#96
|
|||
|
|||
Japanese automakers revise earnings estimates on strength of Yen
Filed under: Japan, Nissan, Toyota, Earnings/Financials Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota, has stated that the Japanese automaker is planning to revise its earnings forecast due to the fact that the Yen has reached a 15-year high. The full-year profit forecast was based on a rate of 90 Yen to the US Dollar. It will be reduced to around 80 Yen to USD. The Yen has risen 15 percent against the USD and 13 percent against the Euro, which is not good for a company that has to repatriate earnings from its overseas sales. Earlier this year, the rising Yen created concerns that Akio Toyoda would be forced to shutter some assembly plants. Toyoda assured the public that plants would not be closing, however more vehicle assembly is being shipped to overseas factories. Toyota is not alone in making this move. Nissan has stated that it is looking at doing a revision of earnings as well as finding more locally sourced parts to aid overseas production. [Source: Bloomberg] Japanese automakers revise earnings estimates on strength of Yen originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Commentsأكثر... |
#97
|
|||
|
|||
Honda's ASIMO celebrates 10 years [w/video]
Filed under: Etc., Japan, Technology, Honda ASIMO turns 10 - Click above to watch the video after the jump Sure enough, Honda has been playing with ASIMO for 10 years. To mark the occasion, Honda has rolled out a new website dedicated to the life and times of its humanoid robot. There are baby pictures, adorable stories and even a video or two to sink your teeth into. You know, if you're into that sort of thing. Of course, ASIMO itself is the result of over a quarter of a century of work on humanoid robot technology that Honda hopes will one day aid in human mobility. Additionally, the Japanese company wants ASIMO to evolve into a robot that can help people in their everyday lives, potentially taking over household chores. For now, though, ASIMO has been busy meeting heads of state and conducting orchestras. Important work, sure, but meanwhile, General Motors' one-year old R2 Robot is headed to outer space to lend a hand or two at the International Space station. Damn kids. If you want to check out the Honda ASIMO festivities, head over to the company's robot-themed site. There's even an iPhone app available for download. Hit the jump for the press release. [Source: Honda] Continue reading Honda's ASIMO celebrates 10 years [w/video] Honda's ASIMO celebrates 10 years [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Commentsأكثر... |
#98
|
|||
|
|||
Limited-edition Japanese postage stamp set honors iconic Mazda vehicles
Filed under: Etc., Japan, Mazda Mazda has produced some iconic sports cars throughout its history, and now those vehicles have been immortalized in stamp form. Released as a limited-edition on November 1st, the Japan Post Network Chugoke Regional Office has created a 12-stamp set officially titled History of Mazda Motor Corporation Hiroshima.The stamp set is limited to just 3,000 units and each one comes with a 1:64 scale model of a white Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S. Images on the stamps range from the past icons such as the 1950 Mazda-Go three-wheeled truck and aforementioned Cosmo to modern ones like the MX-5 and Mazda5. It's not just cars though, as one of the stamps features an image of Mazda's infamous rotary engine. Unfortunately, those of us outside of Japan will not be able to purchase this stamp collection, as Mazda is only offering it in its home market. The price is 2,800 Yen per set, which is about $35 USD based on current exchange rates. The stamps are shown in the image to the right, which you can expand by clicking on it, and Mazda's official press release is available after the jump. [Source: Mazda] Continue reading Limited-edition Japanese postage stamp set honors iconic Mazda vehicles Limited-edition Japanese postage stamp set honors iconic Mazda vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Commentsأكثر... |
#99
|
|||
|
|||
Honda CR-Z wins 2010 Japan Car of the Year
Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Japan, Technology, Hatchback, Honda 2011 Honda CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery For the past 31 years, Japan has selected a Car of the Year award recipient. Over 60 jurors, composed mainly of Japanese journalists, vote on a vehicle worthy of the Car of the Year title, and the auto that receives the most nods drives away with the crown. Last year, that honor went to the redesigned Toyota Prius hybrid, which narrowly edged out the Honda Insight. This year, however, Honda took top honors with its all-new 2011 CR-Z. Car of the Year jurors praised the CR-Z because of its ability to balance driving pleasure and fuel economy. Jurors also noted that Honda managed to wrap all that high-tech gadgetry inside a unique body design. Upon receiving the award, Honda's president and CEO, Takanobu Ito, stated: Here in North America, the Honda CR-Z didn't make the cut for the NACTOY short list, but we commend the automaker on its ability to make a huge splash in its home market. Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL [Source: Japan Car of the Year (translated)] Honda CR-Z wins 2010 Japan Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Commentsأكثر... |
#100
|
|||
|
|||
New Nissan Serena minivan unveiled in Japan
Filed under: Minivan/Van, Japan, Nissan Nissan unveils its new JDM minivan, the Serena - Click above for high-res image gallery Nissan has pulled the wraps off its updated Serena minivan, a feature-packed people mover that's only sold in the Japanese market. For the past three years (2007 to 2009), the Serena has been the top-selling minivan in Japan. Now it appears to have gotten even better. The all-new Serena is roomier, has updated user-friendly features and a newly-developed MR20DD engine. The MR20DD boasts direct-injection, twin valve timing control (VTC) and Nissan's new Idling Stop control. Paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT, the Serena achieves a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy over the outgoing model. Also, compared to the 2005 Serena, the new van produces 75% fewer exhaust emissions. Full specs on the new Nissan Serena are available in the press release after the jump. [Source: Nissan] Continue reading New Nissan Serena minivan unveiled in Japan New Nissan Serena minivan unveiled in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Nov 2010 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Commentsأكثر... |
|
|