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Toyota’s Alphard exceeds 20 million yen
Toyota’s “Alphard” exceeds 20 million yen! Why Japan’s ultra-luxury minivan is popular among the wealthy in Asia Cars are essential for life in Thailand Despite the impact of the new coronavirus, travel restrictions have been eased, making it easier to travel abroad. A 20 million yen ultra-luxury minivan! View images of the Toyota “Alphard” and Lexus “LM,” which are too luxurious . When you go abroad, you may see Japanese cars, and you will also have the opportunity to see many Japanese cars in Southeast Asia, a popular travel destination. Because of the presence of overseas production bases of domestic automakers in Asia and the lack of automakers of their own, many people there seem to be more involved with the manufacturers than in Japan.
Toyota “Alphard” is popular among Thailand’s wealthy. Thailand, in particular, continues to enjoy good relations with Japan as a pro-Japanese country, and many Japanese companies, including Japanese automakers, have been operating in the country for some time. The Toyota Alphard, a luxury minivan that is extremely popular in Japan, is said to be popular among the wealthy people of Thailand. We asked Mr. O, a man in his 40s who has been working for a Japanese human resource development company in the capital city of Bangkok for more than 10 years, about the car situation in Thailand. In Thailand, there is a railroad network called BTS in the center of the capital city, Bangkok, but the provinces are not equipped with a railroad system as a public transportation system. Therefore, most people use cars and motorcycles as their means of transportation. The reason why many people drive cars in Thailand is because of the high outside temperature. Thai people do not like to walk much and prefer to travel by air-conditioned car.
Car use is very popular in Thailand, but cars are extremely expensive. The reason for this is the high rate of import tariffs on cars. According to one theory, the tariff rate for new cars is said to be as high as 200%, and the same high rate is applied to used cars. In other words, the price of a new car in Japan is approximately three times the price of a used car in Thailand, which means that a used car priced at 1 million yen in Japan, for example, would cost more than 3 million yen in Thailand. Furthermore, used cars are classified as “”items requiring an import license,” which means that they are limited to individuals, government officials, or for the purpose of re-export. And while the Alphard is priced between 3,597,000 yen and 7,442,000 yen in Japan, in Thailand, the price of a high-end grade is a very premium 20 million yen or more. In Thailand, however, the higher grade is priced at a very premium 20 million yen or more. In Thailand, the gap between the rich and the poor is even greater than in Japan, but in the capital city of Bangkok, there are many people who are richer than in Japan, and it seems that these wealthy people are buying these cars as premium saloons.
There are also many Alphards imported for Japanese companies and corporations involved in trade with Japan” (Mr. O, Thai resident). In fact, you can see a surprisingly large number of Alphards on the streets of Bangkok. A Japanese company I know also owns an Alphard for corporate use (company car). It is mainly used for entertainment and transportation from the head office in Japan, but it seems to be used for daily transportation as well. After all, it is famous for its high status in Thailand. Toyota’s “Alphard” exceeds 20 million yen! Why Japan’s ultra-luxury minivan is popular among the wealthy in Asia Driving a Japanese car is a status We were able to talk to a local Alphard owner (Japanese). I am here in Bangkok on business, but I personally represent a company in Si Racha (a provincial city in the eastern province of Chonburi where many Japanese companies are located). I use Alphard for both public and private use.” He said that the high status of the Alphard was important to him as a reason for purchasing it. Furthermore, he says that the Alphard is appreciated not only by employees of the head office coming from Japan, but also as a transportation vehicle to carry people involved in business in Thailand. Toyota’s luxury minivan, the Alphard, on the streets of Thailand The roads in Thailand are wide and easy to drive on, but the road surfaces are quite bumpy. The Alphard is comfortable even on such rough roads, and the interior is luxurious, so Thai people are satisfied just by riding in the Alphard. In other words, the Alphard is useful as a proper business tool. In Thailand, many people consider it a status in itself to drive a reliable Japanese car, and the Alphard is said to be one of the top luxury cars among them.
It is said that the Alphard is one of the top class luxury cars in Thailand, just like the Mercedes-Benz “”S-Class”” that many rich Japanese people chose during the bubble era. Incidentally, in addition to the Alphard, there is also a larger but more affordable luxury minivan, the Majesty (5.88 to 7.57 million yen), which is also said to be popular. The super-luxury Alphard seems to be popular among some of the wealthy, but what other Japanese cars are popular? We asked Mr. O again. I also drive a Honda Civic, and it is very popular in Thailand. The reason is that it is sporty and has enough space for four doors and rear seats, so it can be used as a family car. Considering the traffic situation in Thailand, where people are constantly changing lanes, many people prefer to drive a sporty model that drives briskly. The sporty Suzuki Swift is popular even among compact cars. Toyota and Honda are popular, and Mazda, with its stylish design, has been gaining popularity recently. Toyota’s share of the market is particularly high, with most of the cabs in Bangkok running Camry models. Isuzu pickup trucks, which are not sold in Japan, are also popular, and Mitsubishi vehicles seem to be in reasonable demand.
Unveiling Toyota’s Luxurious New Alphard and Vellfire: 8-Year Renewal Ignites Excitement
Toyota has recently introduced the highly anticipated revamped versions of its popular luxury minivans, the Alphard and Vellfire. After nearly eight years, these two models have undergone a complete transformation, generating significant buzz among automotive enthusiasts. Initially announced in April 2019, the renewed Alphard and Vellfire have now hit the Japanese market, promising enhanced comfort and luxury. One key aspect that has captured attention is the rear seats, which have been meticulously designed to provide an exceptional experience for passengers. Let’s delve into the differences in comfort between these two remarkable vehicles.
Both the Alphard and Vellfire share the same interior design, inheriting the familiarity of their predecessors. In this comparison, we’ll focus on the top-of-the-line “Executive Lounge” variant of the new Alphard, which offers the highest level of rear seat comfort. Firstly, the most prominent difference lies in the seating arrangement. The new Alphard accommodates seven passengers across three rows, while the new LM opts for a two-row, four-passenger configuration, maximizing the ample interior space. Consequently, usability varies significantly between these two vehicles.
To create a limousine-like atmosphere, the new LM features a partition that separates the front and rear seats, accompanied by a spacious 48-inch wide display. Below the display, luxury amenities such as a refrigerator and integrated storage further enhance the personal space exclusively dedicated to rear-seat passengers. In contrast, the new Alphard lacks such a partition, which can make communication between the front and rear seats less convenient. This distinction highlights the divergent environments catered to families and business-oriented individuals.
Moving on to the rear seat features, the new LM introduces seat heaters for the armrests and ottomans, a first in the Lexus lineup. Utilizing two different types of shock-absorbing materials, the seats gently embrace and support occupants, ensuring comfort even when the vehicle is in motion. Additionally, a “thermal IR matrix sensor” installed at the upper part of the partition detects the temperature of the occupants and surroundings, enabling the air conditioning and seat heaters to adjust collectively for optimal comfort. The “rear climate concierge” function allows centralized control of air conditioning, seat position, sunshade, and 64-color indirect lighting illumination. With four preset modes and a customizable option, passengers can tailor their experience according to personal preferences. The rear multi-operation panels on the console armrest of the second seat facilitate separate operation of various functions, such as the multi-function seats, rear climate concierge, and audio, for the left and right seats.
Undoubtedly, the new LM offers an extensive range of comfort equipment, but the second row seats of the new Alphard are equally impressive. Exclusive to the highest-grade variant, the Executive Lounge Seat features premium nappa genuine leather upholstery with a luxurious texture. Equipped with a telescoping ottoman, a large armrest, and advanced seat heaters, these seats ensure a comfortable temperature throughout. Additional amenities such as the massage function, ventilation function, and rotating retractable table further enhance the overall luxurious experience. The design of the seats prioritizes both functionality and comfort, incorporating a tilt mechanism that optimizes posture and a power long slide mechanism that allows for adjustable slide speeds. Moreover, the ceiling above the seats houses a rear seat entertainment system featuring a 14-inch monitor, providing a first-class travel experience akin to an airplane’s premium seat.
The new LM, derived from “Luxury Mover,” was developed primarily as a chauffeur-driven vehicle, enabling passengers to relax in the backseat while leaving the driving to a chauffeur. On the other hand, the concept behind the new Alphard is “comfortable mobility happiness.” It caters to families, considering scenarios where parents need to transport babies or children in the rear seats. Although the new Alphard is also suitable for chauffeur-driven purposes, it boasts the highest-class hospitality functions, allowing passengers to enjoy a refreshing experience during their journeys. The structural differences between these vehicles are not solely based on these concepts but reflect their intended use cases.
Toyota’s latest launch of the new Alphard and Vellfire has introduced an array of enhancements, particularly in the realm of rear seat comfort. While the new LM stands out with its partitioned space, advanced features, and impeccable luxury, the second row seats of the new Alphard, especially in the Executive Lounge variant, rival the LM’s comfort and amenities. Both vehicles cater to distinct lifestyles and preferences, providing passengers with unparalleled experiences during their travels. Whether it’s the chauffeur-driven elegance of the LM or the family-oriented convenience of the Alphard, Toyota has undoubtedly prioritized passenger comfort and satisfaction in these remarkable minivans.
Toyota’s Town Ace Van Stuns with 5 Remarkable Transformations into an Overland Marvel at Tokyo Auto Salon 2024
ByPawaniAt the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024, held from January 12th to 14th, 2024, enthusiasts were treated to an array of custom vehicles ranging from sports cars to luxury minivans. However, stealing the spotlight amidst the lineup was Toyota’s unexpected entry – the “MOUNTAINACE OVERLAND STYLE,” a creation of the customization experts at Outclass. This commercial van turned SUV showcased a distinctive retro look and a plethora of innovative features that left attendees intrigued.
Outclass, renowned for their customization of Suzuki vehicles, diverted attention to the Toyota Town Ace Van with their creation, the “MOUNTAINACE OVERLAND STYLE.” This unique custom design boasted an impressive lift and overland style, setting it apart from the conventional commercial van crowd. The vehicle’s heightened stature, coupled with a large lift, caught the eye of visitors, signaling a shift toward a more adventurous and off-road-oriented aesthetic.
When it comes to outdoor adventures, ample storage space is crucial. Recognizing this, the MOUNTAINACE OVERLAND STYLE prioritizes large loading capacity, making it an ideal choice for those who find themselves carrying more luggage than anticipated during outdoor excursions. Additionally, the vehicle’s expansive interior, thanks to its one-box commercial van design, provides a comfortable and spacious environment for creating a relaxing space inside – perfect for camping or road trips.
The customization doesn’t stop there. Embracing the overland style, the MOUNTAINACE OVERLAND STYLE features a GIWORKS roof tent, facilitating the convenience of sleeping in the car during extended journeys. The classic design of “Crimson Cross Country” wheels and Maxxis “Buckshot” tires adds a touch of ruggedness, ensuring durability on rough terrains and highlighting the Town Ace 4WD’s high-performance capabilities.
Noteworthy changes to the front end give the MOUNTAINACE OVERLAND STYLE an atmosphere reminiscent of Ford’s Econoline commercial van, providing a unique blend of styles. The rear hatch door, designed to resemble a double door, and modified taillights contribute to an image that surprisingly resembles an American van, despite the significant difference in body sizes. The matte light blue body color, applied with Raptor Liner for scratch resistance, enhances the vehicle’s resilience for off-road adventures.
Outclass isn’t the only one exploring the customization potential of the Town Ace. The trend of modifying these commercial vans is steadily increasing, with the proposal of an American car-style appearance, lift-up features, and overland style potentially paving the way for a new era of Town Ace customs. The MOUNTAINACE OVERLAND STYLE stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of vehicle customization, offering a glimpse into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for enthusiasts seeking a unique and adventurous driving experience.
Nissan “Skyline RS Turbo” from the 80s!
Soaring Popularity of Old Japanese Cars! Even with a mileage of over 200,000km, it sold for 3.4 million yen! Sold in Australia for $3,400,000 for a Nissan “Skyline RS Turbo” from the 80s!
Superb R30 Skyline RS Turbo Western Police Spec!
Collecting Cars is an auction site of the same name run by its own company, and is an auctioneer of cars from all over the world, including Germany, Australia, and the UK.Still cool! View images of the R30 Nissan “”Skyline RS Turbo”” that sold .
In November 2022, a Nissan “”Skyline”” was put up for auction and sold for A$36,000 (about 3.4 million Japanese yen).
Nissan “”Skyline RS Turbo”” sold at auction
The Skyline auctioned this time is a 1983 “”Skyline 2-door Hardtop 2000 Turbo RS.
It is an RS series, the highest model of the 6th generation Skyline (R30) released in 1981, and is an early model “”Newman”” just before the minor change in 1983 when it was changed to the commonly known “”Iron Mask”” face.
The engine is a 2-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder “”FJ20ET”” turbo engine. The transmission is a 5-speed manual, but in addition, this unit has a new gearbox with cross-ratio gears and a NISMO shift knob.
The exterior color of the exhibited car is two-tone red and black, with a decal on the side that reads “”4VALVE DOHC RS-TURBO.
It has also been customized with 15-inch Work aluminum wheels and an external front spoiler reminiscent of the “”Machine RS-1,”” a special vehicle that appeared in the “”Seibu Keisatsu”” TV drama series that was broadcast in Japan when the car was new.
The interior is finished in the same red and black fabric as the exterior, and the red and black checkered floor mats are eye-catching. The instrument panel parts are in very good condition, and the manual window regulator, which is now a nostalgic feature, speaks to the car’s age.
The engine has been replaced with new rings, valves, and gaskets, and the air conditioning and fuel systems have been overhauled.
Also accompanying this exhibit is the owner’s manual, genuine leather DR30RS folder, and maintenance history.
The mileage is not low at 200,000 km, but the fact that the sale was concluded at the price of approximately 3.4 million yen (converted to Japanese yen) even with that much mileage shows the trust in Japanese cars at that time and the growing popularity of the Skyline overseas.
The auction area is Airport West in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
The auction site has 138 high-resolution images and videos of the car, which provide a very detailed view of the car.
The unit offered in this auction was sold on November 2, 2022 for A$36,000 (about 3.4 million Japanese yen).
The 6th generation Skyline RS was loved by many car enthusiasts, and we can confirm that several used cars have been sold in Japan.
Depending on the condition, the price is around 2.5 to 3 million yen, and if we take into account the fact that this unit was sold at an auction, the price is higher than in Japan.
Honda’s compact car the Fit is one of the company’s main models
Honda’s compact car, the Fit, is one of the company’s main models. Despite its small body, it has a spacious interior and a refined design, making it popular and even surpassing Toyota’s Corolla in annual sales in Japan in 2002. However, its popularity declined after the fourth generation was released in February 2020, and it disappeared from the top 5 sales ranking in September of that year. In contrast to Honda’s popular light passenger car, the N-BOX, the Fit received a minor change in October 2022, improving its safety features and exterior design. The Fit first appeared in 2001 as a next-generation basic car, achieving remarkable sales of 200,000 units in less than a year due to its new design, spacious interior, and fuel economy. The second generation was introduced in 2007 with a hybrid version.
Nissan’s flagship European SUV, “Qashqai” e-POWER … to be released in September
“Nissan’s mainstay SUV in Europe, the Qashqai, to be equipped with e-POWER…to be launched in September
1.5-liter turbocharged engine with variable compression ratio technology exclusively for power generationThree different driving modes can be switched
One pedal covers up to 90% of driving situations
Friday, July 1, 2022, 7:30 p.m.
The new Nissan Qashqai e-POWER The new Nissan Qashqai e-POWER The new e-POWER Nissan Qashqai The new e-POWER Nissan Qashqai
On June 27, Nissan’s European division announced that it will launch the new Nissan Qashqai with e-POWER in the European market in September. This will be the first e-POWER-equipped model in Europe.◆1.5-liter turbo engine with variable compression ratio technology exclusively for power generation
The conventional Qashqai is a remodeled version of the SUV that was once sold in Japan as the Duallis. Since the Dualis was integrated into the Extrail in the Japanese market, the Qashqai has not been introduced to the Japanese market since the previous model. The new Qashqai is Nissan’s main SUV in the European market.The new Qashqai will be the first in Europe to be equipped with e-POWER. e-POWER is characterized by the fact that the gasoline engine is used only for power generation, while the electric motor provides the drive. This means that the engine always operates within its optimum range, which is said to result in superior fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions compared to conventional internal combustion engines.
In the case of the new Qashqai, the e-POWER system’s motor produces a maximum output of 190 hp and maximum torque of 33.6 kgm. The 1.5-liter inline 3-cylinder gasoline turbocharged engine, which is dedicated to power generation, features variable compression ratio technology (compression ratio range of 8:1 to 14:1) and delivers maximum output of 156 hp and maximum torque of 25.5 kgm. e-POWER system includes a gasoline engine, generator, inverter, and electric motor in one unit. and electric motor are designed as an integrated unit. No recharging is required. The European combined mode fuel consumption is 18.9km/liter and CO2 emissions are 119g/km (both in WLTP cycle).
Three modes of operation can be switched
The new Nissan Qashqai e-POWER has three driving modes: Standard, Sport, and Eco. Standard produces excellent acceleration, and the regenerative braking works like the engine braking of a conventional gasoline vehicle. In Sport mode, the engine spends less time idle, enhancing acceleration response. In Eco mode, battery management is optimized to conserve fuel by coasting during low-load driving, such as on highways.In all modes, “”B mode”” can be selected. This increases the amount of energy recovered when the accelerator pedal is off, allowing the driver to efficiently decelerate without using the brake pedal.
The new Qashqai with e-POWER boasts that it not only accelerates faster than rival hybrids, but also at lower engine speeds. The system is said to operate as quietly as a full EV, with an emphasis on linking engine speed to engine rpm, resulting in a high level of quietness even during acceleration.
◆One pedal covers up to 90% of the driving scene
Like the EV LEAF, the new Qashqai with e-POWER enables “”one-pedal”” driving, called “”e-Pedal”” mode. The driver can start, accelerate, and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal. The system is said to be capable of covering up to 90% of driving situations.In urban driving conditions where stop-and-go driving is common, the e-pedal mode provides up to 0.2G of deceleration G when the driver takes his/her foot off the accelerator pedal. The need to switch between gas pedal and brake pedals is significantly reduced, making driving easier and more relaxing, according to the company.
When parking, the e-pedal is optimized to provide a creep phenomenon, which requires the use of the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a stop. On winding roads, the system reduces the chance of braking while cornering. Drivers can monitor the e-POWER’s energy flow and check the system’s status on a 12-inch TFT meter on the dashboard, according to the company.”