Mazda Motor Corporation today announced that it received 7,640 orders for the all-new Mazda Axela (known overseas as the new Mazda3) during its first month of sales in Japan, since its launch on June 11 through to July 12, 2009. This result is 3.8 times the monthly sales target of 2,000 units.

Exceeding initial expectations, half of the total orders have been for models with i-stop, Mazda’s unique engine stop-start system, which is standard equipment on 2.0-liter models (20C, 20S and the front-wheel drive [FWD] 20E grade).

Approximately 70 percent of customers selected the Sport (five-door hatchback) body type, with the remaining 30 percent opting for the four-door Sedan version. Approximately 50 percent of customers selected models with the 2.0-liter engine, while 40 percent chose the 1.5-liter engine. By model grade, 30 percent of the orders were for the 15C Sport, 28 percent for the 20S Sport, 14 percent for the 15C Sedan, and 10 percent for the FWD 20E Sedan.

Source: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2009/200907/090714a.html

Technorati tags:

Japanese Cars Exporters

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the all-new Skyline Crossover, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide.

The new Nissan Skyline Crossover represents a fusion of luxury coupe and luxury SUV, a union beautifully expressed in its dynamic design, sophisticated performance and unmatched driving pleasure. Along with its flowing silhouette and modern interior, the Skyline Crossover offers an optimal balance of smooth handling, supple ride comfort and responsive acceleration provided by its powerful 3.7-liter VQ37VHR engine and 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. It also features a number of advanced technologies and safety systems, highlighted by an Around View Monitor with Parking Guide and Lane Departure Prevention system.

Source: http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2009/_STORY/090713-01-e.html

Technorati tags:

Nissan Dealers, Japanese Cars

Lexus announces the launch in Japan today of the “HS250h”*1, its first dedicated hybrid model.

Based on the brand’s core principle of “pursuing the essence of luxury”, Lexus aimed to develop a luxurious “harmonious sedan”, hence the “HS” in the vehicle’s name.  The result is a car that not only exists harmoniously with Earth and people but also exudes the high quality for which Lexus is renowned.

Specifically, the HS250h combines outstanding driving performance with a hybrid-system-achieved 23.0km/l*2 fuel efficiency, which is exceptional for a premium sedan.  A concerted effort has also been made to use Ecological Plastic, a plant-based plastic that reduces environmental impact, for interior parts and components.  Further, the cockpit environment has been designed to lessen the need for physical movement or switching visual focus, thus allowing the driver to concentrate fully on the task of driving.  These are among the advanced features that make the HS250h a new breed of premium sedan.

Lexus plans to introduce the HS250h in North America in September.

Source: http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/news/09/0714.html

Technorati tags:

Japanese Cars Exporters

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced plans to begin sales in Japan of the CR-Z sporty hybrid model in February 2010 and Fit Hybrid before the end of 2010. By combining these two models with the currently available Insight and Civic Hybrid, Honda will further enhance its lineup of compact hybrid models, which leverage the unique characteristics of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), including compact size, lightweight and high efficiency. In addition, Honda is currently developing a new hybrid system which is intended to be installed on mid- to large-size vehicles.

Honda also announced that, in addition to the No. 1 line at its Suzuka Factory, the production of Insight also began on Suzuka’s No. 3 line in mid-June 2009, leveraging Honda’s flexible production system.

In order to continue contributing to the global effort to reduce CO2 emissions, Honda will continue to focus on research and development of technologies which improve fuel-efficiency and strive to deliver products with improved environmental performance to as many customers as possible by making such products more accessible to all people.

The CR-Z concept vehicle made its world debut at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in 2007. The CR-Z sporty hybrid will feature advanced technologies that deliver enjoyable driving for all while reducing the vehicle’s environmental footprint.

Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2009/c090713Two-More-Hybrid-Models/

Technorati tags:

Japanese Vehicles Exporters

Mazda Motor Corporation has created the Mazda Axela Prize, a brand new Mazda Axela hatchback, which will be presented to the player who makes the best impression on fans through his exciting play during the two Japanese pro baseball 2009 all-star games. Mazda is the main sponsor for the two all-star games, which are organized by the Nippon Professional Baseball Association (NPB). The games will be played at the Sapporo Dome on July 24 and at the MAZDA Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima on July 25, 2009.

The selected player will receive an all-new front-wheel drive Mazda Axela compact with a 2.0-liter engine. Equipped with standard features that includes i-stop, Mazda’s unique engine stop/start system, Mazda’s latest eco-sports car delivers advanced environmental and safety attributes alongside superb driving performance.

Overview of the Mazda Axela Prize

- Prize awarded to: the player who most impresses the fans through his exciting play during the two all-star games.
- Prize jury: Mazda Axela Prize selection committee
(To be comprised of members from the NPB organization and Mazda)
- Prize: one Mazda Axela

All-new Mazda Axela Sport 20S (with i-stop and factory-installed options)

Like the Japanese pro baseball all-star games, the Axela and Mazda’s other products attract a great amount of attention. Mazda aims to offer driving pleasure in harmony with environmental and safety features in all of its vehicles. The Hiroshima-based automaker is supporting the all-star games because they evoke the same kind of dreams and emotions as Mazda’s vehicles.

Source: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2009/200907/090706a.html

Technorati tags:

Japanese Cars Exporters

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that it has received an order for a steam turbine generator from Korean steel manufacturer, POSCO. The steam turbine generator will be installed in a coke dry quencher (CDQ*). The CDQ quenches red-hot coke, dried by distillation in a coke oven, with inert gas and recovers sensible heat using a boiler to generate steam for power generation. The steam turbine generator will be delivered to POSCO’s Gwangyang Steel Works in 2010.

Kawasaki launched its first industrial steam turbine in 1956. Since then it has established a track record that includes the delivery of about 340 steam turbine units, including a past delivery of CDQ steam turbines to POSCO. This latest order from POSCO is a testament to the superior performance and lifecycle cost of Kawasaki steam turbines as well as its outstanding reliability and proven track record.

*A CDQ quenches red-hot coke (dried by distillation in a coke oven) with inert gases circulating in a quenching chamber. The CDQ quenching process occurs in a completely air-tight environment. The thermal energy, which would otherwise dissipate into the ambient environment as vapor with conventional wet quenching methods, can be recovered by the CDQ and used to generate electric power.

Source: http://www.khi.co.jp/ba/2009data/ba_c3090629_1.html

Technorati tags:

Japanese Vehicles Exporters

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that it set a sales record for the month of June as sales were up 3-percent with 18,620 units sold in June 2009 versus 18,007 units sold in June 2008. Subaru sales for June 2009 also showed a 6-percent increase over May 2009 Subaru sales.

The 2009 Subaru Legacy sedan and Impreza vehicles each set sales records for the month. Subaru Legacy had a 28-percent increase in sales over June 2008, while Subaru Impreza sales were up 24-percent over last year’s June sales, which represents the model’s best ever monthly sales. The award-winning Subaru Forester recorded an increase in sales of 31-percent for the year to June resulting in its highest ever June-YTD sales.

On a YTD basis, the company reported sales of 93,306 units, which is a decline of just 1-percent of June 2008 sales of 94,095 units.

“The June sales record is a fitting close to a first half in which Subaru held record market share,” said Tim Colbeck, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. “Our June results confirmed the strength of the Subaru brand, our AWD vehicles and the Subaru dealer network. With our product line-up firing on all cylinders, we expect to continue performing well as we begin to ship the new 2010 Legacy and Outback models this month.”

Source: http://www.subaru-global.com/news2009n000924.html

Technorati tags:

Subaru Vehicles Exporters

One of Suzuki Motor Corporation’s Chinese automobile production and marketing joint-venture companies, Chongqing Changan Suzuki Automobile Co., Ltd., reached its millionth unit of production at the end of June.

Since the start of production at Changan Suzuki in May 1995, the company has drawn on Suzuki’s expertise in producing vehicles in line with Suzuki’s basic policy ”Smaller, Fewer, Lighter, Shorter and Neater” in order to offer attractively priced, eco-friendly automobiles to Chinese customers.

The first model produced by Changan Suzuki was the Alto. Over the years, the Alto has come to account for about half of the company’s aggregate production volume and has played a big role in raising awareness of the Suzuki brand throughout China. Changan Suzuki also produces the distinctive Cultus, Swift, and SX4.

At Auto Shanghai 2009 in April, Changan Suzuki exhibited the new Alto, a compact model with a great combination of eco-friendliness, economy, styling, comfort, and performance. The company will start producing and marketing the new Alto this summer.

Source: http://www.globalsuzuki.com/globalnews/2009/0702.html

Technorati tags: Suzuki Vehicles Exporters

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced upgrades to its Premacy (known as the Mazda5 in overseas markets) compact minivan in Japan. Popular due to its sporty styling and driving performance, the freshened Premacy goes on sale today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships nationwide. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (including sales tax) for front-wheel drive (FWD) models range from 1,820,000 to 2,195,000 yen.

Since its debut in 1999, the Mazda Premacy compact minivan has earned plaudits for its efficient seven-seat packaging, outstanding driving performance and sporty styling. Ten years later, the Premacy is currently sold in over 60 countries and has become Mazda’s best-selling minivan*1, with total global sales surpassing 710,000 units*2.

The range topping 20Z model grade now comes with specially designed aluminum alloy wheels and seat and door trim that enhance its sporty appearance. To highlight its sharp lines, exclusive Dark Plum Mica exterior body paint is also newly available for this model grade. In response to high demand, the mainstay 20CS grade has been augmented with a new fuel economy gauge and a freshly designed center panel. With the addition of these features and a full equipment review, the upgraded Mazda Premacy 20CS is even more affordable than before.

Source: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2009/200907/090703a.html

Technorati tags:

Japanese Car Exporters

Mazda Motor Corporation has commenced sales of the freshened Mazda Biante range for the Japanese market. Mazda’s updated, mid-sized tall ‘high-roof’ minivan goes on sale today at all Mazda, Mazda Autozam and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (including sales tax) start from 2,131,500 yen for the 2.0-liter versions and 2,699,000 yen for the 2.3-liter versions.

The top-selling front-wheel drive (FWD) 20S model grade now offers fuel economy of 13.6 kilometers per liter*1, a seven percent improvement over the previous model, thanks to the addition of i-stop, Mazda’s proprietary engine stop/start system. With a quick engine restart of just 0.35 seconds, i-stop also suppresses noise and vibration, making the stopping and restarting of the engine barely noticeable and ensuring that drivers experience a natural driving feel.

In addition to i-stop, the FWD 20S model grade also comes with features to support eco-driving: a trip computer with a fuel economy meter and an eco-lamp, which lights up when the vehicle achieves the most efficient driving conditions. With dynamic stability control (DSC) now standard equipment, the freshened FWD Biante 20S provides both advanced environmental and safety performance. Even with these extra features, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price is as attractive as the previous version*2. Additionally, all 2.0-liter FWD Biante models qualify for Japan’s eco-car incentive and tax reduction programs to promote sales of lower emission vehicles. Under the tax reduction program, the automobile acquisition tax and automobile weight tax are reduced by 50 percent for the 20CS model grade and 75 percent for the FWD 20S grade.

Source: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2009/200906/090625a.html

Technorati tags:

Japanese Car Exporters