This is a comprehensive approach to assessing a vehicle's whole life cycle – from production, through use to disposal – in terms of its impact on the environment, starting at the early stages of development, before the vehicle is actually built. Toyota began using Eco-VAS in 2004 bringing the system to a high level of implementation in 2005.

When a new Toyota vehicle is planned, the Chief Engineer sets quantitative targets for reducing its environmental impact. Assessment covers a wide range of items. It starts with materials – including the elimination of substances of concern such as lead or chrome – components and production methods. It continues by examining fuel efficiency and emissions during the vehicle’s use. And it factors in the amount of materials that can be recovered on disposal, as well as overall reduction of emissions throughout the vehicle’s life cycle.

All findings from these assessments are kept in a computer database that can be accessed to compare and contrast progress in reaching Eco-VAS targets, and confirm the environmental conformity of a new vehicle based on the concept of total Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

By enabling development teams to evaluate the environmental impact of a new vehicle ahead of its actual production, it will be easier in the future for Toyota to ensure constant step by step improvements on the road to the ultimate eco-car.