Japanese Car

Honda's First U.S. Bruiser
With the Ridgeline, it jumps into a crowded -- and lucrative -- market

It boasts a chiseled physique meant to appear carved from a single block of metal. It has four-wheel-drive, a hardy V-6 engine, a 1.5 meter-long open cargo bed in back, and a decidedly outdoorsy name -- the Ridgeline. The manufacturer? Not Ford (F ), Chevrolet (GM ), or Dodge. Try Honda Motor Co. (HMC ).

Honda? For years the Japanese company has prospered by churning out solid and reliable compacts, sedans, minivans, and small sport-utility vehicles. Truth to tell, the Honda lineup was a trifle boring, and in the U.S. -- the company's biggest market -- pickups weren't part of the mix. The top Japanese management thought pickups didn't fit the brand's image.

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Toyota Motor Corp, Nissan Motor Co and Honda Motor Co, Japan's three largest automakers, said their global production expanded last month, bolstered by increasing sales in North America, Europe and Asia.

Toyota, the world's second-biggest carmaker, said it made 506,334 vehicles worldwide last month, 4.1 per cent more than a year ago. Nissan, Japan's second-largest automaker, increased its global production by 2.5 per cent to 228,144 units. Honda, Japan's third-largest, made 262,103 vehicles, 9.4 per cent more.

Toyota, Nissan and Honda made record numbers of automobiles in 2004. They increased capacity abroad to shield themselves from currency fluctuations and to cut delivery time to customers as demand grew outside Japan. The nation's carmakers together grabbed a record 30.5 per cent of the US automotive market last year, the world's largest, up 1.5 per cent from 2003, according to New Jersey-based Autodata.

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Nissan is preparing to build its first gas-electric hybrid for the U.S market next year. But the head of the Japanese automaker said he's not sold on the business case for the car. READ MORE...

... prices and talk of a favourable settlement with Japanese affiliate Mitsubishi Motors Corp (7211.T: Quote, Profile ... of the DJ Stoxx European car sector index so far this year READ MORE...

Employees at Mitsubishi Motors North America, the Japanese car company's sales, marketing and distribution unit, also READ MORE..

Further on our previous news story Nissan Motor Co has issued the following press release:

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced the domestic launch of the all-new Note compact car. As its "SHIFT_compact flexibility" tagline implies, the Note offers top-level driving performance and flexibility for a car of its size.

Note Overview

1. Advanced powertrain
The Note is fitted with the newly developed all-aluminum 1.5 liter 16-valve engine paired with Nissan’s XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The result is quick throttle response and smooth, powerful acceleration in a variety of driving situations, as well as good fuel economy.

The Note adopts a strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam suspension at the rear. In addition, the Note is fitted with rebound springs, ripple-control shock absorbers and other suspension features usually found on upscale models that provide excellent handling and stability combined with superb ride comfort and quietness.

2. A fresh exterior design and a stylish, comfortable interior
Executed around the themes of "reassuring,” “enjoyable” and “surprising,” the exterior projects a look of high functionality. Notable features of the fresh, stylish exterior design include the large headlamps and the distinctly shaped rear combination lamps.

The interior design blends enjoyment with stylishness, with meticulous care taken in the execution of fine details. Interior color choices include bright Bossa Beige trim and modern-looking Jet Black trim.

The Note lineup includes the 15RX model, which exudes a sporty yet premium-quality look. The model features 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a bright finish, a Euro-tuned suspension and a roof spoiler. The interior comes with silver-colored finishers on the steering wheel and shift knob, among other places, as well as Jet Black trim and other exclusive appointments.

3. A roomy, open interior within a compact body
Despite its short overall length of 3,990 mm, the Note has a long wheelbase of 2,600 mm. The result is a comfortable, roomy cabin combined with ample cargo space. Even users who switch from a larger car will be satisfied with the generous interior.

The rear seat offers added width thanks to the absence of wheelhouse intrusions. The added roominess is possible because the long wheelbase allows the rear wheels to be positioned behind the seat. In addition, the thick rear seat cushion enables passengers to ride in relaxing comfort.

The slightly high hip point of the Note’s seats and the low waistline ensure excellent outward visibility.

Despite the model’s long wheelbase, the Note still achieves a minimum turning radius of 4.7 meters for nimble agility.

4. A double-decker multiconfigurable trunk
The Note features a double-decker multiconfigurable trunk designed for flexible and convenient storage of cargo. The rear cargo area can easily be arranged into four handy configurations.
- Nidan (double-decker) trunk mode: This configuration provides a double-decker cargo area with a 250-mm-deep underfloor compartment, enabling items to be stowed separately on the upper and lower levels.
- Open mode: Removing the lid of the underfloor compartment and using it as a vertical partition makes it possible to stow items of different heights neatly in the front and rear areas.
- Tappuri (plentiful) mode: Removing the lid and placing it at the bottom of the underfloor compartment creates ample space for accommodating large items.
- Easy flat mode: Folding down the rear seat creates a flat floor for carrying long items.

5. Safety and environmental performance
Standard safety features on all models include front-seat Active Head Restraints and dual SRS airbag systems for both the driver and front passenger.

The Note adopts a crash-compatible Zone Body construction that both improves self-protection and reduces damage to the other vehicle in a collision.

All Note models are certified as super ultra-low emission vehicles (SU-LEVs)* because they emit 75% fewer emissions than the levels mandated by Japan's 2005 exhaust emission regulations. All models also qualify for tax reductions under the Green Tax program in Japan, with the 2WD models achieving Japan's 2010 fuel economy standards plus an additional 5%.

As a result of design improvements made to enhance recyclability, the Note is more than 95% recyclable by weight.

*The low-emission vehicle certification system of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport was inaugurated in April 2000 to encourage the penetration of low-emission vehicles through their selection by ordinary consumers. Following the adoption of the 2005 new long-term exhaust emission regulations in September 2003, the system was revised in October of that year to establish two certification categories. U-LEV certification requires an additional 50% reduction of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) emissions from the levels mandated by the 2005 exhaust emission regulations and SU-LEV certification requires an additional 75% reduction of these exhaust gas constituents.

Origin of the model name
The model name comes from the English word "note," signifying both an enjoyable daily rhythm and the recording of daily activities. It suggests the exciting anticipation one feels when beginning a new page in life.

Sales target: 8,000 units/month

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Japanese car giant Honda has announced a record year for production and sales in the UK and throughout Europe. Its Swindon plant which produces the CRV sports utility and Civic models, made more than 193,000 cars last year, up by 4.75% on the previous 12 months.

European sales totalled 255,721, an increase of more than 17% on 2003, driven by models including the Jazz and Accord diesel.

The company said UK sales increased by almost 11% to 91,000.

In December 2004 the company announced production at the plant was set to reach the record high.

A growing demand in Europe created by more diesel products meant exports from Swindon would be increasingly switched from the US to Europe, Honda said.

Honda, which employs 4,000 in Swindon, said it expected car sales in Europe to reach 253,000 - up 16% on 2003 figures.

Subaru of America, Inc., today revealed its all-new progressive SUV, the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. The bold new 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca is the first-ever Subaru SUV with available seating for seven passengers and with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as its core technology.

The Subaru B9 Tribeca takes the Subaru brand into a new market segment and is positioned above the current Subaru Legacy® and Outback® line of vehicles. The all-new progressive SUV is equipped with the legendary Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and a powerful, 250 horsepower 'Boxer' six-cylinder engine for quick acceleration. The all-new Subaru B9 Tribeca features an all-new design theme, delivering added style to the capability, safety and durability Subaru is so well-known for.

Broad Appeal
The 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca will appeal to people with a wide range of needs, and expands the Subaru product line with a vehicle that is larger than the Outback. The Subaru B9 Tribeca delivers superior ride and handling in its segment and will appeal to customers looking for greater cargo capacity, expanding the Subaru brand's appeal to a new group of customers.

The 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca is aimed at young families and customers looking for a flexible SUV alternative.

Dynamic Styling Breaks New Ground for Subaru
The Subaru B9 Tribeca looks like no other SUV on the market and features a dramatic new Subaru design focused on dynamic motion. The refined, confident and powerful design of the Subaru B9 Tribeca distinguishes it in a market of bland SUV look-alikes.

The key focal point of the all-new 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca is the bold new grille design that flows into a powerful, dynamic architecture. Viewed from the front, a central air intake dominates the face of the new Subaru B9 Tribeca. The air intake is flanked by two "wings" that relate to the history of Subaru as an aircraft manufacturer - illustrating the Subaru commitment to engineering excellence.

The front of the vehicle is also accented with a unique headlamp design that incorporates a series of cylindrical bulb housings. This 'projector beam' style headlamp design adds a sense of presence to front of the vehicle, and provides a powerful and precise light pattern that aids driver safety in low-light conditions.
Bold Stance

The powerful wheel arches house unique 18-inch wheels, creating a bold, athletic stance on the road. The powerful fender and wheel forms are integrated into a J-curve through the shoulder that projects a sense of dynamic motion and agility, hinting at the exceptional on-road performance of the Subaru B9 Tribeca .

The sense of motion is sustained through the side view of the Subaru B9 Tribeca, with detailed surface treatments of the doors. The forms from the wheel arches are carried through the body contours and reappear in the shape of the door handles, smoothly integrating the side view styling of the vehicle.

Inspiring Interior
The interior of the all-new Subaru B9 Tribeca is just as dramatic as the exterior. The sophisticated twin cockpit design echoes the front grille treatment, with a flowing, sculpted dash and center console design. But the Subaru design team did not sacrifice function for the sake of style. The Subaru B9 Tribeca interior features real-world flexibility, with an interior positioning to seat most every lifestyle.

Aluminum-look trim highlights the sculpted shapes of the dashboard. The driver faces large, clear electroluminescent dials and ergonomically-correct switchgear. The center console is dominated by a seven-inch navigation/vehicle information touch-screen, with easy to use audio and HVAC controls located just below. Ambient interior lighting illuminates the footwells, center console and cup-holders at night in keeping with the sophisticated interior theme.

An optional Rear-Seat Entertainment system consists of a large, nine-inch diagonal wide-screen with DVD player and auxiliary video game and camcorder feed capability. Two wireless head sets and a remote control are standard. A rear seat air conditioner is standard on all Subaru B9 Tribeca models with the optional third row seating.

Second row rear seats feature a sixty/forty split bench and a forty/twenty/forty split rear seat back with fold-flat capability. The second row seats slide eight inches fore and aft for improved rear passenger and third row comfort. Second row seats also recline independently in a sixty/forty split. The third row seats provide accommodations for two passengers and fold flat in a fifty/fifty split for a more flexible cargo space.

Engineering Excellence
The 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca is designed with a coil spring front strut suspension and an all-new double wishbone rear suspension design. The chassis is enhanced by a stiff and strong unibody construction, which is a full 50 percent stronger in torsional rigidity than the new Subaru Outback. The vehicle was designed to tow trailers in addition to hauling passengers and gear, and is capable of towing trailers of up to 3500 pounds with the available accessory towing package.

Driving the new Subaru B9 Tribeca is Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive; a total system that integrates a lightweight, horizontally-opposed ('Boxer') engine and full-time All-Wheel Drive. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides excellent balance thanks to the longitudinally mounted 'Boxer' engine and the way power flows from it through the transmission and to the rear differential along a straight, near-horizontal path.

The 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca delivers quick acceleration generated by the light and compact 250 horsepower six-cylinder Subaru 'Boxer' engine, mounted to a standard five-speed automatic transmission equipped with the SPORTSHIFT manual mode. This transmission allows manual gear selection when desired, and is coupled with a Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) all-wheel drive featuring a planetary gear center differential, which normally sends more power to the rear wheels to enhance handling agility. The system continually adjusts the power distribution in response to driving and road conditions.
Subaru B9 Tribeca Focuses on Safety

The 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca was designed from the chassis up with high levels of safety as one of its primary goals and begins with a chassis and suspension created to deliver crisp, agile handling helping to provide excellent accident avoidance.

Standard safety features include occupant sensing, dual-stage driver and passenger airbags, seat-mounted side impact air bags, and standard side-curtain air bags. A direct tire-pressure monitoring system is standard on all models, as is a 4-channel ABS braking system with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) for enhanced active safety. Also standard on the Subaru B9 Tribeca is Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), which distributes torque to the appropriate wheel based on input from steering wheel angle, yaw and lateral g-force sensors. The system also monitors input from the ABS brake system, adjusting individual wheel braking as needed, helping to maintain vehicle control under a variety of driving conditions.

The Subaru B9 Tribeca unibody construction utilizes high tension steel beams and impact absorbing foam materials to enhance crash performance. The body utilizes Subaru Ring Frame Reinforced design to help absorb the energy of an impact and help protect vehicle occupants. Additionally, the spare tire is mounted underneath the vehicle to avoid intrusion into the passenger compartment.

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Struggling Japanese car maker Mitsubishi Motors said yesterday that it was studying the possibility of a tie-up with Peugeot Citroen as it seeks support for a turnaround effort that includes two new vehicles to be launched later this year.

Details of a possible alliance with the French car maker had not been set, the company said.

Mitsubishi Motors, burdened with a heavy debt load and plunging sales, is racing to compile a restructuring plan by the end of the month. An alliance with another car maker is expected to be a major part of the plan.

The new vehicles - a pick-up truck called Raider that was developed with DaimlerChrysler and a new version of the Eclipse sports coupe - are key to Mitsubishi's effort to recover from a disastrous 2004, when sales in North America fell 37 per cent.

"We have the confidence that Mitsubishi will improve, because Mitsubishi is here to stay," Rich Gilligan, the newly appointed president and chief executive of Mitsubishi North America, said.

Mitsubishi Motors North America aimed to be back in profit in two years after a loss of ¥19.7billion ($249million) in the six months ending September 30, Mr Gilligan said.

Mitsubishi Motors ran into financial troubles after loose credit policies in the US saddled it with bad debt. The company's future was cast into doubt last year after former partner DaimlerChrysler said it would not provide the Japanese car maker with further financial support.

The turnaround of Mitsubishi's North American operations is crucial for the Japanese company's recovery.

"The revitalisation of Mitsubishi Motors can't be achieved without the revitalisation of Mitsubishi North America," head of overseas operations at Mitsubishi Motors Osamu Masuko said Mr Masuko said the company was putting the final touches on its turnaround plan and planned to announce the results at the end of January.

Mitsubishi Motors had planned to unveil its revitalisation plan in December but delayed the announcement by a month in order to buy time to work out corporate alliances and steps to bolster its financial standing.

Mitsubishi Motors received ¥496billion in May from investors and shareholders, after DaimlerChrysler baulked at having to fork out money to revive the car maker.

The all-new completely restyled 2005 Avalon full-size sedan made its world premiere at the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The Avalon arrives in showrooms this February, with a larger and more luxurious interior and improved performance.

Avalon, which first launched in 1995, is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, KY, styled at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, CA, and developed by U.S.-based Toyota Technical Centers. The new Avalon went from final styling approval to production in a mere 18 months, the quickest development time of any North American-produced Toyota. The short development time allowed Toyota to provide additional standard content at a better value.

The Avalon is offered in four grades, the standard XL grade, the sporty Touring grade, the well-equipped XLS and the top-of-the-line Limited.

New, More Contemporary Styling
The Avalon is distinguished by a sleek grille with chrome accented horizontal bars and subtle new character lines defining a more contemporary profile. The new lower intake valence houses fog lamps on the Touring, XLS and Limited models.

From the rear, Avalon is identified by large tail lamps and an elegantly sculptured trunk. Dual rear exhaust outlets offer a sporty new touch to Avalon's substantially larger exterior dimensions. With a four-inch longer wheelbase and overall width expanded by one-inch, the new Avalon exudes a powerful stance.

The more elegant exterior appearance of the Avalon is complemented by an all-new interior. New amenities include a seven-way adjustable steering column to provide drivers the option of various vertical and telescopic adjustments as well as a sliding armrest for optimal driving comfort. Rear passengers also benefit from a flat rear floor that provides additional leg room and comfort, especially for the middle seat passenger. Rear passengers also enjoy reclining seats up to 10-degrees using a lever on either side of the seat.

New V6 Engine
All grades are powered by an all-new 3.5-liter, 24 valve, V6 engine matched to a five-speed sequential shift automatic transmission. A sequential shift feature allows the driver to enjoy a more involved driving experience by controlling gearshifts manually, when desired. Equipped with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), and a dual-stage variable intake manifold, the new V6 produces an impressive 280 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque -- a performance improvement in horsepower of more than 33 percent over the previous generation. This engine is the most powerful V6 ever offered by Toyota in its U.S. model line-up.

The Avalon can effortlessly accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in 6.6 seconds while achieving an impressive estimated EPA fuel economy mpg rating of 22 city/31 highway.

Ride and Comfort
Responsive handling contributes to Avalon's engaging drive, yet ride quality remains a benchmark of smoothness. While the XL model features 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels are standard on the Touring, XLS and Limited grades. Michelin Energy MXV4 P215/55 R17 tires were designed exclusively for the Avalon Touring and Limited models for improved control, responsive steering and sharpened handling.

Engineers optimized the exterior design of the Avalon for minimal wind noise and reduced cabin noise and vibration by refining the shape of the A-pillar and side mirrors and lowering the position of its aerodynamic windshield wipers. In addition, the Limited model offers a specially designed acoustic windshield.

New Exterior Features
The Avalon brings several "firsts" to the Toyota lineup. Side mirrors on the Limited grade feature Toyota's first "in-glass" LED turn signal, and a LED puddle lamp that illuminates the area along the side of the car when passengers approach the vehicle. The Limited grade also features side mirror memory.

Toyota's first low-profile wiper blade was uniquely developed for the Avalon. The wiper blade's aerodynamic, low-profile and lower sectional height results in efficient wiping and reduced wind noise. The one-piece blade assembly contributes to the reduction of frozen blades.

Compared to the previous generation Avalon, new high performance halogen headlamps light the road with a longer and wider beam and are standard on XL and XLS grades. Touring and Limited grades feature high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto leveling for improved visibility, while reducing glare for oncoming traffic.

Safety
The front seat-mounted side airbags have been redesigned to provide a greater coverage area, and the body structure has been strengthened to help meet the latest side impact standards. Front and rear side-curtain airbags help provide protection in certain types of severe side impacts. The Avalon also features a driver's knee airbag as standard equipment.
The standard anti-lock brake system (ABS) can help the driver maintain steering control during sudden stops by preventing brake lock-up. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) optimizes braking pressure at each wheel to help minimize body dive or sway during hard braking and cornering, and the Brake Assist (BA) system can help the driver take full advantage of the ABS in emergency situations. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to activate the ABS, it applies maximum braking pressure until pedal pressure is released.

Available Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) helps control side skids under demanding conditions by detecting and helping to correct loss of lateral traction during cornering.

Avalon Amenities
Excellent fit-and-finish is apparent throughout the vehicle and contributes to Avalon's luxurious comfort. Standard comfort and convenience features on the XL grade includes a premium AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo system with nine speakers, dual-zone automatic climate control with air filtration, remote keyless entry, power door locks with anti-lockout feature, power windows with driver and passenger auto up/down with jam protection and retained power, and fabric multi-adjustable power front bucket seats with center console storage area.

In addition to the standard features of the XL, the Touring grade is equipped with leather-trimmed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and aluminum door scuff plates.

Also adding to the XL standard features, the XLS grade includes power moonroof, four-way adjustable power passenger seat, in-dash six-disc CD changer, dual heated outside mirrors with auto-dimming electrochromic driver's side, auto-dimming electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, aluminum door scuff plates and anti-theft system.

The top of the line Limited grade adds to the XLS features with a JBL Synthesis audio system with six-disc CD changer and 12-speakers, one-touch auto-reverse power rear sunshade, driver and front passenger heated seat with fan, memory driver's seat, power driver's seat cushion length adjuster, and Smart Key System.

The Limited grade caters to driver comfort. The front of the driver's seat cushion length is power adjustable, resulting in improved support and a better fit between the seat surface and thigh. Not only are the driver and front passenger seats heated, but they also feature a fan in the seat cushion and seat back that blows air through the perforated leather trim to improve driver and front passenger comfort.

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Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the FT-SX concept at a press conference at the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

The FT-SX concept was developed by Calty, Toyota's North American-based, research and design center located in Newport Beach, CA and the TMS Advanced Product Strategy Group. The team was assigned the task of creating a vehicle combining the ride comfort, handling, and fuel efficiency of a sedan with the utility, spaciousness and visibility of a car-based SUV.
The exterior design concept of the FT-SX was the creation of 30-year-old Calty designer, Ian Cartabiano, who also designed the all-new 2005 Toyota Avalon. When undertaking the FT-SX project, Cartabiano envisioned a powerful design that would create excitement for both young families and empty-nest boomers, with a fresh styling identity for the Toyota brand.

The exterior theme of the FT-SX is bold, simple and powerful. At more than 15 feet in length, over six feet in width and over 5 feet in height, the FT-SX delivers a stance that is both sleek and imposing.

The face of the FT-SX is an all-new expression for Toyota. Defined by the alignment of the headlamps, Toyota badging, and grille, the new "T-Face" establishes a memorable design theme for Toyota's future. The headlamps connect seamlessly with a bold new grille. Deep hood sculpting is achieved with unbroken lines elegantly sweeping down from the upper edge of the A-pillar, through the grille, and down the bumper, wrapping back around the front wheels, giving the FT-SX a wide, dynamic image presence.

The profile of the FT-SX is long and sleek. A dramatic, arching roofline conveys versatility, while a fast angle, "coupe inspired" greenhouse and D-pillar suggest sporty performance. Clean and unadorned, the strength of the modern profile flows from center to rear, tying in wide, sculpted wheel well flares. Strong rocker character lines wrap around the entire car, providing a look of stability. The beltline's unbroken, razor sharp edge carries back to the exhaust.

In the rear, the tail lamps sweep around the beltline to emphasize a wide, stable stance. The FT-SX features a clean and taut surface accented by a full width exhaust in the lower bumper. A smoothly integrated rear wing extends from the belt line continuing the body side motion past the rear glass.

The innovative rear hatch offers three opening options. The upper glass hatch pivots up; the lower hatch pivots down; and the glass roof has two panels which slide towards the center, not only creating a useful loading opening, but also doubling as a rear sunroof. The door handles are subtly integrated into the beltline and open the clamshell doors at the touch of a button. Deep, acrylic lamps house new LED technology to provide a "surface-through" image. Two-piece detailed 21-inch wheels provide a counterpoint to the clean body theme.

The inviting interior was created by Calty designer Alberto Palma and exudes luxury, comfort, utility, and practicality. The fresh look is achieved with natural woods, soft leathers, and durable metals. The interior features a new sense of space defined by a "60/60" feeling for the driver and front passenger. This is achieved by overlapping seat elements that create individual space giving each the impression his space is dominant. A "flying speedboard" gauge cluster surrounds the driver with a sleek, sporty design that (like the exterior) seamlessly flows into the door and around the interior. The armrests are integrated into the seats, eliminating clutter and creating a living-room effect.

The rear cargo area is designed to fit every need, displaying a high level of quality and refinement. A loading tray automatically extends when the lower hatch is opened to assist in loading large and heavy objects.

"The FT-SX is the emotional and powerful result of our exercise in defining a new genre and potential product direction for Toyota," said Hunter. "Its surprising utility, powerful design, innovative features, and luxurious comfort create the passion necessary to fulfill the requirements of its buyers in a fresh new way. In short, the FT-SX is a vehicle that delivers the best of both worlds."

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The top three Japanese carmakers sold a record number of vehicles in the US last year, raising their combined share in the world’s largest auto market to above 30 per cent for the first time.

The Japanese advance in the US was helped by strong performances from Toyota, Honda and Nissan, which made firm gains despite a strengthening of the yen.

Their success in the US market, where both General Motors and Ford suffered sales declines despite hefty price cuts, highlights the inroads Japanese car companies have made recently in the light truck market and the growing strength of Japanese brands.

Toyota, the world’s second largest carmaker, enjoyed a 10 per cent rise in US sales to 2.06 million units, surpassing the 2 million mark for the first time and becoming the first company other than the US Big Three to do so.

Toyota’s Camry sedan was also the top-selling car in the US for the third straight year.

Honda increased sales by 3 per cent to 1.39 million units and Nissan, whose sales had slipped previously, managed to increase sales by 24 per cent to record 985,989 units, according to Autodata, an industry data group.

“Japanese carmakers are offering highly competitive product at reasonable prices,” says Tatsuo Yoshida, analyst at Deutsche Securities in Tokyo. Although the quality gap has narrowed, they are still ahead of US carmakers in terms of durability, quality and reliability, he says.

Both GM, which saw sales fall 1.3 per cent, and Ford, which suffered a 4.5 per cent drop, failed to stem their decline with hefty incentives, which were particularly noteworthy in December. Sales at DaimlerChrysler’s Chrysler division rose 3.3 per cent.

Japan’s leading carmakers are expected to continue expanding their share of the US market, particularly with competitive new product offerings in the light truck sector, which had previously been dominated by the Big Three.

Their share will grow further “if they are allowed to sell freely there,” Yoshida says, referring to the possibility of a political backlash against the growing presence of Japanese cars in the US.

Toyota is aiming for US sales of 2.15 million this year, an increase of 4 per cent, while Honda is targeting a 5 per cent increase to 1.45 million, helped by the launch of a new sport utility truck in March.

Mazda, a smaller Japanese carmaker 33.3 per cent owned by Ford, increased US sales by 1.9 per cent to 263,882 units in 2004.

But not all Japanese carmakers are doing well in the US. Mitsubishi Motors, which is reeling from the impact of a product defect scandal, suffered a 37 per cent drop in US sales to 161,609 units.

Michiyo Nakamoto / Tokyo January 06, 2005