HIROSHIMA, Japan—To commemorate 20 years of Mazda Roadster (known overseas as the Mazda MX-5) sales, Mazda Motor Corporation has released a special edition version of its lightweight, two-seat, open-top sports car for the Japanese market. The Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary goes on sale today at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships nationwide.

Celebrating its 20th birthday this year, the Mazda Roadster has attracted a wide range of customers since its launch in 1989, and is currently sold in approximately 60 countries. The Roadster was certified as the world’s most produced two-seat, open-top sports cars by Guinness World Records when production reached 800,000 units. Total production of the Mazda Roadster now stands in excess of 860,000 units.

The Roadster 20th Anniversary is based on the Roadster RS soft-top model with a six-speed manual transmission, and the VS Power Retractable Hard Top (RHT) hard-top model with a six-speed automatic transmission. Special equipment includes unique red and black RECARO bucket sport seats, exclusive ‘20th Anniversary’ badges, and clear front fog lights.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (including sales tax) is 2,860,000 yen for the soft-top version and 3,110,000 yen for the RHT model.

Source: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2009/200907/090731a.html

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Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. (DFL), Nissan’s local partner in China, today announced the expansion of the Huadu passenger vehicle plant in Guangzhou City, China, with acquisition of the land for building an additional production line.

The new production line will start operations in 2012 and ultimately will increase annual capacity to 600,000 units from 360,000 units. Through a phased approach, the total investment in this expansion will reach RMB 5 billion (USD $730 million).

“The new production line will help us meet the three objectives of our mid-term business plan,” said Kimiyasu Nakamura, president of DFL. “With this expansion, we will reach a sufficient capacity to achieve our sales target by 2012 with the aim to produce first-class, quality products at the appropriate delivery timing and to accelerate clean production by reducing CO2, SO2 and COD (chemical oxygen demand), hallmarks of a trusted company.”

Sales of Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Co. (Dongfeng Nissan), DFL’s affiliated company overseeing the passenger vehicle business operation, totaled a record 225,073 vehicles for the first half of 2009, an increase of 41.3 percent versus the prior year period.

Source: http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2009/_STORY/090729-02-e.html

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Tokyo - TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces that, to enhance its marketing efforts, it will establish a company that will primarily handle marketing within Japan (hereinafter: “new domestic marketing company”), and a company to carry out and assist global marketing as well as coordinate and assist the marketing activities of TMC affiliates (hereinafter “new marketing assistance and coordination company”). The companies will be established later this year and begin operations on January 1, 2010.

The new domestic marketing company is being established as the matrix for promotional functions within TMC’s Japan Sales Operations Group, while the new marketing assistance and coordination company will be the matrix for providing assistance for the marketing efforts of TMC’s Operation Planning & Support Group, which is tasked with marketing outside Japan. The new marketing assistance and coordination company will handle the marketing coordination and assistance for its 100% subsidiaries, which will include the new domestic marketing company, the advertising agency Delphys Inc., as well as Amlux Toyota Co., Ltd. (which handles the operations of the Mega Web automobile-themed amusement facility in Tokyo and others) and Toyota Automall Development Corporation (which handles planning and operations of shopping centers and auto malls).

The new companies are being created by TMC as two separate entities so that tasks can become more specialized and functions enhanced, and so that genchi genbutsu marketing activities can be advanced, with a focus on customer-centered activities. In addition, the aim is to carry out marketing activities that also bear in mind ways to contribute to TMC’s product development and sales innovation by promptly and accurately gauging the needs of customers and then providing prompt feedback to TMC.

Source: http://www2.toyota.co.jp/en/news/09/07/0728_3.html

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Tokyo, July 28, 2009 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today announced global production, as well as domestic sales and export figures for June 2009 and for the first six months of calendar 2009.

June 2009

• Production: total and in Japan
  Total global production for June came in at 57,791 units, a decline of 47.8 percent over June 2008 and the eleventh consecutive monthly decrease since August 2008. Production volume in Japan at 32,904 units was down 54.9 percent as a 60.6 percent decrease in passenger car (25,813 units) and a 3.7 percent fall in commercial vehicle (7,091 units) output saw year-on-year output fall for the eighth consecutive month.
• Sales in Japan
  Vehicle sales in Japan in June totaled 13,321 units, a 15.2 percent year-on-year decrease and the 22nd consecutive monthly decline since September 2007. Sales of passenger cars at 9,378 units were 23.9 percent down while sales of commercial vehicles at 3,943 units were 14.7 percent down. Registered vehicle sales volume at 4,700 units was 7.4 percent down on the same month last year, despite 33.4 percent and 44.4 percent increases respectively in year-on-year sales of the Colt and Colt Plus models. Minicar sales volume at 8,621 units was 18.9 percent down.
• Production overseas
  Overseas production volume totaled 24,887 units, 34.3 percent down over June last year and the sixteenth consecutive monthly decline. By region, output in North America was 74.3 percent down as vehicles started to roll off the line again after a three month halt in production. In Europe, output was just 0.8 percent down helped by firm sales of the Colt in Germany. In Asia, output was 36.7 percent down as a 10.1 percent increase at China Motor Corp and 148.1 percent increase at South East (Fujian) Motor in China failed to counterbalance major declines in Indonesia and Thailand.
• Export shipments from Japan
  Total exports from Japan of 14,584 units were 75.1 percent down on June 2008, marking the eighth consecutive month of year-on-year decreases. Exports to Asia at 2,558 units were 44.1 percent down as sales in Singapore, Malaysia and China continued at a slow pitch. Exports to Europe at 1,486 units were 94.4 percent down due mainly to slow sales in Russia. Exports to North America at 2,778 units were 35.0 percent down, although they included a 45.0 percent increase to Canada on the back of firm sales of the Outlander.

January - June

• Production: total and in Japan
  In the first six months of calendar 2009 total global production fell 55.8 percent below the same period in 2008, the second consecutive year-on-year decline. Production volume in Japan for this period came in at 64.2 percent under that for the previous year, the first decrease for the period in four years, with a 68.0 percent decrease in passenger car and a 28.3 percent decrease in commercial vehicle output.
• Sales in Japan
  Total vehicle sales on the Japanese market for the first six months of calendar 2009 at 77,342 units were 27.9 percent down to register the third consecutive year-on-year decrease. Sales of passenger cars at 57,409units were 29.4 percent and of commercial vehicles at 19,933 units were 23.0 percent down respectively. Total registered vehicle sales volume was 35.5 percent down at 25,403 units. Minicar volume declined by 23.4 percent percent, although sales of the Pajero Mini remained at virtually the same level as the same period last year.
• Production overseas
  Overseas production for the first six months of calendar 2009 at 144,884 units fell 40.2 percent over the pervious year, the sixth successive decline since 2004. Output in North America was 84.3 percent down at 5,064 units, affected by slow sales and a three month halt in production. In Europe output came in 18.1 percent down at 24,806 units after reduced production levels for January through March, though April through June saw a year-on-year increase. Output in Asia was 35.4 percent down at 100,207 units as low levels of production in Indonesia, Thailand and at China Motor Corp in China more than countered a 66.0 percent increase at South East Motor in China.
• Export shipments from Japan
  Exports from Japan for the first six months of calendar 2009 at 79,228 units registered a 76.4 percent decline over the same period last year, the first decrease since calendar 2005. Export shipments of passenger cars at 77,295 units and of commercial vehicles at 1,933 units fell 76.4 percent and 73.3 percent respectively. Total export shipments to Asia at 10,291 units were 58.9 percent down. Exports to North America at 12,211 units were 65.3 percent down. Shipments to Europe at 19,846 units fell 87.2 percent as sales in Russia and The Ukraine plummeted.

Source: http://media.mitsubishi-motors.com/pressrelease/e/corporate/detail1956.html

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Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the development of two advanced technologies designed to help drivers make smooth turns by synchronizing the vehicle’s navigation, engine, braking and steering systems. By linking the existing Distance Control Assist System to navigation map data, the Navigation-Cooperative Intelligent Pedal can help the driver decelerate or brake as the car enters a curve based on real-time navigation information. Active Stability Assist helps control vehicle yaw moment, deceleration and braking on curves depending on driver demand. Both are designed to make driving more comfortable.

Distance Control Assist/Navigation-Cooperative Intelligent Pedal
The new Distance Control Assist system combines the distance control feature first introduced on the Nissan Fuga in December 2007 with the car’s navigation system. Based on map information indicating a curve ahead, the system moves the accelerator pedal upward to assist the driver to release the accelerator pedal. Once the foot is lifted off the pedal, the system smoothly reduces vehicle speed by activating the brakes. This is the world’s first driving assist system focused on reducing the driver’s workload on curvy roads by integrating navigation, accelerator pedal, powertrain and brakes.

Source: http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2009/_STORY/090724-01-e.html

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Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda. (HAB), Honda’s automobile production and sales subsidiary in Brazil, began sales of the City FFV (Fuel Flexible Vehicle) in Brazil. The production of the model is underway at HAB’s plant. The company is planning to begin export of this model to Mexico and other countries of South America starting from September 2009.

City became the third model produced by HAB locally in Brazil following Civic and Fit whose production began in 1997 and 2003, respectively. The price of the City FFV starts from R$56,210 (approximately 2.75 million yen at an exchange rate of R$1=49 yen), and the company plans to sell 17,000 units in 2009.

The City FFV was developed based on the third-generation City, which is currently being sold in Thailand and other countries, adapting some specifications to accommodate specific needs in the Brazilian market. The design of the City is based on the total pursuit of a vehicle with road presence within a compact, yet dynamic form. In addition, class-leading* interior space was achieved to create a cabin that surrounds the occupants with an open and secure feeling. The City is equipped with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, which is further advanced in every direction including engine output, fuel economy and environmental performance. Furthermore, with its advanced safety and environmental performance, the City offers values in every area at a high level, setting a new benchmark in the subcompact sedan category.

Honda City was first introduced in Thailand in 1996. Cumulative sales of the City now exceed 1.2 million units in over 45 countries around the world.

Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2009/c090724City-in-Brazil/

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Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the development of a new “Forest AC” air conditioning system, which systematically controls cabin temperature, ventilation, aroma and humidity to create an optimal interior environment. Utilizing a number of advanced technologies, the system is designed to recreate the refreshing climate, fragrance and natural breezes of relaxing forest settings. It was developed based on the results of a joint research study with the Tokyo University of Science on the effects of aroma on human mental activity.

Along with the air-cleaning and temperature control effect of conventional car air conditioners, the new Forest AC system offers additional control of air flow, humidity, aroma and other ambient factors that can influence the physiological state and senses of the driver and passengers. This is the first automotive system in the world created to make driving more comfortable based on studies of drivers’ mental activity.
This system is scheduled for use on the new Fuga which will be released later in Nissan’s current fiscal year.

Breezy Air
Another unique feature of the Forest AC is its creation of gentle, fluctuating “natural breezes” by randomly changing the volume of air flowing through the upper and front vent outlets for greater occupant comfort. The system senses sunlight and outside temperatures and controls the ventilation patterns accordingly, supplying just the right amounts of air so, for example, occupants on both the sunny and shady sides of the vehicle feel comfortable.

In developing the system, the first such design for a passenger vehicle, Nissan employed an original body-temperature model that determines skin temperature by simulating heat conduction and the human body temperature mechanism.

Aroma
Taking a hint from the pleasant effect of forest air on people, Nissan studied the effects of aromas on human mental activity. The resulting Forest AC system intermittently and alternately furnishes two unique aromas, borneol*1 and leaf alcohol*2, to alleviate boredom and stimulate the driver’s brain. Borneol combines a compound made from fragrant Kapur wood, lavender and other essential oils to promote calm and focus, while leaf alcohol is found in most plants and is thought to have a calming effect and reduce fatigue. The system utilizes a special interchangeable aroma cartridge (with a one-year life) to produce the forest effect.

Source: http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2009/_STORY/090723-01-e.html

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There are many auto auction sites in Japan. Some are bigger than others. They are classified into four types:

Independent Company Auctions Many and are generally on the smaller side. Might show between a couple of hundred and over 10,000 cars a month. Examples would be NDAA, SAA (Sapporo AA), and the larger Zip. Either they auction everything, or what they specialize.

For example, Zip sells a lot of imported cars (non-JDM) and TUS specializes in motorcycles. Manufacture / Dealer / Rental Auctions Set up by major dealers and / or manufactures to sell off used cars from different places.

For example, Toyota dealers can sell off trade-in cars at a TAA auction site. Rental companies, such as ORIX, will have auctions to sell off their old vehicles. Other examples would be SUAA (Subaru), SAA (Suzuki AA), HAA (Honda AA), and NAA (Nissan). Auction Groups.

Control large shares of the market. Organized as either as a union of independent auction, a single company, or subsidiaries under one company. The main AA groups are: JU Group USS Group ARAI (also called AAA - Arai Auto Auction) Group.

Online / Satellite Auctions Operate solely, or at least mainly, by Internet or TV Satellite. Some have their own stock and some auction on the behalf of other auction companies. Examples are AUCNET, ASNET, GAOI and HERO (also called Hiro).

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Tokyo - TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced it will produce from mid-2010 a hybrid version of the “Auris” hatchback at Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. (TMUK). The hybrid Auris, using engines produced at TMUK’s Deeside Plant, will be produced at TMUK’s Burnaston Plant.

The decision to build the hybrid Auris at TMUK represents the first materialization of TMC’s plan to further its business operations in Europe and distinguish itself in that market through the strengths of its hybrid technology. It also reflects TMC’s having positioned “product-focused management” and “management that places priority on meeting the needs of regional markets” as pivotal management themes to address the extreme hardships the global automobile industry has been facing in the current economic environment.

More than 370,000 units of the non-hybrid Auris-which is produced at TMUK and at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey Inc. in Turkey-have been sold in Europe since the model’s introduction in the spring of 2007.

Based on the philosophy it has had since its birth to “contribute to society through the manufacture of automobiles”, TMC, by carefully studying market needs by region, intends to consistently offer products that fully address peoples’ needs.

Source: http://www2.toyota.co.jp/en/news/09/07/0717.html

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A taxi prefecture recently introduced an electric-powered vehicle to its fleet. Kashiwazaki Taxi Co., based in Kashiwazaki, is the first taxi company in Japan to operate a battery-powered vehicle, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

After a ceremony to inaugurate the new service the white-colored taxi _ _ an “i_ MiEV” vehicle developed by Mitsubishi and displaying the words “EVTAXI”_ _ was put through its paces. The fare starts at 660 yen for the initial 1.5 kilometers - the same as for a conventional small-sized taxi. The EV Taxi is capable of traveling a distance of about 160 km on a full charge.

Kashiwazaki Taxi said that in early August it plans to install a battery charger that can charge the vehicle’s battery more quickly than a conventional power point. Kazuhiko Yoshida, president of Kahiwazaki Taxi, said he hopes the launch of the environmentally-friendly vehicle will draw citizens’ attention to the issue of global warming. Fuji-Taxi Co. in Matsuyama, Ehime prefecture, is also planning to introduce an electric-powered taxi.

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