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    Toyota continuously throws new SUV “bZ4X” ! Orders for 1500 units as early as landing in Taiwan Approximately 6.9 million yen without 4WD .

    “Toyota’s new SUV “”bZ4X”” series! 1,500 units already ordered after landing in Taiwan, 4WD-less, approx. 6.9 million yen

    Only FWD version available in Taiwan
     On May 18, 2022, Toyota’s Taiwanese subsidiary announced that pre-orders for the new bZ4X SUV have exceeded 1,500.

    The new Toyota “”bZ4X”” with its innovative design is hotly anticipated in the series! See the interior and exterior of the actual vehicle in 30 images.

    Toyota’s new “”bZ4X”” to be introduced as the first in the bZ series

     The new bZ4X is an electric vehicle jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, and will be the first Toyota model to adopt the “”e-TNGA”” platform dedicated to BEVs.

     In Taiwan, sales began at 9:00 a.m. on May 18 via the new TOYOTA Smart Buy app.

     The response from the Taiwanese market was great, with over 1,500 orders received within about three hours of the launch.

     The local price is NT$1,599,000 (approx. 6.9 million yen), available only in FF specification, and as a service, NT$20,000 (approx. 86,000 yen) will be given to owners who sign a contract by the end of June.

     In addition, the new bZ4X will have access to more than 1,000 charging stations in Taiwan. In addition, Toyota has 161 outlets located in Taiwan, where repairs and extensive after-sales service are available.

    * * *

     The bZ4X in Japan is priced between 6 and 6.5 million yen for a new car, and will go on sale on May 12. It has a range of 487 km to 559 km on a single charge. The Japanese version of the bZ4X will be available in FF and 4WD versions.

     The bZ4X is available for lease only, and is offered through Toyota Rent-A-Lease and Toyota Mobility Service (Tokyo region) for corporate customers, and through the “”KINTO”” subscription service for individual customers.

    Ikuma Suzuki”

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    What if there was a “GR” in “Hiace” …? The next big forecast without permission!

    “If “”Hiace”” had “”GR””…? We have taken the liberty of making a big prediction for the next model!

    On March 31, Toyota unveiled the world premiere of the “”GR Corolla,”” a high-performance version of its flagship model “”Corolla,”” and we wondered, if the GR lineup is to be expanded, shouldn’t the “”Hiace”” also have a GR model? Based on this fantasy, we have taken the liberty of making a big prediction about a “”GR Hiace”” based on the next-generation model.

    The first generation Hiace (H10 series) debuted in 1967, and after 40 years of continuous improvement, it evolved into the “”H200 series”” in 2004. In the overseas market, the sixth generation “”H300 series”” will be launched in 2019, while the Japanese market will have a different design and is expected to be launched in 2023.

    For this project, we asked designer SUGAR DESIGN to create a “”GR”” version based on the next model for the Japanese market. The design of the commercial vehicle Hiace has been a kept concept for many years, but the GR version will feature distinctive large air intakes with a blacked-out front end and a “”GR”” badge. The upper grille has been newly designed to be slimmer, the corner air intakes have been changed to a sporty vertical design, and a lip spoiler has been added.

    On the side, the design is quite aggressive with wider fenders, large air outlets, and side skirts.

    The powertrain is a 1.6-liter inline 3-cylinder intercooled turbo engine, which is also used in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, and is expected to produce around 304ps, which is equivalent to the GR Corolla. We also hope that the “”GR-FOUR”” sports 4WD with variable front and rear driving force system will show us driving performance that transcends the concept of a 1-box car. Could this become a reality…?

    Stay tuned for more information on the 300 series Hiace to be introduced in the Japanese market.”

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    Vehicle insurance discount for Toyota “bZ4X” … Hard to break & easy to repair Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance .

    “Vehicle insurance discount for Toyota “”bZ4X””…less breakage & easier repair ADI Tuesday, May 31, 2022, 09:30

    Toyota bZ4X
    Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance announced on May 30 that it will apply a vehicle insurance discount for vehicles with excellent D&R (damage and repair) performance to the bZ4X, a new electric vehicle launched by Toyota Motor Corporation.

    The vehicle insurance discount based on D&R performance is based on an offer from the automaker to improve damage resistance and repairability, and Aioi Nissay Dowa Automobile Research Institute conducts collision tests and evaluates D&R performance to set reasonable vehicle insurance premiums. The company is the only non-life insurance company in Japan that owns collision testing facilities, and has developed this new product by taking advantage of its strength.

    Toyota’s bZ4X has been recognized as a vehicle with excellent D&R performance, and a 5% discount will be applied to the vehicle insurance policy. The insurance company will support the spread of electric vehicles toward the realization of carbon neutrality.

    “

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    “Hiace” to the model change for the first time in 19 years! The cab over is inherited, and is it sold together with the 200 series?

    “The “”Hiace”” to undergo its first model change in 19 years! Cab-over will be inherited and sold together with the 200-series?

    Toyota Hiace Next Model, Forecast CGToyota Hiace Current ModelToyota Gran Ace PremiumToyota Hiace Model for Overseas Market
    Toyota’s King of commercial vans, the Hiace, is getting a full model change for the first time in 19 years! Here is some information about the next model that the scoop site “”Spyder7″” has grabbed, along with the expected exterior design.

    The first generation Hiace (H10 series) debuted in 1967, and after 40 years of continuous improvements, it evolved into the “”H200 series”” in 2004. In the overseas market, the sixth generation “”H300 series”” was launched in 2019, and this model is now available in Japan as the “”Grand Ace””. The “”Hiace for Japan,”” which has continued to support the Japanese “”frontline,”” is expected to be launched in 2023.

    The “”semi-bonnet”” design of the Hiace and Gran Ace for overseas markets has been rumored to be adopted for the next model, but the latest information indicates that the conventional “”cab-over”” design is likely to be retained. The advantage of the Hiace is that a wide variety of aftermarket parts can be used across generations, so it is unlikely that any major structural changes will be made to the next model.

    The exterior concept is also not expected to change significantly. The CGs show a large-diameter grille similar to that of the “”Voxy”” and a design that is likely to be intimidating to the rival Nissan “”Caravan,”” which has undergone a major facelift. The front and rear fenders have a three-dimensional design, which appeals to the driver’s sense of width and stability.

    The powertrains are expected to be a 2.8-liter inline 4-cylinder green diesel “”1GD-FTV”” engine and a 2.7-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine plus mild hybrid electric powertrain. It will also be equipped with the latest version of the Toyota Safety Sense driving assist system, which will inevitably enhance safety.

    If development progresses smoothly, the next Hiace will be launched in 2023, after 19 years of absence. Even after the arrival of the next model, it is rumored that it will be sold alongside the current 200 series.”

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    High-quality speaker package “Sonic Plus” to be released as a model designed exclusively for Corolla Cross .

    “High-Quality Sound Speaker Package “”Sonic Plus”” to Launch Corolla Cross Exclusive Design ModelMay 30, 2022, 3:45 PM

    Top Grade Model SFR-CX102F (for 6-speaker cars)Toyota Corolla Cross (10 series)Standard Model SFR-CX101E (for 4-speaker cars)Top Grade Model SFR-CX101F (for 4-speaker cars)High Grade Model SF-CX 101M (2-speaker car model) Standard model SFR-CX102E (6-speaker car model) High grade model SFR-CX102M (6-speaker car model)
    On June 23, Sonic Design will release three grades and 12 models exclusively for the Toyota Corolla Cross (10-series) as new products in its “”Sonic Plus”” series, a model-specific speaker package that improves the sound quality of the factory-installed car audio system.

    The new product is a speaker package exclusively designed for the new Corolla Cross, incorporating Sonic Design’s original technology. The use of a unique enclosure-integrated speaker module has significantly eliminated sound leakage outside the car and sound quality degradation caused by resonance of interior materials. In addition, the speakers can be installed without any modification to replace the factory speakers, reducing installation time and cost. The product lineup is compatible with Corolla Cross factory speakers and 2-, 4-, and 6-speaker vehicles. Three grades and 12 models designed to provide the best sound quality are available.

    Easy installation and no loss of vehicle value due to model-specific exclusive design
    The new products are designed exclusively for the Corolla Cross, with installation and sound quality confirmed through careful vehicle testing. For vehicles equipped with the factory 4 or 6 speakers, the front and rear door speakers are replaced with this product, and for vehicles equipped with the factory 2 speakers (without rear speakers), the front speakers are replaced with this product. Since the speakers can be installed without modification in the same way as the factory-installed speakers in the Toyota Corolla Cross, the value and maintainability of the vehicle will not be compromised, and the system can be easily restored to its current state when the vehicle is replaced in the future.

    Top grade model adopts all pure aramid diaphragm
    The top-grade models SFR-CX101F, SFR-CX102F, SF-CX101F, and SF-CX102F are equipped with the SD-N77Fi 77mm speaker unit with an all-pure aramid diaphragm, a further evolution of the conventional pure aramid diaphragm. The highest quality pure aramid material is lavishly used not only in the cone but also in the center cap, and optimal sound quality tuning has greatly improved the distortion rate and frequency response over a wide bandwidth. The result is a new dimension of clear, supple, high quality sound.

    The magnetic circuit is a compact external magnetic type that combines high-density neodymium magnets and a narrow-gap motor system to make more effective use of the enclosure’s internal volume.

    High-grade model reproduces realistic and tight mid-bass sound
    The high-grade models SFR-CX101M, SFR-CX102M, SF-CX101M, and SF-CX102M are equipped with a CMF (cross microfiber) cone, a microfiber braided resin diaphragm that pursues the best balance between flexibility and rigidity, and a high density The SD-N77M 77mm speaker unit features an external magnetic circuit with neodymium magnets and a narrow-gap motor system. The SD-N77M reproduces precise expression and volume of information that reflects the true face of music, as well as realistic and tight mid-bass sound.

    Standard specifications that reproduce the natural and comfortable sound unique to Sonic Design
    The standard models SFR-CX101E, SFR-CX102E, SF-CX101E, and SF-CX102E feature the original resin cone containing carbon fiber that has been surface treated with a non-coating, non-coloring fine-treatment DMF ( The “”SF-CX102E”” is equipped with a 77mm speaker unit (model SD-N77E) that uses a DMF (Defined Microfiber) cone and a glass fiber braided center cap. The advanced basic design of the advanced series is retained, including an external magnetic circuit with a high-density neodymium magnet and narrow-gap motor system, and an aluminum monoblock frame that supports the diaphragm’s precise movement, to reproduce the natural and comfortable sound of the Sonic Design standard without compromise.

    18mm dome tweeter with pure aramid diaphragm
    The tweeter section of the SFR-CX102F and SF-CX102F is equipped with an 18mm dome tweeter (SD-T18F model), which is specially designed for top-grade models in a compact size. The combination of Sonic Design’s traditional pure aramid diaphragm and narrow gap motor system makes it possible to replace the factory tweeter.

    The high quality pure aramid material and powerful magnetic circuit with high-density neodymium magnets, both of which have been used in the Premium line, produce highs that are rich in information and full of extension, and the SD-N77Fi unit is also designed to be consistent in tone quality.

    High-grade/standard models feature an 18mm microfiber dome tweeter with high sound quality and compact design
    The tweeter section of the high-grade models SFR-CX102M and SF-CX102M and the standard models SFR-CX102E and SF-CX102E are equipped with a high sound quality and compactly designed 18mm dome tweeter (SD-N77Fi), which is designed to be consistent in tone quality with each woofer unit by using our original microfiber diaphragms. The tweeter section of the SF-CX102E and SF-CX102E is equipped with an SD-T18 type 18mm dome tweeter with a high sound quality and compact design that unifies the tone of each woofer unit through its unique microfiber diaphragm. Combined with a narrow-gap motor system that aims to further improve the efficiency of the magnetic circuit by enhancing the manufacturing precision of the vibration system, the tweeter delivers rich sound pressure and information, and a smooth frequency response extending all the way to the high-frequency end.

    In-door enclosure system, the ideal for car audio reproduction, is adopted in all models
    All models feature in-door enclosure systems, which are considered ideal for car audio reproduction. The two-piece construction, in which different materials (aluminum die-cast front baffle and special resin back chamber) are tightly coupled to disperse resonance, reproduces clear sound with minimal unwanted resonance and significantly eliminates sound leakage outside the car.

    Price
    Top Grade
    SF-CX101F (model for 2-speaker cars): 144,100 yen
    SFR-CX101F (model for 4-speaker cars): 288,200 yen
    SFR-CX102F (6-speaker model): 344,300 yen
    SF-CX102F (front door stand-alone model for 6-speaker cars): 202,200 yen

    High grade
    SF-CX101M (model for 2-speaker cars) 79,200 yen
    SFR-CX101M (model for 4-speaker cars) 158,400 yen
    SFR-CX102M (6-speaker model) 188,100 yen
    SF-CX102M (single model for 6-speaker front door) 108,900 yen

    Standard
    SF-CX101E (2-speaker model) 38,500 yen
    SFR-CX101E (model for 4-speaker cars): 77,000 yen
    SFR-CX102E (6-speaker model) 99,000 yen
    SF-CX102E (single model for 6-speaker front door) 60,500 yen”

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    Noah, Voxy, lowdown springs for notebooks … Tein HIGH.TECH .

    “TEIN Adds Low Down Spring “”HIGH.TECH”” Lineup for Noah/Voxy/Note
    TEIN, a specialized suspension manufacturer, has added new compatible models for TOYOTA Noah/Voxy and NISSAN Note to its “”HIGH.TECH”” low down spring product lineup.

    Customized Customized New Product Information May 29, 2022 (Sun.)
    HIGH.TECH [SKAEQ-G1B00] installed on: TOYOTA Noah (Ft: -35mm / Rr: -35mm) HIGH.TECH equipped car: TOYOTA Voxy (Ft: -25mm / Rr: -30mm)
    TEIN, a specialized suspension manufacturer, has added new compatible models for TOYOTA Noah/Voxy and NISSAN Note to its “”HIGH.TECH”” low down spring product lineup.

    TECH”” is the definitive low-down spring product with three major guarantees: “”ride comfort,”” “”noise,”” and “”dents. In order to achieve both ride comfort and styling, spring rates and ride height were thoroughly pursued for each vehicle model. The spring rate and ride height are properly balanced to achieve a stylish lowering while maintaining the ride comfort of a normal vehicle.

    The material used is SAE9254 (tensile strength: 200kgf/mm2 or higher), which contains vanadium, to achieve weight reduction and high quality.

    HIGH.TECH [SKAHV-G1B00]
    Price: ¥60,500 per car (tax included)
    Applicable models: TOYOTA Noah (MZRA90W 2022.01+) / Voxy (MZRA90W 2022.01+)

    HIGH.TECH [SKAEQ-G1B00]
    Price: ¥44,000 per car (tax included)
    Applicable model: NISSAN NOTE (E13 2020.12+)

    Inquiries: TEIN Customer Service tel. 045-810-5501 (Phone hours: Monday-Friday 11:00-17:00)”

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    “Hockenheim” for Porsche Taycan, EV sports first special specification .

    “Porsche Taikan “”Hockenheim””, the first special edition of the EV Sport 19:30, Sunday, May 29, 2022

    Porsche Taikan GTS ‘Hockenheim Edition’ of the Porsche Taikan GTS
    Porsche announced on May 20 that the first special model of its EV sports car, the Taikan, will be available in Europe as the “”GTS Hockenheim Edition””.

    The car celebrates the 90th anniversary of the Hockenheimring in Germany. The Hockenheimring, located in southwestern Germany, is also known as the site of the F1 German Grand Prix. The exclusive Stone Gray body color is the result of a custom color program. Underfoot, the car is complemented by 21-inch “”Mission E”” design wheels. The wheel centers were painted in satin-finished Bronzite, while the surrounding area was finished in the same Stone Gray high-gloss finish as the body color. To match the wheel centers, the hubcaps were painted in Bronzite with a colored “”Porsche Crest””. Brake calipers are painted in gloss black.

    The interior features decorative stitching in Island Green. This contrasts with the black leather interior and is said to be the first time this color scheme has been used on a Taikan. Pardao open-pore wood trim was used. The selector lever, cup holders, and air vents above the center console, as well as the driver’s and passenger side air vents, are painted Bronzeite. The GT Multifunction Sport Steering Wheel is upgraded with Bronzite trim, decorative stitching, and island green markings at the 12 o’clock position. The floor mats are finished with leather inlays and island green stitching. The lid of the center console storage compartment was engraved with the Hockenheimring commemorative logo. Door projectors display the commemorative logo underfoot.”

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    Take a closer look at the “evolution” points of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV … Human and car technology 2022 .

    “Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s “”evolution”” points carefully…Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Technologies for People and Vehicles2022.

    Body framework of the Outlander PHEV with increased battery capacity and enhanced EV driving Body of the Outlander PHEV Door panels, etc.
    Mitsubishi Motors, which exhibited at the Automotive Engineering Exposition 2022, focused its technical exhibit on the new Outlander PHEV. Explanation staff were stationed to explain the various technologies, and a handset and tablet were set up in front of the poster display.

    By picking up the phone, visitors could connect with engineers and developers waiting in their offices and ask questions via videophone on their tablets. Suppliers are the stars of the show, and even OEMs do not have huge booths. Since this is a technical event, they can pinpoint their products and technologies. Conversely, it is difficult to have an exhaustive exhibition of many products and technologies and a large number of staff on hand to explain them.

    MMC’s remote staff may be a good idea, as they can communicate directly with engineers on site.

    The actual points of explanation are the evolved points of the Outlander PHEV’s predecessor and new model. The battery has been expanded from 300V 13.8kWh to 350V 20kW. The increase is approximately 44% more power. The increase in volume was made possible by changing the cells from square to thin laminated cells and widening the width of the pack shape from long to wide. The thickness of the pack itself was also reduced to 90mm.

    The battery temperature management system has also evolved. The previous generation was air-cooled by a fan, but the new system uses a heat sink cooled by a refrigerant. The elimination of the fan has also led to a larger pack size. The increased capacity of the temperature management system also further reduces battery deterioration due to charging and discharging.

    Along with the increased battery capacity, the control of the inverter and battery power management unit has also been changed. In order to increase fuel economy and cruising range, and to make driving smoother, the control system is designed to increase EV driving as much as possible.

    The electronically controlled S-AWC enables finer attitude control by expanding the EV driving range.

    “

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    Front strut tower bar Blitz for Rise & Rocky .

    “BLITZ Adds Front Strut Tower Bar for TOYOTA RISE/DAIHATSU ROCKY
    Tuning parts manufacturer BLITZ has added a model for the front of TOYOTA RISE/DAIHATSU ROCKY to its BLITZ STRUT TOWER BAR series currently on sale.

    Customized New Product Information May 26, 2022 (Thursday)
    BLITZ STRUT TOWER BAR for Front [96159
    BLITZ STRUT TOWER BAR (Strut Tower Bar) for Front [96159] For Toyota Rise Front Installation photo
    Tuning parts manufacturer BLITZ has added a new model to its “”BLITZ STRUT TOWER BAR”” series for the front of TOYOTA RIZE/DAIHATSU ROCKY.

    This product uses a 50mm wide, 15mm thick hollow structure aluminum shaft to achieve light weight and high rigidity. It improves the vehicle’s dynamic performance by reducing body distortion during cornering and braking and allowing the suspension to perform at its full potential.

    The shaft portion is blasted and then coated with a special black coating to achieve a textured look that is more resistant to scratches than normal black. In addition, the 50 mm wide shaft has a strong presence in the engine compartment. The shaft center section is laser-engraved with the BLITZ logo for durability and high quality feel.

    The bracket part is designed exclusively for each car model with BLITZ’s know-how to realize high strength. The red metallic paint contributes not only to the strength but also to dress up the engine compartment.

    It is also compatible with BLITZ’s electronically controlled coilover kit “”DAMPER ZZ-R SpecDSC PLUS”” to prevent interference with the motor, and can be installed at the same time.

    BLITZ STRUT TOWER BAR for front [96159
    Price: ¥17,050 (tax included)
    Applicable models: TOYOTA RISE (A210A 2019/11-), RISE HYBRID (A202A 2021/11-), DAIHATSU ROCKY (A201S 2021/11-)

    Inquiries: Blitz Support Center tel. 0422-60-2277 (10:00-17:00 Mon-Fri)”

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    Recall 52,000 units such as Subaru and Levorg … Risk of inability to start .

    “Subaru Recalls 52,000 Levorg and Other Models… May 26, 2022 (Thu) 16:15

    Subaru Levorg models subject to improvement
    On May 26, Subaru filed a recall (recall and free repair) of the Levorg and three other models with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism due to a defect in the EGR pressure sensor.

    The affected models are the Levorg, Forester, and Legacy, with 52,838 units manufactured between October 21, 2020 and April 6, 2022.

    The EGR pressure sensor installed in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system may not have sufficient resistance to exhaust gas.

    As a remedial measure, all vehicles will have the EGR pressure sensor replaced with a countermeasure and the control program of the engine control unit rewritten.

    The defects have been reported in 549 cases and no accidents have occurred. The recall was reported based on information from the market.

    “