At this time, I would like to offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to those affected by the Noto Earthquake on January 1, 2024. We wish for a speedy recovery for the region and all those that have been affected by the disaster.
Together with our diverse employees around the world, we are working to make logistics more sustainable.
While economic circumstances have normalized in the wake of the pandemic and demand for freight transportation has expanded, the environment surrounding the logistics industry has become increasingly severe due to driver shortages, climate change, impending 2024 work reform legislation in Japan, and geopolitical risks. I would like to express my gratitude to all those who are supporting logistics through their hard work in spite of these challenges.
Against this backdrop, the logistics industry is expected to become more sustainable by improving transportation efficiency and complying with new environmental regulations.
UD Trucks is committed to making life better for people and the planet. We are steadily pursuing initiatives to improve customer satisfaction, mitigate climate change, create rewarding workplaces and give back to local communities, and ultimately grow our business.
UD Trucks is also working to improve the safety, comfort, and environmental performance of its heavy-duty Quon by introducing UD Active Steering, engines that meet the latest fuel economy standards, and enhanced safety features. In addition, we are continuing autonomous driving trials in confined areas with our heavy-duty trucks.
We are also focusing on decarbonization, aiming to achieve zero CO2 emissions by 2050 in line with the Isuzu Environmental Vision 2050. We are reducing CO2 emissions from our business activities, mainly in procurement and production, and have introduced renewable energy and are monitoring emissions throughout the value chain.
In 2023, UD Trucks and Isuzu are deepening collaboration across various areas, including the launch of a new tractor head jointly developed by the two companies, the opening a joint Customer Centner in Kyoto Prefecture in August and Nagano Prefecture in December, and a joint exhibition at Japan Mobility Show 2023.
In order to realize sustainable logistics together with our customers and for society as a whole, we will promote a work environment that allows our diverse employees around the world to express their views and maximize their abilities.
We look forward to your continued support in the coming year.
Kouji Maruyama, President of UD Trucks