Japanese Car

Japanese cars swept the board in a survey of the most reliable used cars on Friday, taking nine out of the top 10 places.

The Toyota Corolla from 2000 to 2002, built in Derbyshire, topped the table compiled by What Car? magazine and insurer Warranty Direct.

Confirming the Japanese reputation for reliability, researchers found just three faults per 100 Corollas, compared to five per 100 for the second-placed Honda CR-V.

"The data proves that expensive doesn't necessarily mean reliable," said Warranty Direct's Managing Director Duncan McClure Fisher.

In joint third place were the Honda HR-V (1999-2005) and the Toyota Celica (2000-2006), both with six faults per 100.

Honda's sporty S2000 model ranked fifth, while the only non-Japanese car in the top 10 was the BMW 3 Series Compact (1994-2001) in joint sixth.

At the other end of the table, Alfa Romeo's GTV (1996-2003) was named as the most unreliable car, with 97 faults per 100. READ MORE...

Rising demand in the emerging markets of Europe and Asia, com-bined with fluctuations in the currency markets, is driving up the price of pre-owned vehicles in Japan and having a direct impact on the pocket of Jamaican consumers who are in the market for second-hand cars, dealers here say.

In recent months, the price of used cars are risen by as much as 20 per cent, they say.

"We have a lot of emerging markets and they have been taking the lion's share (of the export of pre-owned cars from Japan) and are paying premium prices for the high-end vehicles," says Kenneth Shaw, the president of the Used Car Dealers Association of Jamaica.

Markets such as Russia and Dubai, said Shaw, are particularly active.

"They go for the three- or four- year-old cars and are competing directly with us," says Shaw. READ MORE...

David Conant, Honda's largest and most successful dealer, is eagerly awaiting Sept. 15, the day the first of the new generation of Civics arrive on his lots.

There's a lot riding on the car. Honda is the house that the Civic built in the United States, but in recent years the compact model has lost some of its of luster.

"The old car had its shortcomings -- it lost its youth appeal," said Conant.

The new Civic models, with more powerful engines, sleek new designs, upgraded interiors, better fuel economy and more standard safety features, are an attempt by Japan's third-largest automaker to reignite Civic's fire, and Honda's sales, in the United States.

Civic and mid-size Accord models account for almost half of Honda's U.S. sales, but demand for both has dropped this year. As a result, while rivals Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. are posting double-digit percentage sales increases, Honda sales are up just 2.4 percent.

The company needs strong Civic sales to help it maintain its passenger car volume in a shrinking market.

"This is a critical launch for us," said John Mendel, vice president for Honda division automotive operations at Torrance-based American Honda Motor Co. "The Civic is the entry to the Honda brand for many, many people."

Conant, who has been briefed on the new models, said he was "excited about the prospects -- they seem to have addressed all the problems."

The company's new marketing tagline, "Civic: It will reverse your thinking," acknowledges the product line's slipping image and promises that the new models will be a cure.

For the mainstream models, the big problem has been the loss of the buzz about Honda that previous generations of the Civic created, back when used models were highly desired by high school and college students with a yen to customize their rides. It was those young Honda fans who often pushed their parents into dealer showrooms and who, as they grew up and started earning money of their own, maintained their loyalty to the brand.

"It has been the car that introduces people to Honda and keeps them in the family" as they move into Accords and Pilot sport utility vehicles and finally upscale Acura models, said Jesse Toprak, senior analyst at auto market information provider Edmunds.com in Santa Monica, Calif.

Since its introduction in 1973, just as an oil shortage made economy cars popular, the Civic has been Honda's "everything" car: an aspirational vehicle for those too young to buy; an affordable first new car; a car for young families; and a comfortable and economic commuter car for buyers of all ages and financial backgrounds. The Civic grew steadily-- in size and sales -- through six redesigns, or generations.

But with the seventh-generation Civic, launched in 2000, Honda executives chased after the aging baby boomers who had been the Civic's core buyers and lost sight of the huge pool of younger buyers in the "echo boom" generations.

The resulting car was comfortable but conservative.

In stressing ride comfort and cost-cutting packaging efficiencies, Honda made the car harder for do-it-yourself performance enthusiasts to customize. Schoolboys who once tacked posters of hopped-up Civics on their bedroom walls began lusting after Subaru WRXs. READ MORE...

The versatile and popular Honda Pilot sets a new standard in the 8-passenger mid-size SUV segment for 2006 with more features and significant enhancements to the interior and exterior, along with the addition of two-wheel-drive (2WD) versions with Variable Cylinder Management(TM) (VCM(TM)) engine technology.

The 2006 Pilot exterior becomes more expressive with new designs for the grille, hood, fenders, headlights, bumpers and tail lights that accent the "Honda Truck" family appearance. In addition, EX trim levels receive fog lights, and both EX and LX trim levels feature sporty, new alloy wheel designs. Inside, new styling and features include a new instrument panel design, seat fabrics and an adjustable headrest. Available features now include the latest Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System(TM) with Voice Recognition and a 7-inch screen, a Honda DVD Entertainment System with a 9-inch screen and a 115 Volt accessory outlet. A rear-view camera is standard on vehicles with the navigation system.

The 2006 Honda Pilot is available in an all-new two-wheel-drive version featuring a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with VCM. Equipped with advanced valvetrain technology that can deactivate three of the engine's six cylinders during cruising and deceleration, VCM enhances fuel efficiency and provides seamless operation between three- and six-cylinder operation modes.

Pilots equipped with 2WD and VCM achieve an EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 18/24 mpg, compared to 17/22 mpg for models equipped with 4WD and conventional VTEC. This is the first-ever application of VCM technology in a Honda SUV - the Honda Odyssey and Accord Hybrid also utilize VCM. Vehicles equipped with VCM include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Honda's Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) system. The ANC and ACM systems work in cooperation to cancel both noise and vibration that could occur in relation to the cylinder deactivation process.

As part of Honda's "Safety for Everyone" initiative, all trim levels of the Pilot include Three-Row Side Curtain Airbags as standard equipment. This further compliments the vehicle's existing standard Driver's and Front Passenger's Airbags (SRS), Driver's and Front Passenger's Side Air Bags and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). READ MORE...

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announced that the Lancer Evolution Wagon would go on sale at affiliated dealerships throughout Japan today. Lancer Evolution Wagon marries the awesome dynamic performance of the Lancer Evolution IX high-performance 4WD sedan, which employs Mitsubishi's advanced and proprietary All Wheel Control (AWC) traction and stability enhancing technology, with the utility-enhancing luggage compartment of the Lancer Wagon. Tax inclusive price starts from 3,412,500 yen.
Lancer Evolution Wagon is the first station wagon model in the Lancer Evolution series. Derived from the Lancer Evolution IX sedan launched in March 2005, Lancer Evolution Wagon uses the body side panels and roof panel from the Lancer Wagon with reinforcements mainly focused on the rear end to create a lightweight and very stiff station wagon body. The powertrain mates a 2.0-liter intercooler-turbocharged engine to an electronically controlled 4WD driveline to realize unparalleled vehicle dynamics for a station wagon.

Lancer Evolution Wagon is offered in two grades. The GT uses a 6-speed manual transmission to deliver the ultimate in sporty driving pleasure. The 5-speed automatic transmission GT-A brings full-spectrum driving pleasure, combining the sporty performance of the GT with the convenience of an automatic. Lancer Evolution Wagon is to be produced in a limited run of 2,500 (GT and GT-A combined total), with production due to cease at the end of December this year. READ MORE...

Honda Motor Co. of Japan, having a joint venture with Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Ltd, has announced it will invest 2.9 billion yens ($26.85m) in the local automotive industry to double its production capacity to around 50,000 units in the current fiscal year.

Honda Motor has 51 percent stake with its joint venture company in Pakistan and is working on a full production capacity of 25,000 units.

Honda Atlas is assembling its two famous models, Honda Civic and Honda City, which are very popular locally and the demand for such models are rapidly increasing.

“Honda said the planned increase in production capacity is aimed at meeting growing auto demand in Pakistan,” said a company press release issued from Tokyo.

“Honda Motor will spend Y2.9 billion to double automobile production capacity at its joint venture in Pakistan by the end of 2006.”

“The company’s decision to make more investment in Pakistan is a result of the federal government policies,” said a dealer.

The federal government has allowed the import of three-year used car under the gift, luggage schemes on a depreciation up to 50 percent.

The government has taken the decision to allow the import of used cars only to bridge the demand and supply gap, he added. The production of the Honda Civic and City models continued to grow to 1,304 units and 1,572 units respectively in July this year compared to 602 units and 854 units of the same models in July 2004. READ MORE...

A facelifted version of the Toyota Soluna Vios is expected to follow, although the launch date by Toyota Motor Thailand might be pushed out to early next year.

Originally planned to hit Thai showrooms later this year, the remasked Soluna could have the looks resembling that of the Belta sub-compact sold in Japan as seen in this leaked picture.

The Soluna's bulging grille like in the Toyota Hilux Vigo pickup is said to be part of a new design strategy for Toyota's mass-market models in an effort to lift its presence among rivals like the Honda City ZX.

Since Toyota is the runaway leader in the passenger car market this year, insiders say the company doesn't need to rush the updated Soluna's launch in Thailand. As well, the Thai Toyota unit is planning to offer five-door version called Yaris early next year. To make a bigger impact, the Yaris and Soluna could be introduced together.

Honda Automobiles (Thailand) did otherwise by launching the City ZX ahead of the revitalised Jazz. Although the minor-changed Jazz has already gone on sale in Europe, it has yet to be introduced in Thailand.

Essentially, the Vitz will be sold in Japan, while the facelifted Yaris is meant for the European and Thai markets. As seen in this first official picture, the second-generation Yaris makes it world debut in Frankfurt next month.

Toyota is planning to offer Thai buyers with a 1.4-litre diesel engine the first ever for a sub-compact assembled in Thailand as well as the 1.5-litre petrol motor currently used in the Soluna.

Although slightly smaller than the Jazz, Toyota would emphasise on agility, fuel economy and style in the Yaris.

Honda of America released full details on the North American version of the 2006 Civic:

The Honda Civic is the cornerstone of Honda and its automotive heritage, earning recognition and acclaim as an icon in the automotive industry since its introduction in 1973. The Civic represents the first high volume production automobile that showcased Honda's spirit of innovation to a North American audience ready for something new. Cumulatively, Civic has reached 16 million customers globally and 7 million in the United States, where it has been the best selling retail compact car for the past nine years. The Civic was the seventh best selling vehicle overall in 2004 and third best selling passenger car. If the Civic were its own individual brand, annual sales in excess of 300,000 would make it the 13th top selling brand in the United States out of more than 40 possible brands.

As the Civic has been re-invented throughout its previous seven generations, each new model has consistently set new standards in the automotive industry with its innovative packaging, attractive styling, high fuel economy, low emissions, fun-to-drive performance, reliability and safety. The pioneering eighth generation 2006 model amplifies the defining character of the Civic with a long list of Honda technology and engineering innovations, resulting in a vehicle that is pure Honda, exclusively Civic and outside the boundaries of traditional small car thinking.

The 2006 Civic represents an extreme transformation of design and dynamics. Multiple powertrains for 2006 range from 197-horsepower high performance to 50 mpg gas-sipping hybrid to an all-around performer with two body styles, representing one of the most diverse vehicles in the industry. An expressive and futuristic design with exciting performance and a dedication to providing advanced safety technology set the Civic apart from the competition.
READ MORE...

Honda Motor Europe Ltd. today announced the all-new, eighth generation Civic for the European market. Wider and lower than the out-going model, the Civic retains virtually all the emotional styling characteristics of the concept car shown at the Geneva Auto Salon in March 2005. This new model will make its first public appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2005 and sales are expected to commence in early 2006.

Launched to the world in 1972, the Civic has undergone many evolutionary changes to maintain its position as the most successful automobile to be built by Honda, accounting for roughly one-third of total Honda sales worldwide. The current seventh generation Civic is built in 11 countries and sold in 160 markets around the globe.

The forthcoming eighth generation Civic promises to change on a revolutionary scale and will attempt to set new standards in the highly competitive European C-segment, particularly in the upper quality/premium sector.

The concept car shown in Geneva already revealed Honda’s intention of moving the Civic into a sporty, emotional, and fun-to-drive direction. Key to achieving these qualities is the wedge-shaped forward cabin with lower vehicle height, wider width and shorter length.

The overall length is now 35 mm shorter than its predecessor and overall height, 35 mm lower. But, in order to create a more dynamic silhouette and a better handling C-segment car, Honda decided to increase the overall width by 65 mm and the front and rear tracks by 34 mm and 45 mm, respectively.

Despite being shorter and lower on the outside, the new Civic is actually more spacious inside. The interior features the “Dual Link” concept, in which important driving information, including vehicle speed, is displayed in the upper part of the instrument panel, while other information is provided in the lower part. This design allows the driver to concentrate on the road while receiving vital information, enhancing the easy-to-operate and fun-to-drive character of the car.

In terms of utility, the rear seats can be tipped up to form a second storage area in the rear passenger cabin. The rear seats also have a one-motion, dive-down feature that instantaneously create a flat loading space. The total volume of the luggage compartment is quite impressive, with 485 litres, thanks to the centre positioning of the fuel tank. The cargo floor can drop down to reveal an under-floor compartment. All this flexibility translates into a hidden versatility not expected in a sporty looking car.

There is a range of three different engines to choose from: a 1339cc 61kw/83 PS petrol unit, a brand new 1798cc 103kw/140 PS petrol unit or a 2204cc 103kw/140 PS diesel unit. All of them are combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox making the new Honda Civic the first car in the C-segment to be equipped with 6-speed gearboxes across all of its range. The petrol units can also be equipped with a 6-speed automated manual transmission.

All Civics are equipped with ABS and, for optimum performance, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) which adjusts all wheel brake effort to achieve maximum braking performance and stability. The new Civic also features, across the range, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during cornering, acceleration and sudden manoeuvres by applying brake force to the right or left hand wheels as necessary and managing the throttle and brake systems.

Passive safety has always been paramount at Honda. The new Civic has an innovative seat belt reminder system for the rear passengers and both the front seats are fitted with double pre-tensioners. The active front headrests have a decisive role in protecting the passengers against the dangerous whiplash injury.

The expected result for the Euro NCAP crash test for this Civic is 5 stars for front and side impact safety, 3 stars for pedestrian safety and 4 stars for child protection safety, making it one of the safest cars in its class, especially considering that it has the shortest front overhang in the C-segment.

Mitsubishi Motors Thailand launched its new Triton (L200).

To be produced by Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd, the new Triton (known as L200, Storm on export markets) will build on the success of its predecessor, including:
- Over 700,000 units exported out of Thailand since 1988
- FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup Winner in 2003

Race-bred styling
Previewed during the 2005 Dakar Rally as “Truck Evolution”, the new L200 owes much of its design inspiration to the 2002 Pajero Evo 2+2 concept and the Pajero Evolution racer, with its nearly identical sharp lines, evocative Mitsubishi “Mount Fuji” grille and firm stance.

Elaborating on this theme, Mitsubishi Motors designers approached the pickup concept with fresh eyes. They turned the bed into a bold styling feature, instead of a mere box, and gave the cabin the largest interior room in the segment, as expected from a Sports Utility Truck (S.U.T.).

Driving machine
Available in Single Cab, Club Cab and four-door Double Cab body types, the new L200 will also add high driving standards to the mid-size pickup equation, with its contemporary SUV-like permanent Super Select 4-wheel drive system, active stability and traction control with 17” wheels and a tight, class-leading turning circle.

The new L200 will offer all the key work-related attributes, whilst being eminently capable on and off-road, thanks to its totally redesigned hydro-formed fully boxed frame and new independent front suspension and rear live axle set-up.

Engine options in Thailand include:
1, 2.5-liter Indirect Turbodiesel (4D56) capable of 90 PS @ 4000 rpm and 196 Nm @ 2000 rpm
2, 2.5-liter DI-D Hyper Common Rail Turbo (4D56), capable of 116 PS @ 4000 rpm and 247 Nm @ 2000 rpm
3, 2.5-liter DI-D Hyper Common Rail Turbo Intercooler (4D56), capable of 140 PS @ 4000 rpm and 321 Nm @ 2000 rpm
4, 3.2-liter DI-D Hyper Common Rail Turbo Intercooler (4M41), capable of 165 PS @ 4000 rpm and 351 Nm @ 2000 rpm.

Exports set to commence at the end of 2005.

Toyota will unveil its next-generation RAV4 and the second-generation European-version of its Yaris supermini (introduced as the Vitz Mk II in Japan earlier this year.

NEW GENERATION RAV4
The new RAV4 will be the third generation of the vehicle which kick-started the market for sporty, compact SUVs 11 years ago. Since that time it has become a consistent best-seller, topping the European 4x4 sales charts for the past four years.

The new model promises significantly enhanced driving pleasure and performance, improved quality, wider application of advanced technology, greater interior space and a creative modular interior design.

INSPIRED CONCEPT CARS
Two new concept cars will be on show at Frankfurt. The Toyota Endo, the latest concept from the ED2 design centre, is an urban-friendly car designed to address some of the key issues of modern urban life.

It will be presented alongside the Toyota i-unit, a new approach to human mobility that enables the driver to interact with his or her surroundings. The design is inspired by a leaf, a natural expression of life on earth.

NEW DIESEL POWER FOR COROLLA VERSO

The seven-seat Toyota Corolla Verso will be presented with two versions of Toyota’s new 2.2-litre D-4D diesel engine. The versatile model will be offered with the 175bhp unit with D-CAT catalyst technology for ultra-clean running that is also due to be offered in the Avensis in 2006, and a 134bhp version of the 2.2-litre engine that will replace the 114bhp 2.0-litre D-4D in the range from November.

On the diesel theme, Toyota will also be showing its Aygo city car, equipped with a 53bhp 1.4-litre turbodiesel engine. This version of Aygo will join the model range in early 2006.

NEW HILUX AND OTHER EXHIBITS

The new Hilux pickup will represent the latest addition to Toyota’s European range, offering the same legendary robust build quality with more interior space, improved driving characteristics and greater comfort and quality.

The Toyota stand will also feature the Panasonic Toyota Racing TF105 Formula 1 car and a technical display demonstrating the advanced technology of the Toyota Prius.

Taking centre stage at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show is Mazda's latest design concept, Mazda Sassou. Conceived and designed at Mazda's European Design Centre in Frankfurt, Germany, it is a lightweight, urban vehicle for young, first car customers that makes every day city driving fun, highly practical and economical. A sleek, three-door hatchback, it employs evolved Zoom-Zoom exterior design language with youthful lightness and surprising hidden features. These, combined with advanced interior systems using a USB stick key and an ingenious rear seat morphing system, hint at where Mazda might be heading with a future B-segment vehicle.

Mazda Sassou is the first design concept from a unique approach to show cars for Mazda Motor Corporation this year at three major motor shows - this year's IAA, the Tokyo Motor Show in October and the 2006 North American International Automobile Show next January.

"This is the first of a number of concept cars to be designed consecutively at our regional design centres, namely: Frankfurt (Germany), Yokohama (Japan) and Irvine (California)," says Moray Callum, Executive Officer in charge of Design at Mazda Motor Corporation. "However, despite the design environment in which it may be conceived, you will intuitively identify that this is a car from Mazda. Its characteristics being uniquely Mazda; reflecting the essence of Zoom-Zoom, something we have communicated throughout the World".

"Mazda Sassou was designed to appeal to young, first car-buyers" said Peter Birtwhistle, Chief Designer at Mazda Motor Europe GmbH. "It is a look over the Mazda horizon and what it proposes is new and exciting. It is the result of asking ourselves what stimulates young Europeans today. We feel that they would ideally prefer a vehicle that supports and expresses their lifestyle and at the same time would meet the changing demands of the growing European B-segment. Sassou, then, not only evolves Mazda small car design in a lightweight, fun-looking B-car package, it also represents a new way to express some traditional automotive attributes and provides a first Zoom-Zoom driving experience for young buyers."

The name "Sassou" is a Japanese term that was chosen because it means having a positive state of mind, of looking to the future with optimism. On the horizon, then, is something positive and exciting. Mazda Sassou is not only an advanced evolution of Mazda's Zoom-Zoom design language, but is a symbol of the forward-thinking optimism of the entire organization as communicated by its recently announced Mazda Momentum business plan.

Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it will exhibit a compact SUV, the D-Compact 4X4, and a hybrid sports car, the HVS, along with a number of other new models at the 61st Frankfurt Motor Show.

D-Compact 4X4 (concept car world premier)
The D-Compact 4X4 is Daihatsu's proposal for a new compact SUV that's more powerful, more dynamic and more handsome. Its dynamic and sophisticated styling is an expression of the car's pure SUV performance and ease of use in the city. The newly developed 1.5-litre engine supports nimble acceleration in all speed ranges and delivers the powerful driving performance you'd expect of an SUV.

HVS (concept car world premiere)
A new lightweight sports car that reconciles environmentally friendly performance with the joy of driving at an unprecedented high level, the HVS combines a 1.5-litre engine and an advanced electrically operated 4WD hybrid system to draw out the full potential of hybrid technology. The result is a powerful and exhilarating drive reminiscent of a 2-litre car but with fuel economy exceeding that of a conventional 1-litre car. The rear electric motor transmits power via a drive-control mechanism that drives the left and right wheels separately for increased stability during high-speed cornering.

Marble flooring, orchids and bowing receptionists welcome customers at the Lexus car dealerships opening Tuesday in Japan, marking the introduction of Toyota's luxury brand in its home market 16 years after the Lexus was introduced in the United States, where it has become a big hit.

Sales staff received training much like they would get at a five-star hotel to cater to picky Japanese drivers -- a very different experience from what Americans get at U.S. Lexus showrooms, according to Toyota Motor Corp.

New Lexus owners receive their purchase in a special "presentation room" with a wall-to-wall mirror that allows the proud drivers to admire themselves, and the dealer may give buyers a bouquet of flowers or golf balls for that personal touch.

"We want our customers to be moved by the whole experience," said general manager Yukihiro Fujimori, a former Toyota dealer who acknowledged that shifting from his past aggressive sales push took some adjusting.

Fujimori's showroom, one of more than 140 Lexus dealers opening nationwide, is in an upper-class Tokyo suburb, where imports such as BMW and Mercedes Benz are popular.

The challenge for Toyota is breaking into that luxury import market, which has stayed flat at about 270,000 cars a year, according to the Japan Automobile Importers Association.

Fujimori says the Lexus still lacks brand power in Japan. "There are no quick fixes. It will take time, and it's not going to be easy," he said. READ MORE...

Some bill it one of the biggest events in the auto industry this year.

Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. (7203.T: Quote, Profile, Research) -- already close to unseating General Motors Corp. (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) as the world's No. 1 seller of automobiles -- will usher in the 16-year-old Lexus brand to its home market on Tuesday in what it says is a major step toward taking on top luxury marques everywhere else.

"(Lexus) has been in the United States for almost 20 years," Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe told a news conference last month to unveil the GS, SC and IS cars -- the first Lexus models to be sold through 143 dealerships in Japan starting Aug. 30.

"It's now time to turn it into a globally accepted premium brand."

That's a tall order for a company primarily known for its reliable but run-of-the-mill mass-market vehicles.

For all its success in the U.S. market, the world's biggest for luxury cars, Lexus is a lightweight elsewhere: global sales of 359,000 units in 2004 pale in comparison to the 1 million-plus sold annually by both Mercedes-Benz (DCXGn.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) and BMW (BMWG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research). READ MORE...