ABSTRACT
There is a rapid increase of motor vehicles in Asia, whose emissions are major contributors to global and local environmental problems. These emissions, especially carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), smoke and particulate matters (PM10, PM2.5) from combustion, cause significant health risks, as we have seen in previous chapters. One important framework to reduce and manage vehicle emissions is the mechanical inspection and maintenance (I/M) procedure. It is an indispensable stage for ensuring a good performance level of vehicles, that in turn influences fuel consumption and the amount of air pollutants emitted.
In Asia, however, the regulatory frameworks are often weak for such I/M practices. The overall degree of I/M implementation also varies, resulting in great discrepancies in control of CO2 and roadside emissions.
In contrast to this Asian background, Japan exhibits a distinctive difference, by embracing a comprehensive I/M system. It has horizontal coordination among different governmental administrations, to ensure a stringent level of I/M implementation. This chapter focuses on the features associated with the Japanese I/M system, by illustrating its arrangement, history and environmental and economic benefits.
