Kiyosu, Japan, September 3, 2015: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. has become the first Japanese auto parts manufacturer to develop and mass produce a “capless fuel filler,” with which a vehicle can be refueled by simply inserting the refueling nozzle directly into a gas tank, without the need to remove or replace a cap. The newly developed product is the smallest and lightest in the world.*

Toyoda Gosei’s aims in developing this capless fuel filler were to structurally prevent the need for drivers to remember to replace the fuel cap after refueling, to contribute to improved automobile convenience and safety and to respond to user needs and demand in countries where self-service gas stations are the norm. The capless devices have been moved into mass production at Toyota Gosei’sLebanon,Kentucky, manufacturing facility. 

The features of the capless fuel filler include pressure regulation within the fuel tank and a conduction function to prevent ignition of fumes from static electricity. At the same time Toyoda Gosei has achieved weight and size reductions of about 10% compared with similar products on the market through innovative design. With the adoption of a unique mechanism for the valve portion of the filler opening, the company has also been able to achieve an operational feel that is about 20% lighter than other products on the market, while maintaining the filler’s performance in preventing fuel leakage.

*As of September 2015, based on Toyoda Gosei survey.

Figure 1. Capless Fuel Filler	Figure 2. Location of capless fuel filler on vehicle

 Figure 3. Nozzle inserted (fuel filler opening "open")

Figure 4. Nozzle removed (fuel filler opening "closed")

About Toyoda Gosei

Established in 1949 and headquartered in Kiyosu, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, Toyoda Gosei is a leading specialty manufacturer of rubber and plastic automotive parts and LEDs. Today, the Toyoda Gosei group provides a broad range of high-quality products internationally, with a network of approximately 100 plants and offices in 18 countries and regions. Through its flexible, integrated global supply system and leading-edge technologies for automotive safety, comfort, and environmental preservation, Toyoda Gosei is a global supplier that aims to deliver the highest levels of quality, innovation and satisfaction to customers worldwide.