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Toyota Motor Thailand has launched an ''eco-forest'' project at its Ban Pho assembly plant in Chachoengsao with the aim of turning the facility into one of Toyota's most ecologically sustainable plants in the world. Ban Pho has been selected as one of the company's five model plants. The others are in Tsutsumi, Japan; Mississippi, the United Kingdom and France.
According to Toyota Motor Thailand president Mitsuhiro Sonoda, the ''eco-forest'' at Ban Pho plant will involve growing numerous trees on 30 rai of land to increase the green zone and create a fertile ecosystem that will benefit Toyota's staff and community residents.
Initially, Toyota expects that the plants can help absorb 60 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
Toyota is stepping up work to produce eco-friendly products by focusing on reducing carbon dioxide. Currently, all Toyota's vehicle models meet the Euro 3 standard and others required in different countries.
Toyota has also sold more than one million hybrid cars as of last May.
The company is now testing its Prius hybrid model locally to make it compatible with Thailand's topography and climate.
According to Mr Sonoda, Toyota also sponsors research such as a study on jatropha and development for diesel engines, in collaboration with Kasetsart University and PTT.
Under the E-20 project, Toyota develops and improves engines to support the use of E-20 fuel to ensure safety, quality and top performance of the vehicles. The New Toyota Altis will be the first model to support the E-20 fuel.
In addition, Toyota's eco-car project is in line with the government's policy on producing environmental friendly vehicles. A compressed natural gas (CNG) project is also moving forward.
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