The Japan Industrial Vehicles Association (JIVA) sees emissions control as the biggest legislative hurdle for the booming Japanese forklift manufacturing market.
Ken'ichiro Takase, senior manager with JIVA, said the Japanese government had introduced emission controls on "diesel special motor vehicles", including industrial trucks, for the first time in October last year. The move is part of the government's plan to reduce hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide by up to 85% by 2007.
Mr Takase said the industry would work together and with the government to reach the targets.