Japan
[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]
Nissan Releases New Clean Diesel X-TRAIL 20GT in Japan
September 04, 2008
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| Nissan X-TRAIL 20GT. |
Nissan Motor Co. launched the new diesel X-TRAIL 20GT in Japan, first shown as a prototype earlier this year. (Earlier post.) The vehicle, which goes on sale 18 September, meets Japan’s stringent Post New Long-term Regulations.
Compared to the current Japan emissions regulations which went into effect in 2005, the Post New Long-Term Regulation reduces NOx by 47% to 0.08 g/km and PM by 64% to 0.005 g/km. CO and HC levels remain the same. The new regulations come into effect for new model vehicles in October 2009.
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Daihatsu Introduces New Mini Passenger Vehicle
August 25, 2008
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| The MOVE Conte. |
Daihatsu Motor, Toyota Motor’s minicar specialist, has launched a new mini passenger vehicle in Japan: the MOVE Conte. The new vehicle maintains the basic performance of the MOVE platform, while adding a number of functions and furnishings to enhance comfort.
The MOVE Conte features two different 658cc engines from the Topaz Neo series. The KF-VE twin-cam DVVT (Dynamic Variable Valve Timing) three-cylinder engine has a long-stroke and compact combustion chamber to provide ample torque (even at low and medium speeds), while the KF-DET twin-cam, three-cylinder turbo engine provides strong, smooth acceleration from starting up to high speeds.
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FCCJ Establishes Scenario for Fuel Cell Vehicle and Hydrogen Station Commercialization in Japan Beginning in 2015
July 07, 2008
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| The commercialization scenario. Click to enlarge. |
Leading automakers in and outside Japan and Japanese energy companies have agreed on a scenario which sees commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and hydrogen stations beginning in Japan in 2015.
Beginning in late 2006, the Fuel Cell Commercialization Conference of Japan (FCCJ), under the leadership of major member companies on its board of directors, held repeated consultations on scenarios for full-scale commercialization of FCVs and development of hydrogen stations. These consultations led to the agreement on a timeline and the requirements for commercialization of FCVs and hydrogen stations starting in 2015.
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Nissan to Showcase X-TRAIL Diesel Prototype at 2008 G8 Summit
June 09, 2008
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| The M9R diesel. |
Nissan Motor will showcase an X-TRAIL diesel prototype featuring the 2.0-liter M9R diesel engine at the 2008 Integrated Exhibition of the Environment in Hokkaido (19-21 June) as well at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit’s International Media Center (7-9 July).
Japan is slated to introduce its new emission regulatory standards—“Post New Long-term Regulations”—for all new vehicles starting in October 2009, and all replacement / imported models in September, 2010. Nissan plans to introduce the X-TRAIL diesel, which will comply with the more stringent standards, in September—ahead of the regulations’ implementation.
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Toyota Launches Redesigned Alphard As Two Different Vehicle Series; Fuel Economy Gain Up To 20%
May 12, 2008
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| The new Alphard. |
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) launched its completely redesigned Alphard minivan in Japan as two different vehicle series, the Alphard and the Vellfire. Toyota says that the Alphard emphasizes elegance and refinement, while the Vellfire accentuates power and innovation.
A revamped powertrain enhances driving dynamics while improving fuel efficiency up to 20%. The vehicles offer a choice of a newly fitted V6 3.5-liter Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) engine, coupled with 6 Super ECT (Super Intelligent Electronically-controlled, Six-speed Automatic Transmission); and the 2.4-liter VVT-i engine with increased output, coupled with Super CVT-i (Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent).
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Mitsubishi Motors Unveils New Mid-Term Business Plan; i MiEV Goes Global
February 29, 2008
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| Mitsubishi Motors will emphasize its environmental strategies primarily in mature markets. Click to enlarge. |
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has unveiled its new mid-term business plan—Step Up 2010—for fiscal years 2008 through 2010 (ending March 31, 2011). Target FY 2010 sales is 1,422,000 units, a 6.4% increase over the fiscal 2007 forecast of 1,337,000 units. For new product planning, Mitsubishi draws a distinction between financial responsibility and environmental responsibility.
In the area of financial responsibility, the company plans to expand the number of its mid-sized platform models, and to add a new SUV based on its one-ton pickup. In the area of environmental responsibility, the company will add a smaller, “lower impact” SUV, adapt its minicars for overseas markets and add a global model, and bring its i MiEV electric vehicle to mature world markets.
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Nissan Adds Eco-Drive Service for CARWINGS Navigation System
February 04, 2008
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| Image of Eco-drive check display (top) and ranking display (bottom). |
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. is adding a new service dubbed “Eco-Drive and You” for its on-board CARWINGS navigation system in Japan.
Since January 2007, Nissan CARWINGS members have been provided a range of services that have included fuel-efficiency rankings among owners of the same model and advice on efficient driving methods. The service has now been expanded to provide the same content found online via the onboard navigation system of car owners.
