Author: Chathura Chanuka

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    Makoto Okunaka enjoys his new Suzuki “Jimny”! Reached a mileage of 600km “Become a car girl …”

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Makoto Okunaka enjoys his new car, the Suzuki Jimny! The mileage has reached 600km. “”I’ve become a car girl…”” is the response.

    Calling for customization ideas for her beloved “”Jimko”” car!
    　Actress and former member of idol group PASSPO☆, Makoto Okunaka, updated her official YouTube channel “”Okunaka Makoto Channel”” on June 11, asking for customization suggestions for her Suzuki Jimny, which she just purchased in February.

    Makoto Okunaka fell in love at first sight! What do you think of Suzuki’s “”Jimny””? See in pictures .

    Suzuki “”Jimny”” (current model, 4th generation)

    　After acquiring the Jimny, Ms. Okunaka drove it on the highway about four months after taking delivery, and recently succeeded in parking it in her garage at home in one shot. The car has traveled about 600 km. He says, “”I will be driving to many more places in the future, so please keep an eye on me.

    　Mr. Okunaka is currently thinking about customizing Jimny. In this video, he mentions the comments on the delivery video and parts he would like to add, and asks for customization recommendations.

    　One of his current concerns is the small amount of space available to accommodate his cell phone and bag. He is also having trouble finding a place to put his cell phone and bag, and asked viewers for recommendations for additional equipment and types of drink holders.

    　A further accessory to be added is a red “”mud flap set”” to be placed behind the tires. This is a so-called “”mud flap”” and was attached to a black Jimny, which he said was very cool.

    　Mr. Okunaka is also enjoying the Jimny life to the fullest, as he struggles with installing seat covers and washing the car once a month, and he was encouraged to get on board with the speaker modifications. In the video, he was happy to see the nickname “”Jimko”” he gave to his car being used by viewers, saying, “”It’s catching on!

    　In the comments section of this video, viewers raised modification ideas and recommended items, such as “”I knew I should lift up the car and change the wheels”” and “”I used Shurastar car wash products,”” as well as comments such as “”I’m glad you have become a car girl.

    * * *

    　The Jimny is a best-selling small XC car developed by Suzuki, and the current model, the fourth generation, was introduced in July 2018. It has been gaining popularity not only for its rough-roading performance, but also for its retro appearance and other features, with a trend toward long delivery times.”

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    why? Is Toyota’s super rare SUV “Venza” sold in Numazu? The reason why the US version of “Harrier” cannot be registered in Japan in the future .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Why? Is Toyota’s extremely rare SUV Venza for sale in Numazu? Why the U.S. version of the “”Harrier”” cannot be registered in Japan in the future?

    Why is the Venza, which is not sold in Japan, being sold in Japan?
    　The Toyota Venza car is sold in the United States.
    　
    　The current Venza is a luxury SUV sold in North America and China as an overseas version of the Harrier currently sold in Japan.

    The extremely rare SUV “”Venza”” is now on sale in Japan! See the actual car, one left!
    This is awesome! The Venza, the North American version of the Harrier, which has not been released in Japan, is being sold in Numazu, Japan for some reason (image courtesy of car dealership LAP).

    　The first-generation Venza was launched in the U.S. in 2009, but it was based on the first-generation Camry and was more like a minivan than a crossover.

    　The first-generation Venza was discontinued after the 2017 model year, and the second-generation Venza appeared three years later in 2020.

    　It was announced on the same day as Toyota’s current Sienna. Both the Venza and Sienna have only a hybrid powertrain lineup with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. In the U.S., this SUV is positioned between the RAV4 and the Highlander.

    　And while the first-generation Venza was produced in the U.S., the second-generation Venza, like the Harrier, is produced in Japan (Toyota Motor Corporation’s Takaoka Plant), and the model for China is produced by Guangqi Toyota Motor Co. at its Guangzhou plant as the Venza and by FAW Toyota Motor Co.

    　The reason why the second-generation Venza became a hybrid-only model was due to the strong sales of the RAV4 Hybrid, which is also sold by Toyota in the United States.

    　Until now, the only Toyota-made hybrid-only model in the U.S. has been the Prius.

    　However, since the RAV4 Hybrid was newly added to the lineup in 2019, the RAV4 Hybrid has sold about 23,000 more units in 2019 (92525 units) than the Prius (69718 units). This trend has led to the Sienna and Venza being hybrid-only models.

    　The second-generation Venza sold 60,988 units in 2021, which is more than the approximately 59,000 units sold by the Prius family (total of Prius + Aqua + Prius PHV, etc. in Japan), which was also sold in the US in 2021. This is a very strong sales volume for an imported model produced in Japan.

    　And like the new Sienna, which is also a hybrid-only model, the Venza is almost impossible to parallel-import to Japan.

    　Basically, when a car sold in the U.S. is imported into Japan as a parallel import, it is recognized as compliant with Japanese safety standards if it has a label that certifies that it meets FMVSS (U.S. safety standards).

    　For gasoline-powered vehicles, the procedure is not so difficult, but for hybrid vehicles, the batteries must also be certified.

    　Japan has adopted the UN-European standard (UN-ECE R100, commonly known as the “”E Mark””) for battery certification for hybrid vehicles and EVs, so the battery part needs to be certified separately.

    　To obtain R100 certification in Japan, it is not uncommon for official organizations to charge more than 10 million yen, so it is not worth it for a small number of parallel-imported vehicles.

    Why? Is Toyota’s extremely rare SUV “”Venza”” for sale in Numazu? Why the U.S. version of the “”Harrier”” cannot be registered in Japan in the future?

    Venza on sale at Numazu store!
    　For this reason, the Sienna (gasoline model), which used to be parallel imported, is now difficult to parallel import into Japan, as it is now exclusively a hybrid model since it became a new model.

    　In fact, there is a store in Numazu that sells the current hybrid Venza as a parallel import to Japan.

    　When we talked to him, he told us that several of the same hybrid Venza had already been sold in Japan, and the one he is offering for sale now is the last one. We spoke to LAP, a car dealer in Numazu, Japan.

    –Hybrid cars sold in the U.S. are difficult to parallel-import to Japan because the batteries cannot be certified, right?

    　Yes, it is. It is true that it is difficult to get the batteries certified, but to be more precise, it is not the batteries themselves that are not certified, but rather the devices used to avoid overcharging that are not certified.

    　It is not so much that it is difficult to obtain certification, but rather that there is no explanation for this in Japan, although the batteries for Venza hybrids sold in the U.S. are equipped with an overcharge prevention device.

    –Is that why it is so difficult to parallel import hybrid vehicles and EVs sold in the U.S.?

    　Yes, it is. If the same car meets UN/ECE standards and is certified with a device to avoid overcharging, it is not so difficult.

    — So why was it possible for your company to register the Venza, a parallel-imported hybrid?

    　Our company has so far registered reimported 30 Prius and 50 Prius vehicles with the same overcharge avoidance system as the Venza, using the method of “”Classification of Related Matters for Designated Motor Vehicles, etc.””.

    　Even though the names of the Venza and the Harrier are different, we thought, “”Can’t we use the same method to certify them? We thought that it would be possible to use the same method to certify the Venza and the Harrier even though they have different names, and we were able to register them at that time (April to June 2021, the grace period for the revision of the rules for examination affairs) after compiling a vast amount of data.

    –What do you mean when you say that the Venza currently sold by your company is the “”last one””?

    　We have already imported several current hybrid-only Venzas to Japan and sold them in parallel, but this will be the last one.

    　In relation to the partial revision of the administrative rules for the examination of parallel imported vehicles effective July 1, 2021 (clarification of prior examination documents for parallel imported vehicles, etc.), it is almost impossible to register a Venza in Japan after July 2021 using the method used when we imported the Venza. The Venza currently on sale has been processed prior to the revision of the examination administrative regulations.

    * * *

    Toyota’s Venza, which has not yet been released in Japan, looks just like the Harrier! (Image courtesy of car dealership LAP)

    　This may be the last chance to obtain the Venza, which is expected to be very difficult to come into Japan through parallel importation in the future.

    　Incidentally, the difference between the Venza and the Harrier is that the Venza is a left-hand drive car, and also has roof rails, which the Harrier does not have.

    　Other differences from the Harrier are the grade name and “”HYBRID”” badge affixed to the tailgate. They are also affixed to the front left and right fenders, a feature that indicates that this is a North American-spec model and gives the impression that the Venza is a hybrid-only model.”

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    Why are the reports reporting “Porsche” and “Maserati” instead of “cars”? In the past, the car name “Prius” was also available! Why is the expression biased?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Why is it reported in the press as “”Porsche”” and “”Maserati”” instead of “”automobile””? And once the car name “”Prius””! Why is there bias in the expression?

    Imported cars tend to be reported by brand name
    　When we look at reports of incidents and accidents involving cars, we find that there is a certain trend in the way brand names and car model names are described.
    　
    　Recently, the brand names of imported cars have been reported day after day, but what criteria are there?

    Why were they called Prius Missile? Look at the black spec “”Prius,”” a normally cool car!

    Why are brand names such as “”Porsche”” and “”Maserati”” reported in accident reports? A domestic car was once reported under the name “”Prius””..

    　On June 14, 2022, it was reported that a Porsche 911, apparently driven by an errant driver, plowed into the gate of a kindergarten in Miyagi Prefecture, but the major mass media that reported this accident did not seem to report the model name of the car, 911.

    　On the following day, the 15th, a stolen Maserati Ghibli in Chiba Prefecture ran out of control and plowed into a sidewalk in Tokyo.

    　While almost all of the major mass media outlets that reported this incident also used the brand name “”Maserati”” in their headlines, none of them even reported the model name “”Gibli.

    　In any case, there is no evidence that the car was driven wrongly because it was a Porsche, or stolen or driven out of control because it was a Maserati, and the name has become known in a way that Maserati and Porsche enthusiasts and others do not want it to.

    　On June 13, a few days before these accidents and incidents, two men and a woman in a stolen car fled the scene in Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, crashing into a police car and a regular car.

    　The stolen car is believed to be a Toyota “”Land Cruiser Prado (150 series),”” but we could not find any cases in which the words “”Land Cruiser”” or “”Land Cruiser”” or “”Prado”” were used in the headlines among the major mass media that reported this incident.

    　Thus, while the brand names of imported cars are reported in full, domestic cars are generally described simply as “”cars”” or “”automobiles.

    　However, until a few years ago, there were cases where specific brand or model names were mentioned for domestic cars as well.

    　For example, in the Ikebukuro runaway accident that occurred in April 2019, the name of the Toyota “”Prius”” driven by the defendant was widely reported because the defendant claimed that the runaway was caused by a defect in the car.

    　At the time, there were also many reports of “”misstep accidents”” involving elderly people, and since many of the reports showed a Prius, some derided them as “”Prius missiles.

    　However, it seems that the large number of Prius cars sold and the fact that they were favored by a wide range of generations (especially the elderly) were more significant factors than any actual problems with the Prius itself.

    　Looking at reports of incidents and accidents involving cars in this way, it is clear that there is a certain trend in the use of brand names and model names.

    　As a general trend, imported cars are often described by brand names or by expressions that emphasize the fact that they are expensive imported cars, such as “”luxury imported cars”” or “”luxury sports cars.

    　On the other hand, for domestic cars, unless the car itself is involved in the root of the incident or accident, there are not so many cases where the brand or model name is reported.

    * * *

    　However, we believe that the statement entitled “”Our Views on Reporting Real Names”” released in March 2022 by the Japan Newspaper Publishers Association, which is comprised of newspapers, news agencies, and broadcasters nationwide, may be of help in understanding this issue. We believe that it may help to understand this issue.

    　This statement summarizes the Association’s position on the significance of reporting the real names of victims of incidents and accidents.

    　It states, “”We believe that names can create sympathy for the victims, make the incident seem like no one else’s business, and serve as a force to encourage discussion about improving the system to prevent recurrence, and there are many examples of such cases.

    　Although this is only a description of a person’s name, there are some points that should be common in the area of names.

    　In this context, it is also true that there are cases where brand names are reported and cases where they are not, as in the aforementioned examples.

    　In this regard, although the report states that “”news organizations do not absolutely insist on reporting the names of people by their real names,”” the final decision on whether or not to report the names of people by their real names is the responsibility of the news organization. In short, it seems that it is up to each media organization to make its own decision.

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

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    Super-dreadnought “Hongqi finest minivan” premiered ! “Powerful grill adoption” beyond the Alphard Introduced to the overheating Chinese minivan market.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “First public showing of the super-class “”Red Flag Top-of-the-line Minivan””? Adopting a “”powerful grille”” that surpasses that of the Alphard, the minivan will be introduced to the overheated minivan market in China.

    　Red Flag, a luxury car brand with a long history in China, made headlines when it landed and began sales in Japan in February 2021.
    　
    　The company has released a sedan, an SUV, and now plans to release a luxury minivan.

    Super luxury minivan that surpasses the Alphard! The powerful grille is too much! See the actual car!

    This presence is real! Red Flag’s “”Top-of-the-line minivan”” is about to be unveiled! (Image source: Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China, commonly known as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology)

    　Red Flag is a luxury car brand developed by China’s first automobile manufacturer, FAW.

    　Since the first model “”Red Flag CA72″” was launched in 1958, it has been loved by many important people in China.

    　Currently, Red Flag has two series in its lineup: the “”L Series”” and the “”H Series.

    　The L series is conservative in design, following in the footsteps of the first model, while the H series is more modern, while still respecting tradition.

    　In addition to the classic conventional sedan shape, the H series offers several SUVs and a series of electrified models such as hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs).

    　In Japan, the H9, the highest model in the H series, was launched in February 2021 as the first model for the Japanese market, and the HS7 SUV, the second model for the Japanese market, was launched in February 2022.

    　The Red Flag brand is now entering the luxury minivan market.

    　In China, competition in the minivan market is intensifying, whether for families or for luxury customers. Let’s take a look at what is currently known about the luxury minivan that Red Flag plans to release.

    　This information was discovered from the website of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China (commonly known as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology).

    　The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MITI) is the Japanese equivalent of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry or the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and in China, before an automaker can officially announce a new model, it must notify the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of that information.

    　Therefore, the system allows us to know in advance what kind of cars will be released based on the information posted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

    　Information on the luxury minivan that Red Flag plans to release was revealed in the May 2022 information release.

    　First of all, the exterior design adopts Red Flag’s latest design language, with a large front grille that resembles a “”flowing waterfall,”” which is also used on the E-HS9 pure electric SUV and the H9 and H5 sedans.

    　It can be said that the H9 looks exactly like a minivan as it is.

    　The rear taillights, which are integrated on both sides, give the car a strong presence, and it is clear that the same design as the H9 and other models has been adopted for the front.

    　As for the body size, according to information from the Koshinbu, it measures 5222 mm (length) x 2005 mm (width) x 1935 mm (height).

    The body size of the “”Gran Ace,”” Toyota’s largest minivan based on the “”Hiace,”” is 5300 mm (overall length) x 1970 mm (overall width) x 1990 mm (overall height), so it can be said that the Red Flag minivan is almost the same size as the Gran Ace, although its overall width exceeds 2 meters.

    　In the Chinese market, where the Gran Ace is not sold, the largest minivan sold by Toyota is the Sienna and its sister model, the Granvia, with a body length of 5170 mm x width of 1990 mm x height of 1740 mm.

    　Therefore, in a simple comparison, it is a luxury minivan with a size that surpasses Toyota’s Alphard/Vellfire and Sienna/Granvia as well.

    　The wheelbase is 3200mm, which is 200mm longer than the 3000mm wheelbase of the Alphard and other models, and the spacious interior is sure to provide an extremely relaxing experience.

    First unveiling of the super-duper “”Red Flag Top-of-the-line Minivan””? Adopting a “”powerful grille”” that surpasses that of the Alphard, the minivan will be introduced to the overheated minivan market in China.

    A true VIP spec! What is the interior of the top-of-the-line “”Red Flag Minivan””?
    　And what is new in the Red Flag minivan is that “”the second and third row seats are not designed to rotate or fold.

    　This means that the seats are meant to accommodate VIPs, not to be folded down to carry luggage, and may be an assertion that the minivan is a luxury minivan that sets itself apart from other minivans.

    　Note that with the three rows of seats in use, the cargo space is 620 mm deep, which is enough space for the VIP’s luggage.

    　As for the powertrain, it is said to be powered by a 2-liter inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine (CA4GC20TD-35).

    　This engine is also used in the existing H9 and H5, each of which is paired with a 48V mild hybrid system, so this new Red Flag minivan will have a similar powertrain configuration.

    　The H9 is also available with a 3-liter V6 supercharged engine, and there is no denying that this engine will also be used in the Red Flag minivan.

    A view of the Chinese luxury brand Hongqi H9 arriving in Japan in February 2021. Photo shows the first three vehicles.

    　In China, the luxury minivan market has been heating up in recent years.

    　It can be broadly divided into two categories: luxury minivans for “”VIPs”” and relatively accessible minivans for “”families,”” and both domestic and foreign manufacturers are introducing minivans to the Chinese market one after another.

    　In the luxury minivan market, Toyota’s Alphard has long reigned supreme, boasting overwhelming popularity, and although companies have tried to break its stronghold, they have not easily achieved a shift to the top spot.

    　On the contrary, Toyota is now stepping up its offensive by starting local production of the Sienna, which has long been popular as a parallel import.

    　American Buick has introduced a high-end model of its GL8 minivan, which has been sold exclusively in China for more than 20 years, and Volkswagen has also launched its first large minivan, the Villolan.

    　With the introduction of a minivan by Red Flag, China’s number one luxury brand loved by numerous Chinese dignitaries, the luxury minivan market in China is set to heat up even more and change into an interesting composition. It is scheduled to be announced and launched in China by the end of this year.

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

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    Camp girls are also paying attention ! The light camper “Jimny” is perfect! What is a practical outdoor custom that allows you to stay in the car?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Camping girls are taking notice! The “”Jimny”” light camper is hot! What is the practical outdoor customization that allows you to stay overnight in your car?

    Camper-like petite customization is all the rage!
    　Outdoor hobbies and fun are all the rage these days, and the Suzuki Jimny is gaining core popularity as a vehicle suitable for the outdoors.

    Automotive News
    Camper-like petite customization is all the rage!
    　Outdoor hobbies and fun are all the rage these days, and the Suzuki Jimny is gaining core popularity as a vehicle suitable for the outdoors.

    [Image] The bed mat is a Cinderella fit! Camper customization of Jimny that can stay overnight in a car See the actual car

    　The absolute king of light XC vehicles, the Jimny has been loved for more than 50 years, but the current model (JB64/74 model) introduced in 2018 has grown into a popular vehicle that is supported not only by traditional Jimny fans, but also by a wide range of people.

    Camper customization of the “”Jimny”” for outdoor activities

    　Despite being a light car, the Jimny has a robust ladder frame and is equipped with a part-time four-wheel drive system that provides reliable driving force even on rough roads.

    　While it is a full-fledged off-roader, its straight body lines and rounded headlights give it a retro atmosphere, and it is so popular that even girls who were not interested in XC vehicles before have become fans.

    　The Jimny is an ideal model as a base for customization, but what kind of customization can be done to make the Jimny even more attractive?

    　The “”camper customization”” is currently popular for the Jimny. The main idea is “”how can we make it easier to use for camping in a limited space? The main focus of this customization is “”how can we make it easier to use for camping by making the most of limited space?

    　Camping requires a lot of tools and cooking utensils. Solo camping”” and “”overnight stay in the car”” have recently become trends, and racks and carriers to carry bedding and other camping equipment are becoming mainstream.

    　We asked Mr. Horikoshi, leader of the Product Planning Group at IPF, which handles headlight bulb replacements and fog lamps for additional equipment that have become popular in XC and SUVs, about popular products and trends in Jimmy customization.

    　IPF has a strong image as a manufacturer of lights and lamps in general, but for the Jimny, we have developed not only lights but also special ladders and lamp stays that can be used to securely fasten lamps and are useful for camping and other purposes.

    From 2021, we have begun developing the EXP Series, a new platform that can be enjoyed freely depending on your ideas.

    　As the name suggests, the EXP Series is designed to be expandable for use in various situations, such as camping and outdoor activities, and has become very popular.

    　In particular, the lineup includes products designed specifically for the current Jimny and Jimny Sierra.

    　The lightweight aluminum ladder attached to the rear hatch has special brackets and stays for attaching IPF lamps and American-made containers (for emergency supplies, tools, water containers, etc.).

    In addition, we also offer a roof rack developed jointly with JAOS exclusively for Jimny, and the LED light bar (a horizontal auxiliary light mounted above the hood) that has become popular in the U.S., as well as special brackets and stays to securely fix it in place,”” says Mr. Horikoshi of IPF’s Product Planning Group.

    　IPF also offers items that may be useful for camping, such as a “”cargo extension”” that utilizes the headrest attachment area and a utility panel that can be attached to the rear side window (quarter glass), which tends to become dead space.

    　The camper version of the Jimny seems to be becoming very popular, with even long-established manufacturers of lamps developing items such as ladders, roof racks, and luggage space items exclusively for the Jimny and Jimny Sierra.

    Camping girls are also taking notice! The “”Jimny”” light camper is hot! What is a practical outdoor customization that can be used overnight in the car?

    Camper Specialist Shop Transforms Jimmy into a “”Tent Car””?
    　The customization of mini-vehicles into campers is currently gaining popularity, and while most examples are based on vans with superior interior space, more and more camper manufacturers are developing and selling products specifically designed for the current Jimny.

    　In other words, it can be said that demand is growing not only for a light XC vehicle, but also for a camper version.

    Customized Jimny camper that can use the interior as a bed

    　Toy Factory, which sells complete van conversion vehicles based on the Toyota Hiace (another name for van-based customization), is pioneering a new genre of customization based on the Jimny.

    Toy Factory is proposing a new genre of “”tent car,”” a vehicle that falls somewhere between a tent and a camper, a vehicle that can be moved around, stay overnight, and be more easily enjoyed (outdoors).

    　The “”Full Flat Bed Kit”” was developed to fit perfectly inside the Jimny/Jimny Sierra.

    　The 60 mm thick comfort mat with anti-fouling and anti-bacterial measures is installed inside the Jimny’s interior, which would not lie flat in a normal seating arrangement.

    　By creating a completely flat space, we have devised a more comfortable overnight stay in a camper-spec vehicle.

    　Furthermore, this mat is split and can be stored in the luggage space. It can be mounted in the luggage space to save space.

    　The exterior of the camper is also characterized by not much modification, but Toy Factory offers a “”side stripe decal kit”” that can create a retro atmosphere, making it easy to enjoy customizing the exterior.

    * * *

    　Camper customization of the Jimny is popular because it allows people to enjoy the outdoors with their car by adding practicality that was lacking while maintaining the vehicle’s driving performance.

    　The Jimny is attractive as it is, but by customizing it to your own taste, you can evolve it into a vehicle that will make you love it even more.

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

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    Audi Japan introduces e-tron qualification certification system … Trains EV sales specialists

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Audi Japan Introduces e-tron Qualification System…Training EV Sales SpecialistsJun 15, 2022 (Wed) 17:30

    On June 15, Audi Japan announced the introduction of the e-tron Qualification Certification System to train specialists in electric vehicle (EV) sales.

    The automotive industry is undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation due to the shift to electrification. In line with this shift, EV sales are now required to have the ability to explain and make proposals in an easy-to-understand manner with comprehensive knowledge of unique charging mechanisms and subsidies. With the introduction of the e-tron certification system, Audi Japan aims to further improve its services by ensuring that its sales staff has the necessary knowledge for EV sales and can make accurate proposals in response to customer requests. The certification system consists of two levels: e-tron Sales Consultant and e-tron Specialist.

    The e-tron Sales Consultant certification is designed to provide the knowledge necessary to sell Audi’s e-tron EV and to be able to make accurate proposals to customers. It takes four to five months from the start of training to certification. The training includes in-depth knowledge of the product, charging and infrastructure, sales processes, and other EV-related topics, followed by an examination to confirm mastery and case studies. As Audi’s own qualification certification system, the development training started in May 2022.

    Meanwhile, the e-tron Specialist is a fixed-term qualification for qualified e-tron Sales Consultants, who, as EV experts and specialists who keep abreast of the latest information on the industry and systems, are responsible for providing guidance to e-tron Sales Consultants at each Audi e-tron store. He is also responsible for providing guidance to the e-tron sales consultants at each Audi e-tron store. The certification is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2022, when the Q4 e-tron is scheduled to be introduced.

    Through the e-tron certification system, Audi Japan will build a strong sales structure as part of its electrification strategy, and as a premium EV brand, Audi Japan will strengthen its support system to enable customers to purchase and own Audi EVs with peace of mind.

    “

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    Tein’s full spec harmonic drive “FLEX A” added for Elgrand

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “TEIN’s Full-Spec Ride Height Adjustable Suspension “”FLEX A”” for ElGrand Added to Lineup of Applicable Vehicles2022/6/15 14:30
    TEIN Adds Elgrand Ride Height Adjustable Suspension “”FLEX A”” to its Lineup of Compatible Vehicle Models

    TEIN Adds ElGrand to its Lineup of Compatible Vehicle Models for Full-Spec Ride Height Adjustable Suspension “”FLEX A
    TEIN, a specialized suspension manufacturer, has added the Nissan “”ElGrand”” to its lineup of FLEX A coilover kits.

    This is a full-spec ride height adjustable shock absorber product equipped with “”Hydro Bump Stopper (H.B.S.),”” a mechanism that was fed back from overseas rallies.

    Even the third seat of a fully loaded minivan provides a comfortable ride that defies conventional wisdom. To improve the relaxed body roll and steering feeling of the normal vehicle, a moderate sense of restraint is provided.”

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    Added for Yaris hybrid etc. to the intake suction kit … Blitz

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Intake Suction Kits Added for Yaris Hybrid, etc. …Blitz20 June 15, 2010, 08:30

    Blitz has added a new “”Suction Kit”” for Toyota’s Yaris Hybrid, Yaris Cross Hybrid, and Aqua, which introduces intake air, to its lineup and began sales on June 10, 2010.

    The Suction Kit uses a combination of an aluminum pipe and a silicone hose, which suppresses shape changes during intake compared to the factory rubber suction parts, improving intake efficiency and response.

    The use of aluminum for the main body material and red or blue silicone for the joints ensures durability and safety, and gives the engine compartment a spartan look.

    The price is 19,800 yen.
    “

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    Toyota “bZ4X”, Sumitomo Riko’s anti-vibration rubber and sound-insulating products adopted

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Toyota “”bZ4X”” Adopts Sumitomo Riko’s Anti-Vibration Rubber and Sound Insulation Products June 14, 2022, 5:45 p.m.

    Toyota bZ4X product equipped eAxle mounts. The three points in the front are for the rear and the three points in the back are for the front: stabilizer bushings (upper left), suspension bushings (upper right), coil insulator (lower left), strut mount (lower right)Cooling pipes for the electrical system (water system hose)eAxle cover
    Sumitomo Science & Engineering has announced that its EV-compatible products, including anti-vibration rubber, hoses, and sound insulation products, have been adopted by Toyota Motor Corporation’s new SUV-type EV, bZ4X, launched on May 12, 2012.

    The bZ4X is a new EV based on a special EV platform jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, and Sumitomo Riko aims to use its products in the bZ4X, which is scheduled to go on sale sequentially around the world, to expand the use of its products to other models that use the platform.

    Three product groups were selected for this project: anti-vibration rubber, hoses, and sound insulation products. The eAxle mount contributes to improved cabin comfort and the highly responsive driving performance unique to EVs. The eAxle mount is designed to protect the high-voltage components in the eAxle in the event of a collision, and aluminum is used extensively for the metal fittings to reduce the weight of the mount.

    For the hoses, “”cooling piping for electrical systems”” was adopted, as EVs are expected to extend their cruising range, and thermal management is essential to minimize power consumption, energy loss, and battery degradation. Various devices that generate heat are effectively cooled by fluid (cooling water) in the piping to keep them at the appropriate temperature, thereby increasing the efficiency of the entire system.

    In the area of noise control products, the new eAxle-compatible eAxle Cover has been adopted. eAxle Cover is set on the bottom of the rear-side eAxle and is effective in vibration and noise control in a wide range of bands from low to high frequencies. It contributes to improved comfort in the cabin, especially for rear seat passengers.”

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    Citroen C5 Aircross SUV PHV, EV mode is 55km … Improved new model will be released in Europe in June

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Citroen C5 Aircross SUV PHV with EV mode of 55km…New improved model to be launched in Europe in June
    225hp power for the entire PHV system

    Suspension designed for “”magic carpet”” ride comfort

    20 advanced driver assistance systems

    Tuesday, June 14, 2022, 14:30
    Citroën C5 Aircross SUV, the new and improved PHV

    Citroen announced on June 7 that the Citroen C5 Aircross SUV plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) will be launched in the European market in June. The base price in France is 40,950 euros (approximately 5.77 million yen), with the PHV accounting for 41% of the orders.

    ◆225hp power of the entire PHV system
    The PHV powertrain consists of a direct-injection 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine that produces a maximum output of 180hp. The motor, which is laid out between the engine and the 8-speed AT, produces a maximum output of 110hp and a maximum torque of 32.6kgm, resulting in a total system power of 225hp. The battery is a lithium-ion with a storage capacity of 13.2 kWh, and is mounted under the rear seat floor.

    The EV mode cruising range is set at a maximum of 55 km, with a maximum speed of 135 km/h. The battery can be recharged at a household outlet. The battery can be recharged in approximately 7 hours at a household power outlet (3.7 kW output). A 7.4 kW charger can be used to recharge the battery in approximately two hours.

    When the car is running in EV mode, the blue lamps under the rear-view mirror light up. This blue light is visible from the outside and identifies the vehicle as running in EV mode. While driving in EV mode, a sound generator is activated at speeds below 30 km/h to alert pedestrians and cyclists of the vehicle’s approach.

    ◆Suspension designed for “”magic carpet”” ride comfort
    Citroen is known for its hydraulic hydro suspension. The improved new model adopts the “”progressive hydraulic cushion””. In developing this system, 20 patents were applied for. According to Citroën, the company is pursuing a “”magic carpet”” ride that is both smooth and comfortable.

    The progressive hydraulic cushion is a purely mechanical system with a secondary damper added to the regular damper structure. The secondary damper cylinder is located inside the damper cylinder and has multiple ports on the side. In the secondary cylinder, there is a secondary piston that matches the inside diameter of the cylinder, and as the stroke progresses, the secondary piston enters the cylinder and acts as a hydraulic stop in this position-sensitive damper.

    This allows for a softer ride with less damping force in situations where the suspension moves small and fine, or where the suspension stroke speed is low. In situations where the suspension moves significantly, the damping force generated by the secondary piston and cylinder absorbs the impact.

    ◆20 advanced driving assist systems
    Twenty of the latest advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for automatic driving are available. These include road sign recognition, active safety brakes, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function. Of these, the adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function detects a vehicle ahead and automatically maintains a safe distance until the vehicle comes to a stop.

    Active lane keeping assist recognizes lane markings on the road. If the system detects a lane change without blinkers, it alerts the driver. If a vehicle is in the driver’s blind spot, the system warns the driver by flashing the lights on the door mirrors. When the Lane Departure Warning System is activated, force is applied to the steering wheel to avoid a collision.

    Collision Risk Alert warns the driver of a potential collision with a vehicle in front at speeds of 30 km/h or more. Coffee Break Alert prompts the driver to take a break after two hours of driving at speeds above 70 km/h.

    Highway Driver Assist combines adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and active lane departure warning systems to provide level 2 partially automated driving under certain driving conditions. Intelligent Beam Headlight assists safe driving at night by automatically switching between high and low beam settings.

    “