The new Toyota Prius has clinched its first major award, voted Japan Car of the Year by a panel of distinguished motoring journalists and industry experts at the Tokyo motor show. The accolade is a formal acknowledgement of the advances Toyota has made with the third generation Prius, which delivers more power yet even better fuel efficiency and lower emissions from its full hybrid powertrain.Prius’s advanced but eminently user-friendly technology is also winning the hearts and minds of its m... Read Full Story
Honda chief executive Takanobu Ito today spelled out his vision for the next decade at Honda to CAR Online. No successor to the NSX is under development, but there will be a smaller city car slotting under the Jazz in Honda's range. It will be launched in Asia at first, potentially following in the rest of the world.Ito, who is also president of Honda R&D, said that the company had no firm plans for a pure battery electric vehicle at this stage – the onus is on hybrid petrol electric cars... Read Full Story
You may have noticed that the blog's content has not been updated for a while. This is due to lack of time and I really apologize for that.I am afraid that I don't have sufficient free time in order to maintain three blogs and I believe, that there are many sources providing news related to Honda. Therefore, I will stop updating this blog, although "Opel News & Info" blog will include bits and bobs from the automotive industry, as well as personal opinions and thought. The content of the ... Read Full Story
Long-time Carscoop reader Marcus sent those revealing JDM brochure scans of the new Toyota SAI hybrid sedan that is due to make its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this week. Toyota's second dedicated hybrid model after the Prius is in essence a reshaped version of the Lexus HS 250h that was revealed at the 2009 Detroit Show in January and is already on sale in the U.S. and Japan.The photos, some of which depict the Sai with original Toyota accessories from TRD and Modellista, show ... Read Full Story
Honda has been working on a new technology that could lead to a breakthrough in vehicle development. Initial research by the firm, joined with scientists at Purdue University and the University of Louisville, has shown that microscopic carbon nanotubes may be capable of distributing electricty quicker and more efficiently.The nanotubes may also be used to create a material that is at least as light as carbon fiber, but stronger than steel.Researchers currently grow the carbon nanotubes on me... Read Full Story
October 9, 2009 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the introduction of the all-new Step WGN. With the largest interior space in its class*1 and first in class*1 under-floor storage for third-row seats the all-new Step WGN offers more convenience than ever before and best-in-class fuel economy*1. The new Step WGN and Step WGN special-needs vehicle*2 go on sale in Japan today, with the Step WGN Spada and Step WGN Spada special-needs vehicle*2 to debut in Japan on Friday, October 23.This al... Read Full Story
We've known it's coming, but here is the first look at Infiniti's new petrol electric exec: the M35 Hybrid. As signalled by the Essence concept car, Infiniti is keen to stress that its hybrid cars won't be just about saving pennies – they'll be fun to drive too. Sounds like a dig at sensible old Lexus to us.The new Infiniti M35 Hybrid will be the upmarket Nissan arm's first hybrid in its 20 years of building exec rivals to the default Audis, BMWs and Mercedes. And since it doesn't yet sell an... Read Full Story
Japan's Panasonic Corp. has developed a technology that binds together standard lithium-ion battery cells used in laptop personal computers to power electric vehicles, taking aim at growing demand for green cars.The company said that new technology will likely enable Panasonic to make electric car batteries at half the cost of lithium-ion batteries that are developed solely for electric cars, since it can use existing battery plants and production expertise.Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s i-MiEV, t... Read Full Story
1. ConceptSubaru has condensed its DNA, developed over many years around the Subaru's core technology of "Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)" and "Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine", into the integration of a luxurious and high-quality cabin atmosphere and an eye-catching sculpted body. The concept car features Subaru's latest evolutions in handling agility, riding comfort and superior safety performance. It proposes Subaru's vision of a future grand touring car that excels in environmental fr... Read Full Story
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced its lineup of production and concept-model automobiles, motorcycles, power products and other highlights for its display at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009. Organized by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, the event will take place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, from October 24 to November 4.Covering the largest floor area of any single brand at the show, Honda booth combines automobiles, motorcycles, power products and other highlights to pr... Read Full Story
