Happy New Year & best wishes to all!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Japan auto sales plunge as young lose interest
TOKYO -- To get around the city, Yutaka Makino hops on his skateboard or rides commuter trains. Does he dream of the day when he has his own car? Not a chance.
Like many Japanese of his generation, the 28-year-old musician and part-time maintenance worker says owning a car is more trouble than it's worth, especially in a congested city where monthly parking runs as much as 30,000 yen ($330), and gas costs $3.50 a gallon (about 100 yen a liter).
That kind of thinking -- which automakers here have dubbed "kuruma banare," or "demotorization" -- is a U-turn from earlier generations of Japanese who viewed car ownership as a status symbol. The trend is worrying Japan's auto executives, who fear the nation's love affair with the auto may be coming to an end.
"Young people's interest is shifting from cars to communication tools like personal computers, mobile phones and services," said Yoichiro Ichimaru, who oversees domestic sales at Toyota.
The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association predicts auto sales in Japan will fall to 4.86 million in 2009 -- the first time below 5 million in more than three decades. This year, sales are projected at 5.11 million, the worst since 1980.
Vehicle sales peaked at 7.78 million vehicles in 1990 during the nation's heyday "bubble" economy. After that burst, Japan was mired in a decade-long slowdown, which squelched consumer spending and sent car sales on a decline. A surge in gas prices, which has subsided in recent weeks, also eroded sales.
"The changes in individuals' values on cars came cumulatively over time," said Nissan Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga. "The change in young people's attitude toward cars didn't happen overnight. So we have to keep convincing them cars are great."
In an effort to do just that, Nissan Motor Co. has dealerships featuring colorful accessories for cars meant to appeal to Japanese women's alleged penchant for "cute" things, and signed major league star Ichiro for splashy TV ads for a new sporty model, among other efforts.
Toyota, the nation's biggest car maker, has hosted test-drive events, taken part in fashion shows and even developed its own suburban shopping mall that houses a dealership to reach out to buyers.
About half the autos produced in Japan are sold in Japan, while the other half are exported. But the U.S. market -- where more profitable models like light trucks tend to be popular -- is more lucrative.
Still, this nation's disenchantment with cars is cause for concern. Americans, after all, are expected to start buying cars again -- eventually -- partly because of the inadequacy of mass transit there.
It's a different story in Japan's cities where streets are clogged but trains are efficient. The domestic market also is shrinking due to a drop in population.
Makino, the young man who plays what he calls "organic folk music," is typical of the new breed who scoffs at the sportscar-idolizing culture of the older generation.
He and his friends see cars as nothing more than a tool, much like a vacuum cleaner, not a reflection of their identity, tastes or income level. Makino's father own a car, but he has never owned one. And he doesn't know a Honda Fit from a Toyota Vitz.
"I don't believe that having more things enriches you," Makino said in a recent interview at his apartment, sitting among shelves of wooden crates. "If you stay happy in your soul then you can be happy without money."
Companies like Toyota and Honda Motor Co., along with the electronics giants like Sony Corp. and Panasonic Corp., are the mainstays of the world's second-largest economy, and a hollowing out of manufacturing would be lethal.
Manufacturing makes up a fifth of Japan's economy in gross domestic product. But it makes up 90 percent of its exports, and any faltering in that sector would send debilitating ripple effects throughout Japan. And that's likely to further depress auto sales in Japan.
Unlike other industrialized nations, Japan lacks other sectors to drive its economy such as financials and services. Consumer spending makes up about 60 percent of Japan's GDP.
The damage to this nation's economy would be devastating if the auto industry fails to turn itself around because so many jobs will be affected -- not only directly at the plants but related ones such as auto-parts makers, distributors and other jobs, including electronics companies that make batteries and other products for the auto industry.
Already, automakers here have shed thousands of jobs at plants, which had been producing cars for export to the U.S. and other overseas markets with a bigger thirst for autos. Toyota is projecting its first operating loss in 70 years.
Some dealers are taking extraordinary steps to attract domestic customers.
Motoharu Ishii has turned his Honda dealership into a special shop for dog-owners. Bigger dogs can't travel in Japanese trains, and so pet owners may be among the last holdouts in car ownership.
He helps them fit their vehicles with cages, offers discount coupons at dog runs, and has a fuzzy mat ready for visiting pets -- in the same way some dealers prepare play areas for children.
"We want out customers to stay even a bit longer in our showroom," he said, adding that although sales haven't shot up he has managed to prevent drastic drops. "The last thing you want is a deserted showroom. If it looks busy, it makes it easier for people to drop by."
Source: The Detroit News
Like many Japanese of his generation, the 28-year-old musician and part-time maintenance worker says owning a car is more trouble than it's worth, especially in a congested city where monthly parking runs as much as 30,000 yen ($330), and gas costs $3.50 a gallon (about 100 yen a liter).
That kind of thinking -- which automakers here have dubbed "kuruma banare," or "demotorization" -- is a U-turn from earlier generations of Japanese who viewed car ownership as a status symbol. The trend is worrying Japan's auto executives, who fear the nation's love affair with the auto may be coming to an end.
"Young people's interest is shifting from cars to communication tools like personal computers, mobile phones and services," said Yoichiro Ichimaru, who oversees domestic sales at Toyota.
The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association predicts auto sales in Japan will fall to 4.86 million in 2009 -- the first time below 5 million in more than three decades. This year, sales are projected at 5.11 million, the worst since 1980.
Vehicle sales peaked at 7.78 million vehicles in 1990 during the nation's heyday "bubble" economy. After that burst, Japan was mired in a decade-long slowdown, which squelched consumer spending and sent car sales on a decline. A surge in gas prices, which has subsided in recent weeks, also eroded sales.
"The changes in individuals' values on cars came cumulatively over time," said Nissan Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga. "The change in young people's attitude toward cars didn't happen overnight. So we have to keep convincing them cars are great."
In an effort to do just that, Nissan Motor Co. has dealerships featuring colorful accessories for cars meant to appeal to Japanese women's alleged penchant for "cute" things, and signed major league star Ichiro for splashy TV ads for a new sporty model, among other efforts.
Toyota, the nation's biggest car maker, has hosted test-drive events, taken part in fashion shows and even developed its own suburban shopping mall that houses a dealership to reach out to buyers.
About half the autos produced in Japan are sold in Japan, while the other half are exported. But the U.S. market -- where more profitable models like light trucks tend to be popular -- is more lucrative.
Still, this nation's disenchantment with cars is cause for concern. Americans, after all, are expected to start buying cars again -- eventually -- partly because of the inadequacy of mass transit there.
It's a different story in Japan's cities where streets are clogged but trains are efficient. The domestic market also is shrinking due to a drop in population.
Makino, the young man who plays what he calls "organic folk music," is typical of the new breed who scoffs at the sportscar-idolizing culture of the older generation.
He and his friends see cars as nothing more than a tool, much like a vacuum cleaner, not a reflection of their identity, tastes or income level. Makino's father own a car, but he has never owned one. And he doesn't know a Honda Fit from a Toyota Vitz.
"I don't believe that having more things enriches you," Makino said in a recent interview at his apartment, sitting among shelves of wooden crates. "If you stay happy in your soul then you can be happy without money."
Companies like Toyota and Honda Motor Co., along with the electronics giants like Sony Corp. and Panasonic Corp., are the mainstays of the world's second-largest economy, and a hollowing out of manufacturing would be lethal.
Manufacturing makes up a fifth of Japan's economy in gross domestic product. But it makes up 90 percent of its exports, and any faltering in that sector would send debilitating ripple effects throughout Japan. And that's likely to further depress auto sales in Japan.
Unlike other industrialized nations, Japan lacks other sectors to drive its economy such as financials and services. Consumer spending makes up about 60 percent of Japan's GDP.
The damage to this nation's economy would be devastating if the auto industry fails to turn itself around because so many jobs will be affected -- not only directly at the plants but related ones such as auto-parts makers, distributors and other jobs, including electronics companies that make batteries and other products for the auto industry.
Already, automakers here have shed thousands of jobs at plants, which had been producing cars for export to the U.S. and other overseas markets with a bigger thirst for autos. Toyota is projecting its first operating loss in 70 years.
Some dealers are taking extraordinary steps to attract domestic customers.
Motoharu Ishii has turned his Honda dealership into a special shop for dog-owners. Bigger dogs can't travel in Japanese trains, and so pet owners may be among the last holdouts in car ownership.
He helps them fit their vehicles with cages, offers discount coupons at dog runs, and has a fuzzy mat ready for visiting pets -- in the same way some dealers prepare play areas for children.
"We want out customers to stay even a bit longer in our showroom," he said, adding that although sales haven't shot up he has managed to prevent drastic drops. "The last thing you want is a deserted showroom. If it looks busy, it makes it easier for people to drop by."
Source: The Detroit News
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
...and another photo of the new Insight from Germany
Honda Germany sent a postcard to people applied for information on the new Insight showing the production version.
Source: Vtec.net
Source: Vtec.net
Labels:
EUDM,
Honda Insight YM2010,
Hybrid,
Prelease Info,
upcoming models,
ホンダインサイト,
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Official 2009 Honda Insight information from Belgium!
A member from Vtec.net came across with PDF document from Honda Belgium that gives technical details, fuel consumption figures (for Europe),and equipment grades (for local market).
Fuel Economy of new Insight (vs Civic Hybrid) in l/100km:
Urban: 4.6 (5.2)
Extra Urban: 4.2 (4.3)
Fuel Economy of new Insight (vs Civic Hybrid) in l/100km:
Urban: 4.6 (5.2)
Extra Urban: 4.2 (4.3)
Combined: 4.4 (4.6)
Versions
Comfort:
- climatisaton automatique (automatic climate control)
- jantes en alliage léger 15’’ (alloy wheels)
- appuie-tête actifs (head restraints)
- airbags avant, latéraux et rideaux (front, side, and curtain airbags)
- radio-CD
- CVT automatique
- banquette arrière rabattable (rear seats folding)
Elegance:
Equipement de base supplémentaire / différent par rapport à la version Comfort
- système mains libres Bluetooth (hands free bluetooth)
- sièges chauffants avant (heated front seats)
- aide au parking arrière (rear parking help)
- phares antibrouillards (fog lamps) - cruise control
- capteur de pluie et d’obscurité (rain sensor)
- CVT automatique avec commandes au volant (paddle shifters?)
Source: Vtec.net
Labels:
Belgian Market,
EUDM,
Honda Insight YM2010,
Hybrid,
Prelease Info,
upcoming models,
ホンダインサイト,
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New Honda Insight to debut in Monaco
After ten years of marketing hybrid technology and as it prepares to launch its Insight sedan, Honda is strengthening its participation in the EVER Monaco trade show by becoming an official partner of the 2009 edition. EVER Monaco, the trade show dedicated to ecological vehicles and renewable energies, will be held from 26th to 29th March 2009 at Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum.
A new vehicle to Honda’s hybrid range, already represented by the Civic Hybrid, which was marketed in 2006, the Honda Insight will be the most affordable hybrid family sedan on the market. Indeed, Honda would like to slash the ecological impact of its products, and the car manufacturer is convinced that this commitment entails the wider distribution of its low CO2 emission products.
After participating for nearly two years in the EVER Monaco trade show with the Civic Hybrid, and true to its word concerning reductions in CO2 emissions, Honda wants to increase awareness of its hybrid vehicle range. The EVER Monaco trade show serves as a legitimate, appropriate opportunity for the presentation of its green automotive technologies. The event also gives members of the general public the chance to try out these technologies.
“The partnership established between EVER Monaco and Honda is the continuation of Honda’s multi-year participation in the trade show and demonstrates the company’s desire to be seen as the leader in the most affordable hybrid technologies,” stated Christophe Decultot, General Manager of the Automotive Division of Honda Motor Europe (South) S.A.S. "The Honda Insight will make its stunning debut on the French market in early 2009, and EVER Monaco will serve as one of the first opportunities for the general public to test drive it. With the Insight, we’ll prove that eco-friendliness, practical concerns, and driving pleasure are completely compatible with a limited budget when it comes to buying and using vehicles.”
Honda will occupy the central booth at the vehicles exhibition in the middle of the Espace Ravel inside the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco from 26th to 29th March 2009.
Visitors to the trade show will have the chance to test drive the Civic Hybrid and the Insight, both representing Honda’s hybrid vehicle range, near the Grimaldi Forum. A contest organized as part of the trade show will culminate in a lottery that will determine the winner of a Honda Insight.
Source: Honda France
A new vehicle to Honda’s hybrid range, already represented by the Civic Hybrid, which was marketed in 2006, the Honda Insight will be the most affordable hybrid family sedan on the market. Indeed, Honda would like to slash the ecological impact of its products, and the car manufacturer is convinced that this commitment entails the wider distribution of its low CO2 emission products.
After participating for nearly two years in the EVER Monaco trade show with the Civic Hybrid, and true to its word concerning reductions in CO2 emissions, Honda wants to increase awareness of its hybrid vehicle range. The EVER Monaco trade show serves as a legitimate, appropriate opportunity for the presentation of its green automotive technologies. The event also gives members of the general public the chance to try out these technologies.
“The partnership established between EVER Monaco and Honda is the continuation of Honda’s multi-year participation in the trade show and demonstrates the company’s desire to be seen as the leader in the most affordable hybrid technologies,” stated Christophe Decultot, General Manager of the Automotive Division of Honda Motor Europe (South) S.A.S. "The Honda Insight will make its stunning debut on the French market in early 2009, and EVER Monaco will serve as one of the first opportunities for the general public to test drive it. With the Insight, we’ll prove that eco-friendliness, practical concerns, and driving pleasure are completely compatible with a limited budget when it comes to buying and using vehicles.”
Honda will occupy the central booth at the vehicles exhibition in the middle of the Espace Ravel inside the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco from 26th to 29th March 2009.
Visitors to the trade show will have the chance to test drive the Civic Hybrid and the Insight, both representing Honda’s hybrid vehicle range, near the Grimaldi Forum. A contest organized as part of the trade show will culminate in a lottery that will determine the winner of a Honda Insight.
Source: Honda France
Labels:
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本田インサイト2009
Monday, December 29, 2008
Spy photos of the new Lexus HS 250h
Lexus will present the new HS 250h at the Detroit Auto Show in January and it will go on sale in fall 2009 (read previous post). Spy photographers have captured a couple of shots of a prototype of Lexus' dedicated hybrid model out on the road for testing.
Source: AutoWeek via PriusChat
Source: AutoWeek via PriusChat
Labels:
Hybrid,
Lexus dedicated hybrid,
Lexus HS 250h,
Scoop,
upcoming models
Prius battery pack change is No Big Deal
You probably know that we’ve been selling our Prius hybrid here in the U.S. since 2001. So let’s do the mileage math: At an average of 15,000 miles per year for seven years, that suggests that these 2001 Priuses could have a bit more than 100,000 miles on them. Some of them probably have many fewer miles. But some of them undoubtedly have seen many more miles scroll past their odometers.
Which of course raises a question in which owners of these cars are deeply interested: What happens when the battery packs that are fundamental elements of the Prius package no longer can store electrical power?
Make no mistake, batteries do, in non-technical terms, wear out. What happens is that they no longer can maintain the electrical charge that is essential to their ability to supply electrical power. But having changed countless batteries in flashlights and other devices, you already know that, right? It is a fact that some of our first-generation Priuses are still going strong with more than 200,000 miles on their original batteries. A couple of cars doing taxi service in Victoria, British Columbia reportedly have seen 300,000 miles and in one case, 400,000 miles on the original batteries with what’s described as "very few maintenance issues."
This is not to suggest, mind you, that anyone else will see these kinds of miles on their Prius batteries. It is only to suggest that fears of premature battery failure probably are unwarranted. That said, there will come a time when replacement of the car’s batteries will be required. So you should know that first of all, Prius batteries are warranted for 10 years or150,000 miles in California-compliance states and eight years or 100,000 miles in non-California compliant states.
And you also should know that the battery packs are available from any Toyota dealer. The MSRP for a battery pack for a first-generation Prius is $2,299, while the MSRP for the battery pack for the second-generation cars, those from the 2004-2008 model-years, is $2,588. This reflects three price reductions for the first-generation battery since it was introduced and two price reductions for the second-generation battery. Naturally, labor charges, which are set by each dealer, as well as possible charges from ancillary parts that could be required, should be added to that figure. Finally, we assume responsibility for recycling all of our hybrid batteries.
So on one hand, battery replacement in a Prius is neither as simple nor as inexpensive as replacing the battery in a conventional car. But on the other, once the job is done, a replacement battery pack should be capable of delivering many more miles of the clean, efficient transportation owners have come to expect from their Priuses.
Source: Toyota Open Road Blog
Which of course raises a question in which owners of these cars are deeply interested: What happens when the battery packs that are fundamental elements of the Prius package no longer can store electrical power?
Make no mistake, batteries do, in non-technical terms, wear out. What happens is that they no longer can maintain the electrical charge that is essential to their ability to supply electrical power. But having changed countless batteries in flashlights and other devices, you already know that, right? It is a fact that some of our first-generation Priuses are still going strong with more than 200,000 miles on their original batteries. A couple of cars doing taxi service in Victoria, British Columbia reportedly have seen 300,000 miles and in one case, 400,000 miles on the original batteries with what’s described as "very few maintenance issues."
This is not to suggest, mind you, that anyone else will see these kinds of miles on their Prius batteries. It is only to suggest that fears of premature battery failure probably are unwarranted. That said, there will come a time when replacement of the car’s batteries will be required. So you should know that first of all, Prius batteries are warranted for 10 years or150,000 miles in California-compliance states and eight years or 100,000 miles in non-California compliant states.
And you also should know that the battery packs are available from any Toyota dealer. The MSRP for a battery pack for a first-generation Prius is $2,299, while the MSRP for the battery pack for the second-generation cars, those from the 2004-2008 model-years, is $2,588. This reflects three price reductions for the first-generation battery since it was introduced and two price reductions for the second-generation battery. Naturally, labor charges, which are set by each dealer, as well as possible charges from ancillary parts that could be required, should be added to that figure. Finally, we assume responsibility for recycling all of our hybrid batteries.
So on one hand, battery replacement in a Prius is neither as simple nor as inexpensive as replacing the battery in a conventional car. But on the other, once the job is done, a replacement battery pack should be capable of delivering many more miles of the clean, efficient transportation owners have come to expect from their Priuses.
Source: Toyota Open Road Blog
Lexus LF-A still on the way
Lexus' first supercar is still going into production despite the financial crisis. The news was announced as parent firm Toyota also confirmed its commitment to the Formula 1 World Championship (scaling back costs though). It’s thought that a small number of LF-A models will be built this year, primarily to take part in various racing championships around the world.
Source: Auto Express
Source: Auto Express
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Nissan, NEC to invest $1.1B or more to increase Li-Ion supply for EVs and HEVs
The Nikkei reports that Nissan Motor Co. and NEC Corp. will invest ¥100 billion (US$1.1 billion) or more in their joint venture Automotive Energy Supply Corp. (AESC) to boost manufacturing capacity of lithium-ion batteries to supply a total of around 200,000 electric and hybrid vehicles per year by 2011 or later.
Initial annual battery output from the AESC plant in Kanagawa Prefecture is set to supply packs for approximately 13,000 vehicles.
The plant was to expand its output capacity to 65,000 vehicles by 2011, but the parents have decided to bring this forward to 2010. In addition, they now intend to build an additional factory in Japan in 2011 or later.
Furthermore, the two firms are considering setting up factories in the US and Europe to supply local automakers. These foreign factories may tap low-interest loans offered by their respective governments for the production of environmentally friendly vehicles.
Source: Green Car Congress
Initial annual battery output from the AESC plant in Kanagawa Prefecture is set to supply packs for approximately 13,000 vehicles.
The plant was to expand its output capacity to 65,000 vehicles by 2011, but the parents have decided to bring this forward to 2010. In addition, they now intend to build an additional factory in Japan in 2011 or later.
Furthermore, the two firms are considering setting up factories in the US and Europe to supply local automakers. These foreign factories may tap low-interest loans offered by their respective governments for the production of environmentally friendly vehicles.
Source: Green Car Congress
Labels:
Batteries,
EV technology,
Lithium-Ion,
NEC,
nissan,
Nissan EV,
Plug In
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Unverified 2009 Honda Insight information from Japan
Following the post "Honda Insight 2009: The key facts", which contains info that CAR magazine obtained, and the JDM brochure photos that were posted yesterday (part 1 + part 2), a Japanese magazine revealed information that came from a product preview meeting for Honda dealers in Japan.
None of this information is confirmed for even the Japanese market, much less the United States market.
Honda will offer the Insight in 3 trim levels: The basic G (customarily labeled DX in the U.S.), L (ie. LX) and the top-of-the-line LS (ie. EX).
Features common to all Japanese Insights:
* Ecological Drive Assist System
* multi-information display
* full-auto air conditioner
* projector-style headlights
* remote-control body-colored external mirrors
* tinted rear windows
* security alarm
* immobilizer (ignition system verifies chip in key)
* 15-inch steel wheels
* solar-heat-reducing/noise-reducing glass
* active front head-rests
* tilt/telescoping steering wheel
* seat-height adjuster
* three rear-seat head rests
* flat-tire repair kit (the new Insight carries no spare tire)
The L model adds:
* high-intensity discharge headlights with auto light control
* turn signals in the external mirrors
* leather steering wheel
* rear speakers
* front/rear arm rests
* variable-speed windshield wiper
* map light and luggage-area light
* driver’s seat back pocket
The LS model adds:
* 16-inch aluminum wheels
* Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
* front fog lights
* 7-speed paddle shifters
* sun-shade tinted windshield
Optional accessories:
* navigation system with 7-inch screen and hard disk drive (this system may also display additional fuel economy information and in Japan it may include a TV tuner and ECT, an electronic highway toll payment system)
* Honda smart key system
* side-curtain air bags
* 15-inch aluminum wheel for L class
* High-intensity discharge headlights
* comfort view package plus rear window wiper
Body color options:
* Spectrum while pearl (also a Civic hybrid color)
* Milano red (also a Fit color)
* Premium deep violet pearl (also a Jazz color, but not a US Honda color)
* Crystal black pearl (also an Accord, Civic, and Fit color)
* Polished metal metallic (also an Accord and Civic color)
* Alabaster silver metallic (also an Accord and Civic color)
* Brilliant sky metallic (also a Jazz color, but not a US Honda color)
Interior color options:
* Blue
* Warm gray
Other data:
* Length 4390 mm (172.8 inches)
* Width 1695 mm (66.7 inches)
* Height 1425 mm (56.1 inches)
* Wheelbase 2550 mm (100.4 inches)
* Weight 1180 kilograms (2601.5 lbs)
* Minimum turning radius: 5 meters (16.4 feet)
* Engine type: inline 1339 cc SOHC 4-cylinder
* Engine generates 88 horsepower @5800rpm and 12.3 kgm torque @4500rpm
* IMA motor generates 14 horsepower @1500rpm and 9.4 kgm torque @500rpm
* Japanese 10.15 mode fuel consumption test: 30.0 kilometers per liter (which is greater than 70 mpg, but the EPA tests will return lower numbers; the Toyota Prius rates 35.5 km/l or greater than 83 mpg in this test.)
Source: InsightMan
None of this information is confirmed for even the Japanese market, much less the United States market.
Honda will offer the Insight in 3 trim levels: The basic G (customarily labeled DX in the U.S.), L (ie. LX) and the top-of-the-line LS (ie. EX).
Features common to all Japanese Insights:
* Ecological Drive Assist System
* multi-information display
* full-auto air conditioner
* projector-style headlights
* remote-control body-colored external mirrors
* tinted rear windows
* security alarm
* immobilizer (ignition system verifies chip in key)
* 15-inch steel wheels
* solar-heat-reducing/noise-reducing glass
* active front head-rests
* tilt/telescoping steering wheel
* seat-height adjuster
* three rear-seat head rests
* flat-tire repair kit (the new Insight carries no spare tire)
The L model adds:
* high-intensity discharge headlights with auto light control
* turn signals in the external mirrors
* leather steering wheel
* rear speakers
* front/rear arm rests
* variable-speed windshield wiper
* map light and luggage-area light
* driver’s seat back pocket
The LS model adds:
* 16-inch aluminum wheels
* Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
* front fog lights
* 7-speed paddle shifters
* sun-shade tinted windshield
Optional accessories:
* navigation system with 7-inch screen and hard disk drive (this system may also display additional fuel economy information and in Japan it may include a TV tuner and ECT, an electronic highway toll payment system)
* Honda smart key system
* side-curtain air bags
* 15-inch aluminum wheel for L class
* High-intensity discharge headlights
* comfort view package plus rear window wiper
Body color options:
* Spectrum while pearl (also a Civic hybrid color)
* Milano red (also a Fit color)
* Premium deep violet pearl (also a Jazz color, but not a US Honda color)
* Crystal black pearl (also an Accord, Civic, and Fit color)
* Polished metal metallic (also an Accord and Civic color)
* Alabaster silver metallic (also an Accord and Civic color)
* Brilliant sky metallic (also a Jazz color, but not a US Honda color)
Interior color options:
* Blue
* Warm gray
Other data:
* Length 4390 mm (172.8 inches)
* Width 1695 mm (66.7 inches)
* Height 1425 mm (56.1 inches)
* Wheelbase 2550 mm (100.4 inches)
* Weight 1180 kilograms (2601.5 lbs)
* Minimum turning radius: 5 meters (16.4 feet)
* Engine type: inline 1339 cc SOHC 4-cylinder
* Engine generates 88 horsepower @5800rpm and 12.3 kgm torque @4500rpm
* IMA motor generates 14 horsepower @1500rpm and 9.4 kgm torque @500rpm
* Japanese 10.15 mode fuel consumption test: 30.0 kilometers per liter (which is greater than 70 mpg, but the EPA tests will return lower numbers; the Toyota Prius rates 35.5 km/l or greater than 83 mpg in this test.)
Source: InsightMan
Labels:
Honda Insight YM2010,
Hybrid,
JDM,
Prelease Info,
upcoming models,
ホンダインサイト,
本田インサイト2009
Friday, December 26, 2008
Automakers' CEOs won't attend Detroit event
Japan's leading carmakers will unveil some of their most advanced new models in Detroit next month, but they are scaling back their presence in acknowledgment of the hard times facing the auto industry.
In contrast with previous years, the chief executives of the three biggest Japanese automakers will not attend the North American International Auto Show even though their companies are among the top six players in the U.S. auto market.
Toyota Motor Corp. confirmed earlier this week that CEO Katsuaki Watanabe had canceled plans to travel to Detroit.
Previously Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. said their chief executives would not attend.
The companies did not give reasons, but officials say they expect the crush of reporters covering the Detroit show will focus almost exclusively on the industry downturn and the U.S. automakers' difficulties.
While Japan's automakers are struggling too, with Toyota and Honda revealing that they are losing money in the second half of the Japanese fiscal year, they have cash reserves to help them withstand a downturn.
"What's possibly happening now is that, out of respect for the Big Three, they don't want to upstage anything right now," said Joseph Serra, senior co-chairman of the NAIAS and president of Grand Blanc-based Serra Automotive Inc.
"These are unusual times right now," said Serra, who owns Japanese as well as domestic-brand dealerships.
Toyota and Honda still plan to unveil two of their most important new models in Detroit -- the next-generation Toyota Prius, and a re-conceived Honda Insight hybrid. Compared with the original quirky two-seater, the new Insight is more versatile and seats five.
But Honda said it would not hold a news conference to present the vehicle.
"In consideration of the difficult and challenging business environment that is impacting the entire automotive industry, Honda will forgo a traditional product unveiling," said Honda spokesman David Iida.
He said Insight cars would be on display and Honda executives and engineers would be available to talk to reporters about them.
Toyota is not hosting a party this year, as it usually does on the first day of the press preview. But it is holding Lexus and Toyota news conferences to introduce a new Lexus hybrid built on the same platform as the Prius, and a concept for an affordable Toyota-brand electric city car.
Despite the gloomy atmosphere in the industry, the show's organizers expect to host more world premieres than they did last year though with "perhaps a little less glitz and glamour," Serra said.
Organizers expect the number of exhibitors to rise, too, despite high-profile defections from Suzuki, Mitsubishi and Nissan.
Nissan created a stir in November when it said it would not have a presence at the Detroit show because it was conserving cash.
The weakness of the North American market that has devastated the domestic automakers also has hurt Japan's carmakers, which rely on the U.S. market for a big share of their earnings.
In a sign of the new trends in the global industry, fledgling Chinese automakers are taking advantage of the openings on the main floor. At past shows, they were relegated to the basement or the corridors outside the main hall.
Among the show's highlights, Chevrolet will introduce the 2010 Equinox compact crossover and Kia will display a concept vehicle that it has not described but is derived from its new Kia Soul.
GM will display three vehicles that made their world debut in Paris in October -- the 2010 Cadillac CTS sport wagon, the Chevrolet Cruze small car and the Chevrolet Orlando concept.
The Cruze, a five-passenger subcompact, will go on sale first in Europe in March. The American version, to be built in Lordstown, Ohio, will be rolled out later, as a replacement for the Chevrolet Cobalt.
Ford Motor Co. will show the mid-size Ford Taurus sedan, a key vehicle in their car lineup, and the Lincoln MKT, the Lincoln brand's version of the Ford Flex crossover.
Chrysler will show a concept for an electric vehicle but has disclosed no other details, while Daimler AG's Smart carmaker will display the electric ForTwo that it unveiled in Paris.
Source: The Detroit News
In contrast with previous years, the chief executives of the three biggest Japanese automakers will not attend the North American International Auto Show even though their companies are among the top six players in the U.S. auto market.
Toyota Motor Corp. confirmed earlier this week that CEO Katsuaki Watanabe had canceled plans to travel to Detroit.
Previously Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. said their chief executives would not attend.
The companies did not give reasons, but officials say they expect the crush of reporters covering the Detroit show will focus almost exclusively on the industry downturn and the U.S. automakers' difficulties.
While Japan's automakers are struggling too, with Toyota and Honda revealing that they are losing money in the second half of the Japanese fiscal year, they have cash reserves to help them withstand a downturn.
"What's possibly happening now is that, out of respect for the Big Three, they don't want to upstage anything right now," said Joseph Serra, senior co-chairman of the NAIAS and president of Grand Blanc-based Serra Automotive Inc.
"These are unusual times right now," said Serra, who owns Japanese as well as domestic-brand dealerships.
Toyota and Honda still plan to unveil two of their most important new models in Detroit -- the next-generation Toyota Prius, and a re-conceived Honda Insight hybrid. Compared with the original quirky two-seater, the new Insight is more versatile and seats five.
But Honda said it would not hold a news conference to present the vehicle.
"In consideration of the difficult and challenging business environment that is impacting the entire automotive industry, Honda will forgo a traditional product unveiling," said Honda spokesman David Iida.
He said Insight cars would be on display and Honda executives and engineers would be available to talk to reporters about them.
Toyota is not hosting a party this year, as it usually does on the first day of the press preview. But it is holding Lexus and Toyota news conferences to introduce a new Lexus hybrid built on the same platform as the Prius, and a concept for an affordable Toyota-brand electric city car.
Despite the gloomy atmosphere in the industry, the show's organizers expect to host more world premieres than they did last year though with "perhaps a little less glitz and glamour," Serra said.
Organizers expect the number of exhibitors to rise, too, despite high-profile defections from Suzuki, Mitsubishi and Nissan.
Nissan created a stir in November when it said it would not have a presence at the Detroit show because it was conserving cash.
The weakness of the North American market that has devastated the domestic automakers also has hurt Japan's carmakers, which rely on the U.S. market for a big share of their earnings.
In a sign of the new trends in the global industry, fledgling Chinese automakers are taking advantage of the openings on the main floor. At past shows, they were relegated to the basement or the corridors outside the main hall.
Among the show's highlights, Chevrolet will introduce the 2010 Equinox compact crossover and Kia will display a concept vehicle that it has not described but is derived from its new Kia Soul.
GM will display three vehicles that made their world debut in Paris in October -- the 2010 Cadillac CTS sport wagon, the Chevrolet Cruze small car and the Chevrolet Orlando concept.
The Cruze, a five-passenger subcompact, will go on sale first in Europe in March. The American version, to be built in Lordstown, Ohio, will be rolled out later, as a replacement for the Chevrolet Cobalt.
Ford Motor Co. will show the mid-size Ford Taurus sedan, a key vehicle in their car lineup, and the Lincoln MKT, the Lincoln brand's version of the Ford Flex crossover.
Chrysler will show a concept for an electric vehicle but has disclosed no other details, while Daimler AG's Smart carmaker will display the electric ForTwo that it unveiled in Paris.
Source: The Detroit News
Is the end of oil in sight?
Worried about "peak oil?" The International Energy Agency's annual report, "The World Energy Outlook 2008," admits for the first time that "although global oil production in total is not expected to peak before 2030, production of conventional oil . . . is projected to level off toward the end of the projection period."
When The Guardian's environmental columnist, George Monbiot, pressed IEA chief economist Fatih Birol on that opaque phrase, the actual date turned out to be 2020.
The IEA's previous reports, which assured everyone that there was plenty of oil until 2030, were based on what Birol called "a global assumption about the world's oil fields": that the rate of decline in the output of existing oil fields was 3.7 percent a year. But this year some of the staff actually turned up for work occasionally and did a "very, very detailed" survey on the actual rate of decline. It turns out that production in the older fields is really falling at 6.7 percent a year.
There are still some new oil fields coming into production, but this number means that the production of conventional oil — oil that you pump out of the ground or the seabed in the good old—fashioned way — will peak in 2020, 11 years from now. Birol assumes that new production of "unconventional oil" will allow total production to match demand for another decade until 2030, but this is sheer fantasy.
"Unconventional oil" is oil that is extracted, at great expense and environmental cost, from tar sands or oil shales. But nobody is working the oil shales, and only 1 million barrels per day are being taken out of tar sands, all in Alberta.
The most optimistic production forecast for the tar sands in the 2020—2030 period is 5 million barrels/day, half of which would merely replace declining Canadian production of conventional oil. Tar sands oil is not going to postpone the arrival of peak oil for long.
So what are we to make of this news? Monbiot uses Birol's admission to launch an impassioned appeal for the rapid development of nonoil alternative sources of energy. That is obviously urgent if we are close to "peak oil," but this may not be as great a crisis as it seems. It may not be a bonanza for the oil—producing countries, either.
The IEA presumes that demand for oil will rise indefinitely, so the price of oil only gets higher after "peak oil," but in technology nothing is forever.
Set into the front doorstep of my house (and other 19th-century houses in London) is a "boot—scraper," an iron device for scraping the horsesh*t off your boots before coming into the house.
Nineteenth—century cities depended on horses. London in the 1890s had 11,000 horse—drawn taxis, and several thousand buses each of which required 12 horses a day. Add all the private carriages and the tens of thousands of horse—drawn carts, wagons and drays delivering goods, and there were at least 100,000 horses on the streets of London every day — each producing an average of 10 kg of manure.
Two thousand tons of manure a day. There were flies everywhere, and if you didn't shovel the manure up quickly, it dried up and blew all over you. As the cities grew, even more horses were needed and the problem grew steadily worse. One writer in "The Times" in 1894 estimated that in 50 years the streets of London would be buried under three meters of manure.
In fact, within 35 years the streets of London were almost completely free of horses, and filled with automobiles instead. They created a different kind of pollution, but at least you didn't step in it. The same fate is likely to overtake oil—fueled vehicles in the next 35 years.
The shift will be driven by concerns about foreign exchange costs and energy independence, and increasingly by the need to curb emissions. It is starting with ever—tightening standards for fuel efficiency. That will be followed by the first mass—market generation of electric vehicles, due in the few years. The coup de grace will be delivered by third—generation biofuels, probably produced from algae that do not use valuable agricultural land, that are fully competitive with oil in price and energy content.
We will never get back the eight wasted years of the Bush administration, and it may now be too late to avoid drastic climate change, but Barack Obama is clearly going to try. You do not appoint Steve Chu as your energy secretary and Carol Browner as your "climate tsarina" if you intend to evade the issue. So American oil consumption is going to start falling quite fast, quite soon.
The same is true elsewhere. Indeed, it is a safe bet that the demand for oil is going to fall faster than the supply over the next 10 or 15 years, even if we are already at or near "peak oil," for the annual decline in oil production just after the peak is actually quite shallow — around 2 percent — in the classic Hubbert curve. And if demand falls faster than supply, the price will also collapse.
Source: The Japan Times
When The Guardian's environmental columnist, George Monbiot, pressed IEA chief economist Fatih Birol on that opaque phrase, the actual date turned out to be 2020.
The IEA's previous reports, which assured everyone that there was plenty of oil until 2030, were based on what Birol called "a global assumption about the world's oil fields": that the rate of decline in the output of existing oil fields was 3.7 percent a year. But this year some of the staff actually turned up for work occasionally and did a "very, very detailed" survey on the actual rate of decline. It turns out that production in the older fields is really falling at 6.7 percent a year.
There are still some new oil fields coming into production, but this number means that the production of conventional oil — oil that you pump out of the ground or the seabed in the good old—fashioned way — will peak in 2020, 11 years from now. Birol assumes that new production of "unconventional oil" will allow total production to match demand for another decade until 2030, but this is sheer fantasy.
"Unconventional oil" is oil that is extracted, at great expense and environmental cost, from tar sands or oil shales. But nobody is working the oil shales, and only 1 million barrels per day are being taken out of tar sands, all in Alberta.
The most optimistic production forecast for the tar sands in the 2020—2030 period is 5 million barrels/day, half of which would merely replace declining Canadian production of conventional oil. Tar sands oil is not going to postpone the arrival of peak oil for long.
So what are we to make of this news? Monbiot uses Birol's admission to launch an impassioned appeal for the rapid development of nonoil alternative sources of energy. That is obviously urgent if we are close to "peak oil," but this may not be as great a crisis as it seems. It may not be a bonanza for the oil—producing countries, either.
The IEA presumes that demand for oil will rise indefinitely, so the price of oil only gets higher after "peak oil," but in technology nothing is forever.
Set into the front doorstep of my house (and other 19th-century houses in London) is a "boot—scraper," an iron device for scraping the horsesh*t off your boots before coming into the house.
Nineteenth—century cities depended on horses. London in the 1890s had 11,000 horse—drawn taxis, and several thousand buses each of which required 12 horses a day. Add all the private carriages and the tens of thousands of horse—drawn carts, wagons and drays delivering goods, and there were at least 100,000 horses on the streets of London every day — each producing an average of 10 kg of manure.
Two thousand tons of manure a day. There were flies everywhere, and if you didn't shovel the manure up quickly, it dried up and blew all over you. As the cities grew, even more horses were needed and the problem grew steadily worse. One writer in "The Times" in 1894 estimated that in 50 years the streets of London would be buried under three meters of manure.
In fact, within 35 years the streets of London were almost completely free of horses, and filled with automobiles instead. They created a different kind of pollution, but at least you didn't step in it. The same fate is likely to overtake oil—fueled vehicles in the next 35 years.
The shift will be driven by concerns about foreign exchange costs and energy independence, and increasingly by the need to curb emissions. It is starting with ever—tightening standards for fuel efficiency. That will be followed by the first mass—market generation of electric vehicles, due in the few years. The coup de grace will be delivered by third—generation biofuels, probably produced from algae that do not use valuable agricultural land, that are fully competitive with oil in price and energy content.
We will never get back the eight wasted years of the Bush administration, and it may now be too late to avoid drastic climate change, but Barack Obama is clearly going to try. You do not appoint Steve Chu as your energy secretary and Carol Browner as your "climate tsarina" if you intend to evade the issue. So American oil consumption is going to start falling quite fast, quite soon.
The same is true elsewhere. Indeed, it is a safe bet that the demand for oil is going to fall faster than the supply over the next 10 or 15 years, even if we are already at or near "peak oil," for the annual decline in oil production just after the peak is actually quite shallow — around 2 percent — in the classic Hubbert curve. And if demand falls faster than supply, the price will also collapse.
Source: The Japan Times
Minor facelift for Honda Zest; Honda Zest Spark added to the lineup (JDM)
A few weeks ago, there was a post regarding the addition of Zest Spark to the already available versions (Zest and Zest Sports).
Honda has released today a press release regarding the new version, Zest Spark, announcing also the facelift for Zest.
The press release has been translated automatically from Japanese and you can find it below.
"Honda newly sets the type, and puts "Zest Spark*" of the exterior design such as Dischargeheddorait of the projector type that restyles "Zest" that collision safety performance synthesis evaluation (* and acquires six only light car stars in both seats by one) in addition to wide spaciousness and Rageggelum used easily in the minor, and expresses a sharp penetration and the reception desk bumpers of a large open mouth it is dauntless and with power on the market today. Moreover, the passenger's seat lift up seat car and the wheelchair specification car put it on the market on Monday, January 26 next year.
- 1 The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and safety performance evaluation of car with car accident measures mechanism
- The main change point of Zest
・ The new seat epidermal warm gray interior is adopted, and ..quality.. interior is expressed more brightly.
・ It is new establishment Sadamu in the body color as for the premium Crystal rose pearl.
・ The fuel cost performance is improved by all types by the improvement of the engine.
・ All types are equipped normally with Honda smart key system * CD player with 2 and the AM/FM tuner.
・ New manufacturer option setting of CD player with backing monitor + AM/FM tuner.
- 2 The passenger's seat lift up seat car and the wheelchair specification car exclude it.
- The main feature of Zest Spark
・ Fogra Ito and electric storage type special reception desk bumper and Projectartaipdischargeheddorait in addition to the front grille <> Rimoconcarardodoamirar (with winker), etc. are equipped normally with the exterior. In addition, W and W turbo equip with 14-inch aluminum foil, the large-scale tail gate spoiler, and Carardosaidoshilgarnish etc. of the new design, and express overwhelming power and a sense of existence.
・ A sporty interior with high feeling of quality is achieved 3-this spoke ....metal.. preparing.. steering wheel * as 3 and a new seat epidermal black interior are adopted.
・ The premium deep violet pearl and the dessert Gold pearl of the new color premium night are set to the body color only for Zestosparc.
・ The sports suspension that gives a special tuning is adopted in W turbo (FF).
- 3 W and W turbo are equipped normally.
*Origin = "Spark" is naming of the type name that overwhelmingly makes the soul of the person who sees heated, and glitters and puts the desire of becoming existence."
There is also a Photo Gallery on the sidebar!
Source: Honda Japan
Honda has released today a press release regarding the new version, Zest Spark, announcing also the facelift for Zest.
The press release has been translated automatically from Japanese and you can find it below.
"Honda newly sets the type, and puts "Zest Spark*" of the exterior design such as Dischargeheddorait of the projector type that restyles "Zest" that collision safety performance synthesis evaluation (* and acquires six only light car stars in both seats by one) in addition to wide spaciousness and Rageggelum used easily in the minor, and expresses a sharp penetration and the reception desk bumpers of a large open mouth it is dauntless and with power on the market today. Moreover, the passenger's seat lift up seat car and the wheelchair specification car put it on the market on Monday, January 26 next year.
- 1 The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and safety performance evaluation of car with car accident measures mechanism
- The main change point of Zest
・ The new seat epidermal warm gray interior is adopted, and ..quality.. interior is expressed more brightly.
・ It is new establishment Sadamu in the body color as for the premium Crystal rose pearl.
・ The fuel cost performance is improved by all types by the improvement of the engine.
・ All types are equipped normally with Honda smart key system * CD player with 2 and the AM/FM tuner.
・ New manufacturer option setting of CD player with backing monitor + AM/FM tuner.
- 2 The passenger's seat lift up seat car and the wheelchair specification car exclude it.
- The main feature of Zest Spark
・ Fogra Ito and electric storage type special reception desk bumper and Projectartaipdischargeheddorait in addition to the front grille <> Rimoconcarardodoamirar (with winker), etc. are equipped normally with the exterior. In addition, W and W turbo equip with 14-inch aluminum foil, the large-scale tail gate spoiler, and Carardosaidoshilgarnish etc. of the new design, and express overwhelming power and a sense of existence.
・ A sporty interior with high feeling of quality is achieved 3-this spoke ....metal.. preparing.. steering wheel * as 3 and a new seat epidermal black interior are adopted.
・ The premium deep violet pearl and the dessert Gold pearl of the new color premium night are set to the body color only for Zestosparc.
・ The sports suspension that gives a special tuning is adopted in W turbo (FF).
- 3 W and W turbo are equipped normally.
*Origin = "Spark" is naming of the type name that overwhelmingly makes the soul of the person who sees heated, and glitters and puts the desire of becoming existence."
There is also a Photo Gallery on the sidebar!
Source: Honda Japan
Labels:
Facelift,
Honda Zest,
Honda Zest Spark,
JDM,
Kei Car,
ホンダゼスト,
ホンダゼスト スパーク
New Honda Insight: JDM brochure pics + Modulo! (Part 1)
A member from Vtec.net came across with a YouTube posting, which containts a few JDM brochure pics. There is also one of the Modulo version!!!
Source: Vtec.net
Source: Vtec.net
Labels:
Honda Insight YM2010,
Hybrid,
JDM,
Prelease Info,
upcoming models,
ホンダインサイト,
本田インサイト2009
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Scoop: Daihatsu Copen II
- Japanese Kei-car retractable hard-top convertible. Priced around $15k.
- engine will be 658cc KF-DET inline-3 turbo (limited to 64hp - maximum allowed to get Kei-car classification) with 7-speed CVT/5-speed manual .
- will weigh a paltry 820kg (1,800lbs)
Source: VW Vortex
- engine will be 658cc KF-DET inline-3 turbo (limited to 64hp - maximum allowed to get Kei-car classification) with 7-speed CVT/5-speed manual .
- will weigh a paltry 820kg (1,800lbs)
Source: VW Vortex
Minor facelift for Mitsubishi i (JDM)
Mitsubishi announced today that i will get a minor facelift for 2009. You can read below the press release, which is though automatically translated from Japanese.
You can also download brochures for all Mitsubishi models in Japanese HERE.
"Mitsubishi Motors partially improves the mini-passenger car 'I (eye)', and puts it on the market from affiliated sales companies of the whole country on Wednesday, December 24 (1,060,500 yen-1,585,500 yen: consuming including tax).
I get the mini-passenger car 'I (eye)' popular for running to which light, natural steering wheel feeling and high-speed running by one stylish externals and power steering "EPS+" * adoption are steady.
The grade development was consolidated in three ("Vivace (Bibarche)" *2 of the equipment that installed "T" and natural suction (N/A) engines equipped with the turbocharged engine, and enhanced by fine quality and "S" bought easily) this time.
"Black interior" equipped with the steering wheel and the shift knob etc. of the genuine leather rolling was adopted, and "T" was assumed to be a specification that improved the premium feeling. "Vivace" is enabled to be selected by matching stylish "Mint & Brown interior" to customer's favorite. "Dirty protecting processing seat" with water-repellent and the Batiabra function that dirt and the bristletail do not adhere easily was adopted in "Mint & Brown interior".
Moreover, "UV& heat protecting glass (reception desk door). " in "T" and "Vivace" by ultraviolet rays by sunburn and strong sunlight with a water-repellent function not only to control the feeling gradually but also to secure clear view on the day of rain. "Remote control door mirror" that provided the hydrophilicity function and "Vanity mirror" etc. with the driver's seat and the passenger's seat ticket holder Woman's customer was high ..the demand.., and equipped normally a safe, comfortable function the mirror specular.
Additionally, the glass antenna for Wanseg was set to "Mitsubishi multi-entertainment system (MMES)" of the manufacturer option ("S" Exclude it).
The body color was assumed to be ten-all color development newly adding three colors (raspberry red pearl *3, ocean blue metallic, and the sunflower yellow solid).
1 Electric Power Steering Plus : Newly developed "Road reaction force presumption control" and "Vehicle behavior presumption control" are added to the basic control of an electric power steering.
2 Vivace: It means "Vividly, it is active" in Italian.
3 Pay color: 21,000 yen(consuming including tax)
Outline of sales
The number of target sales is 800 units per month."
Source: Mitsubishi Media Service
You can also download brochures for all Mitsubishi models in Japanese HERE.
"Mitsubishi Motors partially improves the mini-passenger car 'I (eye)', and puts it on the market from affiliated sales companies of the whole country on Wednesday, December 24 (1,060,500 yen-1,585,500 yen: consuming including tax).
I get the mini-passenger car 'I (eye)' popular for running to which light, natural steering wheel feeling and high-speed running by one stylish externals and power steering "EPS+" * adoption are steady.
The grade development was consolidated in three ("Vivace (Bibarche)" *2 of the equipment that installed "T" and natural suction (N/A) engines equipped with the turbocharged engine, and enhanced by fine quality and "S" bought easily) this time.
"Black interior" equipped with the steering wheel and the shift knob etc. of the genuine leather rolling was adopted, and "T" was assumed to be a specification that improved the premium feeling. "Vivace" is enabled to be selected by matching stylish "Mint & Brown interior" to customer's favorite. "Dirty protecting processing seat" with water-repellent and the Batiabra function that dirt and the bristletail do not adhere easily was adopted in "Mint & Brown interior".
Moreover, "UV& heat protecting glass (reception desk door). " in "T" and "Vivace" by ultraviolet rays by sunburn and strong sunlight with a water-repellent function not only to control the feeling gradually but also to secure clear view on the day of rain. "Remote control door mirror" that provided the hydrophilicity function and "Vanity mirror" etc. with the driver's seat and the passenger's seat ticket holder Woman's customer was high ..the demand.., and equipped normally a safe, comfortable function the mirror specular.
Additionally, the glass antenna for Wanseg was set to "Mitsubishi multi-entertainment system (MMES)" of the manufacturer option ("S" Exclude it).
The body color was assumed to be ten-all color development newly adding three colors (raspberry red pearl *3, ocean blue metallic, and the sunflower yellow solid).
1 Electric Power Steering Plus : Newly developed "Road reaction force presumption control" and "Vehicle behavior presumption control" are added to the basic control of an electric power steering.
2 Vivace: It means "Vividly, it is active" in Italian.
3 Pay color: 21,000 yen(consuming including tax)
Outline of sales
The number of target sales is 800 units per month."
Source: Mitsubishi Media Service
The economic crisis and the Japanese auto industry - Part 2
Following Toyota's announcement of the results for November 2008, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Mazda have announced today their results.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced a summary of automobile production, Japan domestic market sales, and export results for the month of November 2008.
Production
Production in Japan and in regions outside of Japan experienced a year-on-year decrease. Worldwide production experienced a year-on-year decrease for the first time in three months (since August 2008).
Japan Domestic Market Sales
Total Japan domestic market auto sales for the month of November 2008, experienced a year-on-year decrease for the first time in two months (since September 2008).
Due mainly to strong sales of the all-new Life , sales of mini-vehicles experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in nine months (since February 2008).
Vehicle registrations - excluding mini-vehicles
Fit was the industry's second best-selling car among new vehicle registrations for the month of November 2008, with sales of 10,386 units. Freed was the industry's fourth best-selling car with sales of 7,032 units.
Mini-vehicles - under 660cc
Life was the industry's fourth best-selling car in the mini-vehicle category for the month of November 2008, with sales of 10,702 units. Zest was the industry's ninth best-selling car with sales of 3,103 units.
Exports from Japan
Total exports from Japan in November 2008 experienced a year-on-year decrease for the second consecutive month (since October 2008).
--------------------------------------------------------------
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today announced global production, as well as domestic sales and export figures for November 2008.
Production: total and in Japan
Total global production came in at 91,750 units, a decline of 27.7 percent over November 2007 and the ninth consecutive monthly decrease since March. Production volume in Japan at 55.858 units was down 26.6 percent as a 28.6 percent decrease in passenger car and a 6.6 percent decrease in commercial vehicle output saw year-on-year volume fail to grow for the first time in three months.
Sales in Japan
Vehicle sales in Japan in November totaled 13,044 units, a 31.1 percent decrease year-on-year and the 15th consecutive monthly decline since September 2007. Registration and minicar sales were 45.5 percent and 22.7 percent down respectively on the same month last year.
Production overseas
Overseas production volume totaled 35,892 units, 29.2 percent down over November last year and the ninth consecutive monthly decline. By region, output in North America at 3,281 units was 36.0 percent down as production levels were adjusted for slow sales in the United States.
Export shipments from Japan
Total exports from Japan of 39,917 units were 13.8 percent down on November 2007, for the first time in two months. Exports to North America at 4,563 units were 14.6 percent up on November 2007, driven chiefly by strong sales of the Lancer in Mexico. Exports to Europe at 13,938 units were 6.8 percent up. Exports to Asia at 2,843 units were 36.8 percent down on November 2007.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Nissan Motor Co.,Ltd., today announced its sales, production and export results for November 2008.
Production
Nissan's global production in November decreased 33.7% year-on-year to 222,212 units.
Production in Japan decreased 35.6% year-on-year to 79,649 units.
Production outside of Japan decreased 32.5% year-on-year to 142,563 units.
In the U.S., production decreased 60.2% year-on-year to 26,949 units.
In Mexico, production decreased 11.2% year-on-year to 36,583 units.
In the U.K., production decreased 33.6% year-on-year to 22,348 units.
In Spain, production decreased 84.0% year-on-year to 3,384 units.
Production in the General Overseas Markets (GOM) grew 11.9% year-on-year to 53,299 units due to increased demand in China for the newly released X-TRAIL and Teana.
Sales
Global sales decreased 19.8% to 237,653 units compared to the previous year.
In Japan, Nissan's vehicle registrations in November decreased 29.5% year-on-year to 30,132 units. Nissan's share of the domestic market registrations in November was down 0.4 percentage points year-on-year to 14.0%.
Domestic sales of mini-vehicles were up 3.3% from the previous year to 11,452 units.
Including mini-vehicles, Nissan sold 41,584 units in Japan, down 22.8% year-on-year. Market share was down 0.6 percentage points year-on-year to 11.3%.
Nissan sales in the U.S. decreased 42.2% year-on-year to 46,605 units.
In Europe, sales decreased 30.5% year-on-year to 34,179 units.
Sales in the GOM regions were up 5.1% from the previous year to 94,126 units.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced a summary of automobile production, Japan domestic market sales, and export results for the month of November 2008.
Production
Production in Japan and in regions outside of Japan experienced a year-on-year decrease. Worldwide production experienced a year-on-year decrease for the first time in three months (since August 2008).
Japan Domestic Market Sales
Total Japan domestic market auto sales for the month of November 2008, experienced a year-on-year decrease for the first time in two months (since September 2008).
Due mainly to strong sales of the all-new Life , sales of mini-vehicles experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in nine months (since February 2008).
Vehicle registrations - excluding mini-vehicles
Fit was the industry's second best-selling car among new vehicle registrations for the month of November 2008, with sales of 10,386 units. Freed was the industry's fourth best-selling car with sales of 7,032 units.
Mini-vehicles - under 660cc
Life was the industry's fourth best-selling car in the mini-vehicle category for the month of November 2008, with sales of 10,702 units. Zest was the industry's ninth best-selling car with sales of 3,103 units.
Exports from Japan
Total exports from Japan in November 2008 experienced a year-on-year decrease for the second consecutive month (since October 2008).
--------------------------------------------------------------
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today announced global production, as well as domestic sales and export figures for November 2008.
Production: total and in Japan
Total global production came in at 91,750 units, a decline of 27.7 percent over November 2007 and the ninth consecutive monthly decrease since March. Production volume in Japan at 55.858 units was down 26.6 percent as a 28.6 percent decrease in passenger car and a 6.6 percent decrease in commercial vehicle output saw year-on-year volume fail to grow for the first time in three months.
Sales in Japan
Vehicle sales in Japan in November totaled 13,044 units, a 31.1 percent decrease year-on-year and the 15th consecutive monthly decline since September 2007. Registration and minicar sales were 45.5 percent and 22.7 percent down respectively on the same month last year.
Production overseas
Overseas production volume totaled 35,892 units, 29.2 percent down over November last year and the ninth consecutive monthly decline. By region, output in North America at 3,281 units was 36.0 percent down as production levels were adjusted for slow sales in the United States.
Export shipments from Japan
Total exports from Japan of 39,917 units were 13.8 percent down on November 2007, for the first time in two months. Exports to North America at 4,563 units were 14.6 percent up on November 2007, driven chiefly by strong sales of the Lancer in Mexico. Exports to Europe at 13,938 units were 6.8 percent up. Exports to Asia at 2,843 units were 36.8 percent down on November 2007.
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Nissan Motor Co.,Ltd., today announced its sales, production and export results for November 2008.
Production
Nissan's global production in November decreased 33.7% year-on-year to 222,212 units.
Production in Japan decreased 35.6% year-on-year to 79,649 units.
Production outside of Japan decreased 32.5% year-on-year to 142,563 units.
In the U.S., production decreased 60.2% year-on-year to 26,949 units.
In Mexico, production decreased 11.2% year-on-year to 36,583 units.
In the U.K., production decreased 33.6% year-on-year to 22,348 units.
In Spain, production decreased 84.0% year-on-year to 3,384 units.
Production in the General Overseas Markets (GOM) grew 11.9% year-on-year to 53,299 units due to increased demand in China for the newly released X-TRAIL and Teana.
Sales
Global sales decreased 19.8% to 237,653 units compared to the previous year.
In Japan, Nissan's vehicle registrations in November decreased 29.5% year-on-year to 30,132 units. Nissan's share of the domestic market registrations in November was down 0.4 percentage points year-on-year to 14.0%.
Domestic sales of mini-vehicles were up 3.3% from the previous year to 11,452 units.
Including mini-vehicles, Nissan sold 41,584 units in Japan, down 22.8% year-on-year. Market share was down 0.6 percentage points year-on-year to 11.3%.
Nissan sales in the U.S. decreased 42.2% year-on-year to 46,605 units.
In Europe, sales decreased 30.5% year-on-year to 34,179 units.
Sales in the GOM regions were up 5.1% from the previous year to 94,126 units.
Japan Exports Nissan's exports in November decreased 30.2% to 52,591 units compared to the previous year. Exports to North America decreased 50.3% year-on-year to 17,587 units. Exports to Europe increased 11.6% year-on-year to 5,475 units.
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Mazda Motor Corporation’s production and sales results for November 2008 are summarized below.
Domestic Production
Domestic production in November 2008 decreased 19.8% compared to November 2007, despite increased production of the Mazda 2 (Demio) and Mazda 6 (Atenza).
Overseas Production
Although the Mazda6 overseas production volume increased year-on-year, the total overseas production volume of all models decreased 11.0% compared to the same month last year.
Domestic Sales
The domestic sales volume for November 2008 decreased 28.0% compared to November 2007, reflecting a decline in total market demand.
Mazda’s registered vehicle market share was 4.5% (down 0.3 points year-on-year), with a 2.5% share of the micro-mini segment (down 0.4 points year-on-year) and a 3.7% total market share (down 0.5 points year-on-year).
Exports
Despite increased shipments of the Mazda 2, the export volume for November 2008 decreased 14.9% year-on-year due to a decline in shipments of other models.
On a market basis, while the export volume to Europe increased 0.2% compared to the same month last year, export figures for North America and other markets (the Middle East and Africa) decreased when compared to November 2007.
Sources: Honda Motor Co.,Ltd., Mitsubishi Media Service, Nissan Global Website, Mazda Global Site
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Mazda Motor Corporation’s production and sales results for November 2008 are summarized below.
Domestic Production
Domestic production in November 2008 decreased 19.8% compared to November 2007, despite increased production of the Mazda 2 (Demio) and Mazda 6 (Atenza).
Overseas Production
Although the Mazda6 overseas production volume increased year-on-year, the total overseas production volume of all models decreased 11.0% compared to the same month last year.
Domestic Sales
The domestic sales volume for November 2008 decreased 28.0% compared to November 2007, reflecting a decline in total market demand.
Mazda’s registered vehicle market share was 4.5% (down 0.3 points year-on-year), with a 2.5% share of the micro-mini segment (down 0.4 points year-on-year) and a 3.7% total market share (down 0.5 points year-on-year).
Exports
Despite increased shipments of the Mazda 2, the export volume for November 2008 decreased 14.9% year-on-year due to a decline in shipments of other models.
On a market basis, while the export volume to Europe increased 0.2% compared to the same month last year, export figures for North America and other markets (the Middle East and Africa) decreased when compared to November 2007.
Sources: Honda Motor Co.,Ltd., Mitsubishi Media Service, Nissan Global Website, Mazda Global Site
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Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Toyota to appoint new president; F1 team faces cuts
Toyota Motor Corp., which just announced its worst earnings outlook ever, is expected to appoint Executive Vice President Akio Toyoda as president when Katsuaki Watanabe steps down in the spring, sources said Tuesday.
Akio Toyoda, 52, is the great-grandson of the late Sakichi Toyoda, who founded the Toyota Motor group, and is the eldest son of honorary Toyota Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda, 83.
He would be the first Toyota president from the founding family since 1995, when Tatsuro Toyoda, 79, retired from the post, and the sixth founding family member to hold the post. Tatsuro Toyoda is currently an adviser to the automaker.
The expected appointment is widely seen as aimed at weathering what Watanabe has called "an unprecedented emergency situation" by relying on the prowess of the founding family that built up the corporate group, the sources said.
Toyota is expecting to eke a net profit for the fiscal year ending in March as it racks up its first operating red ink since it began reporting such numbers in 1941.
The only other time it has had an operating loss was unofficial, in 1938, a year after its founding.
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F1 team faces cuts
Toyota will scale back costs on Formula One racing but is vowing not to drop out despite expectations it will record its first yearly operating loss in seven decades.
Toyota Motor Corp. President Katsuaki Watanabe did not give details on how the automaker would cut spending in F1. Toyota has not had a Formula One victory in seven years.
"To keep it up at the current level is extremely difficult," he said Monday at Toyota's Nagoya office.
Watanabe said F1 was a good way to attract young people.
Source: The Japan Times
Akio Toyoda, 52, is the great-grandson of the late Sakichi Toyoda, who founded the Toyota Motor group, and is the eldest son of honorary Toyota Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda, 83.
He would be the first Toyota president from the founding family since 1995, when Tatsuro Toyoda, 79, retired from the post, and the sixth founding family member to hold the post. Tatsuro Toyoda is currently an adviser to the automaker.
The expected appointment is widely seen as aimed at weathering what Watanabe has called "an unprecedented emergency situation" by relying on the prowess of the founding family that built up the corporate group, the sources said.
Toyota is expecting to eke a net profit for the fiscal year ending in March as it racks up its first operating red ink since it began reporting such numbers in 1941.
The only other time it has had an operating loss was unofficial, in 1938, a year after its founding.
------------------------------------------------------------------
F1 team faces cuts
Toyota will scale back costs on Formula One racing but is vowing not to drop out despite expectations it will record its first yearly operating loss in seven decades.
Toyota Motor Corp. President Katsuaki Watanabe did not give details on how the automaker would cut spending in F1. Toyota has not had a Formula One victory in seven years.
"To keep it up at the current level is extremely difficult," he said Monday at Toyota's Nagoya office.
Watanabe said F1 was a good way to attract young people.
Source: The Japan Times
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