Pair aim to reduce CO2 emissions Aim to complete work by end of fiscal year 2020 LONDON: Saudi Aramco has teamed up with Mazda to develop more efficient engines as they seek to reduce their environmental impact. The pair will work with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) to boost engine efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, Saudi Aramco said in a statement. “This cooperative research with Mazda and AIST underscores our shared commitment to delivering advanced technology solutions that make a significant impact on real-world issues,” said Aramco Chief Technology Officer Ahmad Al-Khowaiter. The internal combustion engine is facing increased competition from electric vehicles as automakers come under more pressure to reduce their environmental impact by making cars which burn less fuel and produce less harmful greenhouse gases. National oil companies are also becoming part of that process as they seek to develop more efficient fuels. Al-Khowaiter said that new engine technologies continue to prove that improving the internal combustion engine remains the most cost-effective and timely means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector, with the potential to yield “dramatic” results. The partnership will see Aramco provide low carbon-content new fuels while Mazda will focus on building a high-efficiency advanced prototype engine. Saudi Aramco has devoted years of intensive investment to co-developing fuels and engine research, as part of its global Transport Technology program. Mazda’s advanced prototype engine is based on a Compression Ignition engine with ultra-lean burn combustion.