Author: Chathura Chanuka

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    The 20-year-old R34 “GT-R” has exceeded 20 million! The “seal” that I have seen remains ! What is an exquisite individual that has just left for the UK .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “20-year-old R34 “”GT-R”” exceeds 20 million! The “”sticker”” that you have seen before also remains! An exquisite example that has just left for the UK!

    Skyline GT-R exported from Japan sells for over 20 million yen
    　British Collecting Cars is an auctioneer that sells cars from all over the world, including Japan, the UK, and Switzerland, on its own auction site of the same name.

    Completely original condition! More shiny R34 GT-Rs exported from Japan .

    　In May 2022, a Nissan “”Skyline GT-R V-SPEC (R34)”” was offered for sale and sold for 140,000 pounds (approximately 22.6 million yen), but what kind of car is it?

    The Skyline GT-R that traveled from Japan to the UK and sold for over 20 million yen (photo: Collecting cars)

    　The Skyline GT-R auctioned this time is a 1999 V-SPEC.

    　It is powered by an RB26DETT 2.6-liter twin-turbo inline 6-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, producing a maximum output of approximately 279 HP and 391 Nm of torque.

    　This car was sold and delivered in Japan and exported to the UK in December 2021.

    　It has been driven in completely original condition and remains in factory specification.

    　This V-Spec model features a multi-function LCD display showing intake and exhaust temperatures, active limited slip differentials and Brembo calipers.

    　It is sold with a jack, tool kit, and spare tire.

    　Both the body and wheels are white exterior color with no noticeable scratches.

    　The interior is also described as well-preserved, with no noticeable defects or wear, and no warning lights.

    　The mileage is 44,293 km, and the listing region is St. Austell, Cornwall, England.

    　The vehicle is listed on the auction site along with 123 high-resolution images, which show the vehicle in considerable detail.

    　The images also show a map of the Shinjuku, Tokyo area displayed by a Pioneer navigation system that appears to have been installed in Japan, as well as the blue Japanese vehicle inspection sticker (inspection mark) that remains on the front window.

    　This Skyline GT-R was sold on May 11, 2022 for 140,000 pounds (approximately 22.6 million yen) after 61 bids.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

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    Toyota provides the latest version of “Alphard” ! Proposes “evolution menu” for each user! What is the initiative to ask for cooperation in Alver riding .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Toyota offers the latest version of “”Alphard””! Proposing an “”evolution menu”” for each user! What is the initiative to ask for cooperation from Alverd drivers?

    Toyota and KINTO to Evolve the Alphard and Vellfire
    　Toyota and KINTO have announced that they are recruiting users for an initiative to propose an “”evolution”” menu for the “”Alphard/Vellfire””.
    　
    　The initiative will diagnose the driving habits of each owner online and evolve the vehicle according to the results.

    What would happen if “”Alphard”” had a GR face? We made an image! What kind of design?

    Will Toyota’s “”Alphard”” Evolve in Accordance with Individuals? What is the initiative at KINTO FACTORY?

    　This initiative will be demonstrated as one of the “”KINTO FACTORY””.

    　KINTO FACTORY is a service that will “”evolve”” the cars that users are driving from January 2022 to the latest state by reflecting software and hardware functions and items in a timely manner as they undergo technological innovation and age-related deterioration.

    　In order to deliver such “”evolution”” not uniformly to all users, but tailored to each individual, we revealed that we have decided to take on the first challenge of an online diagnosis of driving characteristics and individuality based on data from the vehicle being driven using Toyota’s technology, and make proposals according to the results.

    　In order to realize this challenge, the users of the Alphard and Vellfire will cooperate with us and through the T-Connect connected service, we will collect past driving data such as acceleration (starting and accelerating), braking (decelerating and stopping), steering operation and the time it takes to do so, in order to determine the characteristics and The system then quantifies the characteristics and individuality of the driver.

    　The “”Drive Check Report,”” a diagnostic report that summarizes the evaluation of and advice on current driving, is then provided online to users, and an “”evolution menu”” is proposed according to the results.

    　The recruitment will begin on July 8, 2022 on the official website with a maximum of 100 applicants.

    　The conditions for the application are that the user must be a T-Connect subscriber and currently driving a hybrid version of the Alphard or Vellfire, which will be released in January 2020 or later.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

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    Cheap 2 million yen Toyota “Hiace van-dwelling specification” is a hot topic! What is the custom specification that Shinjo got into the stadium.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “The super-cheap 2 million yen Toyota Hiace overnight car is a hot topic of conversation! What is the custom spec that manager Shinjo rode in on his way to the stadium?

    Super cheap 2 million yen Hiace camper! Too big for Manager Shinjo to sleep in?
    　Tsuyoshi Shinjo, the big boss of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, is well-known for always arriving at the stadium in a flashy luxury imported car such as a McLaren or Ferrari.
    　
    　However, at the Orix game held at Sapporo Dome on July 3, 2022, he made a complete turnaround and appeared in a camper.

    [Image] Toyota “”Hiace”” that looks like an Alphard is amazing! The ottoman seat is gorgeous! See its awesomeness in a real car! (28 pictures)

    The car that Tsuyoshi Shinjo, a.k.a. Big Boss, used to enter the stadium was a very cheap 2 million yen Toyota “”Hiace”” based camper! (Image: Normal Hiace)

    　This camper is a van conversion (van-con) based on the Toyota “”Hiace Wagon (Super Long).

    　The van-con is called “”Winpure Jays”” by MYS Mystic.

    　The vehicle that Big Boss was driving is a 2018 model, which is already out of print.

    　The model has since been renamed “”Winpure Sherla,”” which is also now temporarily out of production.

    　The camper features a rear permanent bunk bed, which was still a rarity in van-concepts at the time.

    　Big Boss says, “”I couldn’t sleep because my legs were too long,”” but by adding plastic bay windows to the quarter windows and extending the interior width, a sleeping space of 180 cm was secured. Most people can sleep with their legs stretched out.

    　In addition, a galley, overhead storage, and dinette table have been installed in the cabin.

    　In addition, the model features a multi-room that can be used as a toilet or closet.

    　If the dinette seats are folded down, they can be converted into a bed, providing sleeping space for two 170 cm adults.

    　Although it is a van-con, the Winpure Jays is as well equipped as a cab-conversion (cab-con).

    　Big Boss said, “”The interior has a nice old-fashioned look,”” and this type of interior design is still the standard for campers today.

    　Campers, which are more like cottages than cars, generally have good wood grain up front and seat trim with fancy patterns.

    　Incidentally, we asked Hideki Ito, manager of the MYS Mystic Shonan store, about the price of new vehicles at the time.

    He said, “”At that time, the base price was in the 5 million yen range. The vehicle that Big Boss Shinjo drove was a 2018 model and was priced at 2 million yen, which is extremely inexpensive.

    　For the same model of the same year, the used camper market will not go down to the low 3 to 4 million yen range.

    　Perhaps they are not specialty stores, so they may be selling at the value of the base vehicle.

    * * *

    　For all types of campers, the delivery time for new vehicles is a one-and-a-half to two-year wait.

    　This is due to a combination of factors such as a shortage of semiconductors and delays in importing components, in addition to the rapid growth in demand caused by the Corona disaster.

    　For this reason, older campers with good interior condition are a popular choice.

    　When we asked TBH Holdings, which leases the vehicles to Big Boss, they told us that the Winnpure Jays are owned by the company as rental campers.

    　The company will sell the vehicle if there are inquiries, but usually rents it out for 50,000 yen for a 2-day/1-night plan.

    　The vehicle rented to Big Boss will be returned in August.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

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    Is it okay to stop the “Hiace” size? What are the conditions for parking in the “light space” of the parking lot? Is it a problem to get rid of it?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Can I park “”Hiace”” size? What are the conditions under which I can park in a “”light space”” in a parking lot? Is hamming out a problem?
    Wednesday, July 6, 14:10

    Is it okay to park a regular car in a mini car space?
    　Parking lots have become an indispensable part of car utilization.
    　
    　In such parking lots, you may see “”light car spaces”” marked “”kei”” (light car) on the parking spaces.

    It’s “”kei”” here! Look at the “”parking frame”” that is too narrow!

    Is it a problem to park a regular car in a parking space exclusively for “”kei”” cars?

    　When you go out by car for shopping or some other small errands, it is common to use parking lots of facilities or coin-operated parking lots when you arrive at your destination and park your car.

    　In such coin-operated parking lots, there are places that provide “”spaces exclusively for light vehicles.

    　A representative of a Tokyo-based coin-operated parking company explains, “”Parking spaces are allocated based on how many cars can be placed side by side on the entire site, and the narrower spaces are used as spaces for light vehicles.

    　The “”Guidelines for Parking Lot Design and Construction”” published by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) defines the standard size of a “”parking space”” as 6m long x 2.5m wide for a standard car parking space and 3.6m long x 2m wide for a light car parking space.

    　Therefore, in many cases, compartments that cannot be made 6m long due to the shape of the lot or obstructions are utilized as spaces exclusively for light vehicles.

    　This can be said to be one of the measures to make effective use of exquisitely sized spaces as well as to prevent unauthorized parking in spaces other than parking slots on the site.

    　The person in charge at the coin-operated parking management company mentioned above explains such spaces exclusively for light vehicles as follows.

    Basically, the spaces are sized exclusively for light vehicles, so cars that do not fit that description are not allowed to park there.

    　If a car overflows the size of the space, it may be considered ‘improper parking,’ which is a violation of the parking lot’s terms and conditions of use.

    　While a space reserved for a light vehicle is generally large enough to accommodate a larger standard-sized vehicle such as a Hiace in terms of width alone, there is a good chance that the entire length of the space will be overflowed.

    　Unauthorized parking refers to the unauthorized use of parking.

    　For example, parking a car at a nearby supermarket or public facility that is not affiliated with the restaurant in order to use the restaurant is considered unauthorized parking.

    　In addition, if a parking space is used in a manner different from its intended use, it may be considered unauthorized parking.

    　In addition, some coin parking facilities charge different rates for spaces for regular vehicles and spaces for light vehicles only, depending on the conditions of the parking space.

    　A representative of the coin-operated parking management company mentioned above says, “”If you forcibly park a regular car in a space reserved for mini cars, it will be difficult for other users to park in other spaces, and you will end up overhanging the road, so we ask you not to do this.

    　When using a parking lot, it is the minimum etiquette for drivers to park in the correct position according to the signs, considering not only themselves but also other users.”

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    Nissan’s new turbo SUV “Qashqai” with a flowing body will appear in Australia from about 3.17 million yen! To be released in the second half of 2022 .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Nissan’s new turbo SUV “”Qashqai”” with a sleek body, starting at about 3.17 million yen, is coming to Australia! To be launched in the latter half of 2022

    Top-end grade to feature 10.8-inch head-up display
    　Nissan’s Australian subsidiary has announced local pricing for each grade of the new Qashqai SUV on July 4, 2022.

    [Image] Nissan’s new turbo SUV is too beautiful! What does the new Qashqai look like? In pictures.

    　The Qashqai is a mid-size SUV designed in Europe, and the new model features a sleek silhouette, slim V-shaped headlights, and Nissan’s family face, the V-motion grille. It has been launched earlier in Europe.

    　The Australian version of the new Qashqai will be introduced with a 1.3-liter turbo engine that delivers maximum output of 150 hp and maximum torque of 250 Nm. The transmission is an Xtronic CVT.

    　In the Australian market, there are four grades: ST, ST+, ST-L, and Ti.

    　The entry-level ST grade comes standard with preventive safety equipment such as a far-side center airbag, collision damage reduction brakes that can detect pedestrians and bicycles, and rear cross-traffic alert with AEB, as well as an 8-inch infotainment display that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes with advanced features such as an 8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a 7-inch digital instrument panel. The price is A$33,890 (approximately 3.17 million yen).

    　The ST+ grade adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a navigation system, and an around-view monitor, while the infotainment display is upgraded to 12.3 inches. The price is A$37,890 (approximately 3,550,000 yen).

    　In addition, the ST-L grade adds ProPILOT, a driving assist system on highways. It also adds adaptive LED headlights that control high-beam range with 12 individually controlled lights, LED indicators, seats with part-leather accents, rear privacy glass, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The price is A$41,290 (about $3,950,000).

    　The top-of-the-line Ti grade adds a 10.8-inch head-up display that works with the navigation and infotainment systems, premium quilted leather upholstery, a hands-free power tailgate, and a 10-speaker premium BOSE audio system. The car is equipped with a 10.8-inch head-up display linked to the infotainment system. The car has luxurious specifications. The price is 47,390 Australian dollars (approximately 4,440,000 yen).

    * * * *

    　The new Qashqai is scheduled to be launched in the Australian market in the second half of 2022.”

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    Nissan’s small SUV has been partially improved! Newly introduced custom model “Kix e-POWER” released in Thailand .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Nissan’s Small SUV Gets a Facelift! New “”Kicks e-POWER”” with Custom Model Also Newly Introduced in Thailand
    Tuesday, July 5, 20:10

    New “”AUTECH”” Grade Introduced in Thailand for the First Time
    　On July 1, 2022, Nissan’s Thai subsidiary announced the introduction of a partially upgraded version of the KIX e-POWER compact SUV.
    　
    　The e-POWER system has evolved to the second generation with improved performance, and the new “”KIX AUTECH”” grade will be introduced in Thailand for the first time.

    Image] “”The interior is different too!”” Photos of the interior and exterior of the updated Nissan new KIX e-POWER compact SUV (15 photos)

    The all-new Nissan KIX e-POWER AUTECH, first unveiled in Thailand on July 1, 2022.

    　The Nissan Kicks is a compact SUV produced at Nissan’s plant in Thailand and is a global model that is exported not only to Japan but also to other countries.

    　The Thai-made Kicks e-POWER has been on sale in Japan since June 2020.

    　The new KIX announced this time has an improved e-POWER on-board.

    　The e-POWER is a new-generation series hybrid system that uses a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder DOHC engine exclusively for power generation and a motor to drive the vehicle, providing an electric car-like driving experience.

    　The new model newly adopts the second-generation e-POWER system.

    　The electric motor and inverter are integrated in the same housing, resulting in a 30% weight reduction. The new lithium-ion battery (2.06 kWh) is also 30% more efficient than the current model.

    　As a result of these improvements, the new KIX e-POWER delivers maximum motor output of 136ps and maximum torque of 280Nm, and marks fuel economy of 26.3km/L in the Thai fuel economy measurement mode.

    　As for advanced driving support functions, new LDW (Lane Departure Warning) and HBA (High Beam Assist) have been added in addition to conventional equipment to improve safety.

    　In the interior, the center console has been redesigned with an ergonomic layout. In addition to a new shift knob design, the center console and armrests are now made of soft-padded material for improved comfort.

    　The 8-inch touchscreen display audio and infotainment system have also been updated.

    　The highlight of the partial improvement is the introduction of the new “”AUTECH”” grade, the first of its kind in Thailand.

    　This is a model with a customized interior and exterior based on the theme of premium sportiness, and has already been introduced in Japan from March 2021.

    　On the exterior, a new black roof and blue body color scheme has been added, as well as premium silver trim on the front, side and rear skirts, combined with sportier alloy wheels.

    　Inside, the sporty interior is decorated in AUTECH’s theme colors of blue and black, adding to the premium feel of the cabin.

    　Prices for the new KIX e-POWER range from 759,000 baht (approximately 2.88 million Japanese yen) for the E to 949,000 baht (approximately 3.6 million yen) for the AUTECH.

    * * *

    　Isao Sekiguchi, president of Nissan Thailand, commented on the announcement of the new KIX e-POWER as follows

    The new Kicks e-POWER, featuring second-generation e-POWER technology, will bring excitement and confidence on the road with Nissan’s exclusive technologies such as e-Pedal Step and 360-degree safety technology, all at an attractive price point. We’re making electric vehicles more accessible to more customers.”””

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    New size Roadster for down look over fender for Hiace

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “New size of “”Roadster”” down-look over fenders for the Hiace!
    New 20mm down-look (10mm wide on each side) over fenders for 200 series Hiace!

    Customize Customize New Product Information Wednesday, July 6, 2022

    New Size Added to Down-Look Over Fenders for the Hiace
    Roadster, the Hiace custom brand developed by ACE Co., Ltd. has added a new size to its “”down-look over fenders.

    The 20mm width of the down-look fenders allows for a more “”aggressive”” dress-up look without forcibly lowering the vehicle height. Since the suspension system is not modified, the ride comfort is maintained.

    The width is also kept to a mere 10mm wide, making it a size that meets vehicle inspections. Furthermore, installation is easy with double-sided tape (screws can also be attached to the underside of the fender). The simple design makes it a dress-up item that blends in with all genres of vehicles.

    20mm down-look (one side +10mm wide) over fender for 200 series Hiace
    Price: 32,780 yen (tax included) / set (for one vehicle)
    Specifications: 20mm down-look design
    Exterior width: +10mm wide on one side
    Material: FRP (unpainted * black gel coat)
    Applicable model: 200 series Hiace/200 series Regia Ace (model year: H16/8～), standard body and wide body alike
    Accessories：Installation screws, double-sided tape, fitting molding”

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    New car sales comprehensive ranking, regaining the top position in N-BOX … Yaris fell to 2nd place with a 30% decrease by car name in the first half of 2022 .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “New Car Sales Overall Ranking, N-BOX Reclaims Top Position…Yaris Falls 30% to 2nd Place by Car Name in the First Half of 2022Jul 7, 2022 08:30

    The Japan Automobile Dealers Association and the Japan Mini Vehicles Association announced on July 6 their preliminary figures for new vehicle sales by name for the first half of 2022 (January-June). The Honda N-BOX returned to the top spot for the first time in two years.

    The N-BOX maintained its strong performance despite a 6.0% year-on-year decline to 103,948 units, despite the Corona disaster and the lack of semiconductors, which slowed new car sales. On the other hand, Toyota’s Yaris, which took the top spot for the first time last year, saw a 31.5% y-o-y decline to 81,580 units, a significant drop of more than 30%. The gap between the Yaris and the N-BOX, which was in first place, widened to 22,368 units.

    In third place was the Toyota Corolla with 70,988 units sold. This was followed by the Toyota Roomy (65,525 units) and the Nissan Note (56,948 units).

    The number of minicars in the top 10 ranking was four, down one from last year.

    Ranking of new vehicle sales in the first half of 2022
    No. 1 [No. 2]: Honda N-BOX 103,948 units (down 6.0%, the first decline in two years)
    No. 2 [No. 1]: Toyota Yaris 81,580 units (down 31.5%)
    No. 3 [No. 8]: Toyota Corolla 70,988 units (up 31.8%, the first increase in two years)
    No. 4 [4th]: Toyota Roomy 65,525 units (down 15.4%, the first decline in two years)
    No. 5 [12th]: Nissan Note 56,948 units (up 21.5%, up two consecutive years)
    No. 6 [No. 3]: Suzuki Spacia 47,675 units (down 39.4%, the first decline in two years)
    No. 7 [No. 11]: Toyota Rise 45,380 (down 5.4%)
    No. 8 [No. 5]: Daihatsu Tanto 44,188 units (down 36.2%, the first decline in two years)
    No. 9 [18th]: Honda Fried 43,827 units (up 23.3%, the first increase in three years)
    No. 10 [No. 6]: Daihatsu Move 42,498 units (down 26.4%, the first decline in two years)

    Figures in parentheses indicate year-on-year ranking, and figures in parentheses indicate year-on-year change.”

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    New car registration ranking, Yaris tops for 2 consecutive years … Toyota top 3 models by car name in the first half of 2022 .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “New Car Registration Ranking, Yaris Tops for Second Consecutive Year…Toyota Top 3 Vehicles in First Half of 2022 by Car NameThursday, July 7, 2022, 08:15 PM

    The Japan Automobile Dealers Association (JADA) has announced preliminary figures for new vehicle sales by common passenger car name for the first half of 2022 (January-June). The Toyota Yaris topped the list for the second consecutive year with 81,580 units sold.

    In second place was the Toyota Corolla, which enjoyed strong sales of derivative models such as the Corolla Cross. In third place was the Toyota Roomy with 65,525 units sold. This is the second consecutive year that Toyota has dominated the top three spots.

    New Passenger Car Sales Ranking for the First Half of 2022
    No. 1 [No. 1]: Toyota Yaris 81,580 units (down 31.5%)
    No. 2 [No. 4]: Toyota Corolla 70,988 units (up 31.8%, the first increase in two years)
    No. 3 [No. 2]: Toyota Roomy 65,525 units (down 15.4%, the first decline in two years)
    No. 4 [No. 7]: Nissan Note 56,948 units (up 21.5%, up two consecutive years)
    No. 5 [No. 6]: Toyota Rise 45,380 units (down 5.4%)
    No. 6 [No. 9]: Honda Fried 43,827 units (up 23.3%, the first increase in three years)
    No. 7 [No. 3]: Toyota Alphard 34,799 units (down 38.7%, the first decline in six years)
    No. 8 [19th]: Toyota Aqua 34,143 (up 69.7%, the first increase in four years)
    No. 9 [12th]: Honda Fit 29,617 (down 0.2%, down two consecutive years)
    No. 10 [No. 11]: Nissan Serena 27,894 units (down 13.6% for the fourth consecutive year)

    Figures in parentheses indicate year-on-year ranking.”

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    Mitsubishi Motors sales in the US, Outlander 2.2 times in the first half of 2022

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Mitsubishi Motors’ U.S. sales of Outlander up 2.2 times in the first half of 2022 07:30, Thursday, July 7, 2022

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, the U.S. division of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), announced on July 2 the results of new vehicle sales in the U.S. for the first half of 2022 (January-June). Total sales volume was 48,272 units. Year-over-year sales were down 9.6%, the first year-on-year decline in two years.

    Among SUVs, the Outlander sold 23,303 units in the first half of the year. Thanks to the effect of the new model, sales grew 2.2 times that of the same period of the previous year, marking the first recovery in three years. In the U.S., sales of the Outlander PHEV, of which the conventional version is still on sale, totaled 1,126 units. Sales of the Outlander PHEV, which is still being sold in the U.S. in the conventional model, were 1,126 units, approximately 1.7 times that of the same period last year, marking the second consecutive year of growth.

    Sales of the Eclipse Cross were 5,712 units in the first half of the year. Thanks to the launch of the new and improved Eclipse Cross, sales were up 1.3 times that of the same period last year, the first increase in three years.

    On the other hand, sales of the “”Outlander Sport”” (equivalent to the “”RVR”” in Japan) were only 8,596 units in the first half of the year. Compared to the same period last year, sales were down 64.2%, the first year-on-year decline in three years. The Mirage compact car also saw a year-on-year decrease for the first time in two years, down 30.5% year-on-year, to 9,535 units.

    Mitsubishi Motors’ new vehicle sales in the U.S. in 2021 are 102,037 units. This is a 16.8% increase over the previous year and the first year-on-year increase in two years.

    “