Japan Cars

Acura 2014 MDX Prototype Makes World Debut at North American International Auto Show

2013-01-19T00:14:00.001-08:00

The 2014 Acura MDX Prototype made its world debut today at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, offering a strong indication of the styling and design direction for the third generation of the popular, 7-passenger Acura MDX performance luxury SUV, launching by mid-2013 in both all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive layouts.

"Our goal is to advance on MDX's already great dynamic performance while improving fuel economy and luxury comfort," said Mike Accavitti, vice president of national marketing operations. "Building on the great momentum we established in 2012 with the launch this year of our flagship RLX, followed later this year by a terrific new luxury SUV in MDX we are very excited about the direction of the Acura brand. And we are truly looking forward to a great 2013."

The "Aero Sculpture" styling of the 2014 MDX Prototype pursues the direction of a smart, compact and premium appearance with low, wide and sleek proportions; a clean, efficient and uncluttered design; and elegant, premium detailing, including the signature Acura Jewel Eye™ LED headlights. This "aero" image also reflects significant gains in aerodynamic efficiency, up 16 percent compared to the outgoing 2013 MDX, achieved through extensive testing in Honda R&D Americas' new wind-tunnel laboratory in Raymond, Ohio – where the vehicle is being created.

The 2014 MDX Prototype's sculpted exterior and arcing roofline (1.5-inches lower than the outgoing model) encase what will be an even more spacious and versatile cabin compared to the outgoing 2013 MDX. The 2014 MDX Prototype features a longer wheelbase that enhances ride quality, increases second-row legroom, and improves third-row seat access.

"While we aren't showcasing the interior today, I can assure you it will further improve the already great functionality in the cabin and cargo area while really amping up luxury, comfort and quiet," added Jon Ikeda, chief designer, Acura Design Studio. "And that's really the focus of this new MDX, delivering outstanding luxury performance and family capability in a more refined and alluring package."

In response to strong demand from consumers in warm weather markets Acura also will, for the first time, offer a front-wheel drive version of MDX in addition to the all-wheel drive (SH-AWD) model that has earned MDX a reputation as a leader in dynamic handling and all-weather performance for a luxury SUV.
The 2014 MDX will also feature an all-new, more rigid and lightweight chassis, including new front and rear suspension designs that deliver a more refined, confidence-inspiring, and sporty driving character. An all-new, direct-injected 3.5-liter i-VTEC SOHC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) will deliver improved torque and more spirited performance while realizing a significant increase in fuel efficiency to class-leading levels. Special attention was also paid to improving cabin quietness, which is greatly enhanced by the vehicle's all-new chassis and body design and new sound-deadening techniques.

The 2014 MDX also will be equipped with a broad array of advanced safety technologies, including the next generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and the available Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems, as well as visibility technologies such as the Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and the available Blind Spot Information (BSI), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Active Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow. Further, the 2014 MDX is designed to achieve top-level safety ratings, including a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the IIHS. All 2013 Acura models other than the outgoing ZDX achieved at least a TOP SAFETY PICK safety rating, while the TL sedan was one of the first two vehicles in the industry to achieve TOP SAFETY Pick+ status.

The new MDX will also feature a full array of advanced information technologies, including the next-generation AcuraLink cloud-based connected car system featuring Pandora® connectivity, SiriusXM™ radio, SMS text messaging, and cloud-based Aha™ by Harman connectivity that brings thousands of personalized news, information and media feeds into the vehicle via the customer's compatible smartphone and data plan. A premium Acura/ELS® audio system will be available on the new MDX. Next-generation AcuraLink will also be available with a host of fee-based convenience, assistive and security features, such as automated crash notification, remote locking/unlocking, emergency "SOS" call feature, and live-operator concierge services.

With the introduction of the all-new 2014 Acura MDX production will move from Alliston, Ontario, to the company's vehicle and V-6 engine manufacturing facility in Lincoln, Alabama. Using domestic and globally sourced parts, the MDX is built exclusively in North America.

Scion FR-S Wins Cars.com Best of 2013 Award

2013-01-19T00:09:00.000-08:00

Collecting its first award of the new year, the Scion FR-S captured the Best of 2013 award from Cars.com, an online review and consumer information website. The win was announced at a Cars.com event surrounding the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and shared with the Subaru BRZ.

To earn the Best of 2013 overall award, the FR-S competed against all new and redesigned vehicles. Judges applauded the FR-S driving experience and affordability across all categories. First winning the best sports car award, the FR-S also bested competitors in the best SUV, midsize sedan, luxury sedan, pickup and hybrid categories to earn the overall prize.

“Winning the Best of 2013 award is an honor and evidence of the sustained energy around the FR-S,” said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. “As many drivers have discovered, the FR-S is truly bringing the sport back to the car.”

The all-new Mazda6

2013-01-18T23:54:00.004-08:00

It’s “KODO – Soul of Motion” looks are destined to turn many heads. And with the full range of SKYACTIV technology lurking underneath, the all-new Mazda6 unites high-end performance and handling with fuel economy a much smaller car would be proud of. For the driver, Mazda’s latest flagship feels like an extension of the limbs, while passengers bask in the spacious and ergonomic interior comfort. Everyone will benefit from the exceptional practicality and class-leading safety. Sustainable Zoom-Zoom with the style to match: It’ll be love at first drive.

Mitsubishi Motors' Sales Business Gets a Boost in Russia

2013-01-18T23:41:00.002-08:00

English: Logo for Mitsubishi Motors. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mitsubishi Corporation (MC), Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and the Rolf Group, are pleased to announce their agreement to reorganize the capital structure of Rolf Import, MMC's distributor in Russia, by incorporating investments from MMC.

Under this agreement, MC and MMC each acquire 9% of Rolf Import's shares. The transaction results in MC, the Rolf Group and MMC holding 49%, 42% and 9% of shares respectively in the new Rolf Import.

The Russian automobile market has recovered from the Lehman Brothers collapse and 2012 saw the highest number of new vehicles ever sold in Russia with approximately 2.9 million units sold. The market is expected to expand further over the medium to long term against the backdrop of stable economic growth in Russia. MMC vehicles, mainly its SUV models, maintain a good sales position in this market, with 74 thousand new units sold in 2012.

The Rolf Group has been operating the MMC car sales and distribution business in Russia since 1992. In 2004, the MMC related business was transferred to Rolf Import, to specialize in MMC cars only. MC joined the partnership in 2009, and improvements in management, sales and distribution have resulted in sales growth and creation of a strong brand image together with Rolf Group. MMC's participation will improve product planning and allow quicker response to market needs, ultimately expanding sales in an increasingly competitive Russian market.

Placing Russia as one of its most important markets, MMC established a factory in Russia's Kaluga province in May 2008 together with PSA Peugeot Citroën. It began full-scale manufacturing of the brand-new Outlander in November 2012. MMC plans to increase the range of models manufactured in Russia, including the Pajero Sport. Through the investment to Rolf Import, MMC will promote its business by consolidating production and marketing function.

Nissan DeltaWing: Development Timeline

2013-01-18T23:40:00.002-08:00

The Dashboard – Detroit Auto Show

2013-01-18T23:38:00.002-08:00

Nissan Debuts 2014 Versa Note, Resonance Crossover Concept at North American International Auto Show

2013-01-18T23:36:00.004-08:00

Nissan Sets New Direction for Crossover Design, Debuts Versa Note in Detroit

2013-01-18T23:34:00.002-08:00

Toyota Furia Concept to Make Global Debut at 2013 North American International Auto Show

2013-01-10T00:16:00.003-08:00

Toyota released another image of the Furia Concept that will make its world debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This exciting new sedan concept will be revealed in the Toyota display at Cobo Hall on Jan. 14, 2013 at 2:25 p.m. EST, with a presentation by Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division. It will be revealed using a custom-built structure housing thirty of Samsung Display’s new 46-inch transparent LCD screens. Toyota will be the first automotive company to use this technology to reveal a vehicle at a major international auto show.

The Furia Concept reveal can be seen live via Livestream at: http://new.livestream.com/Toyota/Detroit2013.

Lexus Releases First Official Photos of the Next Generation IS

2013-01-10T00:14:00.001-08:00

The all-new Lexus IS compact sport sedan will make its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 15, 2013. A press conference will be held in the Cobo Center at 9:30 a.m. EST, and live webcast streaming of the event will be available at www.lexus.com and on the Lexus Facebook page.

The all-new IS model range will include IS 250, IS 350, and the first IS to feature Lexus Hybrid Drive, the IS 300h, which will be available in Europe, Japan and other international markets. F SPORT models will be available across the full range. Today, Lexus released photos of the all-new IS 250/350 F SPORT in advance of next week’s World Premiere.

Exterior Design
The all-new IS features the new Lexus spindle grille frontal design, awarding the compact sedan a combination of aggressive elegance, a more powerful road presence and a stronger brand identity.

The tight, sporting proportions of the body are formed by powerful character lines generated by the shape of the spindle grille, which passes through the base of the A-pillars then tightens up as it flows toward the rear. They clearly delineate the body from the cabin, emphasizing the wide flare of the wheel arches to give the new IS a broad, powerful stance.

In profile, the strong horizontal beltline shows off the large rear tires and its low center of gravity. The mass of the cabin itself is concentrated rearwards, visually applying weight to the rear tires to enhance the perception of traction.

A rising crease line flowing from the lower body, through the rear wheel arch and into the rear lamp clusters adds the sweeping elegance to the sedan’s sporty profile.

The exterior design incorporates a new, powerfully articulated headlamp cluster design with Lexus trademark, L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL) located independently below.

F SPORT models are instantly recognized by an exclusive grille and front bumper design. The ‘waistline’ of the grille is higher than on standard models, increasing the area of the lower grille to make it capable of drawing in a larger volume of cooling air appropriate to sporty performance.

Interior Design
The new IS interior design creates a focused, ergonomically ideal environment from within, which the driver can fully exploit the new Lexus compact sedan’s superb driving dynamics.

The new IS’ increased width and longer wheelbase provide significantly improved rear seat comfort. The combination of the extended wheelbase and a thinner front seat design generates best-in-class knee room and improved accessibility. And new, 60:40 split/folding rear seats, provide expansive luggage capacity.

Cabin material, trim and finish refinement is complimented by the latest advances in HMI technology and a high quality analog clock with surface-emitting illumination. The center console incorporates Lexus-first, electrostatic switches to control the air conditioning temperature with the touch of a finger.

Both the seat hip point and the angle of the new, LFA-inspired steering wheel have been lowered and steering reach adjustment increased, creating a more sporting driving position. F SPORT models feature the LFA’s innovative driver’s meter with a moving center ring.

F SPORT trim detailing includes a perforated leather finish to the steering wheel and shift knob, metal film 3-D-effect ornamentation, black seat stitching, and aluminium pedals and scuff plates.

A choice of three F SPORT interior color schemes includes a new Rioja Red finish, which is exclusive to the marque.

Nissan Begins U.S. Assembly of 2013 LEAF Electric Vehicle and Batteries

2013-01-10T00:11:00.004-08:00

This week, Nissan will ramp up U.S. assembly of the 2013 model year all-electric LEAF at its manufacturing plant in Smyrna, Tenn., where it will be manufactured alongside the company's gasoline-powered products.

The start of Nissan LEAF assembly in Smyrna comes on the heels of the opening of Nissan's battery plant in an adjacent facility. Nissan is the only automaker that manufactures its own electric vehicle batteries, at the largest lithium-ion automotive battery plant in the U.S.

"Bringing assembly of the innovative 2013 Nissan LEAF to our award-winning manufacturing plant speaks to the flexibility, efficiency and talent of our U.S. workforce," said Susan Brennan, Nissan's vice president of manufacturing in Smyrna. "Nissan has a 30-year history of building quality vehicles in Smyrna, and just like every vehicle we produce, the LEAF has met or exceeded every one of our rigorous quality requirements."

Though LEAF is a revolutionary vehicle, its assembly requirements are much more similar to those of its traditional siblings like the Altima and Maxima with which it shares a manufacturing line. Adding the electric vehicle to the Smyrna manufacturing environment required only a few process changes such as the addition of quality confirmation specifically for electric vehicles and special training for technicians.

"Process efficiency is a never-ending activity for us. We strive to create new internal benchmarks in efficiency with each new model. By assembling the LEAF on our current Altima and Maxima line, we are able to reduce costs by using existing equipment," Brennan added. For example, while gas-powered vehicles receive fuel tanks and internal combustion engines when they come down the line, the Nissan LEAF gets a lithium-ion battery pack made at our battery plant next door and an electric motor produced at the Nissan powertrain plant in Decherd, Tenn. "We truly have localized U.S. manufacturing of the LEAF's major components across the board," she said.

LEAF assembly in Smyrna will contribute to Nissan's goal to manufacture 85 percent of its U.S. sales volume in North America by 2015, and having more local content will reduce exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency. The addition of LEAF and battery assembly has resulted in the creation of more than 300 U.S. manufacturing jobs, a number that can increase with demand.

"The Nissan LEAF has expanded beyond early adopters and is now appealing to a broad spectrum of consumers." said Brian Carolin, Nissan's senior vice president of sales and marketing. "Since we launched the LEAF in 2010, we've learned that people are very attracted to the advanced technology and other amenities, but they are also looking for a more affordable price point."

The 2013 Nissan LEAF boasts innovative features such as 240V charging that is nearly twice as fast as the previous model, as well as a broader range of trim levels starting with the even more affordable S grade, moving up to the SV model and graduating with the top-of-the-line SL.

After two years on the market, the Nissan has become the global leader in electric-vehicle sales with about 50,000 LEAFs sold to date, of which 19,500 LEAFs are on the road in the United States.

More information on the 2013 Nissan LEAF's innovative features can be found at www.NissanUSA.com/LEAF.

Three Honda Auto Plants Earn EPA's ENERGY STAR® Certification for Superior Energy Efficiency

2013-01-09T00:13:00.000-08:00

Honda automobile assembly plants in Ohio have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) ENERGY STAR certification for the sixth year, while its assembly plant in Indiana earned the designation for the first time, boosted by energy efficiency gains from the start of a second shift of auto production.

Honda of America Mfg.'s auto assembly plants in Marysville and East Liberty, Ohio have ongoing initiatives to reduce energy consumption. Major areas include installation of energy-efficient equipment, implementing new technologies in auto-body painting systems and lighting efficiency improvements.

Honda Manufacturing of Indiana LLC, the company's newest plant in the United States, earned the recognition as it expanded production in October 2011 to a full two-shift assembly operation. Upon starting auto production in 2008, the plant incorporated Honda's latest technologies to achieve energy-efficient operations, and started out as a zero-waste to landfill facility.

"Improving the energy efficiency of Honda manufacturing operations continues to be a big focus of the company's efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our operations," said Karen Heyob, who leads Honda's environmental sustainability initiatives in North America. "We set challenging targets for improving energy efficiency at our facilities, and count on every Honda associate's involvement in operating our plants efficiently, and to find and implement energy efficiency improvement opportunities."

Earning ENERGY STAR certification signifies that a plant ranks among the top 25 percent of auto assembly plants in the nation with regard to energy performance. The EPA bases the award on the amount of energy needed to produce an automobile, taking into account factors such as vehicle size and production volume.

"Improving the energy efficiency of our nation's industrial facilities is critical to protecting our environment," said Jean Lupinacci, Chief of the ENERGY STAR Commercial & Industrial Branch. "From the plant floor to the board room, organizations are leading the way by making their facilities more efficient and earning EPA's ENERGY STAR certification."

Key initiatives Honda undertook in the past year

Electricity and natural gas represent 95 percent of total energy consumption at auto assembly plants and Honda has ongoing initiatives to minimize the environmental impact from the use of fossil fuels, including a reduction of CO2 and other greenhouse gases.

Honda Manufacturing of Indiana incorporated the company's latest energy-saving technologies when it started production in 2008 with one-shift auto production. With the start of a full two shifts in 2011, energy characteristics designed into the plant allowed it to achieve top energy performance.

Those characteristics include paint booth designs that minimize the volume of temperature-controlled air, as well as systems to facilitate heat recovery and to recycle exhaust air. The Indiana plant also incorporated a building management system to optimize the control of heating, cooling and lighting needs.

Lighting
Both of Honda's auto assembly plants in Ohio have focused on lighting efficiency improvements, including replacement of less-efficient T-12 fluorescent lighting with new T-8, T-5 and LED lighting systems, reducing energy use by 20 percent. In addition, they have been replacing magnetic ballast metal halide lighting with more efficient pulse-start ceramic metal halide or fluorescent technology. Upgrades completed in 2012 are expected to improve the power efficiency of those systems by an average of 15 percent.

Auto-Body Painting
The Marysville plant started using a new electro-deposition coating (e-coat) material on Paint Line 1 that requires less voltage in the e-coat bath. In addition to reducing electricity use by 20 percent -- from 6.7 to 5.3 kilowatt hours per auto body -- this process consumes 20 percent less make-up water, resulting in less load on motors for water transport.

A major auto-body painting renovation that started in late 2009 at the East Liberty plant continued in 2012, including a project to reduce the size of basecoat paint booths by approximately 40 percent, and installing a new paint system with fewer robots. When the East Liberty plant completes the projects in 2013, the overall improvements in auto-body painting efficiency will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 3,800 metric tons annually.

Plant Equipment Renewal, Energy Monitoring
The East Liberty plant replaced a 1,350-ton chiller, with efficiency of 0.68 kw/ton, with a new chiller that has efficiency of 0.54 kw/ton, resulting in a 20 percent efficiency improvement. It also improved efficiency by resizing an air compressor to match non-production requirements.

Real-time metering at the Marysville plant allows associates to view electricity demand at any time, and identify machinery that can be turned off during non-production.

ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency.

Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products as well as new homes and commercial and industrial buildings that meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the EPA.

Over the past twenty years, American families and businesses have saved a total of nearly $230 billion on utility bills and prevented more than 1.7 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions with help from ENERGY STAR.

For more information about ENERGY STAR Certification for Industrial Facilities: www.energystar.gov/labeledbuildings

Honda Environmental Leadership
Honda is a leader in the development of leading-edge technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.

In 2006, Honda became the first automaker to announce voluntary CO2 emissions reduction targets for its global fleet of automobile, power sports and power equipment products and its global network of manufacturing plants. In 2011, the company set a new CO2 emission reduction targets for 2020, including a 30 percent reduction in CO2 emissions from its products compared with 2000 levels.

The company leads all automakers with twelve LEED-Certified "Green Buildings" in North America, and last year announced that ten of its 14 North American manufacturing facilities are zero-waste to landfill.

Acura to Host Q&A with Sound City Film Director Dave Grohl at 2013 Sundance Film Festival

2013-01-09T00:12:00.002-08:00

Acura, third time presenting auto sponsor of the Sundance Film Festival, will host a Q&A with Sound City film director Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana) at the innovative Acura Studio on January 21, during the Sundance Film Festival. Grohl will participate in the Q&A discussion with press hosted by Acura and moderated by Elliot Scheiner, seven-time GRAMMY® award winning music producer/engineer and designer of the Acura ELS sound system.

Sound City will premiere on Friday, January 18 at 2:30 p.m. at The MARC Theater. Grohl, who will travel to Park City, Utah this month along with select artists featured in the film and its forthcoming soundtrack album commented, “As a first time director, I am humbled to be able to share my passion for songwriting and storytelling with this incredible cast of legendary musicians, as seen through the extraordinary story of America’s greatest unsung recording studio, Sound City. Being included in this group of artists is a true honor, and the Sundance Film Festival is the perfect place to premiere a film about craft, integrity, and passion for art. I am over the moon!”

In addition to the Sound City Q&A with Dave Grohl, Acura is hosting a variety of events at the Acura Studio (528 Main Street, Park City, UT 84060) which launched in 2010. Acura is giving one lucky winner and their guest access to some of these events through the "Sundance Film Festival Fly-In" sweepstakes. Participants can enter the sweepstakes on Acura’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Acura). The grand-prize for the sweepstakes includes:

•Trip to Sundance Film Festival (airfare)
• Passes to the Sound City film premiere
• Passes to the Sound City after-party concert
• Luxury ski-in accommodations for three nights
• Ground transportation
• Other surprises

“Acura is a luxury brand founded on forward thinking and innovation, so the Acura Studio is the perfect place to host a Q&A with Dave Grohl, one of the most innovative artists of our time,” said Mike Accavitti, Vice President of Marketing Operations. “What a thrill it will be for the lucky winner that is able to join us at this exciting event.”

Participants have just a few days left to enter for a chance to win the Acura Sundance Film Festival Fly-In.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes began on December 20, 2012 at 6:00 a.m. Pacific Time and ends on January 9, 2013 at 8:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Open only to legal U.S. residents residing in the forty-eight (48) contiguous United States or Washington D.C. and who are at least eighteen (18) years of age or the age of majority in their state of primary residence at the time of entry. The Grand Prize winner must be available to travel from January 17, 2013 – January 21, 2013. See Official Rules at http://www.acurasundance.com/rules for additional eligibility restrictions, prize descriptions/restrictions/ARVs and complete details. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. For information please visit Acura's Facebook page, “Sundance Film Festival Sound City” tab.

Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features seven distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX Sport Wagon and sedan, the ILX compact luxury sedan, the RDX luxury crossover SUV, the MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.

Sound City

Sound City, the film, was conceived by Grohl after purchasing the legendary custom-built Neve 8028 recording console from Sound City Studios last year. The board, built in 1972, is considered by many to be the crown jewel of analog recording equipment, having recorded such artists as Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Cheap Trick, Guns and Roses, Fear, Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine, Slipknot, Nine Inch Nails, Metallica, and countless other musical legends over the past 40 years.

Through interviews with the artists and producers that created decades of musical history at Sound City, the film showcases the amazing history of the studio, focuses on the albums recorded there that went on to change the world, then explores the human element of music in an age of technology, and features performances of new music created exclusively for the film.

Grohl’s personal connection to Sound City began with the 1991 recording of Nirvana’s breakthrough album, “Nevermind”. Selling over 30 million copies worldwide, “Nevermind” changed the entire musical landscape and forever altered the course of Dave Grohl’s life.

The official trailer for Sound City can be seen at http://soundcitymovie.com
Roswell Films, a division of the Roswell Records label that releases Foo Fighters music, will distribute the film. Key personnel involved with the film include Producer/Director Dave Grohl; Editor Paul Crowder (Dogtown & Z Boys, Once In a Lifetime, Riding Giants); and Writer Mark Monroe (The Cove, Once In a Lifetime, The Tillman Story). The film is also being produced in conjunction with Jim Rota, John Ramsay, and Therapy Studios.

The Sundance Film Festival®
A program of the non-profit Sundance Institute®, the Festival has introduced global audiences to some of the most ground-breaking films of the past two decades, including sex, lies, and videotape, Maria Full of Grace, The Cove, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, An Inconvenient Truth, Precious, Trouble the Water, and Napoleon Dynamite, and through its New Frontier initiative, has showcased the cinematic works of media artists including Isaac Julien, Doug Aitken, Pierre Huyghe, Jennifer Steinkamp, and Matthew Barney. The 2013 Sundance Film Festival® sponsors include: Presenting Sponsors – HP, Acura, Sundance Channel and Chase Sapphire

PreferredSM; Leadership Sponsors – DIRECTV, Entertainment Weekly, FOCUS FORWARD, a partnership between GE and CINELAN, Southwest Airlines, Sprint and YouTube; Sustaining Sponsors – Adobe, Canada Goose, Canon U.S.A., Inc., CÎROC Ultra Premium Vodka,FilterForGood®, a partnership between Brita® and Nalgene®, Hilton HHonors and Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Intel Corporation, L'Oréal Paris, Recycled Paper Greetings, Stella Artois® and Time Warner Inc. Sundance Institute recognizes critical support from the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development, and the State of Utah as Festival Host State. The support of these organizations will defray costs associated with the 10-day Festival and the nonprofit Sundance Institute's year-round programs for independent film and theatre artists. www.sundance.org/festival

Sundance Institute
Founded by Robert Redford in 1981, Sundance Institute is a global, nonprofit cultural organization dedicated to nurturing artistic expression in film and theater, and to supporting intercultural dialogue between artists and audiences. The Institute promotes independent storytelling to unite, inform and inspire, regardless of geo-political, social, religious or cultural differences. Internationally recognized for its annual Sundance Film Festival and its artistic development programs for directors, screenwriters, producers, film composers, playwrights and theatre artists, Sundance Institute has nurtured such projects as Born into Brothels, Trouble the Water, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Amreeka, An Inconvenient Truth, Spring Awakening, Light in the Piazza and Angels in America. Join Sundance Institute on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

For More Information
Additional media information including detailed features, pricing and high-resolution photography of the Acura model line is available at www.acuranews.com. Consumer information is available at www.acura.com

Toyota Motor Corp. and Lexus Showcase Advanced Active Safety Research Vehicle at CES

2013-01-09T00:11:00.001-08:00

Lexus LS 600h (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and its Lexus Division unveiled its advanced active safety research vehicle for the first time at the International CES today to demonstrate ongoing efforts around automated vehicle safety technologies and explain Toyota's approach to reducing global traffic fatalities and injuries. The vehicle, based on a Lexus LS, advances the industry toward a new era of integrated safety management technologies.

The company’s guiding strategy, called the Integrated Safety Management Concept, views traffic safety as a holistic blend of people, vehicles and the driving environment. The strategy carries through all five phases of operation:

Initial time the driver and car begin a journey from a parked position
Active safety systems designed to avoid a crash
Pre-crash aimed at preparing for a collision
Passive safety to help survive a crash
Rescue and response after a crash has occurred

While key components of these research efforts could lead to a fully autonomous car in the future, the vision is not necessarily a car that drives itself. Instead, Toyota and Lexus envision technologies that enhance the skills of the driver, believing a more skillful driver is a safer driver.

“In our pursuit of developing more advanced automated technologies, we believe the driver must be fully engaged,” said Mark Templin, Toyota group vice president and general manger of the Lexus Division.“For Toyota and Lexus, a driverless car is just a part of the story. Our vision is a car equipped with an intelligent, always-attentive co-pilot whose skills contribute to safer driving.”

Safety Research Vehicle: A Glimpse Into the Future
The Lexus advanced active safety research vehicle is equipped with an array of sensors and automated control systems to observe, process and respond to the vehicle’s surroundings. These include GPS, stereo cameras, radar and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) laser tracking.

The vehicle systems are capable of tasks such as scanning movement of objects around it, identifying a green light from a red light and measuring the trajectory of the vehicle on the road.

A 360-degree LIDAR laser on the roof of the vehicle detects objects around the car up to about 70 meters.
Three high definition color cameras detect objects about 150 meters away, including traffic light detection using the front camera and approaching vehicles using the side cameras.
Radars on the front and sides of the vehicle measure the location and speed of objects to create a comprehensive field of vision at intersections.
A distance measurement indicator located on a rear wheel measures travel distance and speed of the vehicle.
An inertial measurements unit on the roof measures acceleration and angle changes to determine vehicle behavior.
GPS antennas on the roof estimate angle and orientation even before the vehicle is in motion.

The research vehicle is a testing platform aimed at the development of systems capable of enhancing the driver’s perception of his or her environment, assisting in the decision-making process and improving overall driving skills.

Building on Decades of Advanced Safety Technology
The research vehicle builds on Toyota’s long history of safety innovations and advancements. This work includes a number of features that have been implemented in many vehicles across the Toyota and Lexus brands, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control and Smart Stop Technology. More recently, advanced safety features such as Lane-Keep Assist system (LKA), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and the Pre-Collision System have taken active safety to a new level.

The 2013 Lexus LS offers the world’s most advanced Pre-Collision System (A-PCS). The system helps the driver avoid or mitigate collisions with vehicles or pedestrians under a wide range of city or highway speeds, even at night. The 2013 Lexus LS also features an upgraded Lane-Keep Assist system (LKA) that employs sensors to help monitor the vehicle’s position within the driving lane and respond to potentially dangerous conditions. An enhanced Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with rear millimeter-wave radar monitors the vehicle rear side blind spots at 10 miles per hour or more, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) helps warn drivers to the approach of other vehicles when backing up. While on the road, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) constantly monitors the distance to vehicles ahead and is capable of operating at any speed, bringing the vehicle to a complete stop, and resuming at the preset speed once the road ahead is clear.

The 2013 Lexus LS is evidence of advancements and refinements in automated technologies over the last decade.

Driving Within a Smarter World
Toyota has committed to new research toward an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), integrating the car with the driving environment. To accelerate development of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-roadside infrastructure communications, Toyota began full-scale operations in November at new 8.6 acre ITS proving grounds, located within the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Susono City, Japan.Modeled after urban roads, the driving environment replicates roads and traffic signals and simulates real-life traffic situations using other vehicles, pedestrians and control devices.

ITS uses dedicated short wave signals to link vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure radio communications over a wide area to create potential collision warnings. Alerts include:

Impending collision at a blind intersection
Vehicle changing lanes in another vehicle's blind spot
Rear collision with a vehicle stopped ahead

The system is designed to help prevent accidents involving pedestrians and other vehicles using information continuously collected by the vehicle from other vehicles, infrastructure and pedestrians. Connecting people, vehicles, traffic environments and infrastructure with state-of-the-art electronic and telecommunications technologies will help move toward safer and more efficient traffic environments. The Toyota ITS Proving Grounds will assist the company work toward the early practical adoption of evermore reliable systems by repeatedly conducting testing that can be difficult to perform on public roads, with changing environments.

Collaborative Development
ITS technology is being developed globally and cooperatively among most major automakers and regulators, and in cooperation with international ITS governing bodies. Toyota will continue step-by-step and layered introduction of individual, proven technologies within regulatory, legal and social frameworks acceptable in each country.

In the U.S., Toyota is part of the Crash Avoidance Metrics Partnership (CAMP) Vehicle Safety Communications 3 (VSC3) Consortium of eight automotive manufacturers conducting research and development on vehicle-infrastructure safety support systems and vehicles to support testing of those systems. Features collectively under exploration include emergency electronic brake lights, forward collision warning, blind spot warning/lane change warning, do not pass warning, intersection movement assist and left turn assist. The research and development will continue at Toyota Research Institute, North America (TRiNA), in Ann Arbor, Mich. While the TRiNA program is aimed purely at research, Toyota’s Japan engineering group adds the element of exploring future product development for market integration.

“The real value of research projects like this is reinforcing our focus on what a few years ago seemed an impossible dream and is now becoming more plausible,” Templin said. “We, at TMC and Lexus, consider the elimination of traffic fatalities and injuries the ultimate goal of a society that values mobility.”

All-new Lexus IS First in Industry to Offer Subscription-free Traffic and Weather Information on Integrated Audio Systems

2013-01-09T00:10:00.002-08:00

The Lexus LF-A at the Detroit, Michigan Auto Show in 2007 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Lexus announced that it has partnered with iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of HD Radio™ Technology, to be the first automotive brand to offer subscription-free, real-time traffic and weather information on its integrated audio systems. The all-new Lexus IS sport sedan, which will debut at the North American International Auto Show on Jan. 15, will be the first Lexus vehicle to feature this technology when it arrives in dealerships this summer.

“At Lexus, we strive for partnerships that bring the most advanced connected vehicle technologies to our customers at a great value,” said Sandy Lobenstein, vice president, Connected Vehicle Technology and Planning. “As a result of our partnership with iBiquity, our owners will be the first in the industry to have access to subscription-free real-time traffic and weather data on multimedia systems across our vehicle lineup.”

Lexus will launch two systems integrating HD Radio, digital audio entertainment and real-time traffic and weather information.

For vehicles with available Navigation, Lexus will provide a digital audio and navigation system driven by the first of its kind hybrid technology capable of receiving digital traffic and weather information from both HD Radio stations and the cell phone network, using the driver’s smartphone connected with the Lexus Enform system.

For vehicles without navigation, Lexus will offer a standard premium Display Audio system complete with subscription-free traffic maps and weather information, all delivered by HD Radio stations across the country.

iBiquity will display this new technology in their booth at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nev., through Jan. 11.

The debut of the all-new Lexus IS will be webcast live at www.lexus.com and on the Lexus Facebook page at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Jan. 15.

Actress Kaley Cuoco Makes Her Super Bowl Debut in a Toyota Spot

2013-01-09T00:09:00.002-08:00

English: Kaley Cuoco (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Kaley Cuoco, star of the award-winning CBS show “The Big Bang Theory,” has a busy roster this year, including a debut in Super Bowl XLVII commercial for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Sweetening the pot for fans of Kaley and Super Bowl fans alike, the public will be offered a chance to “Get In The Big Game” and have their picture appear in the Toyota spot. From Jan. 4 until Jan. 12, fans can submit photos of themselves to Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #wishgranted for a chance for their image to appear in Toyota’s Super Bowl commercial on Feb. 3. One photo will be selected and placed in the reveal of the commercial during the first quarter of the game.

“Not only are we pumped to have Kaley as part of our Super Bowl commercial, but we’re also excited to give fans a chance to have their photo appear in a nationally televised Toyota spot during one of the biggest sporting events of the year,” said Jack Hollis, vice president of Toyota Division Marketing at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “We look forward to sharing our commercial with the millions of viewers who tune in to watch the ultimate football showdown.”

While details about the creative elements of the campaign will not be released until closer to its air date, the humorous nature of the commercial made Cuoco, with her comedic television background, ideal for the role.

“When I saw the concept for the commercial, I knew it was something I wanted to do,” said Cuoco. “I’ve had a great time filming and am excited to see the finished product.”

Toyota Motor Sales Issues December and 2012 Year-End Sales Preview

2013-01-09T00:08:00.003-08:00

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., reported monthly sales of 194,143 units in December 2012, up 13.2 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis and 9 percent on an unadjusted raw volume basis. Year-end 2012 sales were 2,082,504, up 26.6 percent.

Scion FR-S Nominated to Best of 2013 List by Cars.com

2013-01-09T00:08:00.000-08:00

Scion FR-S Speedster (Photo credit: Toyota UK)

The Scion FR-S was nominated as a Best of 2013 car by Cars.com, an online review and consumer information website. Judges evaluated this year’s new and redesigned cars, and they praised the FR-S for its driving experience and affordability. The FR-S shares its nomination with the Subaru BRZ.

To earn the nomination for best overall car, the FR-S first won the Cars.com best sports car category. It will go up against the best SUV, midsize sedan, luxury sedan and pickup as well as the best hybrid won by the Toyota Prius c. The overall Best of 2013 winner will be announced on Jan. 15, 2013 during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

“Consumers frequently turn to online research before a vehicle purchase, so we are honored that Cars.com selected the FR-S as one of the best cars of the year and recognized its uniqueness in the marketplace,” said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. “By delivering a fun and accessible sports car, Scion expands its appeal with drivers looking for vehicles they can make their own.”

For more information about the Cars.com awards and the FR-S nomination, visit www.cars.com/awards.

Nissan PlayStation GT Academy to Take Center Stage at Dubai 24 Hours

2013-01-09T00:04:00.002-08:00

Nissan and PlayStation® will demonstrate the growth in scale and stature of its innovative GT Academy virtual-to-real-racer competition in January. 2012's GT Academy Champions from Europe, USA, Germany and Russia will line up on the grid at the prestigious Dubai 24 Hour race (January 10-12, 2013) in two 370Z Nismo GT4 Race cars and in doing so they complete their transition from PlayStation's class-leading Gran Turismo®5 game to Nissan's Endurance Race Team in just four months.

Wolfgang Reip (2012 European winner from Belgium) and Mark Shulzhitskiy (2012 Russian winner) will be in the first of the two 370Z Nissans together with their more experienced team mates, inaugural winner of GT Academy Spaniard Lucas Ordoñez and Nissan Signatech team LMP2 Russian driver Roman Rusinov. Both are 24-hour experts and have recorded impressive results at the famous Le Mans 24 Hours; Ordoñez was second in the LMP2 class in 2011 and Rusinov fourth in 2012.

The second 370Z Nismo in GT Academy colours will be driven by Peter Pyzera (2012 German winner) and Steve Doherty (2012 US winner). Their experienced team mates for this prestigious race will be 'Queen of the Nürburgring' Sabine Schmitz, a GT Academy judge and mentor for the past three years, along with British driver Alex Buncombe, the experienced Nissan team driver who has been team mate to all three previous winners of GT Academy in their debut racing years.

The 26-year-old 'Wolfie' Reip was one of 830,000 GT5TM gamers who entered the 2012 European GT Academy competition and emerged victorious after the grueling Race Camp at Silverstone Circuit in August. Since being crowned champion, Wolfgang and fellow winners Mark, Peter and Steve have embarked on the GT Academy's most innovative and comprehensive Driver Development Program to date. Incorporating every conceivable element of a racing driver's complexion, the recruits were given regular driver coaching, karting, fitness and nutrition programs, and sports psychology and simulator sessions. In addition, all four winners completed a number of races in the UK in order to quality for an international race license, to prepare them to take center stage in Dubai driving a GT4-specification Nissan 370Z Nismo.

As Darren Cox, Director, Nissan Global Motorsports, explains: "Each year we have developed and refined the Driver Development Program for our GT Academy winners and I firmly believe that it is now the best program in the world. We are absolutely confident that these guys will line up in Dubai better prepared than many of their more experienced adversaries who have taken a more traditional route into motor sport. Lucas, Jordan Tresson and Jann Mardenborough, our previous GT Academy Europe winners, have demonstrated that we are producing great drivers with bright futures. This new crop of four drivers is no exception, and I am looking forward to watching them perform in Dubai in a pair of Nissan 370Zs."

Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi, President of Polyphony Digital, echoed this sentiment: "Each time a new winner has embarked on their Dubai 24 hour challenge it has been a proud and exciting moment for everyone involved with GT Academy. The driver line-up for 2013 combines raw talent from this year's GT Academy with the experience of Lucas Ordoñez and three other professional teammates, who will be there to support the graduates and also witness the success of the program in action. The previous year's GT Academy winners surprised many people from the motorsport world in achieving a fantastic podium position at Dubai 2012 and we will be aiming to provide a few more surprises this year, too."

News and views on the Nissan PlayStation GT Academy can be followed on various platforms including:
facebook.com/GTAcademy
eu.gran-turismo.com
twitter.com/GTAcademy

Nissan North America Sales Increase 9.5 Percent in 2012

2013-01-09T00:02:00.003-08:00

2010 Nissan Altima photographed in Chantilly, Virginia, USA. Category:Nissan Altima L32 Category:Black sedans (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) reported record U.S. calendar year sales of 1,141,656 units versus 1,042,534 in 2011, an increase of 9.5 percent and the first time that the Nissan brand sold more than 1 million units in a calendar year. December Nissan North America sales were 99,290, down 1.6 percent from the prior year.

Nissan Division sales in 2012 of 1,021,779 set a new record, and were up 8.2 percent versus last year’s 944,073.
Nissan Division sales for December were 86,663, down 3.6 percent from the prior year at 89,937 units.
Multiple vehicles set sales records in 2012, including:
Nissan Altima, up 12.6 percent with 302,934 sales for the calendar year and the first time the nameplate has exceeded 300,000 sales in a calendar year
Nissan Rogue crossover, up 14.3 percent with 142,349 units in 2012
Nissan Versa, up 13.6 percent with 113,327 deliveries. Versa sales also set a new December record with 10,618 units.
Nissan LEAF, up 1.5 percent to 9,819 with December sales of 1,489 units.
The Nissan NV commercial van, up 58 percent to 10,179 sales, with 1,250 units sold in December, its best month ever.

“Nissan had a record-breaking 2012, led by strong totals for Altima, Rogue and Versa,” said Al Castignetti, vice president, Nissan Division. “Our aggressive product launch schedule with five new core vehicles in under two years positions us well for a successful 2013.”

Infiniti sales highlights for the month include:

Infiniti QX sales of 2,232 were an increase of 28.6 percent in December, marking its best month ever. For 2012, sales increased 14 percent to 15,310 units, its best year since the full-size luxury SUV was introduced into the Infiniti line in 2004.

The all-new Infiniti JX saw sales of 2,708 in December, its best month since it went on sale in March. For 2012, the 7-passenger luxury crossover had sales of 21,674, making it the second best selling vehicle in the Infiniti line.

For 2012, the Infiniti G Sedan had a sales increase of 7 percent to 46,828 units, and the Infiniti FX luxury performance crossover was up 4.9 percent to 10,424.

Overall, this was Infiniti’s best December since 2006, and marked its eighth straight month of double-digit sales increases in 2012.

“2012 was a strong year for Infiniti, as we added the Infiniti JX luxury crossover, and the Infiniti G sports sedan and QX full-size luxury SUV continued to be solid players in their segments,” said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Americas. “The JX brought new buyers into our showroom, and we expect that will continue throughout 2013, as we add another important new vehicle to the Infiniti line.”

NOTE: To ensure consistency in global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days. December had 26 selling days in 2012 versus 27 in 2011. For the calendar year, both 2012 and 2011 had 307 selling days.

NISSAN DIVISION
	Dec	Dec	Monthly	CYTD	CYTD	CYTD
	2012	2011	% chg	2012	2011	% chg

Nissan Division Total	86,663	89,937	-3.6	1,021,779	944,073	8.2
Versa	10,618	9,939	6.8	113,327	99,730	13.6
Sentra	7,755	8,710	-11.0	106,395	114,991	-7.5
Cube	589	406	45.1	7,667	14,459	-47.0
Altima	23,966	25,976	-7.7	302,934	268,981	12.6
Maxima	4,137	5,068	-18.4	59,349	58,737	1.0
LEAF	1,489	954	56.1	9,819	9,674	1.5
Juke	2,739	3,028	-9.5	36,358	35,886	1.3
370Z	406	449	-9.6	7,338	7,328	0.1
GT-R	49	35	40.0	1,188	1,294	-8.2
Total Car	51,748	54,565	-5.2	644,375	611,080	5.4
Frontier	3,688	5,626	-34.4	55,435	51,700	7.2
Titan	1,838	2,386	-23.0	21,576	21,994	-1.9
Xterra	1,379	1,977	-30.2	17,222	18,221	-5.5
Pathfinder	7,939	2,663	198.1	42,621	25,935	64.3
Armada	2,134	1,957	9.0	18,072	18,331	-1.4
Rogue	11,488	12,286	-6.5	142,349	124,543	14.3
Murano	3,999	5,473	-26.9	51,675	53,626	-3.6
Quest	1,200	1,774	-32.4	18,275	12,199	49.8
NV	1,250	1,230	1.6	10,179	6,444	58.0
Total Truck	34,915	35,372	-1.3	377,404	332,993	13.3
North American produced	64,704	65,532	-1.3	747,110	685,064	9.1
Car	46,476	49,693	-6.5	582,005	542,439	7.3
Truck	18,228	15,839	15.1	165,105	142,625	15.8
Import	21,959	24,405	-10.0	274,669	259,009	6.0
Car	5,272	4,872	8.2	62,370	68,641	-9.1
Truck	16,687	19,533	-14.6	212,299	190,368	11.5

INFINITI DIVISION
	Dec	Dec	Monthly	CYTD	CYTD	CYTD
	2012	2011	% chg	2012	2011	% chg

Infiniti Division Total	12,627	10,990	14.9	119,877	98,461	21.8
G Sedan	4,482	5,399	-17.0	46,828	43,759	7.0
G Coupe	1,034	1,132	-8.7	13,016	14,487	-10.2
M	849	1,084	-21.7	9,130	10,818	-15.6
QX56	2,232	1,735	28.6	15,310	13,428	14.0
JX	2,708	0	n/a	21,674	n/a	n/a
EX	334	544	-38.6	3,495	6,030	-42.0
FX	988	1,096	-9.9	10,424	9,939	4.9
Total Car	6,365	7,615	-16.4	68,974	69,064	-0.1
Total Truck	6,262	3,375	85.5	50,903	29,397	73.2

NISSAN & INFINITI
	Dec	Dec	Monthly	CYTD	CYTD	CYTD
	2012	2011	% chg	2012	2011	% chg

TOTAL VEHICLE	99,290	100,927	-1.6	1,141,656	1,042,534	9.5
Total Car	58,113	62,180	-6.5	713,349	680,144	4.9
Total Truck	41,177	38,747	6.3	428,307	362,390	18.2
Selling days	26	27		307	307
* All numbers include Hawaii

Nissan's New World of Customization and History-Making Racecars Showcased at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon

2013-01-09T00:00:00.002-08:00

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., together with Autech Japan and Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd. (Nismo), will present a variety of exciting and unique vehicles at the upcoming "Tokyo Auto Salon 2013 with NAPAC (Japan Car Parts and Aftermarket Promotion Association)."

The annual customization/aftermarket tuner show will be held from Friday, January 11 through Sunday, January 13, at the Makuhari Messe exhibition hall in the Chiba Prefecture.

Nissan's booth will provide an enticing mix of factory-tuned vehicles and history-making racecars, highlighted by "Nissan's New World of Customization"—which includes the Juke Personalization Concept, Note Personalization Concept and the NV350 Caravan Rider Transporter—and the Japan debut of the world-renown Nissan DeltaWing racecar.

2013 Tokyo Auto Salon Vehicle Lineup

Juke Personalization Concept
The unique nature of the Juke begs to be modified to the enthusiast driver's tastes, and the Juke Personalization Concept does that in a fun and fashionable way.

Note Personalization Concept
This exciting new example of "the customized hot hatch" will feature a daring graphics motif that is dubbed as "digital camouflage."

Juke Nismo (Reference exhibit)

Nissan Juke Nismo (Photo credit: exo_duz)

The Juke Nismo was engineered and developed with the passion and experience that has made Nismo one of the world's premiere motorsports organizations and factory-tuning divisions.

Nissan LEAF Nismo Performance Package
Inspired by Nismo race machines, the Leaf Nismo's special body kit possesses aerodynamic technology that optimizes front and rear lift balance for improved overall stability and efficiency.

Fairlady Z Nismo Z-Challenge Spec (Reference exhibit):
Complete with safety equipment and other parts necessary for motorsports, this specially-built racecar—which will compete in the single-spec race series called the Z-Challenge—provides a safe and thrilling way for enthusiasts to enjoy driving on a racetrack

Motul Autech GT-R
Nissan GT-Rs won three out of the eight total races in the GT500 class of the 2012 Super GT Series, with the S Road Mola GT-R taking both the Team Championships and the Drivers Title for the second straight year. The Motul Autech GT-R was one of the racecars that competed in the GT500 class of the 2012 Super GT Series.

Nissan GT-R (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3
The 2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3, which made its debut in March 2012, is an improved version of the 2012 model, with better engine output, increased reliability and enhanced aerodynamics. The racecar is in compliance of FIA GT3 regulation and will continue its assault on racing events all over the world, including the Super GT, Super Taikyu and the British GT Championship.

Highcroft Racing's DeltaWing Nissan Driven by Marino Franchitti, Michael Krumm and Satoshi Motoyama (Photo credit: Dave Hamster)

Nissan DeltaWing
This revolutionary new racecar has garnered worldwide attention since its debut last year. Using only half
the fuel supply and tires of a conventional racecar, the DeltaWing competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June 2012 and finished 5th overall at the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) finale in October 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia.

NV350 Caravan Rider Transporter
With grandiose styling and exceptional cargo capacity, the custom-built NV350 Caravan Rider is truly a commercial van for the new generation. Not only is it a capable workhorse, it also excels as an ideal recreational/leisure vehicle for those with active lifestyles.

Note Rider
Thanks to its powerful exterior design, the Note Rider has high dose of flair for a compact car. The dark-plated front fascia and aluminum wheels that highlight this Auto Salon-special model exude a high level of "coolness."

Nissan : The Year Ahead

2013-01-08T23:57:00.004-08:00

Older Style Nissan Logo (1984–2001) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As Japan's top automobile executives gathered at an industry event in Tokyo to kick off the new year, Nissan COO Toshiyuki Shiga said he's expecting growth in 2013, citing the weaker yen and an improving outlook in China.

Global Media Center: We've seen Shinzo Abe voted in as Japan's new Prime Minister and its effect on the yen, which has weakened to around 88 yen to the dollar. Do you expect this trend to continue?

Toshiyuki Shiga COO: The new administration of Prime Minister Abe clearly shows that the government will focus more on the economy [and] economic growth. Today, when I attended the economic association's big new year's party, everybody was very excited. And now the yen has weakened and stock prices are increasing but these are still expectations.

But we are sure that Japan's new government will take appropriate action to boost the Japanese economy. This is the current environment, which is very exciting.

Global Media Center: Nissan's plans to have 15% market share in Japan. What are the opportunities for domestic growth this year?

COO: We have very strong new models, like the Note, Serena and other SUV models. Unfortunately, now the mini car segment in Japan is increasing, and we are constrained in increasing the supply of the mini cars.

However in 2013, we will start the new mini car business in Japan together with Mitsubishi Motors and I think we can solve the supply issues. Also, all the new models will show good performance in sales, so I'm really expecting we can show a bigger presence in the Japanese market.

Global Media Center: China was a big story last year. What can we expect from China in 2013?

COO: I've just received the December sales results and the results were quite good, it was almost 20% increase against November sales results. We are completely in a recovery mode [after a dispute over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands cut sales] and maybe after Chinese New Year we can be back to the normal level of sales.

I hope that the government will take appropriate action to make a more amicable solution for the two countries. After that maybe we can have a more optimistic forecast for the Chinese market.

Global Media Center: Nissan has bold plans to grow globally. How is Nissan going to make this year better than 2012?

COO: 2013 is in the middle of our mid-term plan, Nissan Power 88, and central to it. We have to show that our performance is on track in achieving our goals. We have a very clear strategy – we have the products and the technology, so why not? I think all the Nissan employees will push the accelerator again to further growth all over the world.

Nissan Previews All-New, Interactive Exhibit for North American International Auto Show

2013-01-08T23:54:00.003-08:00

English: Nissan GT-R photographed in Nissan Gallery (Chuo, Tokyo) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

New sights, sounds and scents will greet visitors at Nissan's all-new display during the upcoming 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. At the show, Nissan will debut its new global auto show stand design featuring multi-level flooring for vehicle displays, an amphitheater-style stage and soaring architectural elements. The interactive space includes intuitive technology and sensory marketing to provide show goers an immersion that delivers on Nissan's brand positioning of "Innovation that Excites."

The new exhibit features a 150 ft. long/45 sq. ft. wide halo that appears to float over the dual-turntable stage. The "hovering" set piece is supported on one side by a cantilever built directly into the back wall portion of the display, which includes an integrated, high-definition LED display. Lighting effects on the halo emphasize the energy and excitement of the show space and products below. An interactive "Innovation Wall," powered by Xbox Kinect™ technology, communicates Nissan's brand story to visitors.

The new Nissan exhibit is designed to interact not only with the senses of sight and sound, but also touch and smell. As is tradition in luxury hotels and retailers, which pipe pleasing music and fragrance into their lobby and common spaces, the Nissan display features its own special scents and sounds, carefully choreographed to create a complete experience for visitors. A distinctive fragrance will be periodically released into the display area and the mood-setting background music will change with a subtly different vibe and energy for morning, mid-day and evening.

The Innovation Wall features six interactive screens incorporated into a graphic band that runs the entire length of the display's back wall. These interactive screens give consumers a more accessible, hands-on view of the brand than traditional, physical auto show displays.

The new Nissan exhibit will be featured at 10 other global auto shows throughout 2013. Key to this new style of exhibit is its collection of iconic elements, such as the "halo," that will carry onto each motor show, customizable to each venue's space and particular demands.

While the exhibit and technical innovations are draws, the stars of the new multi-tiered display at Detroit will be the various Nissan models on display, including two headliners - a concept vehicle that makes its global debut on Tuesday, Jan. 15 during the press preview and an all-new subcompact hatchback. These debuting models will join the display of Nissan's top sellers, such as the all-new 2013 Altima and Sentra sedans, the redesigned Pathfinder crossover, the updated 2013 Nissan LEAF, and a one-off special edition gold Nissan GT-R, which honors Nissan's ongoing relationship with Olympic champion Usain Bolt, the world's fastest man.

Mitsubishi Motors Reports Outlander Sport Sales Rise 15.4 Percent in December

2013-01-08T23:53:00.001-08:00

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport photographed in Centreville, Virginia, USA. Category:Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Category:White SUVs (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported December was its second-best-ever month of sales for Outlander Sport, up 15.4 percent compared to December 2011.

Outlander Sport sales were 1,770 for the month, exceeded only by the 2,253 sales in September of this year. Sales during the 2012 calendar year for the fuel-efficient CUV, now manufactured in Normal, Illinois, were up almost 20 percent compared to the prior year.

"We are pleased with four consecutive months of sales increases for Outlander Sport, our top seller in the U.S," said MMNA President & CEO Yoichi Yokozawa. "This gives us momentum heading into the new year, when we will introduce our exciting next-generation 2014 Outlander."

Lancer Evolution sales improved 39 percent in December and over the past 12 months have showed an increase of almost 19 percent.

Overall Mitsubishi sales were 4,113 units, an increase of more than 15 percent from November, but down 18 percent compared to December 2011.

Fifteen Toyota, Lexus and Scion Vehicles Earn Top Safety Pick Awards

2011-12-15T00:52:00.003-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) today announced that 15 Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles earned Top Safety Pick awards for the 2012 model year, more than any other automaker.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., said, “Safety is a core value that dates back to the foundation of our company. IIHS’ awards further recognize our commitment to helping protect drivers and passengers.”

The 2012 model year winners are: Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Prius, Prius v, Sienna, Tundra Crew Cab, Venza, and Yaris; Lexus CT 200h and RX, and Scion tC, xB, and xD.

According to the IIHS, Top Safety Pick awards recognize vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on ratings in IIHS tests.