HIROSHIMA, Japan—The Mazda3 (known as the Mazda Axela in Japan) with European specifications has been awarded the maximum five-star rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme*1 (Euro NCAP) in its 2009 combined safety performance test.

From 2009, Euro NCAP has implemented a new evaluation system that awards a single overall vehicle safety rating that combines the scores achieved in four areas of assessment: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist.

The Mazda3 inherits and evolves the first generation model’s combination of dynamic, sporty styling and exhilarating driving performance. With this maximum safety rating from Euro NCAP as well as its recognition as a 2009 Top Safety Pick from the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)*2, Mazda3 is among the safest cars in the world.

Mazda3 is the second Mazda model to be awarded the maximum five-star rating under the new Euro NCAP evaluation system. The Mazda6 (Mazda Atenza) with European specifications received five stars in February 2009. Mazda models in Europe that received the highest possible five stars for Adult Occupant Protection under the previous Euro NCAP rating system include the Mazda5 (Mazda Premacy) in September 2005 and the Mazda2 (Mazda Demio) in December 2007.

Source:http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2009/200911/091126a.html

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Mazda Cars

November 26th, 2009 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) jointly delivered 4 units of the new-generation electric vehicle (EV) i-MiEV to the Principality of Monaco on November 25th.A number of related parties including His Serene Highness Prince Albert II were present at the delivery ceremony held at The Prince’s Palace.

The Principality of Monaco, proactively seeking ways to combat environmental issues and to replace domestic transportation with low-CO2-emitting electric vehicles, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. *1 and MC Automobile (Europe) N.V. *2 regarding fleet testing of the EVs on March 26, 2009 in Monaco. According to the terms of the MoU, the i-MiEVs, which delivery mainly to corporate customers in Japan began in July, were delivered to the Principality of Monaco.

The i-MiEVs are being leased via MCE Bank GmbH, a subsidiary of MC. According to the terms of the MoU, the Principality of Monaco plans to promote electric vehicles through the use of the i-MiEVs at its local community service organizations, including the post office, public parking services, the Monegasque electricity company (SMEG) and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

Source:http://media.mitsubishi-motors.com/pressrelease/e/corporate/detail2000.html

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Kuala Lumpur — Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia will launch a new variant of the award-winning Triton called the Triton 2.5 Standard tomorrow. Complementing the current Triton line-up, the new Triton 2.5 Standard is expected to appeal to a wider market.

Offered at an affordable price, at RM 77,715.80 (on-the-road, without insurance), the new Triton 2.5 Standard with manual transmission maintains the same bold unique look, while still sharing the Triton’s rugged all-road capability and extended cargo bed of its recently face-lifted Triton variants.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia expects to sell 150 units per month of the new Triton 2.5 Standard and increase its market share to 25% next year. At present, Triton is selling 400 to 450 units per month. From January to September this year, Triton has a 17% of the pick-up market share (non-national).

“Already Malaysia’s most awarded pick-up truck, this new Triton 2.5 Standard is set to widen the Triton’s appeal- it is now more affordable yet maintains the Triton appeal and does not compromise on quality, performance and durability. The Triton caters to everyone, from the style conscious to small business users,” said Mr Keizo Ono, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

Despite its affordable price, the new Triton 2.5 Standard is equipped with RV meter display, sporty 16-inch alloy rims and bedliner. The RV meter is a unique Triton feature that displays travel data such as range, average speed, fuel consumption and also a digital compass, barometer, altimeter and outer temperature.

Source:http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my/news.php?id=79

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HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the Mazda Axela (known overseas as the Mazda3) and Mazda Biante models equipped with its unique idling stop system, i-stop, have won the prestigious 2009 Eco-Products Award from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).

The Eco-Products Awards were established in 2004. The awards are intended to encourage the spread of eco-friendly products in Japan and support the organizations that supply them through public recognition of excellence and by providing information about outstanding products and services that are less harmful to the environment.

Idling stop systems reduce fuel consumption by automatically shutting down the engine when the driver stops the vehicle. Mazda’s i-stop system improves fuel economy by approximately 10 percent (under Japan’s 10-15 mode test cycle) and provides a natural driving feel, ensuring the driver experiences no sense of discomfort. Mazda’s system stands out thanks to its quick combustion restart method that employs direct injection and special technology to control piston positions as the engine shuts down. With the potential to be introduced on a wide range of vehicles, i-stop is an effective and low-cost green technology.

The Eco-Products Award recognizes Mazda’s development of this idling stop system, which features a smooth and quiet operation, and these two advanced vehicles that actively encourage eco-friendly driving.

Source: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2009/200911/091124a.html

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Japanese Vehicles

November 5, 2009 - Honda Motor co., Ltd. announced that it will begin sales of a limited number of the Civic Type R Euro, a premium sports model with a distinctive, stylish form and performance that was forged on European roads. Only 2,010 units will be available for sale in Japan.

The Civic Type R Euro is a premium sports model built for mature customers who enjoy exciting driving performance together with a refined ride. It delivers supple handling and exhilarating, prodigious output over a wide range.

The Civic Type R Euro is equipped with a specially designed, 2.0l naturally aspirated engine (max. output: 148kW (201PS)/ 7,800rpm) paired with a responsive, 6-speed manual transmission. A lighter, more rigid body shell, specially tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels contribute to the Civic Type R’s ability to push the performance envelope. Custom aerodynamic components enhance the body’s already outstanding aerodynamic form, while interior features including a custom 3-spoke, small-diameter, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum ball-type shift knob, and Honda R spec seats enhance the driver’s sense of oneness with the vehicle.

Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2009/4091105Civic-Type-R-Euro

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YOKOHAMA (Nov. 19, 2009) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announces the release of the new Fuga luxury sedan, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide.

The all-new Nissan Fuga was created as an intelligent, premium sedan offering a tailored and vibrant experience for its driver and passengers. It combines a dynamic exterior created to appeal to the senses with a spacious, open and comfortable interior. Fuga also features a wide range of technologies, supporting Eco-driving and a high level of safety and security - including an ECO-pedal, Cornering Stability Assist and an advanced Driving Safety Support System for approaching low-visibility intersections, which was developed from the results of SKY Project.*1

Building on the strong features of the first-generation Fuga, which was originally released in October 2004, the new Fuga continues as a Nissan flagship model. Like the original, the new Fuga is expected to be highly appreciated for its outstanding driving performance, interior quality and comfort, all which go beyond the expectations of a traditional luxury vehicle.

Source:http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2009/_STORY/091119-02-e.html

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Yokohama (Nov. 18, 2009) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. will co-host the 10th National Wheelchair Marathon “NISSAN Cup Oppama Championship 2009″ for three days from December 4 to December 6, 2009. The special marathon will take place at its Oppama Plant (Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa-Prefecture) and Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Marking its tenth year, the national wheelchair marathon has greatly contributed to the development of sports for the disabled. The event has helped strengthened bonds between the corporate sector and local communities with over 500 Nissan employees and local volunteers working together as route-marshals and water-station staff along the route every year since the first event in 2000.

Attracting about 200 wheelchair marathoners every year, including accomplished paralympic athletes from all over Japan, the event celebrates the greatness of these outstanding athletics. On the third day, those who have competed in the Beijing 2008 Paralympics, Hiroyuki Yamamoto, Hitoshi Matsunaga, Kota Hokinoue, Susumu Kangawa and Wakako Tsuchida will participate in the race.

Nissan’s employees contribute to its “Taiyo Fund” which goes to various athletic organizations for the disabled. The marathon route will pass through Nissan’s Grandrive proving ground next to its Oppama plant and the adjacent public roads.

Nissan continues to support community-based projects that will help contribute to improved quality of life for the communities in which it operates.

Nissan has been addressing a wide range of actions under “Blue Citizenship” which represents the company’s desire to protect the blue planet and to be a corporate citizen that can live symbiotically with people and society. These efforts range from such global issues as the environmental protection to contribution to communities, promoting diversity and making personal mobility available to as many people as possible.

“NISSAN Cup Oppama Championship” is one of such community relation activities based on “Blue Citizenship”.

Source:http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2009/_STORY/091118-01-e.html

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HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation announced today that its unique idling stop system, i-stop, has won the 2010 Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC) Technology of the Year award.

Idling stop systems reduce fuel consumption by automatically shutting down the engine when the driver stops the vehicle. Mazda’s i-stop system is fitted to direct injection engines and uses combustion energy to restart the engine in just 0.35 seconds, about half the time necessary for most other competing systems. The i-stop system also suppresses noise and vibration as the engine shuts down and restarts, ensuring that drivers experience a natural driving feel with no sense of discomfort.
 
Mazda introduced i-stop on the all-new Mazda Axela*1 (known overseas as the Mazda3), which launched in Japan in June 2009. The new Axela with i-stop offers approximately 15 percent improved fuel economy compared to the previous model when tested under Japan’s 10-15 mode test cycle.*2 Axela models with i-stop also qualify for Japan’s eco-car incentive program as well as tax reductions of 75 percent under the government’s eco-car tax reduction program. Almost half of the total Mazda Axela sales volume in Japan to date has been for i-stop models.*3

Source: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2009/200911/091118a.html

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NV200, Nissan’s global all new small van has been awarded the International Van of the Year (IVoY) 2010 by a jury made of 23 specialized European journalists representing a readership of more than half a million owners of commercial vehicles.

“The Jury was particularly impressed by the fact that Nissan created a compact light commercial vehicle that sets new standards in terms of internal space in relation to the external dimensions”, said the official statement from the IVoY Jury.

“We are delighted to receive the IVoY 2010 award as the recognition of Nissan’s determination to create innovative light commercial vehicles that exceed customer expectations” said Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “The NV200 is a global vehicle that associates unmatched levels of functionality with unique and attractive design. We offer our customers a vehicle that is an efficient and reliable business tool” said Palmer.

Source:http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2009/_STORY/091117-01-e.html

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RThe fifth round of the China Touring Car Championship (CTCC) opened at the Shanghai F1 Circuit in Shanghai, China on Sunday. The two Tiidas entered in the 1600cc class by the Dongfeng Nissan Ghiasports team retired from the race.

The weekend of the event was a warm 28 degrees Celsius for November, humid from the morning rain, with the CTCC race getting underway on schedule.

The final race started off cleanly without any trouble. On the first lap, the driver of the #2 Tiida, Lin Lifeng, who started from sixth on the grid, passed the control line in fourth place, behind the #3 Kia Cerato, the #4 Kia Cerato and the #9 Haima 3. Guo Hai Sheng’s #1 Tiida car followed in eighth place. However, on the second lap Guo’s race was over. In the last corner a car in front of him spun out when Guo was about to overtake. Unable to avoid the spinning car, he hit the front left of his car and was forced into retirement.

Source:http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2009/_STORY/091112-03-e.html

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Nissan Tiida