March 6th, 2010 by Byron Thurman

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Japan

This past September, Trust Co. LTD - the parent company of GReddy Performance Products in the U.S. - declared the Japanese equivalent of Chapter 11. According to a release from the aftermarket parts supplier, Trust has successfully completed the reorganization process (known in Japan as Minji-Saisei-Hou) and is hoping to be completely back on its feet within the next few months. During the reorganization, both Trust and GReddy have maintained its workforce here and abroad, developed new components, continued to produce parts and serviced its clients around the world. While we’re happy to hear about GReddy’s future involvement in the aftermarket, this won’t be the first or last filing from a performance part supplier as the auto-apocalypse continues.

Continue reading TRUST successfully reorganized in Japan, GReddy in the U.S. churning along

TRUST successfully reorganized in Japan, GReddy in the U.S. churning along originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Originally posted 2009-04-22 20:33:51. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

February 28th, 2010 by Byron Thurman

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Green, Japan

Now that hybrid cars have taken the top sales spots in Japan for the last few months, that country’s Transport Ministry is reportedly launching an investigation to determine whether it’s wise to require hybrid automobiles to emit an artificial sound when operating with the internal combustion engine switched off. The thinking is that hybrids may be more dangerous to the blind due to their quiet operation under electric power.

According to an unnamed official, the government’s 13-member panel - consisting of a diverse group of scholars, vision-impaired groups, consumers, police and automobile industry officials - “decided to consider introducing a sound-making function” on all hybrids at its first meeting on Thursday, July 2. The panel hasn’t yet decided what sound hybrids should make. We’ll cast our unofficial vote in the direction of cowbells.

The issue is well-known in America, where the government has launched Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Acts in each of the last two years to study the supposed problem. Naturally, there is some opposition to artificial noise generators on hybrids. “On the other hand, we should pay attention to residents (along roads) as hybrids are excellent in reducing noise,” added the Transport Ministry official.

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: AFP via Google]

REPORT: Japan could require hybrids to emit sound originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Originally posted 2009-07-30 12:50:57. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

February 21st, 2010 by Byron Thurman

Filed under: Concept Cars, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Military, Design/Style

There may be a bunch of conspicuously absent automakers missing from this month’s Tokyo Motor Show, but the thing about the Japanese show is that a lot of the really neat stuff comes from the hometown guys, anyway. Take Daihatsu, for instance. Rather than try to wow everyone with fairy-dust tech in concepts that will never see the outside of an exhibition hall, The D is keeping things simple, small, and real. Even the concept cars look like they’re not that far removed from reality. Let’s start there.

The coolest rig at the Daihatsu stand will doubtlessly be the Basket concept, shown above, which lets you get more in touch with nature via a removable hard roof panel and fabric top for the rear seat. We want one. Badly. The Decca Decca concept (shown at right) is described as a “Super Box” by the automaker, with massive swing-out doors on the passenger side that lead to a nifty, multi-configuration interior. The van’s driver’s side has one standard door only. Aft of that is a solid panel broken up by a high window. Again, very cool.

The e:S concept looks production-ready, and we’d guess something just like it will be in showrooms before long. It’s a kei car built on a shortened, existing platform, with a white Mini Cooper-style roof for added flair, plus weight reduction and a stop/start system for increased efficiency. Those three concepts are joined by the Tanto Exe and Exe Custom, which are production-bound, lightweight, restyled variants of the Tanto micro-minivan. Daihatsu’s press release is posted after the jump, along with full image galleries of each car. Check ‘em out.

[Source: Daihatsu]

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu to go little in a big way with Basket, Deca Deca, and others

Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu to go little in a big way with Basket, Deca Deca, and others originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Originally posted 2009-10-11 20:10:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

February 18th, 2010 by Byron Thurman

Filed under: Japan, Toys/Games

When Gran Turismo 4 was launched in Japan for the Playstation 2, George Bush was just getting ready to start his second term and the Chrysler 300 was the big buzz in the auto world. In other words, January 10, 2005 was a very long time ago, and we’re probably going to have to wait a while longer before we can finally get our hands on the highly anticipated Gran Turismo 5. After half a decade of waiting for GT5, Sony has finally announced that the racing franchise will go on sale - in Japan - in March 2010. That’s six months after the PSP version of the game goes on sale, and we still don’t know when we’ll be able to get our hands on the PS3 version here in the States.

When GT5 does arrive, all evidence points to a very dynamic gaming experience. Advanced damage rendering, weather changes, night races, NASCAR and incredible detail have all been promised, and since we’re being forced to wait so long, we’re holding Kazunori Yamauchi personally responsible for GT5’s success or failure.

[Source: Kotaku]

Gran Turismo 5 will launch March 2010… in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Originally posted 2009-10-03 22:38:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

February 17th, 2010 by Byron Thurman

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Japan, Acura, Luxury

Conventional wisdom says that you can’t sell station wagons in the States, but that type of thinking is so 2002. Back then, why would a manufacturer sell a low profit-margin wagon when they could instead sell you an all-profit SUV? Two kids under the age of six? You need a Denali. These days, now that SUVs have largely been exposed for what they always were — rarely necessary — station wagons are making a lot more sense. Take for instance the coming real soon Cadillac CTS SportWagon (and the possibly/maybe we-can’t-believe-it’s-actually-going-to-happen CTS-V SportWagon).

And why not an Acura wagon, specifically a TSX five-door? According to our broheims at Car and Driver, Acura is close to giving the TSX Wagon the green light. Think about the market for a moment. Audi sells lots of wagons, BMW has the both the 3 and 5 Series wagons, Mercedes-Benz has the C-Class wagons and now Caddy has the CTS Wagon. What’s missing? Japanese luxury wagons. Until now, the Infiniti and Lexus (and Acura) have been putting all of their eggs in the luxury CUV segment. But if Chrysler and GM’s bankruptcies have taught us anything, it’s ABD — Always Be Diversifying. Now we just have to see if Acura pulls the trigger.

[Source: Car & Driver]

REPORT: Acura considering TSX wagon for the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Originally posted 2009-09-06 21:06:03. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

February 15th, 2010 by Byron Thurman

Filed under: Japan, Toys/Games, Lifestyle

Forza Motorsport 3 Japanese Style - Click above for a high-res gallery

Turn 10 Studios has blessed us with another round of screen shots from the upcoming Forza Motorsport 3, as well as a few more hints regarding the tracks and vehicles in the game. The previous update had a Le Mans theme, but this time the focus is on Japan, highlighted by a selection of both cars and tracks from the Land of the Rising Sun.

While the complete line-up of Japanese cars hasn’t been released, those listed give us a good idea of the range of vehicles due to be offered. You’ll be able to drive everything from sub-compacts like the 2008 Toyota Yaris S and 2009 Honda Fit Sport to the race cars from the Super GT series including the Nismo Nissan GT-R. Of course, Japanese icons are also available, including the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Subaru Impreza WRX STi as well as the latest range of sports cars like the Lexus IS-F and Nissan 370Z.

As far as tracks go, you’ll be able to drive on some of Japan’s best race venues including the Suzuka, Twin Ring Motegi, and the Tsukuba. With over 100 real-world tracks available in the game, we’re guessing this is only a small sampling of the list. Stay tuned for Turn 10 Studio’s bi-weekly updates, and be sure to check out the new high-res screen shots in the gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Brandon!

[Source: Forza Motorsport]

Forza 3 releases updated car list, more screen shots with Japanese theme originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Originally posted 2009-07-30 12:50:52. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

February 12th, 2010 by Byron Thurman

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Sedan, Japan, Lexus, Luxury

Leaked 2010 Lexus LS brochure - Click above for high-res image gallery

To say that Lexus designs tend more toward the “evolutionary” than “revolutionary” would be like saying that Rasputin had a bit of a violent streak. Case in point: The new LS sedan, which the Toyota luxury division has apparently updated for next year in typical Lexus style. That is, incrementally different from the model it replaces, with styling tweaks barely visible to the naked eye. At least, not at first glance.

Early images of the redesigned flagship sedan come courtesy of The Lexus Enthusiast, which has managed to get hold of what looks to be a leaked JDM brochure for the vehicle ahead of its official launch. Visible changes made to the LS 460 and the gas-electric LS 600h include new front and rear bumpers and lights, turn signals integrated into the mirror housings, and of course, new wheels.

Inside, the cabin gets a mild refresh as well to integrate a night vision system into the instrument cluster, right in the middle of the speedo. There’s also a customization program called L-Select, and the anticipated LS-Sport “Version SZ”, characterized as an aggressive take on the luxury yacht with a more assertive aero package, wheels and grille treatment. That’s about all we’ve got for now, but you can check out the scanned brochure in the gallery below.

[Source: The Power Weblog via The Lexus Enthusiast]

Leaked Lexus brochure reveals updated LS sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Originally posted 2009-09-06 21:06:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

January 31st, 2010 by Byron Thurman

Filed under: Wagon, Japan, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Honda

Many moons ago, when the internet was newish and Netscape ruled the land, we took a class called, “Anatomy of a Virtual Community.” The idea was to explore and study how online communities functioned, if they were good or bad and if you really could achieve something akin to the mid-Nineties liberal arts school conception of “community.” You have to understand this was back when chat rooms were as exotic as Tahiti and there wasn’t anything on the internet but porn. The class itself didn’t go so well, because most of the students wouldn’t participate in the group chat the way the professor envisioned. Point being, it’s quite difficult to control behavior in an online environment.

Honda just got hit upside the head with this particular lesson. Yesterday, we posted that the Crosstour Facebook page was overflowing with negative comments regarding the look of Honda’s new CUV. Seems that the public at large isn’t too thrilled with the design. We went ahead and ran our own poll and looks as if Autoblog readers agree with the Facebookians - 81.7% of you feel the Crosstour should be killed with fire, and just 3.1% of you think it is good looking. And we’d guesstimate that well over 81.7% of the ensuing comments are negative. Many rabidly so. Difference is, we left the comments alone, while Honda was purging ‘em on Facebook. To be fair to Honda, they say they have removed a total 28 comments (out of thousands) because of “profanity or inappropriate content.” Further, they note that they “…did not remove any comments that simply expressed a negative opinion about the Crosstour.” They did, however, remove one that expressed a positive opinion.

Our pal Alex had the presence of mind to grab a screen shot of the above exchange which has since been removed from the Crosstour page. Obviously, this type of thing is embarrassing for Honda. And it illustrates what a sticky pickle modern day PR folks find themselves in. Regarding Eddie Okubo’s comments, here’s what Honda has to say:

Eddie Okubo is a manager in Honda Product Planning. His post was removed for two reasons: 1) He did not first state that he is a Honda employee and that his posting is his personal — not Honda’s — opinion. 2) He is not a spokesperson for Honda.

Did Eddie really do anything wrong? He’s an employee defending not only his company and that company’s product, but his livelihood. Yet his comments and other similar non-sanctioned corporate communique will one day wind up in business textbooks as examples of how social media marketing can go very, very wrong. Also, isn’t every employee with a Facebook/Twitter account suddenly a spokesperson if their company decides to use social media? It could be that multinational corporations just aren’t ready for Facebook and it’s ilk. It’s definitely an issue that deserves further study.

Honda purges select comments from Crosstour Facebook page originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Originally posted 2009-09-06 21:06:32. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

January 9th, 2010 by Byron Thurman

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Supercars, Lexus, Toyota, Rumormill

With the D-3, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Lamborghini and other automakers, pulling out of this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota is rumored to have a big showing to capitalize on the lack of reveals this October. According to InsideLine’s correspondent in Japan, Toyota will unveil the production version of the Lexus LF-A, originally expected to debut in Frankfurt. The V10-powered, 600-hp supercar’s future was in doubt late last year, but the on-again-off-again coupe won’t be the only two-door gracing the Toyota stage.

The collaboration between Toyota and Subaru on a new coupe is also rumored to make an appearance in Tokyo, although it’s unclear if the Toyobaru will debut as a concept or a production model. Based on the current Impreza platform, the rear-wheel drive will coupe will be powered by a Subaru-sourced flat-four with a new Toyota-developed head that will decrease emissions and increase fuel economy while returning an estimated 220 horsepower.

Toyota is also expected to show off a range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, along with new EV and battery technology. But the automaker will have four fewer days to show off its wares to the public - the show has been cut down from 17 days to 13, running from October 23 to November 4.

[Source: InsideLine]

Rumormill: Production Lexus LF-A, Toyobaru coupe coming to Tokyo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Originally posted 2009-04-22 20:33:53. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

January 6th, 2010 by Byron Thurman

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Japan, Crossover, Honda

You’re excused if you look at these images and see little more than the Honda CR-V that we already know and love. According to a corner of its home-market website, the Japanese automaker is debuting what it calls the “new CR-V” on September 17th, possibly at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Already a hot perennial seller, Honda is understandably cautious to mess too much with success, though calling this updating anything other than a mid-cycle refresh is a bit of a stretch.

Subtle grille and fascia changes are about the extent of what we can make out from the limited images, leaving the CR-V a good looking sales workhorse in Honda’s stable. We’ll all have to hold our breath until mid-September when the whole enchilada will be revealed and we’ll find out if there are changes under the skin worth talking about.

[Source: Honda Japan via Carscoop]

P.S.A. - Facelifted 2010 Honda CR-V coming Sept. 17 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Originally posted 2009-09-06 21:06:14. Republished by Blog Post Promoter