Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the sales launch of the new Tiida 5-door hatchback and Tiida Latio 4-door sedan at dealers across Japan.Since their debut in 2004, the Tiida and Tiida Latio have exceeded customer expectations for compact vehicles – offering a premium-quality, roomy interior and outstanding fuel economy and performance. For 2008, both vehicles have been enhanced inside and out. Key changes include new exterior and interior designs, retuned electric power steering, powertrain enhancements and a new “Plus navi HDD” package, among other improvements.

Modern and Dynamic Exterior Styling
Both Tiida and Tiida Latio feature all-new front-end designs, with new grilles, front bumpers and headlights, which impart a feeling of dynamic modern performance. Tiida also features new taillights and a rear bumper for a more substantial look, and all Tiidas and Tiida Latios feature new wheel cover designs.

Eight exterior colors are available on Tiida, including titanium metallic Silky Beige, metallic Brilliant Silver, metallic Champagne Gold, and pearl metallic Pacific Blue. Tiida Latio offers seven color choices, including titanium metallic Silky Beige and metallic Brilliant Silver.

Revised, Roomy, Sporty Interior
The interiors of both the Tiida and Tiida Latio have been redesigned for a new, modern look, as well as increased usability and visibility. The new instrument cluster design features new illumination colors – changed to an orange hue – and a fuel consumption display function. New metallic-finish “dashboard paneling” is available on Tiida models.

The modern look continues with a revised center stack with redesigned automatic air-conditioner controls and new illumination scheme, as well as new silver finishers (available on 18G, 15G, 15M and 15M FOUR models). Additionally, seat fabrics have been changed on 18G and 15G models, while new seat fabric patterns and stitching colors are available on 15M and 15M FOUR. Stitching color changes also apply to Tiida 18G, 15G, 15M and 15M FOUR models and Tiida Latio 18G and 15G models with a black interior.

News Source: http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2008/_STORY/080128-01-e.html

January 23, 2008–Honda has released first glimpses of the new European Accord which debuts at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.

The new Accord boasts quality features to challenge established premium contenders in the executive D-segment. Sporty styling and enticing driving dynamics are offered while strong environmental credentials impress in an all Euro 5 emissions-compliant engine line up.

The refined interior is designed with carefully selected materials to create an outstanding standard of fit and finish. To complement the exceptional level of travelling comfort the interior is characterised by a strong feeling of personal space for both the driver and passengers.

Technical details are still under wraps but the new Accord has a unique package of passive and active safety features to deliver even greater confidence.

The new Accord and Accord Tourer models will be unveiled on Honda’s stand at 08:30 on 4 March, 2008, at the Geneva Motor Show.

Sales of the models will commence in early summer.

New Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2008/4080123all-new-Accord-for-Europe/

Mazda Motor Corporation has released updated versions of the Mazda Axela sports compact in Japan. Known as the Mazda3 in overseas markets, the Mazda Axela has earned high praise both in Japan and abroad. All models in the range – including the four-door Axela, five-door Axela Sport and Mazdaspeed Axela – feature fresh improvements and are available from today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships nationwide. Two new special edition versions of the Axela Sport, the 23HS and 20HS, which come outfitted with equipment to enhance their sporty pedigree, also go on sale from today.

Exterior design modifications such as chrome door handles and expanded use of black molding on the rear bumper enlivens the Axela’s appearance.^*1 Interior quality has also been enhanced with the addition of piano black parts^*2 on the center panel, power window switch bezels and other areas, and chrome parts for some levers and buttons. Reduced cabin noise and higher comfort levels have been achieved through the increased use of sound absorbent materials.

The Axela 20E model grade is a new addition to the range. It offers enhanced quality and comfort thanks to exclusive sand-beige combination Alcantara^®*3 seat covers with genuine leather trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, blackout meters and other sporty, well-crafted extras as standard equipment.

The special editions Axela Sport 23HS and 20HS come with a full complement of sports equipment including 17-inch reflective aluminum wheels, exclusive aluminum pedals, a floating rear roof spoiler and a BOSE^® sound system.^*4 These models also come with black Alcantara^® and genuine leather combination seat covers and Alcantara^® door trim.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices vary from 1,510,750 to 2,070,000 yen for the Axela and from 1,510,750 to 2,410,000 for the Axela Sport (each price includes consumption tax).

Mazda Axela Sport 23S
(FWD model with MZR 2.3-liter engine and five-speed automatic transmission)

Main features of the refined Mazda Axela
Exterior

Interior

The following equipment now comes as standard:

News Source: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2008/200801/080122.html

DETROIT, U.S.A., January 13, 2008–The Honda CR-Z, a lightweight sports hybrid concept vehicle, and the FCX Clarity, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle set to begin limited retail marketing in summer 2008, are bringing some of the most advanced environmental technologies from Honda to the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

CR-Z
Making its North American debut, the CR-Z is a next-generation lightweight sports car concept equipped with Honda’s original gas-electric hybrid system that achieves both clean performance and a high level of torque. The CR-Z stands for “Compact Renaissance Zero” - an expression intended to capture the idea of a renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals. The design research model of a lightweight hybrid sports car features advanced technologies that deliver elevated driving performance while reducing the vehicle’s environmental footprint.

Designed to be futuristic and dynamic, the CR-Z combines powerful performance in a compact form with a futuristic image. For its frontal view, an over-sized grill with a high-performance look is offset by openings on each side that lighten the overall feel. In the rear, tube-shaped rear combination lamps create a powerful presence.

Design details emphasizing the CR-Z’s advanced image include door mirrors that provide high visibility in a stylish form, LED headlights that convey a sharp impression, and jaunty fin-shaped sub-lights. Large 19-inch wheels suggest dynamic driving performance.

The key words for the CR-Z’s interior design are “Hi-tech and Sporty.” The goal was to create an all-new sporty interior that fuses the liberating feel of airy spaciousness with an advanced interface that brings out the fun of driving. Mesh material on a simple framework construction is used throughout the interior to convey a light, sophisticated image. In the cockpit, the meter unit conveys the image of advanced technology ensconced in a piece of glass artwork, offering quick recognition and a futuristic and exhilarating appearance. The CR-Z concept vehicle made its world debut at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in November and indicates the styling direction for a second, new hybrid vehicle to be introduced by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. The other future hybrid vehicle, designed to meet the needs of a family and priced below the Civic Hybrid, is planned for introduction in 2009.

News Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2008/4080113Next-Generation-Green-Cars/

Sirion

DAIHATSU MOTOR CO., LTD. (Daihatsu) announced today that it has launched the redesigned compact car Sirion at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2007. The Motor Show will be open to the general public from 15 to 23 September, with press days on 11 and 12 September.

Based on the concept of a “Multiple Purpose Compact,” Daihatsu commenced exports of the Sirion (Japanese name:Boon), mainly to Europe, in November 2004. The high degree of functionality as evidenced by the roomy interior and a refined exterior design, high fuel efficiency, and other outstanding features, has led to the vehicle being very well received.

Daihatsu anticipated rapidly-changing market needs and redesigned the Sirion to enhance basic performance, update the interior and exterior styling, and improve features to provide an even greater sense of quality. In addition, a new sports model with a 1.5-liter engine has been added to the lineup to increase sales among young drivers who place an emphasis on superior driving performance.

Beginning in the autumn of 2007, the new Sirion will be launched successively in several countries, focusing on Europe. The global sales target (excluding Japan) is 3,000 units/month. At the same time, Daihatsu will also begin supplying the new Sirion to FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD. on an OEM basis.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, among other vehicles Daihatsu will also display the OFC-1, an embodiment of the future image of the open sports car, and the HSC, a next-generation compact car that is environmentally- and people-friendly. This is the first time these concept cars will be on public display anywhere in the world.

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

CERRITOS, Calif. - Two exciting and aggressive Isuzu Pickup project vehicles, both developed by Street Scene Equipment of Costa Mesa, California, will be displayed at this week’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

The project vehicles–a 2007 i-290 Extended Cab Sport Truck and a 2007 i-370 4×4 Crew Cab Off-Road Truck–are designed to show consumers how they can customize an Isuzu Pickup with readily available aftermarket equipment.

“These trucks may look like concept vehicles,” said Rick Stipa, executive manager, accessory and product planning for Isuzu Motors America, Inc. “But any customer, with a little bit of effort and imagination, can own a new Isuzu truck virtually identical to either of these showstoppers.”

Isuzu i-290 Sport Truck

It began as a stock Pacific Blue 2007 Isuzu i-290 4×2 Extended Cab. But the i-290 Sport Truck–now featuring bright gold stripes from Ape Graphics and a Snugtop tonneau cover–is anything but ordinary. A Ground Force lowering kit drops the vehicle two to three inches for an aggressive stance, while wide 255/45R20 Toyo Proxes S/T tires on 20-inch American Racing wheels provide a street-ready look while enhancing grip and overall performance on-road.

On the outside, Street Scene Equipment contributed Cal-Vu signal mirrors, front bumper cover, wiper cowl, roll pan and side skirts, all painted body color by L&G Enterprises. Street Scene upper and lower chrome Speed Grille inserts, custom hidden hitch and valance driving lights complete the look.

Underneath and inside, the i-290 Sport Truck offers up a Kinetik battery supplied by Stir Marketing, a Gibson exhaust system, and black leather seats with body-color-keyed Pacific Blue inserts from Roadwire and Classic Soft Trim.

The whole package, according to Mike Spagnola, president of Street Scene Equipment, is expected to appeal to young males up to 30 years of age–and the young at heart.

This vehicle embodies street-truck performance for those that like to be seen cruising in style. Both looks and handling are improved on the asphalt where this concept is most likely to be found.

Isuzu i-370 Off-Road Truck

While the i-290 Sport Truck represents one approach to affordable, available personalization for Isuzu Pickup buyers, the i-370 Off-Road Truck demonstrates that customization can go in a completely different direction.

Beginning with a stock Pacific Blue 2007 Isuzu i-370 4×4 Crew Cab, the Street Scene team raised the truck with a four-inch lift kit from Skyjacker, then added 35-inch BFGoodrich tires outfitted with American Racing wheels that are slick, literally–because they are Teflon coated, the better to wash off the muck from an excursion on a muddy trail.

The Street Scene-supplied signal mirrors, front bumper cover, wiper cowl and roll pan were painted body color by L&G Enterprises. The hyper-aggressive look is enhanced with Street Scene’s Speed Grille inserts, custom hidden hitch, flip-up license plate kit and 6.5-inch driving lights; nerf bars and Dakar light bar from Rampage; custom gold stripes from Ape Graphics; and bedliner and tailgate extender from Isuzu Motors America. Like the i-290, the i-370 Off-Road Truck features a Kinetik battery, Gibson exhaust, and leather seats from Roadwire and Classic Soft Trim.

News Source: http://www.isuzu.com/company-articles/two-isuzu-project-pickups-to-be-displayed-at-SEMA.jsp;jsessionid=9FC64B135D8B5A1F2E449DD567880887.tomcat2

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. (MMNA, based in Cypress California) will give the MITSUBISHI Concept-RA^*1 its global premiere at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (the Detroit Motor Show). MITSUBISHI Concept-RA is a sport coupe concept that fuses a passion for dynamic, exciting driving with a heightened sensitivity for the environment thanks to a clean, efficient drivetrain. The concept is powered by a new high-output, high-efficiency clean diesel engine and Twin Clutch SST^*2 automated manual transmission, driving Mitsubishi Motors’ advanced S-AWC^*3 vehicle dynamics control system. The 2008 NAIAS runs from January 13 to 27 at the Cobo Center in Detroit and opens to the general public on January 19.

Also on the MMC stand at the Detroit Motor Show will be two new additions to the Lancer^*4 series. The 2.0-liter Lancer sedan is joined by a new a 2.4-liter DOHC MIVEC^*5 engine variant and, in the summer, will also be joined by the Lancer Ralliart model. The Ralliart will be powered by a new 4-cylinder 2.0-liter MIVEC turbocharged engine that develops maximum output 177 kW (240 PS) and 343 Nm (35kg-m).

MMC will also be showing its new-generation high-performance 4WD sedan Lancer Evolution^*6 (unveiled in fall 2007) that gives drivers of all abilities access to Mitsubishi’s dynamic driving experience by underpinning exhilarating road performance with intuitive control, security and safety. The MMC stand will also feature a chassis model of Mitsubishi Motors’ S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system while visitors may physically experience the benefits conferred by this advanced system in the “S-AWC Theater” simulation booth. Exhibits underlining Mitsubishi Motors’ commitment to environmental responsibility and used in the MITSUBISHI Concept-RA include: a fuel-efficient next-generation clean diesel engine developed to U.S. emissions standards (Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations); the Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission, which realizes superb levels of power transmission efficiency; and a selection of interior trim materials using Mitsubishi’s own Green Plastic plant-based resins.

A prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot is being unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced.

The prototype conveys design features of the more boldly-styled 2009 Pilot, set to debut in spring 2008, which emphasizes authentic SUV styling, clever and more accommodating interior packaging and advanced technologies for safety, fuel efficiency and convenience.

“The Pilot’s pioneering formula improves for 2009 by enhancing its combination of refinement and efficiency with even more traditional SUV strengths,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. “A powerful exterior design communicates strength and allows for more space inside.”

Functional eight-passenger seating, a hallmark of the Pilot, becomes even easier to access in the third row as key dimensions for legroom, cargo and occupant space increase in all seating positions. A redesigned platform allows even more refined handling and ride comfort to exist seamlessly with all-weather and medium-duty off-road capabilities.

To further enhance safety, the Pilot will feature the Honda-exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE®) body structure and the most extensive use of high-strength steel in any Honda product to date.

The ACE body structure enhances frontal collision compatibility with vehicles of different sizes and bumper heights. A pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle is designed to help absorb energy in the event of a collision.

A crossover SUV platform underpins the Pilot to provide the best of the car and truck worlds by integrating the refined traits and packaging advantages of a unit body car design with the utility and capability of an SUV design. A V-6 engine introduces the latest generation of Honda fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology that operates in 6-cylinder mode for power and 4- and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency, an improvement compared to the existing Pilot’s available VCM system that works exclusively in 6- and 3-cylinder modes.

News Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2008/4080113Next-Generation-Honda-Pilot/

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the debut of its new generation of Subaru Forester in Japan. The new Forester went on sale nationwide through Subaru dealerships today.The third-generation Forester is a new-generation crossover SUV from Subaru, a car that meets the demands and needs of everyday driving. It has been designed around the concept of Best Package for Active Life, which blends high levels of comfort, performance, versatility, and safety to create the best and most versatile vehicle for drivers and their families to enjoy an active lifestyle.

Since its launch in February 1997 the Forester has earned accolades in Japan and overseas as a crossover SUV that combines passenger car comfort, handling and convenience with the high seating points and rugged off-road capability of an SUV.

FHI offers three new Forester models:

• 2.0X is the basic line with selected standard equipment, priced in a more affordable range, and offering outstanding fuel economy
• 2.0XS features convenience and versatility with expanded standard equipment and offers superb fuel economy
  Moreover, the adoption of the OHC mechanism and the correction of cooling balance achieved the minimization of the cylinder deformation, which results in less oil consumption as well as higher combustion efficiency, thereby improving fuel economy.
• 2.0XT is a premium model, delivering powerful driving performance while addressing
  environmental concerns

News Source: http://www.fhi.co.jp/english/news/press/2007/07_12_25e.html

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that the new Note compact car will go on sale at dealers throughout Japan beginning on January 16. Since the original Note’s debut in January 2005, it has garnered customer accolades for its quick acceleration, quiet and comfortable driving manner, comfortable roomy interior and convenient double-decker multi-configurable trunk.

The new 2008 Note features revised exterior styling, enhanced interior appearance and convenience, as well as improvements to the HR15DE engine and XTRONIC CVT, complying with Japan’s new JC08 fuel economy and exhaust emission test mode*1. Additionally, the Note lineup has been revised, with a special new “Plus navi HDD” upgrade to some models.

New Note Models and Technology
Note’s strong model lineup includes a value-leading 15RS model, newly added to strengthen the Sporty grade. Additionally 15G, 15G FOUR, 15X and 15X FOUR models are available in a “Plus navi HDD” version, which includes an exclusive HDD-based navigation system with a high-speed, large-capacity 30-gigabyte hard disk drive, wide 7-inch liquid crystal monitor, touch panel, TV, VICS FM multiplex receiver, Music Stocker, iPod® Control*, CD player and electronically tuned AM/FM radio; green-tinted UV-blocking windshield glass with a top shade; and two rear speakers.

Refreshed Exterior Styling
The 2008 Note features a new front end design, with new headlights, hood, grille and bumper. Additional front end enhancements include a choice of grille finish on the G and X Series Notes – either a body-color or gunmetal metallic finish – or a “smoky chrome” - plated grille on the Sporty Series Note.

Ten exterior colors are available on the 2008 Note, including three new colors – a special Titanium Pearl Metallic Blue Turquoise, Titanium Metallic Frosty Green and Pearl Metallic Amethyst Gray.

News Source: http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2008/_STORY/080109-01-e.html