Author: Chathura Chanuka

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    Nissan Leaf being excluded from the tax breaks

    ByChathura Chanuka

    The Biden administration in the United States has limited tax incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) to only American-made cars, leading to the Nissan Leaf being excluded from the tax breaks. Some speculate that this move is motivated by protectionism, energy security, and anti-China policies. The law behind this decision, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), aims to promote investment in carbon-neutral industries for energy security and climate change reasons. However, it remains unclear how this decision will affect Japan and its citizens.
    EV competition is intensifying internationally, with new BEVs being introduced in China and Europe. Japanese automakers are also joining the competition, with Honda and Toyota unveiling new BEV models for the Chinese market. In Europe, a policy package was recently passed that aims to make all new passenger and small commercial vehicles BEVs or fuel cell vehicles by 2035, although Germany has requested the use of e-fuels. In Japan, there is debate over the necessity of hybrid vehicles and the impact of the European BEV shift. The Nissan Leaf, which was first mass-produced in 2010, was a pioneer in the global BEV market.

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    The new Serena features advanced functions

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Nissan will release the e-POWER model of its M-class minivan, Serena, on April 20, aiming to expand its customer base with the highest grade. The new Serena features advanced functions, including the ProPILOT 2.0 driving assistance technology and Nissan’s original e-POWER hybrid system. The gasoline engine model was released in December 2022, and as of April 12, Nissan has received orders for 18,500 units of the gasoline engine model and 24,100 units of the e-POWER model. The highest grade, Serena LUXION, is priced at 4.8 million yen and is expected to compete with Odyssey and Estima. 60% of buyers are families in their 30s and 40s.

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    Front and rear camera drive recorder and safety radar as a set model exclusively for the Suzuki Jimny

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Celstar and Damd have jointly developed the ASSURA CA-D01, consisting of a front and rear camera drive recorder (CA-D01D) and safety radar (CA-D01R), as a set model exclusively for the Suzuki Jimny, and released it in April 2023. Painted in jungle green, the ASSURA CA-D01 is designed to match the outdoor taste of the Jimny. It is also equipped with various features such as Night Clear Ver. 2, Full HD recording function, HDR, and safe driving support function. The CA-D01R safety radar uses a newly designed “Frederic Lens Ver.2” with excellent laser reception sensitivity.DAMD collaborates with various automakers, including Suzuki, Daihatsu, and Mazda, to develop and produce body kits and other custom parts.

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    Nissan has unveiled a luxurious version of its Elgrand minivan

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Nissan has unveiled a luxurious version of its Elgrand minivan, called the “Elgrand VIP Mobile Conference Room,” which features a large monitor and various high-end amenities. The base model for this special edition is the “VIP” grade of the third-generation Elgrand, which was released in 2010. The VIP grade is designed as a “mobile office for executives” and includes features such as leather seats, reading lights, a 100V power source, and a twin sunroof. The Elgrand VIP Mobile Conference Room has a luxurious two-row, four-seat configuration instead of the standard three-row, seven-seat arrangement. Details about the vehicle have not been fully disclosed, but Nissan began testing a “mobile conference room” concept in May 2021, which may have influenced the design of this special edition.

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    The RAV4 is a global model of a mid size SUV

    ByChathura Chanuka

    A Toyota RAV4 limousine, which is over 5 meters long and has an extremely spacious rear seat, was unveiled to the world. The RAV4 is a global model of a mid-size SUV, particularly popular in the North American market since its launch in 2018. The limousine version, which was unveiled in November 2019, is still in existence as of April 2023. The RAV4 has been a popular SUV since its inception in 1994 and has become one of Toyota’s core global models. The current fifth-generation model features a rugged yet sophisticated design and offers gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, as well as three different 4WD systems.

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    A Skyline car with a red body and impressive aero equipment called the LB-ER34

    ByChathura Chanuka

    A “Skyline” car with a red body and impressive aero equipment called the “LB-ER34 Super Silhouette SKYLINE Full Complete” was showcased at the Nagoya Auto Festival 2023. It is a custom car by Liberty Walk and is based on the 10th generation Nissan Skyline (ER34 model) from 1998. The Super Silhouette was a race car in the Gr.5 category in the early 1980s, known for its lightweight body, high-powered engine, wide body kit, and thick tires. The Tomica Skyline Super Silhouette, driven by Masahiro Hasegawa, was a popular car in this category. The LB-ER34 Super Silhouette SKYLINE Full Complete pays homage to this classic car while adding a modern touch to its styling.

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    Toyota has released a new model of the Vitz compact car in South Africa

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Toyota has released a new model of the Vitz compact car in South Africa, marking the first time the name has been used since it was changed to Yaris in 2020. The new Vitz, which was unveiled at the State of the Motor Industry event earlier this year, is an A-segment compact car and the successor to the Agya model. It has a compact body size, with a length of 3695mm, width of 1655mm and height of 1555mm, and is powered by a 1.0-liter inline-three-cylinder engine that produces 66 horsepower and 89Nm of torque. The transmission options include a five-speed manual and a five-speed automated manual. The exterior design features a cute, rounded body with curved lines that create a sense of movement. The price starts at JPY 1.37 million.

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    Subaru has released a new program update called “SUBARU Active Damper e-Tune” for the Levorg STI Sports model

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Subaru has released a new program update called “SUBARU Active Damper e-Tune” for the Levorg STI Sports model, which is the company’s first-ever electric damper control program. The e-Tune program aims to enhance the driving experience and provide new levels of enjoyment for the owner after purchasing the car, while also increasing the vehicle’s long-term value. The Levorg STI Sports model already has a “Drive Mode Select” feature that allows the driver to choose from five different driving modes that affect the power unit, steering, suspension, AWD, EyeSight, and air conditioning. With the e-Tune program, the suspension’s damping force characteristics in “Comfort” and “Sport” modes can be adjusted to provide even more driving pleasure. The updated suspension in “Comfort” mode minimizes bouncing, while in “Sport+” mode, it provides a stiffer setup that reduces roll and enables sharper cornering. The software update is ideal for users who want a comfortable ride for everyday use but also enjoy driving aggressively when the opportunity arises.

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    Toyota’s Hiace now comes with a household air conditioner installed

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Toyota’s “Hiace” now comes with a household air conditioner installed, making camping in the car extremely comfortable. Recvee, which manufactures and sells camping cars, has announced the release of its new wide-body model, the “Recvee Solan Wide,” based on the Toyota Hiace. The car has a protruding shelf on the driver’s side of the body to accommodate the air conditioner, allowing it to be used while driving. The interior is also suitable for traveling with pets, with materials that are resistant to water, friction, and scratching, as well as bright decor to make pets stand out. The new model is wider and taller than the previous model, providing more interior space. The car is available in gasoline with 2WD or 4WD, has a seating capacity of five and a sleeping capacity of three, and is registered as an 8-number vehicle.

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    Toyota’s Future Hiace is super convenient with its innovative front and rear sliding doors

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Toyota’s “Future Hiace” is super convenient with its innovative front and rear sliding doors. The LCV CONCEPT series, which was exhibited at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, received various responses on social media. The Hiace is a versatile van that is widely used for commercial purposes and personal use such as outdoor leisure and car camping. The LCV CONCEPT series was speculated to be the next generation of the Hiace, and it proposed a new concept of a multi-purpose van that combines durability, economy, and load capacity with a “friendly” approach for both riders and workers. The series included three concepts: the delivery van “D-CARGO,” the shuttle bus “BUSINESS LOUNGE,” and the welfare vehicle for wheelchair athletes “ATHLETIC TOURER.

    Toyota’s “Future Hiace” has innovative front and rear slide doors, making it ultra-convenient. The response to the concept model, LCV, which predicts the next model, has been mixed. The LCV CONCEPT BUSINESS LOUNGE is slightly larger than the D-CARGO, with comfortable seating and side access luggage. The ATHLETIC TOURER has a gentle slope angle for easy access for wheelchair users. The LCV CONCEPT series focuses on practicality and usability, but there are mixed opinions on its “sharp” design. Some praise its large windows and stylish appearance, while others want a more rugged feel or simply electric slide doors on both sides.