aluminium

CopperPlatinum

Palladium55.933*In one day (Kobelco test figures)

15 vehicles >Wheels/Tyres

26.98263.546

195.08106.42

Separation of these valuable
materials is quicker and easierand can be performed with one
Kobelco machine.

Sus pension

One operative
working by hand.
Radiator

60 vehicles >One operativein a Kobelco
Car Dismantlingmachine.

BrakesFront & Rear
Bumperswww.kobelco-kenki.co.jp/

www.samjung-kenki.co.kr/

KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
www.kobelco.com.au/

FAIR FRIEND ENTERPRISE CO.,LTD.
www.ffg-tw.com/

The machine’s special attachment
is designed to strip materials from
End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV)safely and thoroughly
Transmission

For Japan

For Korea

For Australia

For Taiwan

DoorsHarnesses

www.kobelco-jianji.com/

www.kobelco-usa.com/

www.kobelco-europe.com/

For China

For North America

For Europe