In August 1997 in Japan, TMC launched its first hybrid vehicle, the Toyota “Coaster Hybrid EV” minibus. In December of the same year, TMC launched the Toyota “Prius”—the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. The use of the Toyota hybrid system was subsequently expanded to such vehicles as minivans, SUVs and rear-wheel-drive sedans. In 2009, TMC broadened its range of hybrid vehicles further with the launch of the third-generation Prius, as well as two other dedicated hybrid vehicles, the Lexus “HS250h” and the Toyota “Sai”. Currently, nine TMC-produced hybrid passenger vehicle models and three hybrid commercial vehicle models are sold in Japan.

Outside Japan, eight hybrid passenger vehicle models are sold in approximately 80 countries and regions, with cumulative overseas sales having topped 1.68 million units. TMC is committed to augmenting this lineup even further and increasing the number of countries and regions in which it sells hybrid vehicles.

As of July 31, 2010, TMC calculates that TMC hybrid vehicles2, since 1997, have led to approximately 4 million fewer tons3 of CO2 emissions—considered to be a cause of global warming—in Japan, and approximately 15 million fewer tons globally, than would have been emitted by gasoline-powered vehicles of similar size and driving performance.

Positioning response to environmental issues as a management priority, TMC has endeavored to achieve the widespread use of hybrid vehicles. TMC’s stance is to further promote the use of hybrid vehicles, through such measures as aiming to sell 1 million hybrid vehicles a year as early as possible in the 2010s, and introducing hybrid models in all vehicle series in its lineup as early as possible in the 2020s.

Source: http://www2.toyota.co.jp/en/news/10/08/0805.html

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In August 1997 in Japan, TMC launched its first hybrid vehicle, the Toyota “Coaster Hybrid EV” minibus. In December of the same year, TMC launched the Toyota “Prius”—the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. The use of the Toyota hybrid system was subsequently expanded to such vehicles as minivans, SUVs and rear-wheel-drive sedans. In 2009, TMC broadened its range of hybrid vehicles further with the launch of the third-generation Prius, as well as two other dedicated hybrid vehicles, the Lexus “HS250h” and the Toyota “Sai”. Currently, nine TMC-produced hybrid passenger vehicle models and three hybrid commercial vehicle models are sold in Japan.

Outside Japan, eight hybrid passenger vehicle models are sold in approximately 80 countries and regions, with cumulative overseas sales having topped 1.68 million units. TMC is committed to augmenting this lineup even further and increasing the number of countries and regions in which it sells hybrid vehicles.

As of July 31, 2010, TMC calculates that TMC hybrid vehicles2, since 1997, have led to approximately 4 million fewer tons3 of CO2 emissions—considered to be a cause of global warming—in Japan, and approximately 15 million fewer tons globally, than would have been emitted by gasoline-powered vehicles of similar size and driving performance.

Positioning response to environmental issues as a management priority, TMC has endeavored to achieve the widespread use of hybrid vehicles. TMC’s stance is to further promote the use of hybrid vehicles, through such measures as aiming to sell 1 million hybrid vehicles a year as early as possible in the 2010s, and introducing hybrid models in all vehicle series in its lineup as early as possible in the 2020s.

Source: http://www2.toyota.co.jp/en/news/10/08/0805.html

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On a consolidated basis, net revenues for the first quarter totaled 4,871.8 billion yen, an increase of 27.0 percent compared to the same period last fiscal year. Operating income increased from a loss of 194.9 billion yen to 211.6 billion yen, while income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliated companies was 263.0 billion yen. Net income* increased from a loss of 77.8 billion yen to 190.4 billion yen.

Operating income increased by 406.5 billion yen. Major factors contributing to the increase include the effects of marketing efforts of 400 billion yen and cost reduction efforts of 50.0 billion yen.

Consolidated vehicle sales for the first quarter totaled 1,820 thousand units, an increase of 419 thousand units compared to the same period last fiscal year.

Commenting on the first quarter results, TMC Senior Managing Director Takahiko Ijichi said, “Due to an increase in vehicle sales and a large decrease in the costs related to loan losses and residual losses in Financial Services, operating income improved substantially on last year.”

Operating income improved year on year in all regions for the first quarter.

In Japan, operating loss improved by 184.5 billion yen to 27.5 billion yen.

In North America, operating income increased by 113.4 billion yen to 109.7 billion yen including 700 million yen of valuation gains/losses from interest rate swaps. Operating income, excluding the impact of valuation gains/losses from interest rate swaps, increased by 125.1 billion yen to 109.0 billion yen.

In Europe, operating loss improved by 13.6 billion yen to a loss of 6.8 billion yen.

Operating income in Asia increased by 63.3 billion yen to 90.2 billion yen.

In Central and South America, Oceania and Africa, operating income increased by 23.6 billion yen to 41.0 billion yen.

In the financial services segment, operating income increased by 65.5 billion yen to 115.1 billion yen compared to the same period last fiscal year, including 5.6 billion yen of valuation gains/losses from interest rate swaps. Excluding valuation gains/losses, operating income increased by 74.9 billion yen to 109.5 billion yen. The increase was in part due to higher than expected prices of second hand vehicles and a large reduction in costs related to loan losses and residual losses as provisions were reversed in the United States. Our strengthened vehicle marketing programme also increased the lending balance.

Regarding the forecasts for fiscal year 2011, TMC revised its consolidated vehicle sales for the full fiscal year ending March 31, 2011 from 7.29 million to 7.38 million units, an increase of 90 thousand units from TMC’s forecast announced in May 2010.

TMC also revised its consolidated financial forecasts for fiscal year 2011 to consolidated net revenues of 19.5 trillion yen, operating income of 330 billion yen, income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliated companies of 380 billion yen and net income of 340 billion yen.

Commenting on the FY2011 forecasts, Ijichi said, “We note a lack of visibility concerning currency movements and the possible backlash in demand after the end of the demand-stimulus programmes in Japan, which requires our close monitoring. Nevertheless, we will do our utmost to reach as many customers with as many vehicles as possible. We will continue our activities for fixed and variable cost reduction as previously promoted under the Emergency Profit Improvement Activities. Through the activities, and the further improvement of our earning structure, we will maximise our effort to exceed our forecasts.”

Source: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota-announces-first-quarter-165832.aspx

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“ADVAN Sport” for the new Cayenne

The ADVAN Sport models for the new Cayenne were jointly developed by Porsche and Yokohama Rubber and bear “N-0″ and “N-1″ markings on the sidewalls indicating Porsche’s approval. Designed to perform stably at speeds in excess of 300 km/h, the ADVAN Sport lineup perfectly balances high-speed stability, comfort, handling and braking in wet and dry conditions. The tires have been adopted for high-performance cars including the Porsche 911 Carrera 4, Audi S8 and Bentley Continental, as well as various models from Mercedes-AMG.

The ADVAN brand symbolizes Yokohama Rubber’s global concept, under which the company is committed to aggressive execution of all its activities, including co-development of flagship tire products, participation in motor sports and collaboration with the world’s leading automakers and tuners. The ADVAN brand embodies the company’s spirit of pursuing the ultimate in performance and quality. Yokohama Rubber intends to continue showcasing ADVAN brand products for consumers around the world.

Source: http://www.yrc-pressroom.jp/english/html/20108312tr001.html

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The special edition Demio 13C-V HID EDITION is based on the Demio 13C-V model grade that features a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and achieves eco-friendly fuel economy of 23.0 kilometers per liter*2. The special edition includes a selection of functional and stylish features, such as discharge headlights and fog lights, for an affordable price. Additionally, Mazda’s high quality Copper Red Mica exterior body paint is available exclusively on the special edition model.

Main features of the 90th anniversary special edition Mazda Demio 13C-V HID EDITION
Base model
Demio 13C-V (FWD model with a Miller-cycle engine and CVT)

Special equipment

• Discharge headlights (with auto-leveling function)
• Front fog lights
• Dark tinted glass (rear door and liftgate windows)
• A choice of 11 exterior body colors, including Copper Red Mica*3, which is exclusive to the Demio 13C-V HID EDITION

Source: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2010/201007/100729a.html

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1. Domestic Production
(1) June 2010
Mazda’s total domestic production volume in June 2010 increased year-on-year for the seventh consecutive month, growing 17.8% compared to June 2009, reflecting increased production of both passenger and commercial vehicles.

[Domestic production of key models in June 2010]
Mazda3 (Axela): 37,095 units (up 12.1% year-on-year)
Mazda2 (Demio): 14,108 units (up 1.1% year-on-year)
Mazda6 (Atenza): 7,373 units (up 46.7% year-on-year)
CX-7: 6,272 units (up 148.5% year-on-year)

(2) January through June 2010
Mazda’s domestic production volume in the period from January through June 2010 increased 59.3% compared to the same period in 2009, reflecting increased production of passenger vehicles.

[Domestic production of key models in the period from January through June 2010]
Mazda3 (Axela): 185,348 units (up 37.9% year-on-year)
Mazda2 (Demio): 75,351 units (up 27.1% year-on-year)
Mazda6 (Atenza): 40,132 units (up 113.3% year-on-year)
CX-7: 38,232 units (up 670.7% year-on-year)

2. Overseas Production
(1) June 2010
Posting a year-on-year increase for the thirteenth consecutive month, Mazda’s overseas production volume in June 2010 improved 44.4% on June 2009, reflecting healthy production of both passenger and commercial vehicles.

[Overseas production of key models in June 2010]
Mazda6: 14,949 units (up 28.4% year-on-year)
Mazda2: 9,012 units (up 311.1% year-on-year)

(2) January through June 2010
Mazda’s overseas production volume in the period from January through June 2010 increased 76.7% compared to the same period in 2009, reflecting increased production of both passenger and commercial vehicles.

[Overseas production of key models in the period from January through June 2010]
Mazda6: 83,181 units (up 71.6% year-on-year)
Mazda2: 39,835 units (up 360.5% year-on-year)

II. Domestic Sales

(1) June 2010
Mazda’s total domestic sales volume in June 2010 increased year-on-year for the ninth consecutive month, growing 14.1% compared to June 2009, due to healthy sales of both passenger and commercial vehicles.
Mazda’s registered vehicle market share was 5.3% (down 0.3 points year-on-year), with a 2.9% share of the micro-mini segment (up 0.1 points year-on-year) and a 4.4% total market share (down 0.2 points year-on-year).

[Domestic sales of key models in June 2010]
Mazda2 (Demio): 6,020 units (up 16.7% year-on-year)
Mazda3 (Axela): 2,561 units (down 5.2% year-on-year)

(2) January through June 2010
Mazda’s total domestic sales volume in the period from January through June 2010 increased 28.8% compared to the same period in 2009, due to increased sales of both passenger and commercial vehicles.
Mazda’s registered vehicle market share was 5.5% (up 0.1 points year-on-year), with a 3.0% share of the micro-mini segment (up 0.1 points year-on-year) and a 4.6% total market share (up 0.2 points year-on-year).

[Domestic sales of key models in the period from January through June 2010]
Mazda2 (Demio): 36,436 units (up 40.3% year-on-year)
Mazda3 (Axela): 15,388 units (up 108.6% year-on-year)

III. Exports

(1) June 2010
Mazda’s export volume in June 2010 increased year-on-year for the seventh consecutive month, growing 31.9% over June 2009 due to increased shipments to North America, Oceania and other regions (the Middle East, Central & South America, Asia and Africa).

[Exports of key models in June 2010]
Mazda3: 36,454 units (up 22.9% year-on-year)
CX-7: 7,607 units (up 253.8% year-on-year)
Mazda6: 6,915 units (up 66.6% year-on-year)

(2) January through June 2010
Mazda’s exports in the period from January through June 2010 increased 65.4% compared to the same period in 2009, due to increased shipments to North America, Europe, Oceania and other regions (the Middle East, Asia, Central & South America and Africa).

[Exports of key models in the period from January through June 2010]
Mazda3: 170,173 units (up 39.0% year-on-year)
CX-7: 38,535 units (up 738.3% year-on-year)
Mazda6: 34,423 units (up 130.3% year-on-year)

Source: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2010/201007/100727a.html

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“Mitsubishi Fuso continues to achieve very strong sales in Indonesia, reflecting the overall positive momentum in international markets,” said Mr. Kai-Uwe Seidenfuss, MFTBC Vice President of Sales and Service International. “As Mitsubishi Fuso’s largest export market and the largest truck market overall in Southeast Asia, Indonesia plays a key role in the success of our international business.”

Mr. Seidenfuss outlined, “Mitsubishi Fuso’s commitment to further strengthen the Indonesia business is highlighted in the brand’s presence at Indonesia Motor Show, which shows the robust products and outstanding services we can deliver to our customers, together with our local partners.”

Record Sales in First Five Months
Through the five months in 2010, Indonesia sales increased 115% to 20,832 units (Jan.-May 2009 = 9,708 units, Jan.-May 2008 = 17,796 units). This represents the highest ever sales over such an interval, exceeding the same pre-economic-crisis period in 2008.

Mitsubishi Fuso at the Indonesia International Motor Show 2010
As excellent sales continue into the second half of the year, Mitsubishi Fuso is participating in the Indonesia International Motor Show starting today and running through August 1 at the Jakarta International Expo. On display are a suite of vehicles that show Mitsubishi Fuso’s ability to deliver reliable and efficient vehicle solutions to Indonesia customers.

The company’s exhibit is based on three current models in the market: the Colt Diesel van, Colt Diesel dump truck and Colt Diesel light-duty bus. A classic Colt Diesel is also exhibited, representing the brand’s historic development and success in the Indonesia market in earlier times.

Showcasing FV Heavy-duty Truck and Advanced FN Medium-Duty Truck
Mitsubishi Fuso is also showcasing two additional new products at the Show: the FV heavy-duty tractor head and an advanced generation FN medium-duty truck.

FV Heavy-Duty Truck

The FV heavy-duty truck marks the upper end of Fuso’s line-up and opens up the potential to offer an even broader and more comprehensive truck line in Indonesia, extending from 5 tons up to 27.6 tons gross vehicle weight (gvw), and to serve a wider range of business and industry.

The advanced generation FN medium-duty truck on display incorporates additional modern advances in safety, reliability and efficiency, showing the further possibilities Mitsubishi Fuso can deliver.

Mr. Seidenfuss explained, “We are confident to find major demand for the flagship FV heavy-duty truck with its ability to tap into the heavier segment of the market. The advanced generation FN medium-duty truck shows a view to advanced technology for Indonesia, building on and adding to the successful products already in the market.

“The exhibit of these two vehicles demonstrates further ways to enhance our product line in Indonesia, which is based on the iconic Colt Diesel Canter and complemented by the rest of the Fuso line-up.”

Advanced Generation FN Medium-Duty Truck

Source: http://www.mitsubishi-fuso.com/en/press/100723/100723.html

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<Production>
Production in Japan for the month of May 2010 experienced a year-on-year increase for the fifth consecutive month (since January 2010).

Production in regions outside of Japan experienced a year-on-year increase for the seventh consecutive month (since November 2009).

Worldwide production experienced a year-on-year increase for the sixth consecutive month (since December 2009).

<Japan Domestic Market Sales>
Total domestic sales for the month of May 2010 experienced a year-on-year increase for the 11th consecutive month (since July 2009).

New vehicle registrations experienced a year-on-year increase for the 14th consecutive month (since April 2009).

Sales of mini-vehicles experienced a year-on-year increase for the second consecutive month (since April 2010).

<Vehicle registrations – excluding mini-vehicles>
Fit was the industry’s second best-selling car among new vehicle registrations for the month of May 2010, with sales of 11,880 units. Step WGN was the industry’s eighth best-selling car with sales of 5,818 units.

<Mini-vehicles – under 660cc>
Life was the industry’s eighth best-selling car among mini-vehicles for the month of May 2010, with sales of 4,402 units. Zest was the industry’s tenth best-selling car among mini-vehicles for the month of May 2010, with sales of 2,936 units.

<Exports from Japan>
Total exports from Japan in May 2010 experienced a year-on-year increase for the third consecutive month (since March 2010).

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“Signing the MOU with YNM and Nissan means that Taichung City will take the lead to be the first ‘Low-Emission’ City in Taiwan,” said Mayor.

Studying how to make Taichung City more EV-ready is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to build a sustainable infrastructure that would include supporting a high speed railway and encouraging the use of electric bicycles and motorcycles. The city is planning to promote the popular use of EVs while developing supporting policies and structures, which will include using EVs as official vehicles, creating an EV promotional team, educating the public about EVS, creating purchase incentives, building charging stations.

The Alliance has formed partnerships with more than 60 governments, cities and other organizations around the world, including Japan, U.S.A., Europe, Asia and Australia, to advance the deployment of EVs worldwide. Many governments supporting EV technology are offering tax incentives and subsidies for those purchasing EVs and investing in building an EV charging infrastructure. As more public charging stations become available, the general acceptance of EVs will grow.

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In recent years, whether to enjoy sport riding, touring, etc. on a 400-cc class motorcycle or to look fashionable riding around town, there has been growing demand among ordinary motorcycle license (400cc or less) holders and returning riders for choices that are better tailored to their lifestyles.
In response to such market demand, Kawasaki will launch sale of the Ninja 400R, a general sport-model with genuine full fairing inherited from the super-sport Ninja series to give it both aggressive styling and refined functional beauty and make it ready for anything from sport riding to touring.

With its compact and highly rigid diamond-shaped steel frame chassis, the Ninja 400R combines superior riding performance with easy handling. Its lightweight and compact liquid-cooled, four-stroke, parallel twin-cylinder DOHC four-valve engine (399 cm3) delivers engine performance that is smooth and powerful at low- and mid-range speeds, while its fuel injection system and three-way catalyzer provides superior environmental performance in conformance with the 2007 Japanese national emissions regulations for motorcycles.

Key Features
Engine:

• The Ninja 400R has a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, parallel twin-cylinder DOHC four-valve engine (399 cm3). The distinctive parallel twin-cylinder engine delivers power characteristics that are powerful at low- and mid-range speeds and respond agilely at high speeds.
• In addition to fuel injection, the Ninja 400R is equipped with sub-throttle valves to optimize intake air. With excellent throttle response and smooth engine performance at normal speeds, it delivers excellent drivability under diverse conditions.
• With its short silencer located under the engine, the Ninja 400R provides a greater concentration of mass and lower center of gravity. Equipped with a built-in three-way catalyzer, it offers superior environmental performance in conformance with the 2007 Japanese national emissions regulations for motorcycles.

Chassis:

• With genuine full fairing inherited from the super-sport Ninja line, the Ninja 400R offers aggressive styling and excellent wind protection equally suited to high speeds.
• The Ninja 400R’s narrow parallel twin-cylinder engine and compact diamond-shaped steel frame result in a streamlined chassis, making it easy to keep both feet on the ground.
• With dual 300-mm petal disks in front and single 220-mm petal disk in back, the Ninja 400R has front and rear disk brakes to provide excellent braking power and heat dissipation.
• The Ninja 400R’s aluminum grab bars may be sharp looking but their shape and positioning also ease fatigue on long rides and make riding with a passenger more convenient.

Equipment:

• The Ninja 400R’s instrument panel has a multi-function LCD display with a sporty design modeled on racing machines. It is equipped with a digital speedometer, digital bar-style tachometer, fuel gauge, clock, and odometer/trip-meter.
• The Ninja 400R’s LED taillights are compact and provide excellent visibility. The rear view is sharp and stylish.

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