Japanese Car Guide

Mitsubishi Motor Corporations i-MiEV was given a high rating by the ADAC1. Based on tests, when a crash happens, the i-MieV was successful in immediately recognizing the crash and will then automatically turn of all of the elements inside the car that are categorized as having high voltage. This measure allowed for the passengers’ safety in case there is an accident. This measure still allowed the lithium-ion battery as well as all of its 88 cells to remain undamaged.

The results of the test was very exhaustive. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is the first mass produced electric vehicle that has been made available in Germany.

In the recent years, we have seen the admirable growth of Toyota car sales. Not only that, because recently, Fortune magazine included Toyota in its “Most Admired Companies” list (third on the list, just after General Electric and Starbucks, two non-automobile companies). The trend shows that Toyota has been continuously dominating the US market when talking about car sales. GM, Ford and Chrysler had been experiencing a downward slope while Toyota is experiencing the opposite.

Toyota has also been a part of the Fortune magazine’s “Most Admired Companies” for two years in a row. The reason for this, according to American consumers, is that, Toyota has been doing very good in listening to what their customers want. Toyota never gave in to the “hottest car in the world” competition. They made cars based on what the consumers need, and this style of marketing surely paid off.

Photo taken from http://money.cnn.com

The Super GT event, known before in the past as the JGTC (All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship), has been dominated by the three Japanese-based car manufacturers (Nissan, Honda and Toyota) ever since its conception in 1992. The race includes 9 circuits, and Nissan’s Xanavi Nismo GT-R grabbed the 1st place for the second time in a row. They have won Round 1 at the Suzuka Circuit and Round 2 at the Okayama International Circuit. The race is still ongoing, as they have only finished the 2 round, but surely, Nissan Motor Company will be happy with the performance of their car.

The remaining rounds are as follows:

Round 3: Fuji Speedway
Round 4: Sepang International Circuit
Round 5: Sportsland SUGO
Round 6: Suzuka Circuit
Round 7: Twin Ring Motegi
Round 8: Autopolis
Round 9: Fuji Speedway

Photo taken from http://www.autocult.com.au

Who wants to drive a hydrogen powered, zero-emission vehicle (ZOV)? We all do. This summer, several lucky Southern California drivers will have the chance to realize that dream with Honda FCX Clarity as limited units will be available for a three-year lease at $600 monthly.

The new 2008 Honda FCX Clarity is a sleek sedan with aerodynamic shape for greater speed. It has spacious seats and a decent-sized trunk. I think the minor problem falls on the fuel source. There are limited refueling stations available in the United States today. It must be the reason why Honda has decided to settle in Southern California first since it is where several refueling stations that serve pressurized hydrogen gas are already in place.

The specifications for the 2008 Honda FCX Clarity are clearly explained and enumerated at the company’s website.

Targa Tasmania is an annual race held in Tasmania, Australia. In 2008, the said competition included cars from all over the world—Ferrari, Lamborghini, Renault, Fiat, BMW and Peugeot to name a few of the European cars that participated in the race. Also, Japanese cars were present—Nissan, Mazda, Toyota and others.

The outcome of the race surprised everyone. Mazda 3 emerged as the champion, brushing aside other well known sports vehicles such as the 997 Porsche GT2 (second placer) and another Japanese car, the Subaru WRX STI (third placer) made by Fuji Heavy Industries.

The Targa Tasmania rally is not just about speed. It’s a five-day non-stop race that requires the cars to prove that they can endure the whole competition.

Photo taken from http://www.mazda-3-mps.co.uk

People’s choice of cars is greatly affected by different factors such as personal preference, finances and trends. While many prefer small cars, there are those who play it safe and prefer a more friendly type of vehicle such as large SUVs.

Over the years, the large SUV market has remained robust and ever-growing. In fact, large SUVs have been a vehicle of choice by most families and companies. And as if to widen their choices, here comes Toyota’s Sequoia Platinum 4WD. CNNMoney.com reports that this new Toyota model has good interior and even better utility throughout. It is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that guarantees quick throttle response and fast speed.

When it comes to full-size offerings, it is said that Toyota’s Sequoia can equal that of GM’s big SUVs and even Ford Expedition which makes it a safe choice.

In a recent press release, Honda has announced that its 2009 Fit will make its first North American appearance at the 2008 New York Auto Show slated next month.

The car is powered by a 1.3L or an optional 1.5L engine, has a choice of either front or all-wheel drive, and has spacious interior and other standard features, all in a compact, fuel-efficient and affordable package.

Honda has yet to release pricing for the 2009 Fit. However, in Japan where it has been launched last October, prices range from Y1.14 million ($9,800) to Y1.7 million ($14,600).

Honda’s Dick Colliver announced proudly that “the all-new Honda Fit will reconfirm that small can, in fact, be big.” Enough said.

Honda Fit

Honda cars have always been at the limelight for decades now due to their high performance, durability and affordability. Recently, Honda has added another feather to its cap when it bagged five spots in the 2008 rankings of American magazine U.S. News and World Report for the best cars and trucks.

Here is the complete list of winners courtesy of WorldCarFans.com:

Best Economy Car: Honda Fit
Best Midsize Car: Honda Accord
Best Upscale Small Car: Volkswagen GTI
Best Upscale Midsize Car: BMW 3-Series
Best Luxury Car: BMW 5-Series
Best Compact SUV: Honda CR-V
Best Midsize SUV: Honda Pilot
Best Large SUV: Chevrolet Tahoe
Best Luxury Midsize SUV: Lexus RX 350
Best Full Size Pickup: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Best Affordable Sports Car: Honda S2000, Mazda MX-5, Mazda Speed3 (three-way tie)

Honda got five citations while German cars got two. Two American cars made it on the list and the two others that tied with Honda for the best affordable sports car category were from Mazda, also a Japanese brand.

The cars and trucks were ranked according to different factors such as safety, reliability, comfort and design features, among others. The U.S. News and World Report gathered the opinions of respected automotive journalists to determine the best cars and trucks for 2008. And they had Honda in mind most of the time, which only affirms Honda�s growing presence in the international automotive industry today.

Congratulations to the people behind Honda for a job well done.

The “Japanese lifestyle” is a term used by some medical doctors that refers to the way the Japanese prepare their meals—less frying, more soups and raw fish.

But the definition of Japanese lifestyle nowadays has changed a bit and included cars in it. And the Honda FCX Clarity sure is a part of that healthy revolution.

It mainly runs on hydrogen fuel cells, so emissions of the said car are not toxic. However, the car has been made available only to the Southern California market since fuel stations that load hydrogen fuel are abundant in the said state (car manufacturing is also limited). The car too is a little bit expensive for the middle class market, but Honda promised that by 2018, they have the right technology to mass produce the said car.

Photo taken from http://autocult.com.au

Maybe its the economy and maybe its because of the utter lack of sales, most Japanese car makers are increasing prices on their vehicles to compensate for some of the losses they are suffering due to dismal sales. Compared to the European and American auto industry, most Japanese firms have managed to survive the current recession but they have had to do with some cut-backs. Like Honda and Toyota which have withdrawn from some auto shows and from the fast paced Formula 1 Circuit. They are still continuing with research into most of their future concepts which would be taking the streets in the future but they have slowed down considerably.
Dealerships in other countries have suffered greatly due to dismal sales figures but Japanese cars are still some of the top selling brands the world over. Many car makers are in trouble due to lack of sales and with debt they have managed to pile up in recent years, much so that even America’s big three are now in hot water. With grim predictions for the future of the economy, the Japanese will surely keep on reinventing the auto industry with their varied brands and innovative technology.