TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today the nationwide launch in Japan of the new model “Mark X ZiO”1 (pronounced “geo”).

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

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

News Source: http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/news/07/0926.html

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the all-new Inspire. The appeal of the new model has been dramatically strengthened with performance and comfort enhancements, yet the price range remains ¥3,300,000 to ¥3,900,000—very close to that of the previous model. The new Inspire will debut on Friday, December 21 at Honda dealers throughout Japan.

In keeping with its status as a luxury sedan, the new, 5th-generation Inspire has inherited the sporty performance and quality feel of its predecessor, adding significant improvements to all essential elements of sedan performance—driving, cornering, and braking. The new Inspire is infused with dynamism and intelligence in all aspects of design, interior space, driving, and functionality.

The V6 3.5-liter i-VTEC engine, available for the first time in Japan, features an advanced Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system that switches between six-, four-, and three-cylinder combustion depending on the driving conditions. This system is combined with numerous improvements to aspiration and combustion efficiency to achieve high output of 206kW (280PS) and high torque of 342N•m (34.9kg•m), and making the new Inspire the only domestic 3.5-liter-class sedan in Japan^*1 to run on regular, unleaded gasoline. Fuel economy is also significantly enhanced.

The new Inspire is equipped with a full range of safety equipment. A driver and front-passenger i-SRS airbag system, front-seat i-side airbag system, and side curtain airbag system are standard equipment on all types, along with Honda’s original Advanced Compatibility Engineering body, which provides a high level of protection to vehicle occupants while also helping to reduce the force of the impact on the other vehicle during a collision. The 35iL also features Honda’s CMBS (Collision Mitigation Brake System) and E-pretensioners as standard equipment. CMBS determines if there is a danger of a rear-end collision and alerts the driver, further functioning to mitigate injuries and vehicle damage in the event of a collision.

In order to deliver the sort of direct handling feel and smooth ride comfort one expects in a luxury sedan, the new Inspire features a newly developed suspension, along with a lightweight, high-rigidity body for a lower center of gravity and reduced inertia. The interior design blends luxury with advanced functionality. A broad range of accessories provide all the amenities needed for a long drive, creating a relaxing, luxurious space that transports the vehicle’s occupants in comfort around town and on the freeway.

News Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2007/4071219All-New-Inspire/

Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premieres of the Mazda Furai concept vehicle and the heavily revised new Mazda RX-8 sports car at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), to be held in Detroit from Sunday, January 13 through Sunday, January 27, 2008. On the heels of its show-stopping debut at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show in October, the Mazda Taiki concept vehicle also will make its North American debut, the first time it has been shown outside Japan. Additionally, Mazda will have a special display of racecars on its stand during the press days, and the full lineup of production cars for consumers to sample on the public days.All attending media are invited to the company’s formal unveiling on the Mazda show stand, scheduled at 13:45 p.m. on Monday, January 14, 2008.

Mazda Furai –‘Sound of the wind’

Inspired by the fact that, on any given weekend, there are more Mazdas and Mazda-powered cars road-raced in the United States than any other brand, the Mazda Furai is the sort of car that could only come from a company that incorporates the “Soul of a Sports Car” into everything it builds, but with an eye toward the future and the environment through the use of ethanol (E100) produced by British Petroleum (BP).

Furai takes Mazda’s unique Nagare (Japanese for “flow”) design language a step further as it is translated into a concept car based on an American Le Mans Series (ALMS) racing car. The car utilizes the Courage C65 chassis the company campaigned in the ALMS series only two seasons ago, and the 450-hp three-rotor rotary engine that distinguishes it from anything else on the track.

Says Franz von Holzhausen, Mazda’s North American director of design, “Furai purposely blurs boundaries that have traditionally distinguished street cars from track cars. Historically, there has been a gap between single-purpose racecars and street-legal models — commonly called supercars — that emulate the real racers on the road. Furai bridges that gap like no car has ever done before.”

Mazda’s critically acclaimed Nagare design language describes the flow of water, air, people or things moving in one direction. Mazda Nagare is flow, with an insightful and spirited styling, which, in Mazda Furai, invokes a raw, unfettered desire to possess everything this car represents.

News Source: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2007/200712/071212.html

Tokyo, October 10, 2007 — Lexus announced today that it plans to display two concept vehicles and six production vehicles at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. The show will be open to the general public from October 27 to November 11 at the International Convention Complex (Makuhari Messe) in Makuhari, Chiba Prefecture.

On the basis of its “pursuit of perfection” philosophy, Lexus strives to provide the highest-quality products and to fill every moment with exhilaration and comfort for its customers through continued, uncompromising efforts in all aspects of development, production and sales. At the Tokyo Motor Show, as a new global premium brand for the 21st century, Lexus plans to exhibit a specialty SUV and a premium two-seater sports car.

Further details of the Lexus display are below.

I. Concept Vehicles
LF-Xh (Global unveiling)
A specialty SUV based on the Lexus design philosophy of L-finesse and equipped with an advanced hybrid system

• The combination of a powerful body and elegant interior gives this next-generation SUV a dynamic look and feel.
• Application of “Lexus Hybrid Drive”, which features a sophisticated fusion of superior environmental and power performance, seeks to achieve outstanding driving performance, quiet operation, high fuel efficiency and low emissions.
• All-wheel drive is backed by a V6 gasoline engine and high-output electric motor hybrid system.

Total length: 4,800mm
Total width: 1,895mm
Total height: 1,650mm
Wheelbase: 2,850mm

LF-A
A premium two-seater sports car that represents the impressive Lexus driving performance

• Manifestation of the Lexus “F” premium sports car concept, which offers new Lexus performance through the combination of enhanced fundamental performance and cutting-edge driving technology, pursues the pinnacle of sports car performance.
• Use of L-finesse design creates an elegant and a solid presence.
• A high-performance V10 engine (up to 5.0 liters) and a body made of light yet sturdy carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) combine to provide unprecedented driving performance.

Total length: 4,460mm
Total width: 1,895mm
Total height: 1,220mm
Wheelbase: 2,605mm

II. Production Vehicles

• LS600hL
• IS F

* Other vehicles displayed will include the LS460 and the GS450h.

News Source: http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/news/07/1010_2.html

S2000 CR and Odyssey racecars on display along with HFP Accord

More than 17 Honda project and concept vehicles are on display at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association’s (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced.

Making its world debut, the Honda Accord Coupe HF-S Concept represents a radical vision for customizing the all-new Accord’s design and performance through stylish and functional modifications. A dual-port exhaust system can provide additional performance when needed while retaining low noise output during relaxed driving. Purely a concept, the Accord HF-S Concept is a creation of Honda Access America, Inc., the U.S. accessory development division.

The 2008 Accord Coupe equipped with dealer-installed Honda Factory Performance™ (HFP™) components melds a distinctive, custom appearance with an enhanced level of handling performance. All of the HFP components except the suspension kit (available Spring 2008) are currently available as dealer-installed accessories. All HFP products carry the same 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty as the rest of the vehicle, when installed at the time of new vehicle purchase, and are engineered to be fully compatible with the vehicle.

“The Accord HF-S Concept provides a glimpse into the future of vehicle customization,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. “The Honda Factory Performance-equipped 2008 Accord Coupe demonstrates the best of what the company offers today.”

In addition to the Accords on display, fifteen more unique vehicles filled out the Honda booth, including the all-new S2000 CR and the recently-introduced Civic Mugen Si Sedan. A specially-prepared S2000 CR has been modified by Team Honda Research to compete in the 2007 National Auto Sport Association’s (NASA) “25 Hours of Thunderhill” endurance race in December. Another racecar, the “One Lap Odyssey” modified by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC made its SEMA debut after winning its class in Car and Driver magazine’s 2007 Cannonball One Lap of America.

News Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2007/4071030SEMA-Show/

DAIHATSU MOTOR CO., LTD. (Daihatsu) announced that it has launched a new light commercial vehicle in Indonesia called the “Gran Max”. The aim is to expand the market while meeting various customer needs, in response to increasing demand in Indonesia for light commercial vehicles.

The “Gran Max” will be produced at P.T. Astra Daihatsu Motor (ADM), which is Daihatsu’s production base in Indonesia, and will be sold through P.T. Astra International (AI).
Light commercial vehicle users will have a choice between two models of the “Gran Max”, the pick up truck and the minibus. The monthly sales target for both models is 2,300 units and the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices range between 67 million and 97 million rupiah (approximately 800,000 to 1.2 million yen).

In conjunction with the increasing demand for light commercial vehicles in Indonesia, Daihatsu plans to install a second production line at ADM to increase annual production capacity (based on no-overtime 2-shift operations) from 150,000 vehicles to 200,000 vehicles level by the end of 2007.

News Source: http://www.daihatsu.com/news/

TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today the nationwide launch in Japan of the “Corolla Rumion”, a new compact hatchback.

Corolla Rumion “S Aero Tourer” (front-wheel drive, with options)

The Corolla Rumion, designed under the theme of “Relax in Style”, maintains the basic performance for which the Corolla name is known, while adopting a new appeal that resonates with drivers who value individuality and youthfulness.

The Corolla Rumion features simple, box-like styling that expresses familiarity and composure while creating a unique presence. A new compact vehicle with a roomy interior that envelops passengers in comfort, the Corolla Rumion offers a relaxing, smooth and pleasant ride to all occupants. Designed for individualized use, it is suitable for a wide variety of lifestyles.

The boxy silhouette formed from vertical and horizontal lines and unique yet simple interior and exterior designs emphasizes individuality. The roomy interior, designed for numerous applications, has a high beltline to create a feeling of being surrounded by comfort. In addition, the 1.5-liter and 1.8-liter engines and rigid body provide outstanding cruising performance and environmental and safety performance at the top levels of its class.

News Source: http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/news/07/1009.html

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces the market launch of the Galant Fortis, a new style sedan, at affiliated dealerships throughout Japan today. Powered by a 2.0-liter engine, two- and four-wheel drive Galant Fortis models carry a price tag ranging from 1,785,000 yen to 2,436,000 yen. (SUPER EXCEED and SUPER EXCEED NAVI PACKAGE trim levels are due to go on sale in late October.) Galant Fortis is the first new sedan introduced by the company in Japan in seven years.

Galant Fortis has been developed to a product concept that called for “a global sporty sedan that delivers high and well-balanced levels of safety, comfort and environmental performance.” Development was aimed to create a new sedan distinguished by: a design that immediately identifies it as a Mitsubishi Motors sedan and gives expression to the feel, the purposefulness and the stable road stance associated with the sedan body style; and by a quality of handling and response and the particular flavor of ride that define the Mitsubishi Motors brand. Principal product features are as follows:

Galant Fortis achieves a global standard in living space with a wider and taller body without any undue stretching of overall length. With its wider track the packaging reconciles the requirements of stable handling and response with its excellent maneuverability that stems from a minimum turning radius of 5.0 m.

News Source: http://media.mitsubishi-motors.com/pressrelease/e/products/detail1665.html

March 25th Happiness, March Plus Safety and March KISEKAE

TOKYO (Nov. 8, 2007) — Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release of three special edition models - March 25th Happiness, March Plus Safety and March KISEKAE - featuring unique specifications to commemorate its 25th anniversary. The three anniversary models went on sale today at Nissan dealers across Japan.

The March 25th Happiness, based on the March 12S and 14S FOUR models, comes in an exclusive Silky Beige body color. Interior-wise, the model features an odor-absorbing headliner, automatic interior lighting system and other additional equipment options, offering customers’ greater value.

Based on the March 25th Happiness (2WD/4WD), 12E and 14E FOUR models, the March Plus Safety is fitted with a host of features for enhanced occupant safety, including SRS side airbags for the driver and front passenger, SRS curtain airbag and Xenon headlamps (low beam with an automatic levelizer).

The March KISEKAE, based on the March 12S and 14S FOUR models, offers a choice of two exclusive seat covers - Bubbly or Striped* - to suit the individual styles of the customer. The model offers exclusive interior trims and pedals to match the seat upholstery. True to its name, the March KISEKAE (meaning “dress up” in Japanese) allows customers to customize the interior such as the seat covers, according to their personal tastes.

News Source: http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2007/_STORY/071108-01-e.html

LOS ANGELES, U.S.A., November 14, 2007–Honda unveiled the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show, announcing plans to begin limited retail marketing of the vehicle in the US, starting summer 2008.

The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle based on the entirely-new Honda V Flow fuel cell platform, and powered by the highly compact, efficient and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack. Featuring tremendous improvements to driving range, power, weight and efficiency - and boasting a low-slung, dynamic and sophisticated appearance, previously unachievable in a fuel cell vehicle - the FCX Clarity marks the significant progress Honda continues to make in advancing the real-world performance and appeal of the hydrogen-powered fuel cell car.

“The FCX Clarity is a shining symbol of the progress we’ve made with fuel cell vehicles and of our belief in the promise of this technology,” said Tetsuo Iwamura, American Honda president and CEO. “Step by step, with continuous effort, commitment and focus, we are working to overcome obstacles to the mass-market potential of zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell automobiles.”

American Honda plans to lease the FCX Clarity to a limited number of retail consumers in Southern California with the first deliveries taking place in summer 2008.

Full details of the lease program will be set closer to launch, but current plans call for a three-year lease term with a price of $600 per month, including maintenance and collision insurance. American Honda is also developing a service infrastructure that provides customers with the best balance of convenience and the highest quality of service. When the FCX Clarity requires periodic maintenance, customers will simply schedule a visit with their local Honda dealer. American Honda will transport the vehicle to their fuel cell service facility, located in the greater Los Angeles area, where all required work will be performed. At the completion of the work, the customer will pick up their car from the dealer.

News Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2007/4071114All-New-FCX/