Autoblog Japan http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Japan http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Driver, track worker survive horrific Ferrari 458 crash at Suzuka]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/driver-track-worker-survive-horrific-ferrari-458-crash-at-suzuk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/driver-track-worker-survive-horrific-ferrari-458-crash-at-suzuk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/driver-track-worker-survive-horrific-ferrari-458-crash-at-suzuk/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Ferrari 458 Challenge Crash - video screencap

Two people are lucky to be alive after a brutal crash during a recent Ferrari 458 Challenge event in Japan. Driver Shigeru Terajima lost control of his machine on the Suzuka Circuit start/finish straight, left the course at nearly 200 miles per hour and struck the inside wall where a corner worker was standing and monitoring the race. The 458 immediately disintegrated, sending bits of carbon fiber bodywork, suspension components, wheels and tires scattering into the infield and across the race course. The passenger cell spun through the air before coming to a stop on its roof.

Miraculously, both Terajima and the corner worker survived the incident. While the driver was transported to a local hospital in serious condition, he's expected to make a full recovery. The track worker, meanwhile, saw the incident coming and dove out of harm's way at the last possible moment, saving him from the brunt of the impact. You can watch an observer's frightening footage of the Ferrari crash by scrolling below.

Continue reading Driver, track worker survive horrific Ferrari 458 crash at Suzuka

Driver, track worker survive horrific Ferrari 458 crash at Suzuka originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 458 challenge crashferrariferrari 458 challengeferrari 458 italiaferrari crashshigeru terajimasuzuka circuitvideo Tue, 14 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568146/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568146/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/driver-track-worker-survive-horrific-ferrari-458-crash-at-suzuk/20568146/article-detail.xml 20568146 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ferrari-458-challenge-crash-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ferrari-458-challenge-crash-628.jpg <![CDATA[Masamichi Kogai new Mazda president and CEO]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/masamichi-kogai-new-mazda-president-and-ceo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/masamichi-kogai-new-mazda-president-and-ceo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/masamichi-kogai-new-mazda-president-and-ceo/#comments Filed under: , ,

There's some executive rearranging going on in the top suite at Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan, with current CEO Takashi Yamanouchi telling reporters there "I'd like to hand over the work to younger people" now that the company has returned to profitability. Yamanouchi became CEO on November 19, 2008 of an independent Mazda that had to fight for its future in the immediate aftermath of the global financial crisis. What followed was four years of losses before finally getting back to black last year.

Masamichi Kogai (pictured) will be appointed the new president and CEO on June 25, pending approval at the company's annual general shareholders' meeting. Kogai assisted Seita Kanai with the production-efficiency initiative that Mazda called Mono Tsukuri Innovation, which worked to give export-dependent Mazda the best chance at profitability in spite of a rising yen. Kogai, lately in charge of production and purchasing, has been with the company since 1977 and worked in areas from R&D to logistics.

Kanai, who headed the Mono Tsukuri effort and was among the leadership on Skyactiv, will be promoted from executive vice president to vice chairman. Akira Marumoto will become executive VP of Mazda and assistant to new president Kogai. Yamanouchi will remain Chairman of the Board. There's a short press release below to make it official.

Continue reading Masamichi Kogai new Mazda president and CEO

Masamichi Kogai new Mazda president and CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ceomasamichi kogaimazdamono tsukuriseita kanaiTakashi Yamanouchi Fri, 10 May 2013 09:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564795/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564795/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/masamichi-kogai-new-mazda-president-and-ceo/20564795/article-detail.xml 20564795 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/masamichi-kogai-mazda-ceo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/masamichi-kogai-mazda-ceo.jpg <![CDATA[Japanese government chides Mitsubishi over recall delays]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/japanese-government-chides-mitsubishi-recall-delays/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/japanese-government-chides-mitsubishi-recall-delays/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/japanese-government-chides-mitsubishi-recall-delays/#comments Filed under: , , ,



An official with the transport ministry in Japan has some stern words for Mitsubishi, taking the carmaker to task for not being more proactive and honest about its recalls. An investigation into The Tri-Star last December found Mitsubishi was tardy investigating problems and didn't explain itself forthrightly to the transport ministry about the issues. None of Mitsubishi's actions were illegal, and we should stress that this is a dialogue with Mitsubishi in Japan, not Mitsubishi Motors North America.

The official advised the automaker to, "Come up with plans for improvement, implement them and report them to the ministry." It looks like the company will get more practice than it wants in that department, having to announce another recall for the Outlander PHEV over software and hardware glitches. Those recalls come just after Mitsu finally figured out the problem with overheating lithium-ion batteries that caused a production halt of the plug-in hybrid SUV.

Japanese government chides Mitsubishi over recall delays originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> japanjapan transport ministrymitsubishimitsubishi outlandermitsubishi outlander phevrecallsafety Sat, 27 Apr 2013 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548785/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548785/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/japanese-government-chides-mitsubishi-recall-delays/20548785/article-detail.xml 20548785 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mitsubishi-outlander-phev_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mitsubishi-outlander-phev.jpg <![CDATA[New Lexus small CUV may have been behind moving ES production to Kentucky]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/new-lexus-small-cuv-may-have-been-behind-moving-es-production-to/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/new-lexus-small-cuv-may-have-been-behind-moving-es-production-to/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/new-lexus-small-cuv-may-have-been-behind-moving-es-production-to/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Lexus may have had another big reason - in addition to the financial incentives potentially worth up to $146.5 million that Kentucky offered - to move ES production to its Georgetown, KY plant. The ES has always been built in Japan, and a report at TheDetroitBureau.com claims that the Kyushu facility will be tooling up to build a new model thought to be a compact hybrid crossover expected to go on sale next year. While ES300h production would remain in Japan, shedding 50,000 units of traditional ES production would free capacity for what many think will be an important model in the Lexus lineup.

The new CUV will come in below the RX and be built on the platform of the RAV4. Speculation is that there will be an NX200t and an NX300h, the former possibly getting the 2.0-liter turbo Toyota engine due in 2014 - matching the predicted timeline for the CUV and supposedly also meant for an RX200t - and latter getting the same 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain in the ES300h. We'll see a preview of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 fighter at this year's Tokyo Motor Show; the production version should be unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

New Lexus small CUV may have been behind moving ES production to Kentucky originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> genevageneva 2014geneva motor showgeorgetown kentuckylexuslexus crossoverlexus esmade in americatokyotokyo 2013tokyo motor showtoyota motor manufacturing kentucky Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546154/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546154/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/new-lexus-small-cuv-may-have-been-behind-moving-es-production-to/20546154/article-detail.xml 20546154 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/lexus-es-ky-details_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/lexus-es-ky-details.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes G550 Night Edition is just for Japan]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/mercedes-g550-night-edition-is-just-for-japan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/mercedes-g550-night-edition-is-just-for-japan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/mercedes-g550-night-edition-is-just-for-japan/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The Mercedes-Benz G550 Night Edition is the latest to join the queue of limited-edition vehicles lined up for some yen. Following closely on the wheels of the Japan-only C63 AMG Special Edition, the all-Nippon version of the G-Class is limited to 100 units and will only be shown at the Mercedes-Benz Connection in Roppongi - the swanked-up, nightlife district of Tokyo.

Buyers will get a G550 in Obsidian Black with fenders from the G63 AMG hovering over dark-finish, twin-five-spoke alloys. The interior can be optioned in either Classic Red or Porcelain White Designo. It will require 13,900,000 yen to be among the 100 (roughly $142,000 US), and if you're curious, it will roll into Roppongi on April 22.

Mercedes G550 Night Edition is just for Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> japanlimited editionmercedesmercedes g550mercedes g550 night edition Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20545557/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20545557/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/mercedes-g550-night-edition-is-just-for-japan/20545557/article-detail.xml 20545557 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mercedes-benz-g550-night-edition_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mercedes-benz-g550-night-edition.jpg <![CDATA[Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport in Fuji Speedway time attack]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/bugatti-veyron-grand-sport-in-fuji-speedway-time-attack/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/bugatti-veyron-grand-sport-in-fuji-speedway-time-attack/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/bugatti-veyron-grand-sport-in-fuji-speedway-time-attack/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport tackles Fuji Speedway - in car camera screencap

From the same guys who brought us video of a street-legal Porsche 962C driving through the streets of Japan comes this latest video showing Le Mans-winning pro driver, Seiji Ara, lapping Fuji Speedway in a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport. Most of the video centers around Ara's impressions, but there is plenty of great video showing the supercar carving up the track's numerous turns and blasting along its lengthy front straightaway.

Ara says this is the most powerful car he's ever driven, so we imagine it was as much for fun for him to drive as it is for us to watch. During the drive, the camera provides a sense of what it's like to pilot the Veyron on such a challenging track, and you can hear its turbos and wastegates getting a workout. Scroll down to watch this well-shot, well-edited video of Ara and the Veyron lapping Fuji Speedway. Oh, and be sure to stick around for the end, as there's a bonus three-way drag race you won't want to miss.

Continue reading Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport in Fuji Speedway time attack

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport in Fuji Speedway time attack originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bugattibugatti veyron grand sportfuji speedwayseiji aravideo Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20542640/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20542640/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/16/bugatti-veyron-grand-sport-in-fuji-speedway-time-attack/20542640/article-detail.xml 20542640 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bugatti-veyron-fuji-speedway_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bugatti-veyron-fuji-speedway.jpg <![CDATA[US, Japan trade talks could see scrapping of car and truck tariffs]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/us-japan-trade-talks-could-see-scrapping-of-car-and-truck-tarif/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/us-japan-trade-talks-could-see-scrapping-of-car-and-truck-tarif/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/us-japan-trade-talks-could-see-scrapping-of-car-and-truck-tarif/#comments Filed under: ,

Japan protest Trans-Pacific Partnership

Trade issues between the United States and Japan, especially in the automotive sector, have struck a repetitive note for decades: our market is open to them, their market is effectively closed to us. Even though Japan doesn't apply tariffs to cars we export there - whereas we tax Japanese passenger cars 2.5 percent and Japanese light trucks 25 percent - other barriers like Japan's 2,000-unit cap in the Preferential Handling Program and regulatory hurdles have limited the amount of effective trade US companies can conduct there. In 2011 for instance, the US exported $1.5 billion in auto products to Japan but imported $41 billion in auto products from Japan. And it's said that Japan sells 120 cars in the US for every car a US manufacturer sells there.

That's why potential US approval of Japan's request to enter the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is sending automotive criers out in the streets. The TPP is a series of long-running talks to open up trade between the US and 10 other nations (Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam). Last month, Japan asked to join the talks, and the TPP membership would need to assent to the request within 90 days of the next TPP meeting, scheduled for Peru in July.

It looks like the US will agree to let Japan in and that has some politicians and labor groups concerned, the fear being that Japan will get an even easier time of it here without truly eliminating hurdles over there. Talks between Japan and the US are said to be at "an advanced stage," with the US trying to get some early agreements in advance in sectors like auto, insurance and agriculture before the July meeting.

The AFL-CIO is wary, just one of the labor groups worried about losing ground just when it's said that American manufacturing is coming back. Ford, not a newcomer to being vocal about trade issues with Japan, is against Japan's inclusion to the TPP talks, as is the American Automotive Policy Council. And certain members of Congress are hesitant to let Japan sit at the table, based on past and current unresolved issues. Nevertheless, it doesn't look like the Obama Administration and a large pro-business lobby will turn away from the possibility of adding the world's third largest economy to the proceedings, the US government having already unofficially welcomed Japan to the TPP talks.

US, Japan trade talks could see scrapping of car and truck tariffs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> exportsfordimportsjapantariffstpptradetrans-pacific partnership Tue, 16 Apr 2013 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20539869/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20539869/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/16/us-japan-trade-talks-could-see-scrapping-of-car-and-truck-tarif/20539869/article-detail.xml 20539869 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/japan-tpp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/japan-tpp.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan gives us the business on the art of clay modeling]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/nissan-gives-us-the-business-on-the-art-of-clay-modeling/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/nissan-gives-us-the-business-on-the-art-of-clay-modeling/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/nissan-gives-us-the-business-on-the-art-of-clay-modeling/#comments Filed under: , ,

Nissan Clay Model Video

The team from The Dashboard recently stopped by the Nissan Technical Center in Japan for a look at what exactly goes into creating a full-scale clay model. While automakers have been using clay bucks for decades, designers and engineers are now combining computer renderings and hand-sculpted clay models to determine how a new vehicle will look in our world. Engineers use specially formulated clay kept warm in an oven to bring the body panels to life. They then coat the clay in a thin plastic film to add body color for the final look.

By the time everything is said and done, workers may have hundreds of hours in the model's creation. So, what happens when the company no longer needs the buck? They get scrapped. Someone comes in and dismantles the whole creation. We presume that action is set to the wailing tears of everyone who had a hand in building the model. Check out the video below for a closer look.

Continue reading Nissan gives us the business on the art of clay modeling

Nissan gives us the business on the art of clay modeling originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Apr 2013 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> clay modelclay modelingdesignnissan Sat, 06 Apr 2013 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20530098/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20530098/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/06/nissan-gives-us-the-business-on-the-art-of-clay-modeling/20530098/article-detail.xml 20530098 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nissan-clay-model-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nissan-clay-model-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda's first profit in five years in sight due to weak yen]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/mazdas-first-profit-in-five-years-in-sight-due-to-weak-yen/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/mazdas-first-profit-in-five-years-in-sight-due-to-weak-yen/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/mazdas-first-profit-in-five-years-in-sight-due-to-weak-yen/#comments Filed under: , ,

2014 Mazda CX-5 - front three-quarter view

Automotive News reports Mazda is set to turn a profit for the first time in five years. The automaker is more dependent on exports from Japan than other automakers based in that country, and as a result, it has long suffered at the hands of a strong yen. But the currency has declined in value by some 16 percent over the past six months and Mazda's shares have tripled in value to their highest level since 2008. Contrast this situation to a year ago when Mazda printed 1.22 billion new shares to raise cash. The move was equivalent to 70 percent of the company's then-outstanding stock, and values tumbled to record lows as a result.

Now that the yen has fallen to a value of around 96 per dollar, Mazda operations in the US are more profitable and the company now projects it will earn around $279 million for the next fiscal year. Automotive News says a one yen change against the dollar can have a 9.1 percent impact on Mazda operating profit compared to 4.7 percent at Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries or 3.1 percent at Toyota. Those automakers better insulate themselves from currency fluctuations with overseas manufacturing facilities.

Mazda's first profit in five years in sight due to weak yen originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> japanmazdamazda profitprofityen Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20531408/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20531408/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/mazdas-first-profit-in-five-years-in-sight-due-to-weak-yen/20531408/article-detail.xml 20531408 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-mazda-cx-5-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-mazda-cx-5-628.jpg <![CDATA[Younger buyers leaving Japanese for South Korean, American brands]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/younger-buyers-leaving-japanese-for-south-korean-american-brand/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/younger-buyers-leaving-japanese-for-south-korean-american-brand/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/younger-buyers-leaving-japanese-for-south-korean-american-brand/#comments Filed under: , ,

Young new car shoppers looking at a Ford

Edmunds has taken a closer look at the buying habits of young adults. As it turns out, Gen X and Gen Y buyers are increasingly eschewing Japanese brands in favor of South Korean and American automakers. Five years ago, that wasn't the case, with more than half of all young buyers flocking to brands like Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Subaru and Mazda. But the U.S. has made up quite a bit of ground in recent years by producing inexpensive and fuel efficient small cars that appeal to a younger audience. Likewise, Hyundai and Kia have sharpened their small car games as well, and are now making more credit available to younger customers.

Those efforts have begun to pay dividends. While Japanese brands have seen their share of 18-24 year-old buyers slide by 9.8 percent between 2008 and 2012, domestic automakers have enjoyed a 1.9 percent increase. South Korean brands, meanwhile, have enjoyed the largest jump, with a 6.8 percent increase over the same time period. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Younger buyers leaving Japanese for South Korean, American brands

Younger buyers leaving Japanese for South Korean, American brands originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> domestic brandsgen xgen yhyundaijapanese brandskiayoung buyers Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20513514/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20513514/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/21/younger-buyers-leaving-japanese-for-south-korean-american-brand/20513514/article-detail.xml 20513514 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/young-car-shoppers-at-ford-dealer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/young-car-shoppers-at-ford-dealer.jpg <![CDATA['World's Most Expensive Car Crash' results in 10 charged [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/worlds-most-expensive-car-crash-results-in-10-charged-w-vide/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/worlds-most-expensive-car-crash-results-in-10-charged-w-vide/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/worlds-most-expensive-car-crash-results-in-10-charged-w-vide/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

World's Most Expensive Car Crash

Justice is slowly being served to those drivers who were involved in a 10-car pile up in Japan last year that saw eight Ferrari models, one Lamborghini and three Mercedes-Benz vehicles hauled off for scrap. As you may recall, the lead driver lost control of his machine, pin balling into those following behind and doing some $4 million in damage in the process. Now the 61-year-old lead driver and nine others have had their cases sent to prosecutors.

The group are currently being charged with suspicion of violating traffic laws. We'll take a moment to wait for the laughter to die down before continuing.

Prosecutors claim the drivers were exceeding the speed limit and not paying attention to the road when the incident happened. Six people were injured in the dust up, but everyone survived. The group was on their way to a supercar event in Hiroshima. Feel free to watch the original news reports below.

Continue reading 'World's Most Expensive Car Crash' results in 10 charged [w/video]

'World's Most Expensive Car Crash' results in 10 charged [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 10-car crash in japanexotic car crashferrariferrari crashjapanlamborghinimercedessupercar crash Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20509810/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20509810/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/19/worlds-most-expensive-car-crash-results-in-10-charged-w-vide/20509810/article-detail.xml 20509810 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/japanferrarisaccident-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/japanferrarisaccident-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda's awesome Hiroshima museum now navigable by Google Maps]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/mazdas-awesome-hiroshima-museum-now-navigable-by-google-maps/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/mazdas-awesome-hiroshima-museum-now-navigable-by-google-maps/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/mazdas-awesome-hiroshima-museum-now-navigable-by-google-maps/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Mazda Museum Hiroshima - classics display

Visiting an auto museum is one of the best ways we know to connect with car culture and to commune with the past and bone up on one's knowledge. Most of us have a decent museum within a few hours drive of where we live, but that doesn't mean it's easy to see the world's great collections - factors like cost, time and mobility can get in the way. Videos are great, but they don't allow us to browse at our own pace or choose what we'd like to focus on. The folks behind Google Maps have a solution - the virtual museum tour, as seen here at Mazda's fantastic museum in Hiroshima, Japan.

The Google Maps tour allows viewers to take a walk through the main exhibition area of the museum, and you can focus on specific classic cars from Mazda, or check out displays featuring new technologies like Skyactiv. To take a quick spin through the museum - or a leisurely stroll at your own pace - scroll down to start your own virtual tour.

Continue reading Mazda's awesome Hiroshima museum now navigable by Google Maps

Mazda's awesome Hiroshima museum now navigable by Google Maps originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car museumclassic carsgoogle mapshiroshimamazdamazda museum Fri, 15 Mar 2013 08:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20502581/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20502581/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/15/mazdas-awesome-hiroshima-museum-now-navigable-by-google-maps/20502581/article-detail.xml 20502581 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mazda-museum-hiroshima-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/mazda-museum-hiroshima-628.jpg <![CDATA[Honda opening first new motherland plant in almost 50 years]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/honda-opening-first-new-motherland-plant-in-almost-50-years/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/honda-opening-first-new-motherland-plant-in-almost-50-years/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/honda-opening-first-new-motherland-plant-in-almost-50-years/#comments Filed under: , ,

2012 Honda Fit Sport - front three-quarter view, red

Despite opening dozens of overseas plants in the past several decades in locations all over the globe, Honda Motor Co. has not expanded its car manufacturing capabilities in its home market of Japan since opening a facility in Sayama back in 1964.

But all of that is set to change this July when Honda opens the doors to a new assembly plant in Yorii, about two hours north of Tokyo. According to Bloomberg, the new facility has a projected annual capacity of 250,000 vehicles. The plant is part of the automaker's reorganization efforts, plans that include scaling back its older Sayama plant and bringing Yorii online with more efficient and innovative technology. There are additional benefits, too, as the Yorii plant is expected to create 3,800 jobs, both on-site and at its suppliers, and boost the local economy as other businesses ramp up to accommodate the influx of new workers.

While the automaker has not released specifics about which models will be produced at Yorii, Honda is expected to consolidate production of models including the Fit, a best-seller in its domestic market.

Honda opening first new motherland plant in almost 50 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> hondahonda factoryhonda manufacturinghonda yoriijapanese manufacturingyoriiyorii manufacturing Mon, 04 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20484978/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20484978/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/04/honda-opening-first-new-motherland-plant-in-almost-50-years/20484978/article-detail.xml 20484978 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2012-honda-fit-sport-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2012-honda-fit-sport-628.jpg <![CDATA[Honda overhauls North American operations with eye towards more autonomy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/honda-overhauls-north-american-operations-with-eye-towards-more/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/honda-overhauls-north-american-operations-with-eye-towards-more/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/honda-overhauls-north-american-operations-with-eye-towards-more/#comments Filed under: , ,



The increasing sales success of Honda North America (HNA) has led to Honda brass in Japan reorganizing regional operations here. The management shuffling here and in Japan is intended to both streamline and confer more responsibility on HNA "as the region assumes a larger role in shaping Honda's global business," and as Honda builds more facilities that serve several roles in the product development pipeline.

Honda's executive vice president and president of HNA Tetsuo Iwamura was named COO of automotive operations, taking over a position that had been handled by company president Takanobu Ito. Iwamura's new role puts him in charge of anything Honda makes that has four wheels, which Automotive News says equates to 78 percent of the company's global revenue.

The current company CFO, Fumihiko Ike, will fill the now-vacant role of company chairman and Kohei Takeuchi will take his place. Takeuchi is presently the operating officer, general manager of the accounting division. The executive swaps take effect April 1, 2013.

Beyond that, a company called Honda North America Services (HNAS) will integrate IT systems, human resources and other responsibilities and streamline operations such as purchasing and manufacturing. It will pluck 50 employees from Honda's offices in Torrance, California, the new company being based in Honda's offices in Marysville, Ohio.

Honda wants to "deliver high quality products to the consumer more quickly and efficiently," and HNA is also expected to have more input into product development. Honda won't confirm it, but that could mean that the next Honda Accord is developed here. Read more in the press release below.

Continue reading Honda overhauls North American operations with eye towards more autonomy

Honda overhauls North American operations with eye towards more autonomy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> accordhnahnashondahonda north americahonda north america servicestakanobu itoTetsuo Iwamura Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20474814/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20474814/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/honda-overhauls-north-american-operations-with-eye-towards-more/20474814/article-detail.xml 20474814 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/honda-emblem_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/honda-emblem.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Japanese postal workers celebrate the new year in style]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/watch-japanese-postal-workers-celebrate-the-new-year-in-style/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/watch-japanese-postal-workers-celebrate-the-new-year-in-style/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/watch-japanese-postal-workers-celebrate-the-new-year-in-style/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Japan Postal Scooters video

It would seem mail gets to its destination a little differently in Japan. While the US Postal Service relies on the world's largest fleet of trucks, Japan gets its letters to doorsteps all over the country via an endearing fleet of scooters. Each year, postal workers in Hakata celebrate the new year by taking to the streets en masse. It's a freakish display of small-displacement, two-wheeled insanity, and we absolutely love it. Of course, it's even more fun when set to Wagner's Flight of the Valkyries. You'll need to mute the first video for the full effect.

Check out the display in the video below, but don't blame us if you want to drop everything and pick up a scooter of your very own.

Continue reading Watch Japanese postal workers celebrate the new year in style

Watch Japanese postal workers celebrate the new year in style originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> japanjapanese postal service scooter videopostal servicescooter videoscootersvideo Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20449508/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20449508/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/06/watch-japanese-postal-workers-celebrate-the-new-year-in-style/20449508/article-detail.xml 20449508 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/japan-postal-scooters-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/japan-postal-scooters-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500 Fiore Rosa is Italian-Japanese cute-overload fusion]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/fiat-500-fiore-rosa-is-italian-japanese-cute-overload-fusion/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/fiat-500-fiore-rosa-is-italian-japanese-cute-overload-fusion/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/fiat-500-fiore-rosa-is-italian-japanese-cute-overload-fusion/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Fiat 500 Fiore Rosa - Japanese special edition model in pink - front three-quarter view

If you live in Japan and you want to get something for your special someone for Valentine's Day, then slow dance down to your Fiat dealer and check out the Fiat 500 Fiore Rosa. A holiday special, the pale metallic pink Cinquecento is limited to 150 examples and only on sale from February 14-17. But beware the connotations, because as far as we can glean from Google Translate, the 500 Fiore Rosa is a bargain model, getting halogen lights instead of bi-xenons, manual air-con instead of climate control, 14-inch steel wheels instead of 15-inch alloys, and going without chrome trim, glass roof, parking sensors and alarm.

It's fitted with the TwinAir engine and gets the same price as the regular 500 TwinAir, however - 2,200,000 yen ($23,559 US). Other than the special name, we can't figure out where the 500 Fiore Rosa is hiding its treats, especially because it gets the el-cheapo wheel covers of the 500 Pop fitted with the 1.2-liter engine instead of the 500 TwinAir wheels. But if you want to make a statement, it's there. And we're talking to the women of Japan, because apparently they're the ones who buy the gifts on Valentine's day in Nippon.

Fiat 500 Fiore Rosa is Italian-Japanese cute-overload fusion originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 fiat 500500500 fiore rosacinquecentofiatfiat 500 fiore rosafiat japanfiore rosaspecial editionvalentinevalentines day Wed, 06 Feb 2013 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20448847/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20448847/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/06/fiat-500-fiore-rosa-is-italian-japanese-cute-overload-fusion/20448847/article-detail.xml 20448847 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fiat500rosa_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fiat500rosa.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota profits up 23% on high US sales, despite mounting legal costs]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/toyota-profits-up-23-on-high-us-sales-despite-mounting-legal-c/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/toyota-profits-up-23-on-high-us-sales-despite-mounting-legal-c/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/toyota-profits-up-23-on-high-us-sales-despite-mounting-legal-c/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Toyota Badge

Toyota earned $9.3 billion in net income in the financial year that ends next month. The number beats earlier forecasts and marks a five-year high for the automaker, with both operating income and revenue up by 9.5 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively. Toyota saw quarterly profit enjoy a year-on-year jump of 23.4 percent, with the manufacturer earning more than $1 billion between October and December 2012. The good news comes in spite of the fact that the Japanese automaker actually endured an operating loss in North America, due in part to legal fees.

Toyota is set to pay more than $1 billion to owners who claim their vehicles decreased in value as a result of the company's recent spate of recalls. Even so, all three of the automaker's brands enjoyed a 13.5 percent sales increase in the US in the last quarter, beating the industry average. Toyota faltered in Europe, however, where it earned $99 million in operating profit last year, compared to $111 million in 2011. You can take a closer look at the company's full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Toyota profits up 23% on high US sales, despite mounting legal costs

Toyota profits up 23% on high US sales, despite mounting legal costs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> earningslexussciontoyotatoyota 2012 earningstoyota earnings Tue, 05 Feb 2013 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20449055/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20449055/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/05/toyota-profits-up-23-on-high-us-sales-despite-mounting-legal-c/20449055/article-detail.xml 20449055 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/toyota-badge-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/toyota-badge-628.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru readies BRZ RA Racing for Japanese trackdays]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/27/subaru-readies-brz-ra-racing-for-japanese-trackdays/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/27/subaru-readies-brz-ra-racing-for-japanese-trackdays/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/27/subaru-readies-brz-ra-racing-for-japanese-trackdays/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



As if we needed any more reasons to take a Subaru BRZ to the track, Subaru has just announced that it will be producing a racing-spec version of the car straight from the assembly line. The only problem is that the BRZ RA Racing is being offered for the Japanese domestic market only, and won't be visiting any road courses in the US any time soon.

To get the BRZ ready for some serious track time, Subaru added brake ducts beneath the front fascia, removable tow hooks and an oil cooler behind the grille. Inside, the car gets a factory six-point roll cage (including custom-fit floor mats) and a four-point race harness for the driver. Now we get to pricing where US enthusiasts will get even more miffed. The entire suite of racing add-ons increases the BRZ's price by 31,500 yen, which converts to less than $350 US; the total price of the car converts to right around $31,500 US.

There is a brief press release posted below, which has been translated (somewhat poorly) by Google.

Continue reading Subaru readies BRZ RA Racing for Japanese trackdays

Subaru readies BRZ RA Racing for Japanese trackdays originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Jan 2013 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 subaru brz ra racnigbrzbrz ra racingjapanracing spec subaru brzsubaru Sun, 27 Jan 2013 18:24:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20439371/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20439371/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/27/subaru-readies-brz-ra-racing-for-japanese-trackdays/20439371/article-detail.xml 20439371 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/subaru-brz-ra_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/subaru-brz-ra.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Leaf Nismo headed for production, spec-race series canned?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/25/nissan-leaf-nismo-headed-for-production-spec-race-series-canned/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/25/nissan-leaf-nismo-headed-for-production-spec-race-series-canned/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/25/nissan-leaf-nismo-headed-for-production-spec-race-series-canned/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Nissan Leaf Nismo concept on display at Tokyo Motor Show

Remember the Nismo Leaf Nismo Concept show at the Tokyo Motor Show more than a year ago? To refresh your memory, it was a Nissan Leaf gussied up with an aerodynamic body kit, new wheels and a few cosmetic enhancements inside the cabin - the motor and powertrain remain unchanged. In any case, it appears that the green vehicle has received the green light for limited production.

Nismo chief Shoichi Miyatani has reportedly confirmed to Autocar that the zippier-looking electric Nissan will head down the assembly line in Japan this summer. But instead of a world-wide launch, the five-door will be sold only in the automaker's domestic market until consumer reaction is gauged. Even then, such low volumes will hardly justify expanding to other markets, Miyatani added.

In other news, it appears that the Leaf RC race car program - hinted as a one-make race series - is probably not going to happen.

Nissan Leaf Nismo headed for production, spec-race series canned? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 nissan leafevleafleaf evleaf rc race carnismonismo leafnissan leafshoichi miyatani Fri, 25 Jan 2013 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20439157/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20439157/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/25/nissan-leaf-nismo-headed-for-production-spec-race-series-canned/20439157/article-detail.xml 20439157 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/00-nissan-leaf-nismo-concept-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/00-nissan-leaf-nismo-concept-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota to name Prius developer Uchiyamada its next chairman?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/toyota-to-name-prius-developer-uchiyamada-its-next-chairman/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/toyota-to-name-prius-developer-uchiyamada-its-next-chairman/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/toyota-to-name-prius-developer-uchiyamada-its-next-chairman/#comments Filed under: , ,

Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota executive - headshotA report in Japan's Nikkei newspaper cited by Automotive News claims that the father of the Prius, Takeshi Uchiyamada, will take the role of chairman at Toyota. Currently Toyota's vice chairman, Uchiyamada joined the automaker in 1969, and in 1994 became the chief engineer of the Vehicle Development Center that birthed The Hybrid to Rule Them All. He said of it, "When we started, the purpose wasn't to do a specific car project. It was to make a vehicle suitable for the 21st century." A specialist in vehicle noise, vibration and harshness, Uchiyamada's leadership on the Prius helped continue his quiet run to the top of the company; he remains a huge fan of hybrids, but has been reticent about the place of electric vehicles in the current marketplace.

If the move is confirmed - it might happen as soon as this year, according to Reuters - Uchiyamada would replace Fujio Cho, Toyota's chairman for the past six years, who would move to an advisory role. Cho spent seven years overseeing Toyota's manufacturing operations in Kentucky as well as spearheading manufacturing efforts in Texas, France and China. Company president Akio Toyoda would maintain day-to-day charge of Toyota.

Toyota to name Prius developer Uchiyamada its next chairman? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chairmanfujio chopriustakeshi uchiyamadatoyotatoyota chairman Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20435632/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20435632/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/23/toyota-to-name-prius-developer-uchiyamada-its-next-chairman/20435632/article-detail.xml 20435632 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/takeshiuchiyamada_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/takeshiuchiyamada.jpg -1 2