The Toyota Prius has been the best selling car in Japan for the past 16 months, thanks to incentives from Japanese government to boost the sales of environment friendly cars.  Toyota has sold about 340,000 3rd generation Prius cars in Japan.  It has sold more than 2.7 million hybrid cars worldwide so far, and almost half of them in Japan.  There were complaints particularly from the blind and aging population in Japan that they can not hear the hybrid car approaching as it is too quiet.  So finally Toyota Prius hybrid car is going to become a little noisy with a novel electronic gadget that will produce a whirring sound to warn the pedestrians.

This new device for Toyota Prius is based on suggestions regarding the dangers of silent electric and hybrid automobiles prepared by the Government of Japan in January this year.  The new Prius cars will have a speaker system installed beneath its hood which will produce a humming sound which has almost the same decibel level that of a normal car engine.  This new system will cost about 12,600 yen (US$ 145), and will go on sale in Japan from August 30.

It is up to the Prius car owner to install this system as its use is voluntary.  Owners will have to pay extra installation charges.  The noise making gadget’s humming is not so jarring and it is barely audible in noisy city traffic, but can be of a great help in quieter places.  The humming gadget can be switched off by the driver but it would switch on automatically every time the car is started.

Toyota has not yet decided about introducing this passenger warning system for their Prius models in other countries, but the Japanese car maker is going through regulations of different countries including the United States as it is considering to market the device in these countries too.  Toyota, the Japanese car maker which also manufacturers the Lexus luxury and Camry sedan models, has plans to release the noise making gadget for other plug-ins, hybrid models, electric vehicles, and vehicles powered by fuel cells.

A research carried out by the United States government last year revealed that compared to cars with conventional engines, hybrid cars are more likely to be involved in accidents involving pedestrians at lower speeds.  The electric-gasoline hybrid delivers good fuel efficiency and mileage, but it is also super quiet as the engine runs as an electric motor most of the time – particularly at lower speeds.  Hence, it received complaints especially from the blind and old pedestrians who are more prone to be hit by the hybrid car, particularly at low speeds.  As Japan’s crowded cities have crisscrossing, narrow roads and streets, the pedestrian death instances compared with other traffic accidents are quite high.  Japan also has a large percentage of aging population, which makes audible cars critically necessary.

Other Japanese auto maker Nissan is also working on similar measures to make quiet eco-friendly cars safer for pedestrians.

Technorati Tags: Toyota Prius, Japanese, hybrid cars, Japan, Japanese car, Nissan

What makes the Toyota Camry a top selling car?

With the safety recalls happening in the recent past, some of Toyota’s automobiles took some reputation bashing, but it has not deterred the Japanese car maker from outselling other major car makers in terms of worldwide sales.   It’s not a big surprise for those with their finger on the automobile pulse to guess – and correctly – that Toyota has again made it in the first five top selling cars.  The Toyota Camry comes in second with a 32.2 percent stake of the top ten highest selling cars market and with a 2.8 percent higher sales in comparison with sales during the same period of seven months last year, and the Toyota Corolla/Matrix taking the fourth place.

Toyota Camry has held its pride of place for almost a decade which obviously translates to the understanding that this is not a new discovery by drivers the world over but is something that seems to have stood the test of time and emerged the winner – yet again!

Review of 2011 Toyota Camry

The 2011 Camry is available in the hybrid as well as in four different models, all the way to XLE from the base trim level.  Where the hybrid comes with a four- cylinder, 2.4 liter engine packing a horsepower of 147, the other two engine types are the V6 3.5 liter engine that packs 268 HP and can climb zero to 60 mph in a little over 5 seconds, and a four-cylinder 2.5 liter engine generating a horsepower of 169.  The transmission is available in manual and automatic;  both are six-speed.

Toyota Camry’s reputation really precedes it, and loyalists of the Toyota brand of cars still swear by the Camry’s reputation of giving value for money over a long period of time.  It is renowned for its reliability as well as popularity.  The automatic transmission car comes with a no-fuss guarantee, is a family car and both – comfortable and easy to drive.

The best part of the whole deal is the price! Prices start in the range of around $20,000!! Though the interior of the Camry is not all that plush, it is very sophisticated and eye-catching.  The convenient placement of the console and dashboard brings about an ease of operations as well as gives an understanding for the driver.  The interior is also roomy enough to contain the four passengers and the driver very comfortably.  The display control monitoring the navigation, climate control and audio enhances the appearance of the Camry.

The Camry is known for its aesthetic design and an easy flowing and fluid performance.  It has additional features like an mp3 with a DVD/CD player, power seats, Bluetooth potential, dual-zone climate control, electronic locking system, a USB iPod port and is compatible with radio satellite.  The Toyota Camry also comes with electronic stability control, traction and cruise control, door locks and power windows, audio controls mounted on the steering wheel and of course, air-conditioning.

Along with other accolades, the 2010 Camry has won the remarkable reputation of surviving government conducted side and frontal crash tests and won five out of five stars.

Technorati Tags: Japanese car, Toyota, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry

Here’s braking news from Nissan!  Nissan Motor Co. have just developed the ultimate gadget in safety systems technology that would prevent collisions from occurring with the inbuilt computer that works in tandem with radar that can be mounted on your car.  It works on the same lines as that of the Eporo Robot Car unveiled by Nissan last year.

An increasing awareness among automobile buyers about safety is what seems to have prompted Nissan – the Japanese auto manufacturer -- to introduce this latest technological innovation in collision avoidance system.  The new concept assists in avoiding a forward collision by initially warning the driver in advance with a radar sensor that is mounted in front of the car and then automatically applying brakes to evade a collision or minimize the effects of one occurring.  Check this video to see the Nissan Forward Collision Avoidance Concept  in action.

The radar sensor device which is mounted just beneath the front bumper of the car gauges the distance and the relative speed of the vehicle in front of it and calculates the speed and time of the impact and by automatically braking prevents or minimizes a collision from taking place.  Even before the impact, an alarm goes off and the driver gets to see the warning on his screen display.

The device also helps in decelerating the vehicle by automatically applying the brakes gradually and partially.  In case the driver is still slow in responding to the early warning signs, the system automatically helps to push up the accelerator, tighten the seat belts of the passengers and the driver while it goes all the way, and applies the brakes harder enabling the vehicle to come to a total stop.  The point in favor of this system is that there is no sudden jerk as felt when the driver would usually apply his brakes in a panic.  The whole process is done very gently and well in time to prevent a collision from happening.

The system software also enables the vehicle to track back to its original lane in case it glides out of it and aids it to keep safe distance from vehicles that may be too close in the lanes adjacent with its blind spot ascertaining technology.  The vehicles coming up behind are also sufficiently informed when the braking lights go on indicating the vehicle is slowing down due to the automatic brakes being applied gradually.

Nissan apparently is not the premier crash-proof car maker.  Earlier this year this system was developed by the manufacturers of Subaru cars – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. The difference between the Nissan and Subaru forward collision technology is that Nissan technology is effective at speeds up to 60 kilometers an hour – currently the highest -  whereas Subaru’s is limited to up to 30 kilometers per hour.

As a part of its safety project, Nissan has also developed a special technology for its vehicles that will cut down the number of incidents of grave injuries and fatalities by half.  The four cameras with wide-angle video built into the navigation system of the car will monitor the area surrounding the car displaying pedestrians and stray animals and prevent even low- speed accidents that happen while parking or easing the car out of the lot.  We will have to wait and see when this collision avoidance system from Nissan would be available for their regular passenger cars and trucks.

Technorati Tags: Nissan, Japanese, collision avoidance system

Nissan – the Japanese car maker has announced about its working on the idea of “Health and Well-Being” to make it a healthier and safer experience for people driving in one of their cars.

There has been some thought that has gone into making just good old driving a special “experience” here.  Nissan is working on getting vitamin C enriched breathable air pumped into the automobile enclosure by the air-conditioning system to aid in keeping the occupants’ skin supple and feeling fresh.  This out of the box thinking from Nissan has brought in a lot of accolades as well as some critique.

Who wouldn’t want to prevent their elbows and skin going dry after driving around in an air-conditioned car over long drives?  Conversely, having your skin moisturized, without even actually having to do so seems like the perfect answer to most people’s problems.  Driving or even just traveling in a car manufactured by Nissan from now on would become a wholly new and fresh-feeling experience.

The “experience” is administered by a plasma cluster ion generator installed to control the filtering of air through the climate control system within the car.  The next generation system of climate control will not only filter the air within but also from outside the car as well as pump in vitamin C which is so essential for keeping skin moisturized and feeling soft and supple.

The plasma cluster ions assist in the reduction of mold intensity and also reduces bacteria that are airborne besides assisting in neutralizing microbe carrying allergens in the air and ticks.  These ions are also effective in controlling odors.

The system is geared to be able to sense different odors – like those of decay and industrial discharge – and mechanically toggle the airing system as necessary.

Along with these vitamin C enriched air circulation, Nissan is also aiming at helping at reducing stress on feet and legs of long distance drivers by installing specially designed heated ergonomic seats with multi-layered cushion pads to help keep both the driver and passengers comfortable for those going on long drives.  These chairs help considerably reduce back ache and also facilitate blood circulation and have been developed as a result undertaken by NASA.

Nissan is striving to make drivers feel safer, healthier and more comfortable within the car than out of it.  The new vitamin C spraying air-conditioners and air purifiers specially manufactured by Sharp, are bound to go a great way in increasing awareness among automobile owners that are health conscious.

With the increase in competition between automobile manufacturers, this value addition to the car market from Nissan brings with it a new way of looking to make their automobiles different from those produced by the rest of the car manufacturers.

This is the 14th month in the running for the Toyota Prius to be declared the best selling car in Japan.  Sales of this hybrid car in its third generation maxed 31,876 units in June and the Prius has been maintaining its first position for the last 14 months.  Worldwide sales have reached 1.79 million and the Prius is currently the top selling hybrid to hit the global car market.

If the waiting lists for the Toyota Prius are to be believed, the demand is far greater than the rate of supply in Japan.  The waiting period is as high as three months.  There was a brief period in 2009 when the top position of the Prius (at the time in its second generation) was usurped by the launch of the Honda Insight.  The Prius was introduced in 1997 and since the launch of the third generation, it has taken over the first position in the highest sales of its units and it seems like it is here to stay for a long time to come, with its never ending waiting lists.

The Toyota Prius has won the highest award against its rival the Honda Insight at the New York Auto Show, and in Japan, has also been declared the Car of the Year 2010.  The car has a 37 HP electric motor running in the Atkinson cycle and an engine with a 99 HP running at 5,200 rpm with a 105 lb-ft at 4,000 torque.

One of the reasons attributed to its high sales is the tax breaks and the special subsidy given by the Japanese government for cars that are environmentally friendly.  Japanese customers also are leaning towards buying hybrid vehicles over the others, which is helping boost sales of the Toyota Prius.

There were some issues over quality with Toyota in Japan recalling almost 92,000 units of its Crown and Lexus models since October.  Some Prius units too were recalled for issues relating to braking software problems, sticking gas pedals and floor mats that were defective.  In spite of things looking bleak, Toyota is feeling optimistic with the high demand for the Prius and is looking forward to a long stint in the market for hybrid cars.

If you are looking for a new or used Toyota Prius, please get in touch with your requirements.  We feel it would be a great investment not only for yourself but for contributing to pollution free society.

Technorati Tags: Toyota Prius, hybrid car, Honda Insight, Car of the Year 2010

Major automakers in Japan are competing fiercely to get their share of the hybrid car market pie.  Competition between the leaders in hybrid cars – Toyota and its rival Honda – is now set to intensify as both the companies are preparing to launch their new hybrid car models next year.   This is going to lead to a price war which would help the help to increase popularity of hybrid cars in Japan.  As per the latest news from Nikkei Business Daily, Honda’s new two-seat hybrid car CR-Z will cost just around US$16,750 (1.5 million yen), which would make it the cheapest hybrid car in Japan.  CR-Z will be available in the market from autumn this year.

CR-Z — which stands for Compact Renaissance Zero — is a two-seater gasoline-electric hybrid car, which is lively and comfortable and comes with CVT (continuously variable tranmission) as well as manual transmission.  In spite of its low price tag, the Honda CR-Z doesn’t look or feel like a cheap, thrifty car.  The new hybrid from Honda has fuel efficiency of 30 km per liter (34 miles per gallon) of gasoline, compared with the Fit’s 24 km per liter.

The design of Honda’s new hybrid car CR-Z will be based on its gasoline powered compact car Fit, and will share core components of its hybrid model Insight – in order to reduce the development costs.  As a result, the new hybrid car will cost about US$4,400 (400,000 yen) less than Insight hybrid, and about US$2,200 ( 200,000 yen) more than Honda Fit.  With this move the  Honda CR-Z  will cost 20% less than the cheapest hybrid car in the Japanese auto market today.

This price war will put both the car makers – Toyota and Honda – at a disadvantage when profit margins are concerned.  However, when hybrid cars would be available in the normal price range of gasoline powered cars and can offer a performance better than the conventional cars powered by gasoline, hybrids are going to be popular even if the government offers no tax incentives.

Technorati Tags: hybrid cars, hybrid cars in Japan, cheapest hybrid car, Honda CR-Z, Toyota, Honda

The 2010 Subaru Legacy sedan from Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) – the manufactures of Subaru vehicles, Japan has been given the tag of being the world’s safest car for the fiscal 2009.  This accolade has been bestowed upon it by the agency that assesses and reviews new car crash worthiness – the JNCAP – Japan’s New Car Assessment Program.

The highest award and title of “Grand Prix 09/10” was awarded to the Subaru Legacy after assessment by the JNCAP.  The Subaru Legacy is also the only car which has undergone very strict and stringent testing standards and to have emerged the winner among safe cars in Europe and Australia.  It ranks among the leading vehicles chosen by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the United States to be awarded the distinctive citation of the “Top Safety Pick”.  Several other independent test agencies too have certified the Legacy as one of the safest cars on the global market.

Taking the jury’s top tribute and being honoured with the coveted award, the Legacy is another Subaru vehicle to do so for the third year in success from among 17 other contenders.  The prior winners from the Subaru stable are the Forrester  winning the “Excellence” award in 2008 and the Impreza which was awarded the ‘GRAND PRIX’ in 2007.

In comparison with the smaller Impreza, though the Subaru Legacy is a bigger package, it is both sporty and very capable.  The Subaru Legacy was declared the outstanding winner after taking tests for collision safety performance for driver and co-passenger in the front and the head protection test for pedestrian.

This award follows other accolades and achievements received from other crash tests held internationally.  In the European NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme), the Subaru was rated with top five stars.  In the Australasian NCAP too it was bestowed the same award of five stars for occupant safety.

The Subaru Legacy is considered the safest and most desirable family car today due to its world class boxer engines, extraordinary interior space and sensibility, and the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which is its permanent trademark.

The Subaru Legacy packs discretion, affordability, and the best in equipment, sleek body and is considered the family’s dream car. It is the safest vehicle to be in and the best buy among mid-size sedans.

The Legacy is kitted with advanced safety equipment like a gamut of standard safety features, offering protection against whiplash injuries with its high-strength front seat frames, side curtain airbags, front seat side impact airbags, dual-stage deployment head curtain airbags in the front and the rear, and torso airbags for the driver and front passenger.  It is also fitted with ESP, rollover sensor, ABS, traction control and Vehicle Dynamics Control.

Technorati Tags: safest car, Subaru Legacy

Toyota Motor Corp.  is slated to team up with Tesla Motors Inc. – the only all-electric car manufacturer from Silicon Valley that makes cars that are highway-legal– in a partnership that is being considered a major windfall for Toyota.  The Toyota plant in California, which is now defunct, is being bought out by Tesla who have announced their intention of working together to manufacture an electric sedan called the Model S, to be unveiled in 2012.

The two companies are going to combine their synergies into increasing and widening their technological knowhow for new electric vehicles and also to improvise on their methods of manufacturing processes to try and bring in low-polluting vehicles and parts into the market.  Toyota will invest in Tesla stock to the tune of $50 million.

Tesla will have access to the well established Toyota’s immense dealer base and Toyota is expected to get the much needed shot in the arm to compete with rival car manufacturers in the expanding market for environmentally friendly electric vehicles.  In their hybrid Prius, for example, Toyota will be installing lithium-ion batteries made by Tesla, instead of the formerly used hydride units made from nickel.

With the advent of more and more vehicle owners replacing their cars with “green” hybrid vehicles, the local markets for electric cars really seems to be gathering momentum and it is the right time for partnerships like Tesla-Toyota to be getting ready for the high demand it anticipates.

The deal is also expected to help Toyota in selling electric cars in competition with other companies like General Motors Co. and Nissan Motor Co. in the U.S. because regulations are getting more stringent with regard to fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions.

Tesla is based in California and is currently the only vehicle manufacturer in the U.S.  selling battery-powered cars that are legal to be driven on the highway.  In the market of hybrid autos, Toyota too is one of the largest sellers and is headquartered in Toyota City in Japan.  The tie-up is expected to help the United States become independent from using imported energy resources and ushering in the use of electric cars and plug-in hybrids.

Technorati Tags: Tesla, Toyota, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric cars, Japan