Entries from September 2007 ↓

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) will hold the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City for 17 days from Friday, October 26th to Sunday, November 11th this year. The show will be opened to the public from Saturday, October 27, with two press days, Wednesday, October 24 and Thursday, October 25. The Special Guest Day (Opening Ceremony) will be on Friday, October 26.

Exhibitors lined up so far include four governments, one trade organisation, and 241 companies from 11 countries. Besides using all of the Makuhari Messe facilities, outdoor exhibits will be set up for exhibition space amounting to a total of 44,587 m2, 11% larger than the 39th show. A total of 520 vehicles will be on exhibit, including 71 world premieres (37 passenger cars, 5 commercial vehicles, 26 motorcycles and 3 vehicle bodies) and 97 Japan premieres (71 passenger cars, two commercial vehicles and 24 motorcycles).

The new integrated show making its debut this year will encompass passenger cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, vehicle bodies, parts, and machinery and tools, for the first time in ten years, and will be held every other year hereafter.

Upgraded special events that involve audience participation and experiences will be offered, such as test drive programmes.

The Suzuki automobile booth will have a “Small Cars for a Big Future” theme reflecting the huge future possibilities that we envisage for compact cars. Each of our exhibits will embody the unique spirit and technological prowess that have made Suzuki the leading name in compact-car design and production.

Concept Kizashi 2

After wowing the car world with the Concept Kizashi at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Suzuki will be unveiling the Concept Kizashi 2, a crossover sports wagon whose design conveys the dynamism of a top athlete and inspires a powerful sense of excitement.

Conceived for energetic people in activities ranging from business to leisure, the Concept Kizashi 2 has an emotionally appealing shape that reflects a dual focus on status and vitality in a way that generates excitement about its performance and heightens the pleasure of ownership.

Under the bonnet, a 3.6L V6 engine-the highest-displacement engine ever used by Suzuki-is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission for powerful-feeling acceleration and class-eclipsing performance during high-speed cruising. For superior environmental performance, Suzuki is pursuing solutions such as hybrid technologies.

SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY (PIXY+SSC)

Suzuki has a new people-centred vehicle concept called Sustainable Mobility, which is realized by a one-person low-speed transport device called the PIXY and a minicar-based mobility unit called the SSC, which forms an automobile when the PIXY is paired with it. The PIXY and SSC together deliver personal, shareable urban transportation in line with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s Next-Generation Vehicle and Fuel Initiative, which is aimed at realizing the world’s most people-centred motorized society.

The PIXY is a one-person transport device based on a concept of “friendly” mobility. Moving at low speeds on footpaths and inside buildings, it’s enjoyably easy to operate even for people who can’t drive conventional cars. It can be paired with the SSC for even greater possibilities.

The SSC is a minicar-based mobility unit with which the PIXY is mated to form an automobile. It can hold a maximum of two PIXYs. It’s not the only type of unit with which the PIXY can be coupled; to accommodate other lifestyle situations, the PIXY can also be paired with a sports-car unit called the SSF and with a boat unit called the SSJ. The result is an entirely new kind of personal mobility and sharing system.

X-HEAD Concept

The X-HEAD is a cross-utility vehicle that offers unprecedented possibilities. With DNA reflecting the rough-road performance and toughness of the Jimny and Grand Vitara (Escudo) and the load-carrying capability of the Carry, it’s the epitome of functional dependability and fun. Its name signifies diverse new potential for accommodating the lifestyles and priorities of users.

A key feature of the X-HEAD is that it can hold various load-bed units for diverse purposes. For instance, it can hold a unit called the Camper, which allows two adults to sleep in comfort, a unit called the Fashion, which provides stylish urban mobility, or a unit called the Rescue, which is designed for rescue operations in a wide range of road conditions.

Palette – Production car,Daihatsu Tanto rivals

The PALETTE is a minicar that’s aimed at parents who cherish time with their children and at youngsters who like having fun with friends. Combining emotionally appealing styling with a cabin that’s roomy enough for four people, it delivers a level of comfort that’s unprecedented among minivehicles. Plus, it has revolutionary packaging in which left- and right-hand powered sliding doors and a low, flat floor promote convenience for diverse lifestyle situations.

Splash

The Splash is a world strategic model to be launched by Suzuki in Europe scheduled for spring 2008 to enhance its sales potential of the compact-car segment. Aimed at families who enjoy active lifestyles, it combines an exciting colour scheme with a fresh design and an enjoyable driving experience.

Gallery

Concept Kizashi 2

Pixy

SSC

X-head

Palette

Source : suzuki press release
Translated by : gizmax.com

Honda’s second-generation B-segment hatchback has broken cover before its official world debut at next month’s 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

- Although the Jazz (called Fit in Japan) you see here is a pre-production model, sources claim that it is the finished article for showrooms. The Thai launch is set for the Bangkok Motor Show next March.

- Due to the popularity of the first-generation Jazz, the exterior changes are super evolutionary. The suspension matrix is the same like before: front struts and rear torsion beam.
- The wheelbase has grown by 50mm to 2,500mm ensuring better knee room for rear passengers. Other increases in dimensions enhance the Jazz’s class-leading status in terms of cabin space.
Stylish steering wheel nicked from Civic.

- The ability to create a flat floor cargo bay has been made easier by using rear head restraints that can sink into the backrests like in the Toyota Yaris, its competitor.

- The interior has also evolved slightly. The most notable change is the three-spoke steering wheel nicked from the Civic and CR-V. Sat-nav screen will be replaced with audio system in Thai Jazzes.

- The 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine is carried over. Although Europe and Japan still get the more economical i-DSI version, this particular engine may be dropped from the Thai line-up.

- The CVT transmission will still be available in Japan, but it will be replaced by a more conventional five-speed auto as used in the Civic. This explains the mass recall by Thai Honda to solve CVT problems resulting from long-term use.

- The ability to make the i-VTEC motor compatible with E20 gasohol means that retail prices could be maintained at today’s range of B500,000-B700,000.

ONE LAST THING : Should Honda fix the aloof steering and wooden brakes of the current model, the new Jazz should comfortably maintain its superiority over the Toyota Yaris.

Additional :Honda will be launch The all new Jazz on March 2008,production car will be produced by Honda Thailand Plant export to asean market.

Sorce : Bangkok Post

Tri Petch Isuzu Sales Co., Ltd. by Mr. Morikazu Chokki, President, proudly announces the staging of the ultimate launch of the special editions “New! Isuzu D-Max Gold Series” and the “New! Isuzu MU-7 Gold Series”, the epitome of gold-class value. These engineering marvels that enhance vehicle value and ownership experience have been developed for this one and only opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Isuzu business in Thailand at the Impact Challenger 1, Muang Thong Thani.

Isuzu celebrates the most auspicious occasion to mark its golden success of 50-year business operations in Thailand with the introduction of the ultimate engineering marvels specially created from the “gold” symbol representing the values of wealth and the ultimate success accepted worldwide. This unprecedented marketing strategy is channeled into a priceless engineering creation worthy of the highest pride and satisfaction called the “New Isuzu D-Max Gold Series!”, the epitome of gold-class value and the “New Isuzu MU-7 Gold Series!” which ranks as the ultimate fuel-efficient sport utility vehicle of the golden level. More value, more comfort and a greater vehicle ownership experience.

Special edition! “New Isuzu D-Max Gold Series!” The epitome of gold-class value which will have a full lineup launch for every model and series for the Thai people to become owners of the special gold-class pickups on the special occasion of celebration with great pride. A wide array of choices is available to suit each and every lifestyle with the following special qualities:
• New! Golden Isuzu logo on the front grille, rear tailgate* and steering wheel*
• New! Full Face grille in brand new design, oozing with luxury, accentuating the front end to stand out with character (in the SLX and Hi-Lander models only) and a Bumper Guard for extra style and robust look (in the LS model only)
• New! Side view mirrors with LED turning lamps* which can be adjusted and folded away electrically complete with a driver’s side Wide Vision side view mirror for that extra style and modern look enhanced by a 30% increase in viewing angle that will eradicate any blind spot for the driver to increase safety levels
• New! Active Roof Antenna* Luxurious design with class. Adjustable and can be folded away for convenience and functionality
• New! 3rd Brake light with LED technology** New design and absolutely modern with LED and white casing. Stands out, clear vision and viewable from a great distance in either day or night time
• New! Integrated Key* An innovative combination of the key and remote in a single component. Modern, compact and convenient

• New! Chrome door handle from the interior (only in the LS, SLX and Hi-Lander) Enhances the luxury factor for the interior cabin with greater ambiance
• New! Leather seats (LS model only) Comfortable and form-fitting which enhances luxury as good as gold
• Available in 3 new special color tones to commemorate the Golden Jubilee with Golden bronze metallic, Blue metallic and Red Mica
• A wider array of the gold-class choices with the New Isuzu D-Max Hi-Lander Gold Series! 3000 Ddi VGS Turbo 4-door model available in both manual and automatic transmission for that exciting driving experience you’ve been looking for.

Isuzu has also launched a special sport utility wagon that is the most fuel-efficient in its class called the “New Isuzu MU-7 Gold Series!” Another value of pride and the highest satisfaction to increase happiness with greater comfort levels, increased safety and higher value incorporated into a great ownership experience with the following:

• New! An awesome Multi-media Entertainment system (except the S model) that delivers the ultimate hi-end audio experience presented in a new design by Kenwood. Complete with multi-media functions that answer the very unique lifestyle you’ve been yearning for in a new age. Installed with top craftsmanship is a 7-inch (2 Din sized) DVD player at the front console with a Touch Screen monitor with Remote Control capable of accommodating DVD/ VCD/MP3/WMA and DivX which can be connected to various technological accessories such as iPod and MP3 player via the USB port. The system is also compatible with Bluetooth for your mobile phone, Navigator, TV Tuner and CD Changer. Plenty of room for future upgrades. Included is an 8-inch LCD monitor installed on top of the interior cabin ceiling with AV reception that can be connected to a variety of entertainment components such as videogames while accommodating infra-red earphones as well. You can separate or combine function operations from the DVD player at the front console for a private entertainment experience in the most complete sense.
• New! Rear View Camera* by Kenwood which will send video signals to the LCD monitor at the front console while engaging in reverse gear mode. The Real Vision video transmission of the rear view allows you to take advantage of great visibility as if you had eyes in the rear of the vehicle thanks to a 130 degree wide angle and a 100 degree horizontal view for absolute confidence while reversing your car, which enhances safety.
• New! Increased value of the Golden Level on this most auspicious occasion with the Golden Isuzu logo on the front grille, rear tailgate and steering wheel
• New! Full Face grille in brand new design, a new trend in the lifestyle of luxury, accentuating the front end to stand out with character and elegance
• New! Side view mirrors with LED turning lamps* which can be adjusted and folded away electrically complete with a driver’s side. Wide Vision side view mirror for that extra style and modern look enhanced by a 30% increase in viewing angle that will eradicate any blind spot for the driver. Improved safety level
• New! Chrome door handle from the interior for extra luxury
• New! Integrated Key* An innovative combination of the key and remote in a single component. Another level of golden luxury that comes with increased safety levels

* except the S model

BANGKOK: Thailand’s Phranakorn Auto Sales Co Ltd plans to open 20 outlets to sell Proton cars in the country, with an initial target of 3,000 cars in the first year.

Its general manager (operation) Apichart Wangsatorntanakhun said eight outlets would be located in the capital and the rest in major provinces, with a long-term target of opening more throughout the country.

“We are looking for the best dealers and outlets. All these outlets will come with 3S — sales, service and spare parts — which are very important to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty to a brand,” he said in an interview here.

Phranakorn Auto Sales, a subsidiary of the PNA Group which is one of Thailand’s largest automotive companies, has been appointed as Proton’s authorised dealer in the country, with the official signing ceremony scheduled here on Thursday.

Apichart declined to reveal the models being brought into the Thai market, but said a range of 25 models could be picked.

“But for the start, we are not going to explode the market with many models and big volume. We want to grow at a stable pace and take care of our customers first to get their trust and loyalty,” he said.

The first model will be unveiled at the Thailand Motor Show in early December this year.

But Apichart hinted that the initial models would be priced less than 400,000 baht, targeting a niche market, especially youngsters, first car owners and those crossing over from pick-up to passenger cars.

In fact, there are no cars being sold in this price range in the country, with the nearest being Toyota Vios, which starts at 490,000 baht, he said.

With 14 years experience in the industry and having served as a top executive for major brands like BMW, Honda and Chevrolet in Thailand, Apichart said he is confident that Proton would be able to penetrate the Japanese-controlled automotive industry.

Apichart, who was brought in specially to steer Proton’s growth, said there are bright prospects for the carmaker in Thailand, adding that 270,000 passenger cars were sold last year, with Toyota leading the pack.

Malaysia’s national car maker Proton Holdings Bhd is confident that its exports will reach 44,000 by year end and be doubled next year when new markets are opened up in China and Thailand.

Managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, noting that last year’s export sales numbered 23,000, said today that its overseas markets are growing fast, especially in Iran where sales could reach 16,000 this year, with a 15 to 20 percent growth in 2008.

Syed Zainal attributed the anticipated increase in exports to its expansion into the Chinese market by the end of the year, with Proton expected to ship at least 30,000 cars to its authorised dealer, Jinhua Youngman Automobile Manufacturing Co Ltd, and re-badged under the “Europestar” brand.

“China and Thailand are our new exciting markets. We are also talking to several parties in India and hope to establish our footing there, but not in this calendar year,” he told a press conference after announcing Proton’s entry into Thailand today through Phranakorn Auto Sales Co.

The agreement to appoint Phranakorn as Proton’s authorised dealer for an initial five years was signed by Syed Zainal and the company’s managing director, Thawatchai Jungsanguanpornsuk.

It was witnessed by Malaysia’s Deputy Chief of Mission to Thailand, Umardin Mutalib. Over 100 media personnel attended the ceremony, which marks Proton’s debut in the Kingdom after being in existence since the 1980s.

The first Proton model will be launched at the Thailand Motor Show at the end of November.

Syed Zainal said the company will use Iran as a base to move aggressively into the Middle East market.

He pointed out that Proton is in a better position to move overseas now with its product pipeline stretching to five years, adding that domestic sales have also been improving by 20 percent every month.

“Our target is to export 100,000 cars in a few years’ time, and at the same time we can compete with Perodua and other OEM (original equipment manufacturing) companies in Malaysia. We are not happy at being overtaken by Perodua but we are on track to regain the number one spot,” he said when asked about the competition from Perodua, Malaysia’s second national car maker.

He said testing on the much improved Campro engine has been completed and it will go into new cars in the near future.

On talks with German carmaker Volkswagen regarding a possible strategic partnership with Proton, Syed Zainal shed no new light, only reiterating that VW’s talks with Proton’s controlling stake holder, the government, are ongoing.

On Proton’s entry into Thailand, Syed Zainal sees good sales prospects despite the economic slowdown here, and he stressed on a long term commitment by Proton, especially with the Asean Free Trade Area (Afta) opening the door to Malaysian-made vehicles.

“I am so proud to say that finally, Proton is in Thailand,” he said.

According to Syed Zainal, Phranakorn Auto Sales will open 20 outlets initially and double this in the next four years, with anticipated first year sales of 3,000 cars of yet to be announced models.

He felt that the Thai auto market is recovering, with total auto sales expected to be between 620,000 and 650,000 units by the end of this year.

Phranakorn auto sales general manager (operations) Apichart Wangsatorntanakhun said the company will focus on a 3S strategy (sales, service and spare parts) as well as an additional 3S promotion – savings, safety and style.

“We are going to have in our line-up a model with a price that is the lowest and with the most value for money in Thailand for at least the past 10 years,” he said.

Source : Bangkok Post & Bernama

The Escape, which competes with Honda’s CR-V and the Nissan X-Trail, has a new look that includes an updated front grille and interior. The grille mimics those on the marque’s higher-priced SUVs like the Territory, which is assembled in Australia.

The Escape comes with a 2.3-litre engine. Ford, like Honda, now produces its SUVs with a two-wheel-drive (2WD) option.

“The 4×2 model is for customers who enjoy the ride height and benefits of an SUV but do not need 4×4 capability as they spend most of their lives in the city. The 4×2 Escape will appeal to a new set of drivers who are sedan users and more economical.

“The Escape will attract customers through its attractive pricing of Bt1,099,000 for the entry-level model and Bt1,399,000 for the 4WD model,” said Ford Thailand president Tom Brewer.

It expects to sell an equal amount of the 2WD and 4WD versions.

The Escape is imported into Thailand from the Philippines, along with the Focus, and Thailand sends Ranger pickups in the other direction. This allows the vehicles to qualify for tariffs between zero and 5 per cent under the Asean Free Trade Agreement.

Ford has not released expected sales figures for the new Escape for this year, but stated they would be better than the old version, of which about 400 have been sold this year.

“For the Escape we plan to use direct marketing. We want customers to come and experience the vehicles by test-driving them at our showrooms.

“Our high customer satisfaction ratings, as stated by JD Power and Associates, show we really care for our customers,” Brewer added.

Brewer stated that planning for the Ford Escape had been done before the government announced a cut in excise duty for vehicles capable of running on 20-per-cent-ethanol fuel.

“The new Escape is capable of running on 10-per-cent-ethanol fuel, although we are considering an E20 version in the future. This is a clear example of how government long-term planning could have benefited customers. The Escape could have incorporated E20 capability if the decision by the government had been known earlier. But, we are constantly working with the government and doing what is good for the customer,” Brewer added.

Besides the new Escape, Ford will launch a diesel Focus at the Bangkok International Motor Exposition.

It will have a 2-litre engine and will be the first in its segment in Thailand to run on the fuel.

Premium brands in Thailand already offer diesel options – namely the Mercedes-Benz E220 Cdi, BMW 520D and the Volvo S80 D5.

Ford is studying the eco-car project, although has reached no decision as yet.

Brewer said the car would have to be good for both Thailand and motorists in other countries.

Although there are no fixed plans for expansion at its Rayong plant, Brewer said capacity would be increased if there were demand.

It runs at 175,000-180,000 units at present, 80 per cent of which are exported.

Brewer expects local demand for all vehicles except heavy lorries will be between 615,000 and 620,000 units. Ford will retain a 2.7-per-cent share of the market, or 16,600 vehicles, he said.

Source : Vijo Varghese – The Nation

Asian Honda Motor expects its eco-car (as know as Global A project of Honda) initiative to lead to new investment of nearly six billion baht by the company and its suppliers to produce at least 100,000 units over the first five years, according to senior vice-chairman Adisak Rohitasune.

He said Honda had yet to finalise its investment budget for the eco-car programme, as the car’s final design had yet to be concluded.

Honda recently announced a five-billion-baht budget to double its current production capacity project to 240,000 cars per year from 120,000 units now. The new investment excludes additional investment costs required under the eco-car programme.

The company has already submitted proposals to the Board of Investment for special investment privileges under the eco-car programme.

The government’s specifications for eco-cars require an engine displacement not exceeding 1,300cc, with the fuel consumption rate at a maximum of one litre for 20 kilometres.

Mr Adisak said it may take more than a year from now to complete the design due to the global specifications required by the Thai government.

In addition, the price of each unit will be 500,000 baht maximum.

Honda would produce eco-cars to serve both domestic and export markets. However, the number of car sales for each market will depend on domestic demand.

Mr Adisak said the company would produce at least 100,000 eco-cars in five years to comply with the government’s production volume requirement.

”Soaring oil prices and the global warming problem will help stimulate demands for our eco-cars throughout the world, certainly,” he said.

The market share of small cars, for example the Honda City, Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz and Toyota Vios, in Thailand is almost 60% of total passenger car volume at present, he said.

The eco-cars could also attract some lower-income market, which is seeking affordable cars but with full options, said Mr Adisak.

Only small cars and the sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment are still growing in the Thai market while sales volume of other segments has been stagnant.

He added that an eco-car had potential to create new markets in the global auto industry due to its unique specifications.

Source : Bangkok post

Nissan today started the pre-launch activities in support of the all-new GT-R, the high performance sports car to be revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show on October 24^th. Central to the launch of GT-R, which will ultimately go on sale around the world, is a dedicated website that will provide all information on the car, including latest news, specifications and where to buy. The address for the website is www.gtrnissan.com and will be available in six languages: Japanese, English, Spanish, German, French and Italian.

With sales due to start in Japan in December, Nissan is today also confirming the final name of the car. Previous generations of this car were known as the Skyline GT-R; the new name for this car is simply “Nissan GT-R” in all global markets. Supporting substantial early customer interest in the Nissan GT-R, the company is today making available for customers in Japan some initial details including basic specifications, colors and practical information on placing pre-orders. Prices in Japan for the Nissan GT-R will start from around 7.8 million yen.

In support of the sale of the Nissan GT-R, the company also announced today the establishment of 160 Nissan High Performance Centers in Japan. These centers have been established to provide specialist sales and servicing support for customers of the Nissan GT-R.

Tokyo — TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today the nationwide launch in Japan of the new model “Mark X ZiO”

The new Mark X ZiO embodies the refined quality and outstanding cruising performance characteristic of the acclaimed Mark X series, while adopting an interior based on a new concept that allows for flexible arrangements to suit the vehicle’s use.

A stylish new “4 + Free” concept creates a high-quality interior space that uses four independent seats that can accommodate four adults in comfort and luxury, as well as a flexible “free space” in the rear that can be changed according to the vehicle’s specific use. This allows the cabin to be modified into various configurations to achieve a “three-mode cabin” that can be used like a sedan, a station wagon or a minivan. In addition, a 2.4-liter or 3.5-liter engine provides ample driving performance and the vehicle boasts safety at the top levels of its class2 as well as outstanding environmental performance. The ZiO is a vehicle that can easily support the lifestyles of adults seeking varied and exciting experiences.

1. The ZiO name refers to multiple “Zones in One” made possible by the various spatial arrangements of the vehicle.
2. Compared to vehicles of similar engine displacement

Monthly Sales Targets in Japan: 4,000 units

Assembly Plant:
Nagakusa Plant, Toyota Industries Corporation

Vehicle Outline

A High-Quality Design that Resonates with Adult Sensibilities

• Based on the Toyota brand design philosophy “Vibrant Clarity,” the ZiO offers a new type of attractiveness that fuses contrasting design elements.

Exterior

• The exterior offers a new frame combining three rows of seats, a solid structure that merges horizontal and vertical lines and a surface shape that appears to be both soft and hard.
• The front employs a low overall height and a robust yet graceful hood to express strength.
• The side expresses flowing styling through its low height as well as front pillars that extend forward, oblique quarter pillars and a notch shape formed by the hatch door.
• The rear narrows from the cabin toward the hatch door, conveying a sense of stability through its flowing structure.
• A total of eight body colors, including two new colors, are available for individualized styling.

Interior

• The interior seeks to combine a personal feel with a sense of flexibility, achieving a balance between cosiness and roominess.
• The instrument panel and door trim feature gently curved surfaces and lines to create a sense of openness and a feeling of being surrounded by comfort.
• The interior colors are a new appealing plum or a calming gray.
• The center console, door switch panel and instrument cluster feature hairline finishing and a Black Mica color that create a calming and luxurious feel.
• Crystal Shine Optitron meters take the form of transparent resin disks with special engravings which, when light is refracted on them, appear to float like crystal clear needles.

Relaxing Interior that Achieves Maximum Flexibility of Use

• Independent seats accommodate four adults comfortably. The six-seat models (350G and 240G) feature independent Captain Seats in the second row as well as a console box with an arm rest, door armrests and sliding/reclining mechanisms for the second row seats to create a personal feel equal to that of the driver and front-passenger seats.
• The seven-seat models (240 and 240F) have a large foldable armrest in the center of a bench seat to create the comfortable, fitted and personal feel of a six-seat model.
• The “three-mode cabin” allows the vehicle to be used like a sedan, a station wagon or a minivan depending on the specific use.
  In “personal sedan mode”, a tonneau board with dual tonneau covers covers the cargo space to create a luxury sedan atmosphere and achieve a relaxing space.
  In “active wagon mode”, a large cargo space like that of a station wagon can be created by storing away the tonneau board with dual tonneau covers.
  In “friendly minivan mode”, the number of passengers can be increased to minivan capacity by raising the third-row seats stored in the cargo space.
• The distance between the front and second-row seats is 980mm to provide ample legroom for second-row passengers.
• The interior uses illumination devices that produce light attractively, including the large LED ceiling light with its smoky lens and lights for other interior areas, including foot areas and doors, to create a new, mature style of interior space.
• A Super-live Sound System with a six-channel amplifier provides high-quality sound on par with live performance.

Driving Performance with Power to Spare

• The 3.5 liter V6 2GR-FE engine is combined with a 6 Super ECT (Super Intelligent Electronically-controlled, Six-speed Automatic Transmission) for smooth and powerful acceleration and cruising with power to spare.
• The 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE engine achieves high torque at low and medium speeds for stable cruising and smooth acceleration at high speeds. The engine is paired with Super CVT-i (Super Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent) to achieve high fuel efficiency and smooth driving.
• All vehicles employ a highly responsive Sequential Shiftmatic transmission that allows the driver to enjoy a manual-transmission-like sensation.
• The newly designed suspension together with 18 inch wheels (on the 350G and front-wheel drive model of the 240G) and 16 inch wheels (on the 240, 240F and four-wheel drive model of the 240G) provide outstanding handling, superior cruising stability and a comfortable ride at all speeds and on all road surfaces.
• Large-diameter four-wheel disc brakes provide excellent braking performance and feature superior control with a high-quality braking feeling.
• The optimal distribution of vibration-controlling, sound-absorbing and sound-blocking materials reduces road and engine noise, delivering a quiet cabin space.

Advanced Equipment that Provides Riding Comfort with Peace of Mind

• The new vehicle features a Pre-crash Safety System that uses millimeter-wave radar. When the millimeter-wave radar detects a high risk of collision, the Pre-crash Seatbelts provide superior initial restraint capabilities for occupants while the Pre-Crash Brake Assist system decelerates the vehicle to reduce the collision speed, contributing to less collision-caused damage.
• A Radar Cruise Control system detects and monitors the preceding vehicle and the lane, maintaining a fixed distance according to the preceding vehicle’s speed within a preset range of speed.
• When corning with the headlights on, the Intelligent AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) shifts the low beams according to the steering angle and the vehicle speed to enhance visibility in the direction the vehicle is moving
• An advanced Intelligent Parking Assist system supports steering operations when parallel parking and backing into a parking space. Ultrasonic sensors installed on the front of the vehicle detect other parked vehicles and based on the results estimate the physical dimensions of a vacant parking space and set the target parking position.
• The HDD navigation system (compatible with G-Book mX and G-Book mX Pro telematics services) is equipped with advanced navigation features, including “Maps on Demand” for updating the navigation system maps with the latest information as well as a variety of multimedia functions. The G-BOOK mX Pro makes it possible to connect to a dedicated call center with a single touch. This is the first time that this feature has been available on a Toyota vehicle.
• A wide-view front monitor with a 190-degree field of view simultaneously displays the ground in front of the vehicle and left and right frontal areas. The monitor contributes to improved visibility at intersections and other areas where it is difficult to see.
• The Smart Entry & Start System uses a key that does not need to be removed from the driver’s pocket to lock and unlock the doors, as well as a push button for starting the engine.

Class-leading Safety Performance and Outstanding Environmental Performance

• The front-seat structures are based on the WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) concept and come with extra strong seat frames. They were designed based on analyses using THUMS (Total Human Model for Safety), and incorporate an Active Headrest as standard equipment, which shifts to an appropriate position in order to reduce the risk of whiplash injury in a rear-end collision.
• The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) side airbag for the driver and front passenger and SRS curtain shield airbags that cover from the front through to the third-row seats are standard on all vehicles in the series.
• The S-VSC (Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control) system optimally balances driving power, steering and braking in pursuit of stable driving regardless of road conditions, and also come as standard.
• The new vehicle adopts an advanced GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) collision-safety body, further developed to meet stricter than normal conditions by incorporating the concept of omni-directional compatibility. Through the use of a body that effectively absorbs collision impact by diffusing it throughout its structure, Toyota satisfied all independent targets for survival space and occupant injury.
• Improvements in the body structure further reduce the likelihood of pedestrian head injuries in an effort to achieve one of the highest levels of injury prevention in this vehicle class.
• Efforts were made to improve fuel efficiency to reduce CO2 emissions. The 2.4-liter, front-wheel drive models boast a fuel efficiency of 12.8km/l in the 10-15 test cycle outlined by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) with CO2 emissions under the test cycle just 181g/km, achieving fuel efficiency that exceeds by 20% the level called for by the Japanese 2010 standards*. Both NOx (nitrogen oxides) and NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons) have also been reduced, meaning that all vehicles now have emissions levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under MLIT’s Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles.
• Toyota employed Eco-VAS (Eco-Vehicle Assessment System)—its original comprehensive environmental impact assessment system—to efficiently achieve overall reduction of environmental impact throughout the vehicle’s entire lifecycle.
• Environmental targets were set in the initial vehicle development stage and a life cycle assessment was carried out to achieve a reduction of air contaminants and CO2, etc., throughout all stages of the vehicle’s life from production and use to disposal.
• A review of the materials, processing methods and adhesives used for interior parts resulted in a reduction in the amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) used, thereby also reducing the unpleasant odors emitted from such compounds and achieving the Japanese automobile industry’s voluntary goals.
• An Eco Driving Indicator lights up when the vehicle is efficiently driven to raise the driver’s awareness of environmentally considerate driving.

*Specified by the Japanese Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy

Welcabs: Specially equipped vehicles with factory-installed features for disabled people

• Welcab Lift-up Front Passenger Seat models (Type A and Type B) feature a new lift-up unit that increases rear seat legroom and places a seat slide switch and reclining switch on both sides of the lift-up seat to improve usability.

Press Release Source : Toyota Motor Japan

Nissan Motor Co has decided to take on the minicar market in Japan by offering an ultracheap subcompact at 800,000-900,000 yen ($7K-8K).

The only cars in Japan that will be cheaper will be the minicars…those with engines of 660cc or smaller.

New car sales are down in Japan…but minicars, which make up 35% of new-car sales sold 11% more this year from a decade earlier.

“At this price level, this car will likely be the cheapest on the domestic market—except for minicars, which are powered by engines 660cc or smaller.

While new-car sales in Japan remain weak, minicar sales have continued to grow, thanks to their prices and low maintenance costs. Minicars accounted for 35% of new-car sales in 2006, up 11 percentage points from a decade earlier.”

Nissan’s low-priced subcompact will likely feature a 1- to 1.3-liter-class engine.

It will be manufactured at the Oppama plant in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.nissan.subcompact.jpg

One cost-saving measure is that Nissan will use a platform that the company developed with Renault for use in low-priced subcompacts to be sold in Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC).

Nissan’t next cheapest car is about $3000 more in cost.

Nissan has been buying cars from Suzuki Motors, then reselling them…making up 17% of Nissan’s new-car sales.

Nissan’s move is likely to prompt Toyota and Honda to make a similar charge….

Source : Nikkei News