Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd (MHI) and Nissan Motor Co Ltd have developed a next-generation forklift that is ergonomically advanced and meets environmental standards in Japan, the USA and Europe.

The Grendia, the companies' first joint product since striking a business alliance in 2000, features the world's first active risk reduction system that locks the mast and drive when the driver leaves the seat.

The Grendia is aimed directly at the volume forklift market, with lifting capacities of one tonne to 3.5 tonnes. MHI and Nissan developed the Grendia based on goals of improving environmental performance, safety, comfort and basic performance.

The forklift hits the world market this month, with big expectations for its sales impact. MHI, which currently sells 40,000 forklifts a year worldwide, is aiming for a 30% sales increase, to 52,000 forklifts a year, following the Grendia's introduction.

To power the new forklift, MHI and Nissan developed electronically-controlled gasoline, conventional gasoline and diesel engines across the 56-variation model range.

The companies have reduced nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions by more than 90%, compared to current MHI forklifts, by equipping the electronically-controlled gasoline engine with a three-way catalyst muffler.

The diesel model has a new engine that reduces smoke concentration by more than 50%, compared to current products. The electronically-controlled gasoline engine meets US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, and the diesel engine exceeds Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure & Transportation, US EPA and the European Committee for Standardisation's requirements.

The forklift is equipped with mast and drive interlock systems to prevent unintentional operation, and can be continuously monitored via an on-board local area network. An operator can determine the vehicle's status with alarm lamps and an LCD monitor on the instrument panel.

Standard prices begin at JPY1.77 million (USD15,000) for the 1.5-tonne gas forklift, and JPY2.66 million (USD22,550) for the 2.5-tonne diesel model.

No details of distribution plans for the Grendia were available before deadline.

- Mitsubishi website - www.mhi.co.jp
- Nissan website - www.nissan-global.com