2010 March | Japanese Cars

Lexus Exhibit Presents Captivating All-New Display Exhibit and Exciting Vehicles at 2010 New York International Auto Show

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Lexus will debut an all-new exhibit at this year’s 2010 New York International Auto Show featuring the brand’s most thrilling new vehicles.

This year, the exhibit has a modern and stylish feel, with a three-sided marquee emblazoned with Lexus and a sophisticated black and grey carpet entry. The Lexus exhibit comes with a concierge who welcomes visitors and guides them through the display.

“We are thrilled to showcase our premium vehicles with this distinctive presentation,” said Andrea Lim, Lexus Events Marketing Manager. “This exhibit illustrates a new and modern atmosphere with an emphasis on our environmental commitment while showcasing the newest products.”

Designed and constructed by Michigan-based George P. Johnson Company, the Lexus exhibit also features an array of recycled and repurposed materials. Comprising more than half the total mass used in constructing the exhibit, these materials help create many of the booth’s surfaces and unique styling cues.

The centerpiece for the 14,529 square-foot display will be the all-new Lexus CT 200h premium compact hybrid, which will be on display for the first time in North America. As the only dedicated hybrid vehicle in the premium compact segment, the CT 200h is expected to lead the class in fuel economy numbers and standard safety features including eight airbags.

As part of an integrated launch in the U.S., Lexus will release a breakthrough interactive short film that offers a new take on the test drive by providing the viewer a fully immersive way to experience the new Lexus CT 200h. The 60-second trailer to the Lexus-produced “Dark Ride” film will premiere and run continuously on multiple oversized screens inside the CT 200h’s Darker Side of Green-themed amphitheater. The sporty and versatile five-door will be showcased on a moving turntable and surrounded by interactive kiosks featuring social network access that will promote two-way dialogue.

The Lexus LFA, the automaker’s first world-class, 550 hp supercar, will take stage on a turntable awash in light from an LED-equipped canopy. Only a limited number of these hand-built vehicles will be distributed worldwide. Visitors can interact with the “LFA Configurator,” which gives them an opportunity to build their own computerized dream car – with selected colors, wheels and calipers – and send the image to an email address or post to their favorite social media web site.

The exhibit will feature the latest Lexus models, including an all-new 2010 IS 350C F-Sport Special Edition convertible with only 100 units available nationwide. The special edition was designed to engage driving enthusiasts with the performance and styling enhancements from the F-Sport accessories line. The F-Sport accessories include, newly designed 19-inch forged alloy wheels with a wheel lock set and Michelin Pilot Sport 225/35ZR19 tires in the front and 255/35ZR19 tires in the rear; front and rear brake upgrade for a firmer pedal feel and enhanced fade resistance; new and unique F-Sport grille not previously available; shock set developed in cooperation with Bilstein®; lowering springs that reduce the ride height approximately one-inch in the front and rear; sway bar set that helps reduce body sway and provide flatter cornering; embroidered floor mats with F-Sport logo; leather-wrapped shift knob with F-Sport logo; exterior badging; and an individually numbered badge on the center console complete the uniqueness of this vehicle.

A custom-built IS 350C by 0-60 Magazine will also be on display. This is a more aggressive, performance enhanced version of the luxury two-door convertible. The vehicle highlights a GReddy Performance exhaust system, engine management computer and gauges; Advan Racing Lightweight one-piece racing wheels with Continental Performance tires; Brembo custom front and rear Big Brake kit (rotors and calipers); KW coilover suspension system; Ings+1 exterior body kit; and custom suede additions with contrasting stitch design.

Also displayed prominently will be Lexus’ award-winning hybrid line-up, including a modified HS 250h hybrid sedan designed by builder Clark Ishihara of VIP Salon, Inc. in Torrance, Calif. This HS 250h features a Branew Japan Aero package and stainless steel muffler; Japan Domestic Market window visors; Huper Optik window film; 19-inch RAYS Hyper Bronze RE30 Eco Drive wheels with Hankook Ventus V12 tires; custom suspension; and 6000k HID headlights and foglights.

The Lexus display uses carefully selected sustainable materials with luxurious character. The fabric graphic panels and overhead canopy are made of post-industrial and post-consumer content and use non-toxic inks. Select display structures use recyclable steel; contain 100 percent recyclable aluminum with 52 percent recycled content; and plywood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. The paint used for the exhibit has low-VOC levels that are better than the Green Seal standard. The floor carpet is 100 percent recyclable, is made with Anso Caress nylon, and contains recycled carpet content. In addition, the recyclable carpet padding is made of 100 percent recycled content. After the close of the show, the carpet and carpet padding will be sent to a warehouse in Michigan to be resold, donated or recycled.

In keeping with its recycling theme, Lexus has once again contracted famed New York-based jeweler Kenny Hwang to create one-of-a-kind jewelry, from reclaimed metal found on Lexus vehicles, for the exhibit’s product specialists. This jewelry ranges from necklaces to bracelets to rings.

Source: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/lexus/lexus-exhibit-presents-captivating-156126.aspx

Best Quality Used Cars for Sale from Japan

Posted in Auto News | 1 Comment »

Toyota Begins Radically Reshaping Operations to Meet Customer Expectations

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that today it convened the first meeting of its Special Committee for Global Quality. Chaired by TMC President Akio Toyoda, the committee will spearhead reforms to further instill the company’s operations throughout the world with a customer perspective.

The committee members include newly appointed chief quality officers for North America; Europe; China; Asia and Oceania; and the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, who will represent concerns of customers. Also present at the meeting were representatives from TMC’s business operations and others.

TMC’s global committee will investigate the causes of quality problems, including those that necessitate recalls, and reexamine the factors that affect quality in every phase of design work, manufacturing, marketing and service. By approaching the task of quality assurance from the standpoint of customers in each region, and by keeping in mind the need for strengthened global communication and for ensuring transparency, the committee decided on various improvement measures aimed at resolving current issues.

With today’s meeting of the global committee as the start, the committee and the regional quality committees will continue to spearhead comprehensive improvements to the company’s operations, and promote the strengthening of global quality improvement activities.

Source: http://www2.toyota.co.jp/en/news/10/03/0330.html

Best Quality Used Cars for Sale from Japan

Posted in Auto News | No Comments »

GM Partners with U.S. Department of Energy to Develop Jatropha-to-Biodiesel Project in India

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

General Motors Co. (GM) today announced a five-year partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to help develop the potential of the jatropha plant as a sustainable biofuel energy crop. Traditionally considered a weed, jatropha plants produce an oil that can be refined into biodiesel.

The goal of the project is to demonstrate that jatropha can produce significant quantities of oil for conversion to biodiesel and to develop new varieties of the plant that have high yields, can withstand frost, and grow in temperate climates such as the United States. The drought-resistant, non-edible plant can be grown commercially with minimal care on marginal land.

“Discovering new sources for biodiesel production is an important part of DOE research and development efforts,” said Secretary of Energy Steven Chu. “The expertise of this team can help speed the pace for the development of jatropha as a biofuel crop.”

Two jatropha farms will be established in India: a 16-hectare (39.5 acre) plot in Bhavngar and a 38 hectare (93.9 acre) plot in Kalol, near GM’s India Car Manufacturing plant. An existing 30 hectare (74.1 acre) jatropha farm in Bhavnagar also will be managed under this project.

Lab-optimized strains of jatropha, produced through selective and marker-assisted breeding, will be cultivated at these farms. The joint DOE-GM funding will enable the Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI)—an India-based research facility falling under Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India —to manage all of the 84 hectares (840,000 m2). A complete lifecycle analysis will be conducted to evaluate the environmental impacts, starting with fertilizer production from raw materials and ending with the harvesting of jatropha fruits.

“In the long term, if jatropha is commercially viable, it will reduce dependence on petroleum as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote economic growth,” said Mike Robinson, GM Vice President of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. “It would also boost GM India growth plans with biodiesel-capable products and reiterate GM India’s commitment to green technology and alternate fuel solutions to reduce dependence on fossil fuel.”

GM has invested in next-generation ethanol startups Coskata Inc. and Mascoma Corp. Coskata recently announced plans to join a consortium, in conjunction with GM’s Holden division, to study the construction of a bio-ethanol plant in Australia. In addition to cellulosic ethanol, DOE and GM recognize the need to provide bio-based diesel alternative fuels that can replace fossil diesel. A significant portion of the global transportation fuel market in places such as India and Europe relies on diesel and cannot benefit from cellulosic ethanol technologies. For these markets, jatropha-based biodiesel has great potential as an alternative fuel, especially in regions where national security concerns are heightened by reliance on imported oil.

In addition to India, other nations including China, the Philippines, several African countries, and the United States are conducting research programs in jatropha cultivation and oil extraction on eroded farmland and marginal land.

Source: http://publish.media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Mar/0330_jatropha

Best Quality Used Cars for Sale from Japan

Posted in Auto News | No Comments »

Award-Winning Art Students Tour GM Design’s Inner Sanctum

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

The General Motors Design Dome is one of those places very few people get to visit. And the products seen there often are not seen in public until years later.

But a group of Gold Key winners from the Southeast Michigan region of the Scholastic Art Awards recently got an up close and personal look at the inner sanctum of automotive design. The goal: encourage the students to pursue careers in the multiple facets of automotive design.

GM designers, sculptors, digital modelers and graphic artists met one on one with more than 140 students, teachers and parents, explaining the many disciplines involved in automotive design – from rapid prototyping to digital scanning to merchandising.

“I work with high school seniors putting portfolios together to get into art schools, to go into careers in the arts, and even though I tell them about career opportunities, this gives them a tangible idea of the vast array of careers in design,” says Diane Heath, art teacher at Stoney Creek High School in Rochester Hills, Mich., and 2009 Michigan Art Educator of the Year.

Students also got a look at some of the latest concept vehicles crafted by GM’s artists, including the GMC Granite and Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.

“We share these students’ love for art and what we want to do is tell them ‘You have this talent, look at what you can do with it.’ We want to show them what their artistic skills can lead to,” says Clay Dean, Director of GM Advanced Design.

Darby Barber, an 11th grader from Stoney Creek High School, said she was unaware that automotive design required so many different skill sets, from sculpting to digital animation.

“This opens your eyes to a lot of the opportunities that exist,” she said. “It’s really cool that GM did this so that we can have all of this information. What this event showed me was that if you really want to pursue automotive design, you can make it a reality,” Barber said.

The students who participated in the event will be among the 1,000 students who will participate in the national Scholastic Art & Writing awards, which will be presented in New York City in June.

GM Design has been a longtime supporter of various educational initiatives supporting young adults interested in pursuing careers in the arts. The company plans to host a design career workshop for young adults on its Technical Center campus this fall. More information on GM Design educational initiatives can be found on Facebook at GM Design Educational Relations.

Source: http://publish.media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Mar/0330_artdesign

Best Quality Used Cars for Sale from Japan

Posted in Auto News | No Comments »

GM Announces Financial Leadership Changes

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

General Motors Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddell today announced a number of key finance leadership changes aimed at further advancing the company’s financial progress and preparing for its return to public ownership in the future.

Walter Borst is named GM vice president and Promark Global Advisors, Inc. chief executive officer, reporting to Liddell, effective May 1, 2010. Promark is a wholly-owned asset management subsidiary of GM focused primarily on the management of retirement plan assets, including GM’s pension plans assets. Borst, 48, will also continue as chairman of the Adam Opel GmbH Supervisory Board. Opel is GM’s principal European automotive subsidiary, located in Germany. Borst was most recently GM vice president and treasurer, a post he has held since 2003.

“Walter has done an outstanding job as treasurer,” said Liddell. “He is a great fit to lead the team managing a crucial part of GM, the $115 billion in assets at Promark.”

During his 29 year GM career, Borst spent six years in Europe, and served as chief financial officer of Opel. Additionally, he held a number of assignments in the Treasurer’s Office in New York and the Controller’s Staff in Detroit. Over the years, Borst has been instrumental in a number of significant strategic and capital market transactions for GM, including the recent GM restructuring and sale of assets pursuant to Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and the global capital markets debt offering to fund the GM pension deficit in 2003. He has also served on the GMAC Board of Directors.

Borst succeeds Nancy Everett, who has announced her intention to leave the company June 1, 2010, and who will assist with the transition. Everett, 55, joined Promark Global Advisors as chief investment officer in 2005. She assumed the additional responsibility of chief executive officer in January 2006. In 2007, Everett restructured the portfolio to hedge against volatility that ultimately helped GM’s pension fund withstand the negative market impact of 2008.

“Nancy was a valuable contributor during one of the most difficult times in the financial market’s history,” said Liddell. “Under her leadership, Promark delivered consistent performance for its clients, often outperforming the market. We thank her for her contribution.”

Daniel Ammann has been appointed GM vice president finance and treasurer, reporting to Liddell, effective May 1, 2010. Ammann, 37, was most recently managing director and head of Industrials Investment Banking for Morgan Stanley, a position he held since 2004.

“Dan brings a broad base of financial experience to this position,” said Liddell. “It is a critical time in this company’s history and Dan’s depth of knowledge of the financial community and our business will be invaluable.”

Ammann will lead the GM Treasurer’s Office, based in New York, with additional operations in Detroit, Shanghai, and Zurich. The global treasury operations include capital markets activities, capital planning, business development, risk management, worldwide pension funding, worldwide banking, and overseas and domestic finance.

During his 11 years at Morgan Stanley, Ammann was instrumental in many high profile assignments spanning a variety of technology, service, and manufacturing clients. His diverse experience in mergers, acquisitions, raising capital, and restructuring includes leading Morgan Stanley’s banking team in advising GM on its restructuring and sale pursuant to Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

Source: http://publish.media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Mar/0329_GM_exec

Best Quality Used Cars for Sale from Japan

Posted in Auto News | No Comments »

Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon Show Car Debuts At The New York Auto Show

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Cadillac today unveiled the CTS-V Sport Wagon show car, foreshadowing the next addition to its V-Series performance line. It combines the performance and luxury of the landmark CTS-V Sport Sedan with the dramatic design of the CTS Sport Wagon.

“The CTS-V Sport Wagon is a natural extension of both the V-Series and the CTS lineup, offering an uncompromising performance car to enthusiasts who want the extra room of a wagon,” said Don Butler, vice president for Cadillac marketing. “The V-Series Sport Wagon is another hallmark of the dramatic presence and power of Cadillac vehicles.”

The exterior is finished in Midnight Silver, first seen on the Cadillac Sixteen Concept, and accented by lustrous Liquid Silver-finished wheels and a black chrome finish on the grille’s mesh insert. The rear fascia, upper spoiler and center high-mounted stop lamp are also unique to the show car.

Inside, the CTS-V Sport Wagon show car is trimmed in exclusive black leather with Alcantara® accents. The upper section of the instrument panel and upper door panels are covered in the same premium leather, accented with midnight Sapele wood, while the microfiber material and stitching is applied to the lower door panels, pillars, console lid, headliner and steering wheel center. The show car features fine-grain black leather-trimmed Recaro® seats with Alcantara seat inserts. The seat inserts are divided in the center and accented with dark gray stitching, while the V-series logo is laser etched into the seatbacks. Obsidian Black accents grace the center stack, console, steering wheel and door panels.

The show car’s bespoke color and trim elements hint at the potential direction of color and trim in future Cadillac models. These elements are not yet intended for production, but represent Cadillac’s desire to gauge customer reaction to new color and trim options.

Production CTS-V Sport Wagon

The CTS-V Sport Wagon will go into production in late 2010, with initial sales in North America, followed by export markets including Europe and the Middle East. The new model rounds out the V-Series offerings, which include all variants of the CTS family’s sedan, coupe and sport wagon body styles.

Like its sedan and coupe stable mates, the CTS-V Sport Wagon is powered by a supercharged 6.2L V-8, which delivers 556 horsepower (415 kW) and is backed by either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. A suite of technical and performance elements complement the powertrain, including Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 performance tires mounted on 19-inch forged aluminum wheels.

Like the other CTS V-Series models, the Sport Wagon incorporates a unique grille that doubles front-end airflow to help enable its high-performance capabilities. It is also visually identified by an aggressive front fascia and raised center section of the aluminum hood that provides clearance for the supercharger. It rides on 19-inch forged aluminum wheels available in painted or polished finishes.

The rest of the exterior carries the dramatic design of the new CTS Sport Wagon; the details of which include:

Signature V-shaped deck and tailgate motif
Large, vertical taillamps with light-pipe technology
Power-opening liftgate (via key fob or in-vehicle button)
CHMSL-integrated roof spoiler
Integrated roof load management system with available cross bars for a seamless appearance
Cargo management system with adjustable in-floor containment
Available panoramic UltraView sunroof.

At the rear is a pair of 3-inch (76 mm) chrome exhaust outlets, which caps a performance dual-exhaust system made of high-grade stainless steel that will maintain a lustrous appearance longer than ordinary stainless.

Of course, cargo capability is a hallmark of wagons and the V-Series Sport Wagon delivers with 25.4 cubic feet (720 liters) of space behind the rear seats and 58 cubic feet (1,644 liters) with the seats folded – virtually doubling the available space of the sedan.

Supercharged performance

The 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine powers the CTS-V Sport Wagon – the same acclaimed engine found in the V-Series Sedan and Coupe models. Rated at 556 horsepower (415 kW) and 551 lb.-ft. of torque (747 Nm), it is the most powerful engine offered in Cadillac’s history.

The engine features an intercooled Eaton Twin Vortices Series™ (TVS™) supercharger. This unique supercharger design employs twin four-lobe rotors, twisted 160 degrees. Typical superchargers feature three lobes twisted 60 degrees. The fourth lobe and added twist, when combined with unique air inlet and outlet ports, create smoother, more efficient airflow into the engine. In addition to improved overall efficiency, this supercharger has superior noise and vibration characteristics compared to more ordinary designs.

A pair of six-speed transmissions is offered in the CTS-V Sport Wagon – a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual with a dual-disc clutch and a Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted shift controls. The steering wheel-mounted controls require no shift lever movement and allow immediate tap up/tap down gear selection. Performance Algorithm Shifting provides the automotive transmission with a performance-oriented shift pattern during sustained high-performance driving. As with many Cadillac models, the driver needs only to slide the shifter into the manual “gate” to put the transmission into a performance mode.

Torque is channeled through the six-speed transmissions to a high-performance rear axle that features a limited-slip rear differential within a cast iron housing for greater thermal management and asymmetrical half-shafts to smoothly manage the supercharged engine’s incredible torque. The unique design includes alternately sized half-shafts that also help dynamically balance the oscillation of torque from side to side, effectively eliminating “power hop.”

Magnetic Ride Control

The V-Series achieves exceptional levels of road-holding performance, but also maintains the poise of a luxury car in “regular” driving conditions. The technical enabler of this dual-mode driving character is Cadillac’s landmark Magnetic Ride Control. It is standard on the CTS-V Sport Wagon and is the world’s fastest-reacting suspension technology. It uses shocks controlled by advanced magneto-rheological technology, rather than mechanical valves, to greatly accelerate response time and precision.

Electronic sensors at all four wheels literally “read the road” every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions. This is of particular benefit for a high-performance car because it helps keep the car very composed during hard cornering, acceleration, braking and other dynamic maneuvers.

The Magnetic Ride shocks also enable a broader range of damping control to optimize the ride and handling for all driving conditions. In the CTS-V Sport Wagon, an extra measure of control is offered, with two selectable modes (Tour and Sport), enabling the driver to tailor the suspension for grand touring or more spirited performance driving.

Cadillac pioneered Magnetic Ride Control, bringing it to production first in 2002, following decades of research on magneto-rheological science. Today, the technology appears only on a short roster of the world’s most elite vehicles, including Cadillac V-Series models, the Escalade luxury SUV and the STS and DTS luxury sedans.

Brembo brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires

The CTS-V Sport Wagon incorporates sophisticated braking and tire systems, in partnership with two companies renowned for high-performance technology: Brembo and Michelin. Brembo brakes are at all four corners and include powerful, six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear.

Large vented rotors enable strong initial braking force while optimizing heat resistance and eliminating fade. The brake rotors from Brembo are manufactured with “dual-cast” technology that combines cast iron and aluminum, resulting in superior performance and weight reduction.

The CTS-V Sport Wagon also includes an electric parking brake, which allows for optimal dead pedal placement, which is important for high-performance driving.

Michelin partnered with Cadillac engineers to develop an exclusive Pilot Sport PS2 tire specifically engineered for the CTS-V. The tires support high levels of grip in track conditions, while also affording excellent performance on the road.

Comfort, style and technology

The interior of the CTS-V Sport Wagon is shared with the sedan, including streamlined instrumentation, LED lighting and hand-cut-and-sewn accents.

The CTS-V Sport Wagon production model will come standard with performance seats featuring perforated sueded microfiber inserts designed to hold the driver and front passenger in place during cornering. Recaro performance driving seats are optional and provide excellent support for spirited driving. These 14-way adjustable performance seats include pneumatic bolster controls in the seat cushions and backrests.

Complementing the performance seating are a thick steering wheel and a gauge package designed for easy, at-a-glance reference during performance driving. Large instruments have bold readouts, including an LED-lit “tracer” function in the tachometer that flashes as the engine nears the red line. The gauge layout includes a boost gauge and a lateral acceleration display.

Obsidian Black accents grace the center stack, console, steering wheel and door panels. The production steering wheel and shifter are available in Alcantara, providing the luxurious character of suede. These accents are elegant to the touch and aid the driver during support high-performance driving. Just like every CTS, the V-Series includes a hand-stitched instrument panel, door trim and center console.

Leading-edge infotainment features extend to the V-Series. Standard features include an advanced navigation system with a deployable screen, Bose 5.1 digital surround audio, factory-installed Bluetooth phone integration and a 40-gigabyte hard drive that allows the customer to store a large library of music files. The system uploads files via a USB port or the in-dash DVD/CD drive and allows stored tracks to be searched and selected through the radio controls.

Source: http://publish.media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Mar/10NYAS/cadillac/0329_ctsvwagon

Best Quality Used Cars for Sale from Japan

Posted in Auto News | No Comments »

Chevrolet Cruze in the World Touring Car Championship

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

Louis Chevrolet, a race car designer and driver, co-founded Chevrolet with Billy Durant, establishing a racing heritage at the company’s inception. That legacy continues today in many forms of motorsports, including the Chevrolet Cruze competing in the popular World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).

This year is the first full racing season for the Cruze, which was introduced in the WTCC in 2009, around the same time the all-new compact car was launched in the European market. This season also marks the sixth for Chevrolet participating in the WTCC; it includes three Cruze race cars and support teams.

The ambitions of the European Chevrolet WTCC team members this year are high, as they are aiming for the world title. It would be an achievement that would cap the steady progression since the Chevrolet WTCC racing debut in 2005.

The Cruze WTCC effort underwent significant development and testing to prepare for the 2010 season. It is directed by British stalwart racing organization Ray Mallock Limited (RML), which has been in charge of the technical and sports aspects of the racing program since 2005.

In 2005, when the Chevrolet brand was re-launched in Europe, it enrolled in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), one of only three FIA world Championships, next to Formula One and the World Rally Championship (WRC). The intent was – and remains – to demonstrate capability, durability and confidence in the products to the public, dealers and employees.

The WTCC features cars close to production models. “Real cars, real racing” is the championship’s tagline and it very appropriately encapsulates both the spirit of the WTCC and Chevrolet. With races taking place in different continents (Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa) and offering a truly global audience, the WTCC is an ideal platform to showcase the Chevrolet spirit so well expressed by Louis Chevrolet’s motto: “Never give up!”

Source: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_chevrolet.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Mar/10NYAS/chevrolet/0328_cruze_wtcc

Best Quality Used Cars for Sale from Japan

Posted in Auto News | 1 Comment »

Asean and the Auto Supporting Industry Part 2 of 2

Monday, March 29th, 2010

The first part of this article in the previous issue looked at the interdependence between the automobile and auto supporting industries. Continuing with the second and last part, News from JAMA Asia introduces the new challenges facing the industries, brought about by new trends in the operating environment.

The Auto Supporting Industry in ASEAN

There were three important events in January 2010 with regard to trade movements in Asia. Firstly, import duties were abolished in the six of the ASEAN countries under the AFTA. Secondly, ASEAN-India FTA came into force and thirdly, import duties between China and six ASEAN countries are abolished under the ASEAN-China FTA.

Since AFTA started in 1993, the abolishment of import duties within ASEAN region has been awaited. While this has been limited to the six ASEAN countries, the abolishment of import duties is a major progress and a symbolic outcome.

Amidst the global trade liberalization trend and the emergence of China, ASEAN countries recognized the importance of the formation of an integrated ASEAN market, and pushed for the mutual complementation of auto parts through advancing AFTA. This trend can be seen clearly in Graph 1. The share of items related to auto parts out of the total value of exports for ASEAN countries has grown to almost 7%.

With the completion of AFTA, it is expected that such mutual complementation of auto parts would accelerate further. The resulting economies of scale are expected to lead to the strengthening of their global competitiveness.

The ASEAN-India and ASEAN-China FTAs also have a big impact on the automobile and parts supporting industries, bringing about revitalization of trade within ASEAN and providing variety and expansion to the procurement routes of parts. They also give more opportunities to export for the parts makers who are globally competitive. At any rate, we await to see the formation of a new trade structure in the Asia region with ASEAN at the center.

In addition, as seen in Graph 2, exports of auto parts from five ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam) are expanding in recent years, increasing the share of the total export value from 2.5% in 2000 to 4.4% in 2008.

New Challenges

In recent years, there are two major characteristics involving trends in the global automobile and auto supporting industries. One of them is the development and popularization of next-generation vehicles or environmentally-friendly vehicles from the viewpoint of prevention of global warming as well as energy conservation. The other one is the trend of price reduction of automobiles.

Auto makers are actively involved in the research and development of next-generation vehicles or environmentally-friendly vehicles such as hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles and fuel-cell vehicles. Moreover, with the strengthening in environmental regulations such as those on emissions or fuel properties, there is also a demand on ASEAN part makers to respond to this trend by putting more efforts into their research and development, and technological capabilities.

On the other hand, low-cost vehicles are emerging on the markets in countries like India, contributing to the development of new demand. Part makers may be further requested to keep costs down by, for instance, reviewing the use of materials or standardizing parts.

Under such changes in the environment, it is a challenge for the auto supporting industry in ASEAN to further bolster its global competitiveness.

Aiming for the completion of the AEC (ASEAN Economic Community) by 2015, ASEAN has seen progress in many aspects of economic integration, not only in the abolishment of tariffs, but also in the removal of non-tariff barriers, the promotion of trade, streamlining of customs procedures, advancement of the Single Window, and harmonization of technical regulations.

At the ASEAN Summit held in Thailand in October 2009, the AAF (ASEAN Automotive Federation) presented its recommendations on aspects of harmonization of regulations, customs procedures, non-tariff barriers, ASEAN integration, strengthening of competitiveness, promotion of trade, in order to promote the distribution of automobile, parts and components.2

It is hoped that by working together, the ASEAN governments and the auto industries could deepen ASEAN integration and contribute to the sound development of the automobile and auto supporting industry.

Source: http://www.jama-english.jp/asia/news/2010/vol39/article1.html

Best Quality Used Cars for Sale from Japan

Posted in Auto News | No Comments »

Honda Sets All-Time February Record for Auto Production in Asia and China

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced a summary of automobile production, Japan domestic sales, and export results for the month of February 2010.

Production
Production in Japan for the month of February 2010 experienced a year-on-year increase for the second consecutive month (since January 2010).

Production in regions outside of Japan experienced a year-on-year increase for the fourth consecutive month (since November 2009) including record production in Asia and China for the month of February.

Worldwide production experienced a year-on-year increase for the third consecutive month (since December 2009).

Japan Domestic Market Sales
Total domestic sales for the month of February 2010 experienced a year-on-year increase for the eighth consecutive month (since July 2009).

New vehicle registrations in February experienced a year-on-year increase for the 11th consecutive month (since April 2009).

Sales of mini-vehicles in February experienced a year-on-year decrease for the 15th consecutive month (since December 2008).

Vehicle registrations - excluding mini-vehicles
Fit was the industry’s second best-selling car among new vehicle registrations for the month of February 2010, with sales of 13,967 units. Freed was the industry’s seventh best-selling car with sales of 8,192 units. Step WGN was the industry’s eighth best-selling car with sales of 7,828 units.

Mini-vehicles - under 660cc
Life was the industry’s eighth best-selling car among mini-vehicles for the month of February 2010, with sales of 4,789 units.

Exports from Japan
Total exports from Japan in February 2010 experienced a year-on-year decrease for the 17th consecutive month (since October 2008).

PRODUCTION, SALES and EXPORTS

Worldwide Production

		February		Year-to-Date Total (Jan. - Feb. 2010)
		Units	vs.’09	Units	vs.’09
	Japan	83,310	+52.2%	160,694	+21.8%
	Outside of Japan	201,401	+48.2%	414,769	+45.4%
Worldwide Total		284,711	+49.3%	575,463	+37.9%

Production Outside of Japan

		February		Year-to-Date Total (Jan. - Feb. 2010)
		Units	vs.’09	Units	vs.’09
	North America	103,111	+49.9%	204,316	+44.1%
	(USA)	76,646	+62.2%	150,477	+59.2%
	Europe	11,919	-	21,390	+85.8%
	Asia	72,840	+30.8%	164,544	+49.6%
	(China)	43,843	+25.6%	104,391	+47.3%
	Others	13,531	+18.4%	24,519	+12.0%
Overseas Total		201,401	+48.2%	414,769	+45.4%

Japan Domestic Market Sales

Vehicle type		February		Year-to-Date Total (Jan. - Feb. 2010)
Vehicle type		Units	vs.’09	Units	vs.’09
	Registrations	41,004	+36.3%	77,512	+48.6%
	Mini Vehicles	14,303	-10.0%	25,613	-8.4%
Honda Brand Total		55,307	+20.3%	103,125	+28.7%

Export from Japan

		February		Year-to-Date Total (Jan. - Feb. 2010)
		Units	vs.’09	Units	vs.’09
	North America	12,900	-32.6%	21,010	-37.0%
	(USA)	10,476	-39.1%	18,410	-38.5%
	Europe	1,707	-75.5%	4,487	-75.5%
	Asia	820	-20.2%	2,492	-3.3%
	Others	4,055	+81.4%	8,483	+5.8%
Total		19,482	-33.6%	36,472	-41.4%

Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2010/c100329Automobile-Sales/

Best Quality Used Cars for Sale from Japan

Posted in Auto News | No Comments »

Pembrey Test Useful To Fine-Tune The Cruze For Wet Conditions

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Regardless of the 5000 km of testing completed during the winter and the excellent start of the WTCC season in Curitiba, the development program of the Cruze continues relentlessly. The Chevrolet team spent two days testing in Pembrey on Wednesday and Thursday, with Alain Menu at the wheel of the Cruze.

The Swiss driver completed the two-day session without any major trouble, but weather conditions modified the initial work program, as the rain invited itself to the track near Bristol for almost the entire two days.

Source: http://media.opel.com/content/media/intl/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/intl/en/2010/wtcc/03_26_pembrey_test

Best Quality Used Cars for Sale from Japan

Posted in Auto News | No Comments »

Archives

Categories

Archive for March, 2010

Lexus Exhibit Presents Captivating All-New Display Exhibit and Exciting Vehicles at 2010 New York International Auto Show

Toyota Begins Radically Reshaping Operations to Meet Customer Expectations

GM Partners with U.S. Department of Energy to Develop Jatropha-to-Biodiesel Project in India

Award-Winning Art Students Tour GM Design’s Inner Sanctum

GM Announces Financial Leadership Changes

Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon Show Car Debuts At The New York Auto Show

Chevrolet Cruze in the World Touring Car Championship

Asean and the Auto Supporting Industry Part 2 of 2

Honda Sets All-Time February Record for Auto Production in Asia and China

Pembrey Test Useful To Fine-Tune The Cruze For Wet Conditions