Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and the government of Kanagawa Prefecture today announced they have agreed to conduct a feasibility study of a full-scale electric vehicle project in Kanagawa starting in 2010. The joint-study will explore various opportunities including establishment of a local electricity-charging network and offer appropriate incentives.

‘‘In April, Kanagawa Prefecture had announced the EV Initiative Kanagawa, an incentive scheme to include subsidies and tax exemptions to promote electric vehicles. By 2014, we hope to achieve 3,000 units of electric vehicles in Kanagawa. The scheme is supported by the industrial and academic sectors. The joint-study with Nissan will accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles among consumers. We intend to achieve a sustainable mobility solution with the “Kanagawa Model”, which can be replicated at the national and global levels,” commented Shigefumi Matsuzawa, the governor of Kanagawa Prefecture.

“At Nissan, we firmly believe that electric vehicles represent a viable and attractive solution for sustainable mobility. In collaboration with the government of Kanagawa Prefecture, we hope to clearly position the electric vehicle as a zero emission, affordable car with no impact on the environment,” said Carlos Tavares, executive vice president of Nissan. “By creating the favorable conditions, customers can then make a smart and environmentally-friendly choice with an electric vehicle.”

Under its GT 2012 mid-term business plan, Nissan has commited to introduce a pure electric vehicle in the U.S. and Japan in 2010 and then to mass-market electric vehicles to consumers globally in 2012.

Source: http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2008/_STORY/080519-02-e.html

Cumulative worldwide production of Honda Cub series motorcycles^*1 reached the 60 million-unit milestone at the end of April 2008. Honda Super Cub C100, first introduced in Japan in 1958, has gained worldwide acceptance both as a business-use motorcycle and for daily transportation, and has been being enjoyed by customers in more than 160 countries around the world. This August will mark the 50th anniversary of launching of Honda Cub series.

Super Cub C100
(The first generation model in Japan 1958)

Super Cub 50 Standard (Japan 2007)

Wave 125i (Thailand 2006)

When Super Cub was originally launched, the 2-stroke engine was the mainstream power plant for motorcycles. However, the first generation Honda Super Cub C100 was equipped with an innovative and high-performance 50cc 4-stroke engine which was highly economical and durable. Super Cub C100 also achieved creative and unique designs including the low-floor backbone frame which enhanced the ease of getting on and off, a centrifugal clutch system which required no clutch operations, and the installation of a large plastic leg shield which reduced the amount of dirt splatter and wind experienced by the rider. Since the introduction of the first generation model, the basic design and concept have remained virtually unchanged, and the unique style has been passed on even to current models.

In regions outside of Japan, such as Asia, the Honda Cub series has evolved to accommodate the unique culture and diversifying customer needs in each country. In Japan, an electronically-controlled fuel injection system, Honda’s PGM-FI^*2, was installed on Super Cub in 2007, enhancing the environmental performance of the model. Demonstrated by these examples, Honda Cub has been continuously advancing throughout the world.

Exports of Super Cub began in 1959 with the first destination being the U.S., and production in regions outside of Japan began in 1961 in Taiwan, with production based on component parts sets. Since that time, based on Honda’s long-standing commitment to “build products close to the customer,” local production began in many other countries. The Honda Cub series is currently being produced in 15 countries around the world.

Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2008/c080521Cub-Series/

Tokyo — TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced that it officially kicked off its sustainable plant activities today with Japan’s largest-ever* tree-planting event. Volunteers—made up of general members of the local community, Toyota City officials, TMC executives, including President Katsuaki Watanabe, and TMC employees and their family members—gathered at TMC’s Tsutsumi Plant to give root to approximately 50,000 trees at and around the vehicle production facility.

The event was designed to create a multi-layered natural environment using trees native to the area. Based on a survey of the local natural greenery, 55 types of trees, including “sudajii” (a type of Japanese beech tree) and “arakashi” (a type of Japanese oak), were planted to create a production site that could serve as a lush and diverse habitat for various living creatures. In addition to planting trees, TMC is applying its biotechnology and afforestation know-how through activities such as greening Tsutsumi Plant rooftops with NOx-absorbing vegetation.

Sustainable plant activities at Tsutsumi are not limited to planting trees and other types of greenery—in March, the plant installed a photovoltaic power generation system to reduce its CO2 emissions. The system, which uses natural energy, has a rated output of 2,000kW, making it one of the largest photovoltaic power generation systems in use among automobile plants worldwide*. This, together with the active introduction of cogeneration power systems and other energy conservation efforts made so far, is expected to result in annual CO2 emissions 55% less than in the 1990 business year. This is equivalent to the amount of CO2 that can be absorbed annually by a 5,040-hectare tropical rain forest. Additionally, the electricity generated is to not only be used within the plant, but also for lighting surrounding sidewalks.

TMC began its sustainable plant activities—which emphasize the role of nature in creating production sites that are in harmony with their natural surroundings—in Japan in July last year. The activities are being carried out based on the following three objectives: 1) achieving groundbreaking environmental performance by introducing innovative technology and kaizen (improvement) activities, 2) reducing CO2 by using renewable energy, including biomass and natural energy sources, such as solar power and wind power and 3) contributing to the local community and conserving the environment by planting trees at and around plants. Toyota intends to promote such activities at other vehicle and component plants, both in Japan and overseas.

TMC believes that the successful implementation of its sustainable plant activities depends on how well it can cultivate “eco-thinking” among its employees and on how well its plants can coexist with their surrounding communities. At Tsutsumi Plant, an “eco-point program” allows employees to earn rewards by voluntarily planning and holding environment-related events or by taking it upon themselves to come up with and adopt eco-minded practices. At the same time, with a desire to create production facilities that will be embraced by their surrounding communities, TMC intends to continue promoting activities that reflect the opinions of local citizens and that can be carried out jointly with them.

Source: http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/news/08/0518.html

Technorati tags:
Toyota, Japanese+Motors

Tokyo — TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today that worldwide cumulative sales of the Toyota Prius—the world’s first mass-produced gasoline/electric hybrid vehicle—have passed the 1 million mark, with approximately 1,028,000 units sold as of the end of April this year*¹. Currently, Prius sales are robust in more than 40 countries and regions, particularly in Japan and North America.

Based on sales figures collected up to April 30, 2008, TMC believes that Prius vehicles worldwide have contributed to a reduction in CO2 emissions (considered a cause of global warming) by producing approximately 4.5 million tons*² less CO2 when compared with gasoline-powered vehicles in the same class and of similar size and driving performance.

The Prius was launched in Japan in 1997 and began selling in Europe, North America and other markets in 2000. In 2005, Toyota began first overseas production of the Prius in Changchun, China, and sales of Prius vehicles in South Korea are expected to begin in the latter half of 2009.

In 2003, the second-generation Prius, equipped with the Toyota Hybrid System II, was introduced with improved environmental performance and power. In August 2007, Prius G, S and S “Standard Package” Japan models achieved a fuel efficiency of 29.6km/l in the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s newly introduced JC08 test cycle. (The Prius S and S “Standard Package” models achieved 35.5km/l in the older 10-15 test cycle.) The Prius is also one of the first vehicles to meet the new 2015 Japanese fuel efficiency standards set out under the Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy.

As part of its high-priority environment-management policies, Toyota has made a concerted effort to promote and popularize hybrid technology, chiefly through the Prius. And as hybrid technology can be applied to a wide range of vehicles, Toyota aims to sell 1 million or more hybrid vehicles annually as early as possible in the 2010s.

Source: http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/news/08/0515.html

Technorati tags:
Toyota, Japanese+Vehicles

Tokyo — TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today that Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. (TFTM), a vehicle-production joint venture between China FAW Group Corporation (FAW) and TMC, plans to increase the annual production capacity at its Plant No. 2 from 100,000 to 150,000 vehicles toward the end of 2009.

The increase in annual production capacity at Plant No. 2 will enable TFTM to produce 470,000 vehicles a year, allowing it to better respond to the growing automobile market in China. It will be made possible by a 23 billion yen investment of TFTM funds and is expected to lead to the creation of 1,500 jobs.

Approximately 500 people attended a ceremony to announce the decision today at Plant No. 2 in the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA), including Tianjin City Vice Mayor Yang Dongliang, other city government officials, FAW President Xu Jianyi, TMC Senior Managing Director Akira Sasaki and TFTM President Masahiro Kato.

At the same ceremony, TFTM also disclosed plans to establish a research and development center as part of its efforts to enhance its vehicle development capabilities.

Source: http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/news/08/0513.html

The Hino Green Fund (HGF) was established through an investment by Hino Motors, Ltd. in 1991 for the purpose of providing assistance for the development of diverse projects as well as the activities of wide-ranging organizations and others that contribute to conservation of the natural environment. Since first established, it has continued to pursue activities that support environmental greening, dissemination of nature conservation and other endeavors.
The Fund is continuing its assistance activities again in FY2008 and is now soliciting grant recipients for FY2008 beginning today.

[Entry guidelines]

1. Grant eligibility
(1) Greening activities that contribute to greater contentment with life among residents of urban and surrounding areas
(2) Conservation of the natural environment still remaining in urban and surrounding areas
(3) Investigative research conducive to the conservation of the natural environment
(4) Dissemination of nature education and nature conservation concepts, enlightenment activities conducive to conservation of the natural environment, etc.
Note: The following will not be eligible for grants
a) Activities for the purpose of, or with the strong possibility of a connection to, gaining profit
b) Activities solely for the purpose of holding meetings, making trips overseas or purchasing equipment and/or facilities
c) Purchase or leasing of equipment, facilities, etc., solely for the purpose of the convenience of the activity promoters
d) Activities corresponding to academic degree dissertations or other personal research
e) Activities deemed to be strictly an avocation
f) Activities do not meet the regulation of entry guidelines and application form

2. Persons eligible for grant receipt
(1) Individuals, organizations, groups, etc., that implement the activities or research noted above
(2) Applicant qualifications
a) Activities are to be based in Japan.
b) If an organization, it shall in principle have a background of at least two years as well as a record of past activities.
c) Applications must be written in Japanese.

3. Grant amount
Total activity amount of about 7.5 million Yen (tentative)

4. Grant period
November 1, 2008 – October 31, 2008

5. Entry method

Please download the application form (Excel file) on the Hino Green Fund website in either the on-screen data entry or handwriting version, enter the required information and mail the form to the address given below.
Note: Please note that the application form consists of two pages.

HGF website, grant information　（Japanese　Language　only）
http://www.hino.co.jp/j/brand/environment/greenfund/promotion.html

6. Entry period
May 13 – July 31, 2008 (postmark no later than the final day)

7. Grant recipient finalization
1) Screening method
Applicant screening will be conducted by the Screening Committee, the final decision will be made with the approval of the Board of Trustees and each applicant will be notified of the results in writing.

2) Important points in the screening
Selection will be made taking into account the requirements given below in accordance with the project theme.

Ⅰ Activity grants

(1) The activity itself is supported by many people and the results can be broadly shared.
(2) The activity is based on flexible concepts or ideas that are not impeded by conventional ways of thinking and is active and creative in nature.
(3) The activity has significance reflecting broad international horizons.
(4) The compilation and release of an activity record as of the present will serve as an important impetus in the future both for the group involved and for society.
(5) The activity plan is specific and human resources, information, etc., required to implement that plan can be secured.
(6) Appropriate human resources involved in the production of the activity record can be secured.

Ⅱ Research grants
(1) The concepts are unique.
(2) The research is visionary and has foresight relative to society.
(3) The implementation of the research is timely.
(4) There is a need for private-sector assistance.
(5) The plan is feasible.

Ⅲ Publication grants

(1) The content is currently in a state of general completion and a completed version can be submitted with only minor revisions.
(2) General agreement has been reached with a publishing company regarding the publication plan.
(3) It is fully intentioned to enable a large number of readers to read the publication with interest.
(4) It has significance as natural or human science and is unquestionable in content.

8. Address for application submission
Administrative Office (Attn: Hattori, Kashiwa or Hayakawa)
Hino Green Fund
3-1-1 Hinodai, Hino City, Tokyo 191-8660
Tel: 042-586-5369, Fax: 042-586-5222
Source: http://www.hino.co.jp/e/pressrelease/detail.php?id=101

Tokyo — TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today the nationwide launch*¹ in Japan of the completely redesigned Alphard as two different vehicle series, the “Alphard” and the “Vellfire” *².

Taking as their theme “stately presence—the ultimate minivan”, the new models represent a further decisive evolution in all aspects of product performance. The exterior of the Alphard emphasizes “elegance” and “refinement”, while that of the Vellfire accentuates “power” and “innovation,” thus creating two vehicles with individual identities.

Vellfire 3.5Z “G Edition”
(front-wheel drive, with options)

A new platform allows for an innovative package, providing further expansion of the interior space and improved ingress and egress. Additionally, an extensive range of equipment—including Executive Power Seats for the second row and indirect LED interior lighting—is aimed at creating a supremely welcoming environment. A revamped powertrain, along with enhanced aerodynamics and lightweight technology, allows the new models to achieve ample dynamic performance together with high levels of environmental performance, including, in particular, substantially improved fuel efficiency. The new models also offer outstanding handling and cruising stability, as well as class-leading*²

^{levels of safety performance, contributing to their status as Toyota flagship minivans.}

^{Source: http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/news/08/0512.html}

---

Technorati tags:
Toyota+Alphard, Toyota+Vellfire, Japanese+Mini Van

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today announced its newly developed eight-seat minivan, the Mazda Biante, which will go on sale in Japan during summer 2008.

All-new ‘Mazda Biante’

The name ‘Biante’ was coined from the English word, ‘ambient,’ to create the impression of a unified interior space that contributes to an enjoyable and comfortable in-car experience for all the vehicle’s occupants.
Developed exclusively for the Japanese market, the Biante features best-in-class interior space, distinctive, athletic styling and superior dynamic performance. All of which provides the driver and passengers with a pleasing driving experience.

Source: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2008/200805/080509a.html

Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (Chairman: Fujio Cho; “JAMA” hereinafter) is pleased to announce the dates for the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009. The show will be held for a total of 17 days, from Friday, October 23 through Sunday, November 8, 2009 (open to public from Saturday, October 24). The venue will be Makuhari Messe, Chiba city. The length of the show, 17 days, is the same as the previous show (2007) and is the longest for any international motor show sanctioned by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA; headquartered in Paris).

Like the previous show, the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009 will be a comprehensive show that includes exhibits in the passenger cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, commercial vehicle bodies, parts, and machinery and tools categories.

The previous show was the first format change in 10 years, and as a new-style comprehensive show attracted 246 exhibitors from 11 countries and 1 region. It recorded 77 World Premiere exhibits, among the highest number of any show in the world. A total of 1,425,800 people visited the show, again ranking it among the best-attended motor shows in the world and comparable to the Paris International Motor Show in 2006 (1,431,883 visitors).

Like the previous show, the Tokyo Motor Show aims to be the world’s most informative, bringing together the cutting-edge products and technologies in every automotive category that includes a large number of World Premieres. At the same time, the show will emphasize entertainment, enhancing its offerings of “audience-participation, hands-on” events that allow visitors to gain more direct contact with vehicles.

Source: http://www.jama-english.jp/release/release/2008/080421.html

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) and the Japan Traffic Safety Association (JTSA)—with crucial support from the National Police Agency, individual prefectural police headquarters, prefectural traffic safety associations and other organizations—are again this year jointly sponsoring the JAMA/JAF/JTSA Senior Drivers’ Program and the JAMA/JAF/JTSA Safe-Driving Program throughout Japan. Drivers who have held a driver’s license for at least one year are eligible to enroll in these one-day sessions that train participants in practical safe-driving skills.

Road Accident Trends in 2007: Accidents Caused by “Senior” Drivers Double from a Decade Ago

Road fatalities in Japan in 2007 totalled 5,744—608 fewer than in the previous year and the first drop below 6,000 since 1953. The roughly 830,000 road accidents represented a decrease of 6.1% from 2006, while the number of accident-related injuries was also down, by 5.8% to 1.03 million, marking declines in both these categories for the third consecutive year.

Road fatalities involving “seniors” (aged 65 or older) totalled 2,727, 82 fewer than in 2006. However, the share of elderly persons in total road fatalities rose from 44.2% in 2006 to 47.5% in 2007. Moreover, the number of road accidents caused by senior drivers and which resulted in injury or death more than doubled over the past decade (from 49,555 incidents in 1997 to 102,961 in 2007). According to the National Police Agency, the number of licensed drivers aged 65 or older again surged in 2007, by about 690,000 persons, to a total of 11.07 million drivers. This steady rise points to a continued increase in the number of road accidents involving persons in this age group.

Against this backdrop, the sponsors hope that, through the conduct of the two nationwide programs, more and more drivers will adopt safe-driving practices that will contribute to a further decline in road accident occurrence in Japan.

Overview of the JAMA/JAF/JTSA Senior Drivers’ Program:
Launched in 1996, the Senior Drivers’ Program enables elderly drivers to become more aware of their own driving habits and limitations and to develop safe-driving skills. Targeting drivers aged 65 or older but open to drivers who are at least 50, the program boasts a cumulative participation, in a total of 208 locations, of 4,350 persons, some of whom expressed the view that this program should be implemented in place of the “senior classes” currently offered at driving schools.

The program’s content covers matters that can be especially problematic for elderly drivers, including vehicle safety checks, driving posture, blind spots, airbag deployment, braking on slippery surfaces, right-hand turns at intersections, and crossing intersections in poor visibility. Hands-on sessions are followed up with question-and-answer periods between participants and instructors.

The 2008 Senior Drivers’ Program will be conducted in 35 locations from Hokkaido to Kyushu, with the inaugural session to be held on May 6 in Kyoto Prefecture.

Overview of the JAMA/JAF/JTSA Safe-Driving Program:
The Safe-Driving Program has been conducted since 1991 and is open to any driver, regardless of age, who has held a driver’s license for at least one year. The program enables drivers to advance their understanding of vehicle characteristics, performance limits and other factors, in order to improve their safe-driving skills. It also promotes a better awareness of the need to adopt safe-driving practices. By the end of 2007, this program had been held in a total of 353 locations with about 9,100 participants, some of whom commented that the program was helpful in making them more aware of, for example, their own vehicle’s performance and the importance of timely deceleration.

Program content begins with confirmation of driving basics, then moves on to driving on straight and curved roads, sudden braking, cornering, and many of the practical aspects of driving that are also covered by the Senior Drivers’ Program, thus providing participants with valuable pointers on how to react to and deal with real-life situations on the road.

The 2008 Safe-Driving Program will be conducted in 35 locations from Hokkaido to Kyushu, starting on May 18 in Saga Prefecture.

A JAMA /JAF/JTSA Senior Drivers’ Program session held in 2007

Smooth steering: Confirming the turning radius differential that results from swift veering around obstacles (“slalom driving”)

Source: http://www.jama-english.jp/release/release/2008/080409.html