Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced today it will release its environment-friendly, water-based paints for aftermarket application, under the “PITWORK” brand of genuine aftermarket products by Dec. 15 in Japan. The paint contains half the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOC*) compared with conventional paints in the marketplace.

The new paint formula also emits significantly less odors to the surrounding environment. Initially, the paint will be available in limited range of two shades of silver, one of the most popular colors, with more colors to be introduced by next April.

Nissan has been continuously improving its paint technologies. It first implemented a water-based paint coating system at its Kyushu Plant in 2006. This was followed by an industry-first breakthrough paint technology that was announced in September 2008. The new technology results in reduced CO2 emissions, cuts energy consumption and reduces waste solvents, by half.

Under the Nissan Green Program 2010 mid-term environmental plan, Nissan aims to introduce new technologies, products, processes and services that will lead to reductions in CO2 emissions, cleaner vehicle emissions, and increased recycling of resources.

*VOC by-products include formaldehyde and toluene that are used as paint solvent or adhesive agents.

Source: http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2008/_STORY/081212-02-e.html

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Nissan Motors, Cleaner Vehicle Emissions

Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the launch of the freshened Mazda Roadster (known as the MX-5 overseas) into the Japanese market. Mazda’s updated iconic lightweight, open-top sports car goes on sale today (December 9, 2008) at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers throughout Japan. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (including consumption tax) range from 2,330,000 to 2,600,000 yen for the soft top models, and from 2,680,000 to 2,950,000 yen for the Power Retractable Hard Top (RHT) models that feature Mazda’s groundbreaking electric roof system.

The latest version of Mazda’s two-seat sports car carries forward the Roadster’s traditional “Jinba Ittai” (“rider and horse as one”) concept, and features detailed improvements in the exterior and interior design, quality, functionality and dynamic performance. As a result, the Roadster is now more fun-to-drive and more desirable than ever. The RHT models, which provide both the enjoyment of open-top driving and the comfort of a coupe, are now even quieter and feature new, exclusive exterior parts, offering customers even higher levels of comfort and quality.

The design of the front fascia has been updated with Mazda’s hallmark five-point grille. A stronger character line that stretches along the lower edge of the vehicle’s sides has been visually extended to the rear bumper, further enhancing the Roadster’s sporty dynamism. Newly designed alloy wheels (two sizes) now come as standard on all model grades. Three new exterior body colors have been added, including the high quality Aluminum Metallic and vivid Sunflower Yellow.

On the inside, the five gauges on the instrument panel have been newly designed and are highlighted by a dark silver decorative panel. The interior quality is enhanced by a choice of tactile brown leather seats or Recaro bucket seats upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara®*1. Comfort levels are also improved through the addition of heated seats with a temperature control with five temperature settings (for grades with leather seats only).

Source: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2008/200812/081209a.html

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Mazda Sports Cars, Japanese Dealers

The new generation Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Subaru Forester has picked up its second Australian award in 24 hours.

The Fairfax automotive website Drive.com.au announced that Forester has won its People’s Choice Award.

Drive.com.au said: “Subaru’s Forester compact 4WD has halted the Holden Commodore’s run of popularity in Drive’s People’s Choice award.

“Thousands of Drive.com.au readers voted the new-generation version of the Japanese softroader their favourite vehicle out of the 42 vehicles comprising Drive’s 2008 Car of the Year field.

“The Forester becomes the first imported car to win Drive’s People’s Choice award after the locally built Commodore took out the 2006 and 2007 titles, with the Commodore SS-V and Berlina models respectively.”

Fairfax National Drive Editor, Toby Hagon, said the result is reflective of changing Australian tastes, which is seeing people migrate to crossover vehicles.

“Australians have taken to vehicles like the Subaru Forester because, in many ways, it is the modern family car.

“It has the space and flexibility people want along with the economy of a four-cylinder engine and the ability to tackle dirt tracks or snow. It’s also very competitively priced, well equipped and comes with a full complement of safety gear that’s helped earn it a maximum five-star safety rating.”

Drive.com.au added: “The result reflects how the Forester has this year replaced the Toyota RAV4 as Australia’s best-selling small 4WD thanks to its combination of family practicality and proven all-wheel-drive mechanicals.”

Earlier today it was announced that Forester had been voted Best Compact SUV in the Carsales Network People’s Choice Awards. In the Carsales awards, votes are collected from the Carsales Network’s websites including CarPoint.com.au and Redbook.com.au.

Source: http://www.subaru-global.com/news2008n000871.html

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Subaru Car Importers, Japanese Vehicles

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the all-new, fully redesigned Fairlady Z sports car, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide.

In the nearly 40 years since the first-generation S30 model debuted in 1969, the Fairlady Z has earned a reputation as one of the most desirable sports cars in the world, with approximately 1.7 million units in global sales to date.

The latest Fairlady Z, while embodying the first generation’s signature “Z-ness” in terms of high performance, design and high value, incorporates dramatic advances in dynamic performance and perceived quality. The Z also offers a strong feeling of “newness,” as expressed by its fresh exterior and interior styling and new performance features.

The new Fairlady Z’s enhanced performance characteristics are a result of its shorter wheelbase, reduced weight and the adoption of the larger, more powerful VQ37VHR 3.7-liter V6 engine. It also offers the world’s first 6-speed manual transmission with synchronized rev control or a newly developed 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. The combination of more horsepower, new transmissions and a refined suspension helps the Fairlady Z deliver the superior acceleration, cornering and stopping capabilities expected of a true world-class sports car.

Helping the driver take full advantage of the new performance levels is a redesigned interior that aims for “oneness” between the driver and the cockpit, combining sports car functionality with an impression of stellar quality. And, along with its world-class dynamic performance and dynamic design, the new Fairlady Z once again offers exceptional value, giving customers the confidence of having made a wise purchase decision.

Highlights of the all-new Fairlady Z follow.

Source: http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2008/_STORY/081201-01-e.html

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Nissan Dealers, Japanese Sports Cars