Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that the all-new CR-Z hybrid vehicle will go on sale in Japan on Friday, February 26, 2010. CR-Z combines a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and Honda’s proprietary Integrated Motor Assist™ (IMA®) system, and creates fusion between futuristic and dynamic styling and exhilarating driving, along with outstanding fuel economy of 25 km/l.*1

CR-Z a

Based on Honda’s passion to broaden the potential for a hybrid vehicle and enable customers to experience a new kind of excitement with all of their senses, CR-Z was developed offering three core values – Emotional (emotional look and feel), Exciting (make people want to enjoy driving) and Smart (environmentally responsible, useful and liberating). To achieve these three values in all areas of this vehicle, including design, packaging and performance, Honda applied its most advanced technologies.

CR-Z stands for “Compact Renaissance Zero,” which represents Honda’s commitment to go back to the point of origin (zero) to take on the challenge to create a new compact car without being bound by the values of traditional coupes.
*1 Fuel economy of CVT version measured in 10•15 mode

Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2010/4100225All-New-CR-Z-Hybrid/

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The revolutionary Honda 3R-C concept will make its world debut in Geneva, alongside the EV-N concept which makes its European debut at the show.

Honda 3R-C Concept

Both the three-wheeled 3R-C concept, which envisions a single occupant vehicle for zero emission commuting, and the EV-N urban concept, draw on Honda’s vast working knowledge of vehicles utilizing electric motors.

3R-C
This revolutionary three wheeled battery electric vehicle concept shows what a future minimal urban transport vehicle for one person might look like. The battery electric drivetrain is mounted low in the three wheeled chassis, therefore keeping the centre of gravity low and thus improving stability.

The 3R-C has a clear canopy that covers the driver’s seat while it is parked and not in use. When 3R-C vehicle is in motion, the canopy becomes an enveloping wind-shield that provides the pilot, who sits low in the vehicle, with significant protection from the bodywork and doors.

The high sides of the safety shell seat give greater safety to the occupant, reducing the threat from side impacts and improving weather protection. In front of the driver is a lockable boot area, which gives significant secure storage for luggage or other items. The 3R-C’s designers created a flexible cover that surrounds the upper torso to reduce exposure to bad weather and improving comfort.

The 3R-C study was created by European designers working at Honda’s Research and Design facility in Milan.

Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2010/4100224Geneva-Motor-Show/

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Tokyo—TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces the launch in Japan today of the redesigned “Passo” compact hatchback.

Passo 1.0 + Hana (front-wheel drive) Passo 1.0X (four-wheel-drive)

The second-generation Passo further refines the highly maneuverable compact body, spacious interior and class leading1 fuel efficiency and environmental performance of the popular first-generation Passo released in June 2004, with the new vehicle embodying input, from the planning stage, from female consumers in Japan. This development has taken the Passo to the next level and demonstrates TMC’s ongoing efforts to design vehicles to meet consumer needs.

The vehicle comes in two distinct model styles: the simple and unpretentious “Passo”, which offers a sense reassurance and familiarity, and the “Passo + Hana”, which imbues an understated glamour for a strong impression. These unique designs, along with 11 available body colors, create variety that enables vehicle selection ideally suited to express individuality. Thanks to efforts made to enhance ease-of-operation, utility and drivability, including the redesign of the front pillars for better visibility and the creation of more storage space within easy reach of the driver, the vehicle is more appealing than ever—especially with its highly affordable price, which starts at 1 million yen.

Source: http://www2.toyota.co.jp/en/news/10/02/0215.html

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Nissan today revealed for the first time its all-new small Crossover, Juke.

JUKE

Designed to offer a refreshing alternative for customers who are shopping in the small car segment of the market, but uninspired by the traditional offerings, Juke is a distinctive combination of SUV toughness and sporting style. Juke will inject some much needed masculinity and dynamism into the small car market.

The decision to introduce the industry’s fisrst small crossover into the small car market reflects Nissan’s philosophy of challenging conventions in Europe.

“In the last five years we have enjoyed significant growth in a crowded European market. This has been achieved by challenging traditional patterns and moving away from the C and D segments. Instead, we have pioneered the introduction of crossovers. We started with Murano and then, in higher volumes, with Qashqai – a car which has far exceeded our expectations. Sales have exceeded half-a-million in Europe in less than 3 years,” said Colin Dodge, Executive Vice President.

Juke will be manufactured in Europe at Nissan’s factory in Sunderland, England, and in Oppama, Japan. In Europe, its production alongside the Note compact family car and Qashqai crossover is the result of an investment in excess of 60m Euros, which safeguards over 1000 Nissan jobs, and more than 2000 in the supply chain.

Sales of Juke will begin in Japan in the summer, with the European and North American launch beginning in the autumn.

Source: http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2010/_STORY/100210-03-e.html

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Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2009, ending March 31, 2010, as well as for the first nine months. In the third quarter, the consolidated net income after taxes totaled 45 billion yen (US $480 million, euro 340 million). The better-than-expected results were due mainly to additional sales volumes driven by scrapping incentives in major markets, sales volume growth in China and the effective execution of countermeasures put in place following the global financial and economic crisis.

Net revenues were 1.9962 trillion yen (US $21.33 billion, euro 15.01 billion), increased by 9.9% compared with a year ago. Operating profit was 134.1 billion yen (US $1.43 billion, euro 1.01 billion), and the operating profit margin came to 6.7%. Ordinary profit was 112.7 billion yen (US $1.20 billion, euro 850 million).

“Our performance in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 is encouraging, demonstrating that our countermeasures are working,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “Despite these positive quarterly results, we believe that conditions in the global economy are still volatile and uncertain, so our outlook will remain cautious until we see clear evidence that economic recovery can be sustained in world markets.”

Nissan sold 882,000 vehicles worldwide in the October-to-December 2009 period, a 20.6% increase over the same period in fiscal year 2008.

In the April-to-December 2009 period, net income after tax totaled 54 billion yen (US $580 million, euro 410 million), up 25% compared with the previous year. Net revenue fell 19.5% to 5.3796 trillion yen (US $57.47 billion, euro 40.45 billion). Operating profit totaled 228.9 billion yen (US $2.45 billion, euro 1.72 billion), an increase of 147.6%. Operating profit margin came to 4.3%. Ordinary profit amounted to 145.9 billion yen (US $1.56 billion, euro 1.1 billion), up 62%.

Globally, Nissan sold 2,505,000 vehicles in the first nine months of the fiscal year, down 4.8% compared with the same period last year.

The company has revised upward its full fiscal-year forecast for 2009. Based on foreign-exchange rates of 92 yen/dollar and 132 yen/euro, the revised average rates for the full fiscal year, Nissan filed the following forecast with the Tokyo Stock Exchange for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010:

• Net revenues of 7.4 trillion yen (US $80.43 billion, euro 56.06 billion);
• Operating profit of 290 billion yen (US $3.15 billion, euro 2.2 billion);
• Net income of 35 billion yen (US $380 million, euro 270 million);
• R&D expenses of 395 billion yen (US $4.29 billion, euro 2.99 billion);
• Capital expenditures of 300 billion yen (US $3.26 billion, euro 2.27 billion).

Note 1: On Nov. 4, 2009, Nissan had filed the following forecast with the Tokyo Stock Exchange, based on foreign-exchange rates of 90 yen/dollar and 131.6 yen/euro, for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010:

• Net revenues of 7 trillion yen (US $77.78 billion, euro 53.19 billion);
• Operating profit of 120 billion yen (US $1.33 billion, euro 910 million);
• Net loss of 40 billion yen (US $440 million, euro 300 million);
• R&D expenses of 395 billion yen (US $4.39 billion, euro 3 billion);
• Capital expenditures of 325 billion yen (US $3.61 billion, euro 2.47 billion).

Note 2: Amounts in dollars and euros are translated for the convenience of the reader at the foreign-exchange rates of 93.6 yen/dollar and 133 yen/euro, the average rates for the first nine months of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010.

Source: http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2010/_STORY/100209-01-e.html

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The 2010 Geneva International Motor Show will be the world debut of the European specification Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe. The European version features a 2+2 seating layout and an eight LED daytime running light accent under each of the headlamps.

CR-Z 2010

CR-Z customers will be able to enjoy the first car to combine a hybrid system with a 6-speed manual gearbox. By combining an efficient 1.5-liter petrol engine with Honda’s unique IMA parallel hybrid system, the CR-Z can offer lower emissions of all exhaust gasses, while offering an entertaining and engaging driving experience. The flexibility of the IMA parallel hybrid system means that it can be used with a manual gearbox, allowing drivers to exploit the broad spread of torque, while maintaining excellent fuel economy of just 5.0 l/100km.

To maximize driver choice and enhance the day to day drivability of the car, the CR-Z has been fitted with a 3-Mode Drive System. This unique feature allows the driver to choose between three driving modes, which alter the responses of the throttle, steering, idle stop timing, climate control and the level of assistance provided by the IMA system. In developing this new facility, Honda allows the driver to adapt the car’s settings to enjoy their favourite road, maximize economy, or strike a balance between the two.

Sport buttons have become commonplace usually offering a sharper throttle response, but Honda’s 3-Mode Drive System is different. The new system alters the behaviour of the hybrid drivetrain and the power steering assistance as well as the throttle mapping between the three modes.

When the CR-Z driver is away from the town or city and wanting to enjoy their drive more, they can put the car into SPORT mode. This sharpens the throttle response, changes the behaviour of the IMA hybrid system to provide more electric motor assistance, and increases the weight of the electric power steering.

Honda recognizes that even the most enthusiastic driver may regularly experience heavy traffic, where maximising fuel economy is more desirable than the perfect line through a corner. In these situations ECON mode can be selected, which prioritises fuel economy in the operation of the drive by wire throttle, ECU, air conditioning and the hybrid system. For those times when spirited driving is not possible or desirable, the Eco Assist function, in conjunction with the ECON mode, allows the driver to enjoy beating their best economy score on the way to work, or in heavy traffic.

At all other times the car can be run in NORM mode, which provides a balance between performance, economy and emissions and suits most driving situations.

The ambient lighting of the speedometer is used in the same way as in the Insight to guide the driver in driving more economically and ecologically. In addition to the Eco Assist function, the CR-Z’s meter lighting is linked to the 3-mode drive system. In NORM mode the speedometer is illuminated blue, with green illumination when the car is being driven in an economical manner. In ECON mode it is also blue (glowing green when driven economically) and it has a green eco flower lit alongside. When the speedometer is illuminated in a red ambient light, this indicates the CR-Z is in SPORT mode.

The CR-Z will go on sale across Europe in the middle of 2010 and prices will be announced at the Geneva motor show.

Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2010/4100208CR-Z/

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Mazda Motor Corporation will sponsor the Sanfrecce Hiroshima soccer club’s participation in the 2010 AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Champions League and provide a new team uniform for the competition. Sanfrecce Hiroshima competes in Division 1 of the Japan Professional Football League (J League) under the club motto, “We Fight Together.” Mazda will support Sanfrecce in their bid to win the club championship of Asia for the first time.

Sanfrecce’s matches in the AFC Champions League are scheduled both overseas and at the club’s home ground in Hiroshima. This arrangement reflects Mazda’s position as a global corporation with its roots in Hiroshima. It is also one reason why Mazda opted to sponsor Sanfrecce by providing uniforms for the competition. This is the latest example of Mazda and Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s long history of cooperation.

Sanfrecce’s schedule for 2010 AFC Champions League group stage:

• Feb 24 (Wed) 19:00 kickoff vs Shandong Luneng (China) venue: Hiroshima (Big Arch)
• Mar 10 (Wed) 19:30 kickoff vs Pohang Steelers (S. Korea) venue: Pohang
• Mar 24 (Wed) 18:00 kickoff vs Adelaide United (Australia) venue: Adelaide
• Mar 30 (Tue) 19:00 kickoff vs Adelaide United (Australia) venue: Hiroshima (Big Arch)
• Apr 13 (Tue) 20:30 kickoff vs Shandong Luneng (China) venue: Jinan
• Apr 27 (Tue) 19:00 kickoff vs Pohang Steelers (S. Korea) venue: Hiroshima (Big Arch)
  * All times given in Japan Standard Time

Source: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2010/201002/100208a.html

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Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that its eco-drive support system, Eco-mode function and Navigation-linked speed control, employed in Nissan’s compact vehicles has won the ANRE (Agency for Natural Resources and Energy) Director-General’s award in the 20th annual Energy Conservation Prize.

The award is open to the public, and covers a wide range of energy conservation innovations, including use of new energy- and resource-saving or high energy-efficient materials, equipment and systems for non-military use. It recognizes innovative ideas to help accelerate wider commercial application of new energy conservation technologies.

Nissan’s eco-drive support system, Eco-mode function and Navigation-linked speed control, is a practical system which enables eco-drive at a relatively low cost and is recognized as a system which is expected to contribute to considerable energy conservation by employing it in a wider range of vehicles in the future.

When a vehicle is starting, cruising and decelerating before going into a curve, this system where the engine, CVT and the navigation system are cooperated can enhance in-use fuel efficiency*1 without any special driving skills. The system has already been adopted in Nissan vehicles starting by Tiida and Tiida Latio released in May 2009, as well as Cube released in November 2009.

Each of the following technologies are employed in this system;

<Smooth Acceleration Assist>
Assists soft acceleration which eco-drivers do with engine control.

<Smart-rev Control>
At the time of slow acceleration, identify flapping acceleration and maintain engine revolution constant to avoid uneven speed change and unnecessary fuel consumption.

<Eco-mode Function>*2
Enhanced version of Smooth Acceleration Assist. A mode can be changed by a flip of a switch.

<Navigation-linked Speed Control>*2
The engine brake is optimized to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption by providng route-information via the on-board navigation system including information on the next curve and the distance to the next tollgate, in addition to information from the vehicle.

Eco-mode function displays (image) (left) and the outline of Navigation-linked speed control (right)

Nissan received this award for third consecutive year, followed by its eco-driving service available on CARWINGS navigation system in 2008 and the X-TRAIL 20GT featuring clean diesel engine in 2009.

Nissan has been addressing a wide range of actions under “Blue Citizenship,” which represents the Company’s desire to protect the blue planet and to be a corporate citizen that can live symbiotically with people and society. These efforts range from such global issues as the environmental protection to contribution to communities, promoting diversity and making personal mobility available to as many people as possible. Nissan continues promoting its comprehensive environmental action plan, Nissan Green Program 2010, based on the “Blue Citizenship” spirit by introducing effective technologies, products and services into the market.

1. In-use fuel efficiency-enhancing effects differs depending on each one’s driving environment and technique.
2. Only for vehicles equipped with the HDD CARWINGS navigation system.

Source: http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2010/_STORY/100208-01-e.html

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