Mazda MX-5 Reaches New Milestone With 900,000 Units

When Mazda’s production of its popular MX-5 sports car, called the Mazda Roadster by the Japanese, touched 531,890 units, Guinness World Records certified it as the “Best selling two-seat sports car” in the world.  But that was way back in 2000.  On February 4 this year, when production touched 900,000 units in Hiroshima, the roadster broke yet another production world record for two-seater sports cars.

When the Japanese automaker’s production of the Mazda MX-5 crossed 700 000 and, then later on, 800 000 units, Guinness had to repeatedly update the record.  Now almost 22 years since mass production began, Mazda’s popular sports car MX-5 has crossed yet another milestone.

In the two decades since the first-generation models of Mazda MX-5 were introduced, times have changes and so have vehicles.  Conservation of the Earth’s depleting natural resources and protection of the environment has become an important issue for car manufacturers, making them upgrade their car models to meet newer environmental norms.  The Mazda MX-5 too has seen two total product redesigns and also a number of upgrades.

Way back in the 1960s and the 1970s, there were a number of fun-to-drive, lightweight sports cars offering free-spirited, open-top motoring and smooth handling.  Mazda revived this spirit in the 1980s, by introducing a new roadster fit for the modern generation.  The most advanced engineering techniques were used to manufacture the MX-5.  It was launched by Mazda in February 1989 to remind people that driving could be fun in spite of stringent quality and safety standards.  Based on the well-known principle of mounted archery (Jinba Ittai), in which horse and rider act as one, the MX-5 Miata is certainly fun to drive, though it won’t shatter any 0-60 records.

To date, the bulk of the Miatas and MX-5s, adding up to nearly half a million, have been bought in North America, 274,081 have gone to Europe and 165,013 to Japan.  But no matter where its markets lie, the Mazda MX-5 is the world’s most raced car and Mazda’s longest running car globally.

The MX-5′s enduring success can be attributed to its immense popularity the world over.  In fact, it is common to come across proud owners at car fan club meetings who cherish their MX-5s like a beloved partner.  Obviously, a car that evokes such sentiments is more than a mere sports car for owners.

Now that yet another barrier has been smashed, Mazda is currently getting Guinness to ratify the new record of 900,000 units and getting ready to roll out the millionth MX-5 in the near future.  Even as the company is preparing for its next production milestone, it stays committed to enhancing the MX-5′s fun-to-drive character as well as its safety and environmental capabilities.

Technorati Tags: Mazda, Mazda MX-5, Japan

How was the year 2010 for Japanese Car Manufacturers?

Automobile manufactures in Japan had 2010 as a year of mixed fortunes.  According to the Japan Automobile Dealers Association, total sales of new trucks, cars and buses was 3.23 million last year which shows 10.6% increase over the previous year.  In the recent past, the increase in sales of new vehicles was noticed first in 2003 by 1.5% and the total sale of that year was 4.03 million vehicles.

Sales of fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles was boosted by Japanese government by providing incentives till August last year.  There was an increase in sales of fuel-efficient vehicles during this period and again we can see a slump in the sales since September 2010.  However, it was the first time in the last thirty years that we had seen such an overall increase in sales.  As per the auto dealer association spokesman, the highest percentage  increase recorded was 11.9% in the year 1989, when 5.56 million vehicles were sold.  All these figures are non-inclusive of mini cars sales and sales of trucks with 606 cubic cm or less engine capacities.  They further say that the drop in monthly sales for last four months could be visible in sale of December month.  This decline is about 28.3% from a year earlier to 179,666 vehicles.

Last year Toyota Prius recorded highest sales due to the subsidies.  It is expected that the Prius would be the best-selling model of 2010 but it will depend on the data that would be released next week.  Last year’s domestic sales of Toyota was up by 13.8% to 1.53 million vehicles and its Lexus line up was sold with an increase of 18.5% to 33,365 vehicles.  As per this data Toyota expects a fall of 12% in domestic sales to 1.93 million vehicles in 2011.   Honda Motor Co. recorded 5.1% increase with sales of 486,774 vehicles last year.  Nissan has recorded 7.4% increase in sales to 499,252 vehicles in the domestic market last year.

As such the auto dealers association has not predicted anything for 2011.  However, The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association expects a drop in vehicle sales from 3.23 million in 2010 to 13% to 2.81 million in 2011 and which does not include mini models.  Whatever increase in sales is seen is mostly because of the incentives given by the Japanese government.  But the government aid ended in September, showing the immediate effect on sales figures.

In spite of the transient peak of sales in 2010, Japanese automakers do not have much hope with domestic sales in 2011.  As Japanese currency is becoming expensive, automakers think that getting vehicles build at abroad and importing back to Japan is much cheaper.  As such Mitsubishi has a tradition manufacturing cars in Thailand and exporting from there.  Since 1988 Mitsubishi expanded its exports to over 140 countries like Australia, Africa, Asia Europe and Latin America.

Japan to build 100 hydrogen stations for fuel-cell cars by 2015

To combat the skyrocketing gas prices and to comply with the tightening environmental standards, Japanese auto makers are fiercely promoting the new electric and hybrid cars that offer a green alternative to the combustion engine.  Japanese auto makers including Toyota, Honda and Nissan are also contemplating to mass produce and market the next generation vehicles powered by fuel cells, in the Japanese domestic market by 2015.  Top car, gas and oil companies in Japan have come together to create the infrastructure needed to run hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.  Their strategy is to first create a domestic market for this new technology and then compete with rivals in other countries.

These eco-friendly vehicles will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Fuel-cell cars will use the electricity generated by the reaction between oxygen and hydrogen.  These vehicles powered by fuel cells are currently not available for sale in Japan.

Top Japanese car as well as oil and gas companies have confirmed the plan regarding fuel-cell car development during next five years.  They have united to establish the required infrastructure to bring fuel-cell vehicles in the market.  Ten energy companies in Japan have given their consent for their coordinated efforts for such expansion in a joint announcement with Nissan, Toyota and Honda.  Japanese oil companies and gas suppliers will need to build nearly hundred hydrogen supply stations in four major cities – Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Nagoya.  These cities are expected to get ready for the hydrogen powered fuel-cell vehicle launch.

Wide feedback is expected for the improvement of fuel-cell vehicles as there is a rising demand for eco vehicles.  Also, fuel-cell cars have a larger range than electric vehicles and they generate electricity by converting hydrogen with water and heat as a by-product.  However, the current cost of infrastructure is very high.  As per the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, approximately 600 million yen are required to construct one hydrogen fueling station.  But Oil and Gas firms hope to reduce the costs to nearly 200 million yen, when they will construct around hundred hydrogen stations.  As per executive vice-president of Toyota, as the technology become more commonplace, it would ultimately help to drop down the prices and he believes that the fuel-cell cars could be available for less than 8,000,000 yen.

The Japanese government has agreed to review the rules and regulations in order to establish this low-carbon cars concept.  And if needed, they will revise the rules by March, 2013 so as to create a fuel-cell cars market by 2015.  Government of Japan will levy a new tax on users of primary fossil fuel and will further take action to meet the country’s ambition to reduce gas emissions by twenty-five percent in next ten years.

Strict environmental standards are actually encouraging factor for the developments in hybrid cars combustion engine.  Currently hybrid cars have more demand in Japan’s domestic market and same demand is expected in near future for electric vehicles.  At present fuel-cell vehicles are not available in market but the major car companies are working on the concept of commercializing of fuel cell car concept.

Online Car Insurance Quotes are Almost Instant

Buying a car is making a big investment for most people.  So, whether you have a new or used car, you would need a car insurance to protect your investment.  Car accidents are unexpected and the car damages are often very expensive to repair.  The best car insurance can protect your car from any inconvenience in case of an accident.  However, before buying a car insurance, you should compare car insurance quotes from various insurance companies, and select the one which provides the best protection within your budget.

In the old days, you would need to visit the insurance company office and fill up lengthy forms, to get insurance quotes.  This process of getting the car insurance quotes used to be very time consuming.  However, these days you can use the Internet for research to get car insurance quotes online within minutes.  Comparing online car insurance quotes is by far the easiest and most convenient method to insure your car with the best car insurance company available in your area.  All it requires is a few clicks and you are on your way to getting the best insurance coverage for your car.

All the information you need about different kinds and functions of policies, the companies in your area offering insurance, state laws you were not aware of but certainly need to know and any other information relevant to car insurance, is now available to you on your computer.

Your choices on the net are unlimited as compared to the limit on choices offered by a company in your locality.  You do not need to be reliant on salesmen and commercial ads.  The features of the policy, company background, price range and terms and conditions are all visible to you even before you finalize on the company you are going to insure with.

It is no longer necessary to wait for insurance companies to respond or to stand in long queues to purchase car insurance.  Just a few clicks and all the information can be gathered by you instantly, sitting in the comfort of your home.  All it requires is the creation of a spreadsheet by filling in all the data you have gathered.  Looking up consumer reviews on the insurance companies offering car insurance in your area will also assist you in short listing and making your final decision on the company best suited for your requirements.

It used to be difficult in the past for buyers to select the type of car insurance policies on the basis of salesmen and marketing executives’ offers.  Consumers were always apprehensive wondering if they had taken the right decision.  It was too late to regret their decision when they found that the policy they had bought was not really suited to their needs.  But online information availability has made it much simpler to find the car insurance policy most applicable without having to depend on the opinion of others.

There are various options available for you to see and decide from.  Making a proper study of the state laws regarding car insurance, of the car insurance companies and of the various types of policies they offer and the sub-clauses and terms and conditions will help you arrive at a studied and intelligent decision to buy.  By going for online car insurance quotes, you will congratulate yourself on making the best choice.

Subaru launches Impreza WRX STI Spec C in Japan

Subaru Tecnica International recently announced special specifications versions Impreza WRX STI tS and WRX STI A-Line tS only for the Japanese Market.  These two vehicles by Subaru are based on 4-door WRX STI and WRX STI A-Line respectively with unique heavy duty features.  Toray Industries Inc. and Fuji Heavy Industries jointly introduced two tS model in last six months.  This is the first time they have adopted mass production vehicle for Subaru.  These two new special editions by Subaru come with performance upgrades.

The WRX STI A-Line tS and the WRX STI tS models are STI’s complete cars which gives drivers total pleasure to drive it and to own such model.  This version comes with light weight components, including an aluminum hood and carbon roof to get both performance enhancements and weight reduction.  The vehicle adopts STI’s unique specification equipment for interior, exterior, and strengthened underbody chassis.

The Spec C obtains a stronger, bigger front suspension and the rear obtains a conventional mechanical limited-slip.  The tS editions are equipped with parts which includes add-on element for front bumper, push engine switch, special tuned coil Springs, flexible rear suspension link and flexible rear support, side sill plates of tS logos, “tS” logo on steering wheel, 18-inch lighter alloy rims, flexible front Tower Bar, special tS rear and front ornaments, a STI-tweaked suspension and newly designed STI alloy wheel.  The interiors of tS models  are fitted with custom sill plates and Recaro seats.

The other specialty of tS edition is that it uses a twin-scroll 2.0 liter Boxer unit which is turbocharged and gives 308 hp.  It gives maximum torque of 430 Nm which make use of a five-speed manual gearbox.  Whereas the tS A-Line come with a single-scroll 2.5 liter turbocharged powerplant which uses five-speed automatic transmission and can produce 300 hp and 350 Nm of torque.  These two new editions of STI have aluminum hood, extremely proficient ball bearing turbocharger, lighter battery, laminar window glass, and retuned ECU.  The engineers have revised the fuel pump to give constant delivery and power steering’s oil flow also increased.  Engine performance and efficiency has enhanced by installed an intercooler water sprayer to cool intake air.

Subaru will produce 400 units of tS models with starting price of $56,488 for the STI tS and $50,463 for STI A-Line.  These models will be available throughout Japan from January 25, 2011 at Subaru dealerships.

At Shiotsu Autotrade, we also deal with used Subaru Sports cars.  Both Subaru Impreza WRX, and the Subaru Impreza WRX STI can be considered sports cars.  Even though both of them only have a 4-cylinder, 2.0 or a 2.5 Liter engine,  they both can deliver over 200 HP of power because of the turbo charger they are fitted with.  They are also much lighter than other sports cars, and come with four-wheel drive, which gives them a good advantage while racing.

2011 Tokyo Auto Salon – January 14 to January 16, 2011

If you are a fan of performance cars and tuning, you should not miss the Japan’s biggest tuning event – Tokyo Auto Salon.  The next event will be held from January 14 to January 16, 2011 at Makuhari Messe – Nippon Convention Center, Chiba.  Over 600 vehicles will be on display in this world’s largest auto show.  Tokyo Auto Salon 2011 is great exposure to automobile fraternity.

Tokyo Auto Salon is held annually for the last 24 years and is one of the oldest auto exhibitions in Japan.  It provides the Japanese car lovers with most recent happenings in Japanese automotive tuning.  It’s the best opportunity for auto manufacturers to display their featured vehicles or other products related to tuning.  This event provides an opportunity for auto lovers to know about all the newest models and auto parts for tuning purpose.  The first day morning is reserved exclusively for trade and press.  The show will be open to the general public on the weekend.

Nearly 300 companies, car manufacturers, automotive vocational schools associations, custom shops and manufacturers of after-market parts are expected to participate in this auto show.  Exhibition will include Tuning Exterior/Interior, Tuned Cars, Tune-Up Equipments &Facilities, Tuning Components etc.  The event will include not just car tuning products and custom cars but also Motorcycle, 4WD, Motor Sport, Telematics, Tire, Car Audios, Navigation, Chemical Components, Accessories etc.  The Tokyo Auto Salon will exhibit everything of importance to car lovers including custom car sales and customizing technology.

Tokyo Auto Salon is going to be an outstanding platform to create good business fortunes.  It’s a good opportunity for all exhibitors to present their systems to consumers.  Apart from this it’s going to be entertaining show with live entertainment by top musicians and talk shows hosting famous celebrities. There is going to a lot of fun for the auto lovers.

Nissan Motors will present nine innovative models with aftermarket parts at this 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon.  Nissan will have ‘Kids & Ladies Ride Event’ which will allow participants to experience the inside of racing car.  Apart from this their mechanics will be demonstrating techniques like changing racing car tire in their ‘Pitwork Simulation’.

The other main attraction of this event is models by Japanese tuner Varis.  The company does modifications and complete transformations with its design and performance for Japanese cars as well as European models.

Toyota will exhibit the Auris with TRD parts, the Auris GT Concept, FJ Cruiser’s MODELLISTA options and the Ractis (aka Verso-S).  Subaru will display Trezia’s STi version.

If you are planning to visit Japan in January 2011, don’t miss this great opportunity of witnessing the biggest auto event in the world.

Technorati Tags: Tokyo Auto Salon, Japan, Japanese cars

Nissan Leaf becomes the first Electric Vehicle to Win the Prestigious Award COTY 2011

Nissan Leaf – battery powered electric car from Nissan – has won the European Car of the Year 2011 award by a distinct margin of 9 points.  This is the first time in the last 47 years of the competition that an electric vehicle received this prestigious award.  So it was indeed a historic moment for Nissan Motors to receive the highest accolade for its 100% electric car – Nissan LEAF.  Nissan had earlier won the European Car of the Year award in 1993 – for its Nissan Micra.

The world’s first affordable, mass-marketed, zero-emission car – Nissan Leaf – was selected as the European Car Of The Year 2011 from over 40 contenders,including top European car brands such as Citroen, Opel/Vauxhall, Alfa Romeo, Ford, Volvo and Dacia.  The jury who selected the European COTY 2011 included 57 top automotive industry journalists from over 20 European countries.  Seemingly, the majority of journalists selected the Nissan Leaf for the European Car of the Year 2011.

The jury unanimously agreed that Leaf – Nissan’s Electric car is a breakthrough in electric vehicles, and it is the first Electric Vehicle that can compare with conventional cars in many ways.  The Leaf emerged at the top by winning 257 votes.  With 248 point Giulietta from Alfa Romeo came 2nd, and Meriva from Vauxhall with 244 points came 3rd.  C-Max from Ford received 224 points for the 5th position.

Nissan LEAF is front wheel drive car which is powered by a compact electric motor.  Laminated lithium-ion batteries developed by Nissan power this electric motor, which can produce an output of over 90 kW – sufficient for generating a maximum speed of 90 mph (145 km/hr).  The Leaf can go for 175 km between charges making it a practical solution for city drivers.  Nissan Leaf is loaded with features like air conditioning, parking camera, satellite navigator, and advanced telematics and IT systems.  The car also has innovative use of technology such as controlling the charging, heating or cooling of the car remotely via a computer or mobile phone.

Nissan will start deliveries of Leaf in Japan and the USA from the first week of December.  In Europe, deliveries will commence in March 2011 starting with the UK, Nettherlands, Ireland and Portugal.  The Nissan LEAF will be available in five colors – white pearl, blue metallic and pearl, red pearl, silver metallic and black.  Leaf is currently manufactured in Japan, but Nissan plans to start producing this vehicle in Europe and North America by end of 2012.   The five-door family hatchback will be priced at around £23,990 in Europe.

Technorati Tags: Car of the Year, Nissan, COTY, Nissan LEAF, Japan

Mitsubishi Motors recently rolled out 5,000th i-MiEV off its assembly line since it started full-fledged mass production of the i-MiEV electric car in June 2009.  This feat by Mitsubishi is a remarkable achievement in electric vehicle industry.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV is the first mass-produced Electric vehicle,and has been trialled and tested worldwide since its debut in July 2009.  By of the end of October 2010, the i-MiEV has sold more than 3,000 units in Japan alone, in a time span of one year and three months.  This is remarkable achievement for the i-MiEV in spite of its high price tag of $4,300 (4,000,000 yen).

Buoyed by this success, Mitsubishi Motors has started production of left-hand drive versions of i-MiEV meeting European specs last month for European markets.  This move will surely bring sales much higher.  Mitsubishi plans to expand its production for the US market by the start of 2011 fiscal year.  This is a strategic move by Mitsubishi Motors to introduce i-MiEV in the global markets.

The i-MiEV is assembled at Mitsubishi’s Mizushima plant in Kurashiki, Japan.  Hong Kong Government was the first customer to buy a large batch of i-MiEV cars after carrying out extensive testing that lasted for six months.  Other than Japan, Hong Kong is the first Asian country where i-MiEV electric cars are sold.

In the fiscal year 2011, Mitsubishi plans to move assembly of the i-MiEV from the existing assembly line to the assembly line for mini-cars.  Mitsubishi aims to move the assemble lines with a goal to increase its production capacity for supplying i-MiEV cars to the European and North American markets.

For the success of Electric Vehicles, apart from the car design, infrastructure development plays a major role.  Mitsubishi has been tying up with Japanese government agencies and other industries to work together for the implementation of Electric Vehicles.  Mitsubishi has also been conducting collaborative research with electric power companies for evaluating and analyzing quick-charge compatibility and practical applicability of Electric Vehicles.  This research will help to develop infrastructure  and vehicles for convenient and safe EV use.

Technorati Tags: i-MiEV, electric car, electric vehicle, Mitsubishi, Japan