Ford just released the 2013 Fusion NASCAR racer today, and at the other end of the racing spectrum is Nissan with the Nismo GT-R GT3. In addition to being a video game favorite, the GT-R has a history in motorsports.

There has been a few different versions of the car tailored for different racing series around the world. Japan has a racing series called Super GT that the car competes in. Worldwide, there is the FIA World Championship which we all know of. These series are manufacturer-sponsored and they feature modified vehicles that aren’t available to the public. Until now that is. Private teams and track-day racers, you have your car. Just be prepared to shell out some serious dough.

The Nissan Nismo GT-R GT3 (what a name!) was developed by Nismo (hence the name) and JR Motorsports, who runs Nissan’s program in GT1. The Nismo GT-R is developed to meet GT3 specifications. Under the hood is the production car’s twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter six-cylinder, making 523 horsepower. That is down slightly on the 2012 production model’s 530 hp. The real changes don’t have anything to do with the power train though. Visually the aerodynamics package is the most noticeable – such as that protruding font splitter. Added scoops, vents flares and the like are all designed specifically to help aid downforce.

The huge rear wing also reminds us a bit of the outrageous ones we see thrown on little Hondas and Nissans. This one actually has purpose though! Weight on the Nismo GT-R is is down significantly, to just 2,866 pounds. That is a huge figure, and responsible for the much better figures this car will post. By comparison, the production GT-R weighs in at 3829 pounds. The interior has been entirely decontented, with a roll-cage, racing seats, harnesses and the like taking the place of convenience items. An adjustable suspension and extra ventilation round out race-ready changes. Remember what we said about serious dough? The Nismo GT-R GT3 will set you back about $390,000 dollars at current exchange rates.

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These days, crossovers outnumber true sport-utility vehicles by a significant margin. Body-on-frame names like the Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango and the upcoming Nissan Pathfinder have switched over to unibody platforms. Chevrolet also ditched the Colorado-based Trailblazer a few years ago. Crossovers are referred to as SUVs now, but their capabilities are very different despite outward appearances.

No doubt, the class of mid-size BOFs SUVs is a dying breed. Most soccer moms never touched any of the capabilities these trucks offered. Some buyers really have a need for this type of a vehicle though. As such, it makes a lot more sense to make a model tailored to the needs of these buyers. At Nissan that is exactly what its happening, with the BOF Xterra set to remain in the lineup.

The Xterra is currently based on the Frontier truck platform. We’ll be honest, we totally forgot about the Frontier. It such a nonentity in the truck market; its clear it needs some investment in order to be more of a player. Even though they haven’t met much success, Nissan appears to be in the truck market to stay.

Car and Driver says the Frontier/Xterra arrangement will continue, as Nissan seeks a rounded, well-differentiated lineup. The current Xterra offers excellent off-roading ability and that is its biggest attraction. The downside with BOF is reduced refinement, but we’d wager most Xterra buyers don’t care.

The Xterra could be made a lot more exciting to look at though and we could see a high-performance off-road iteration generating a bit of excitement. For the foreseeable future, the Toyota 4Runner should be the Xterra’s main competition. In Thailand, General Motors has relaunched the Chevrolet Trailblazer, but it hasn’t been confirmed for sale in the United States. For now the remaining players have it easy; there isn’t much competition for a mid-size SUV in this category.

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After the magnificent display that was the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, I wrote an article on the notion that the California coast was the place automakers preferred to display their latest creations and concepts. Wondering if the 2012 auto show in Detroit would be have the same amount of enthusiasm, the sensory overload-inducing debuts set to occur at this week’s opening of the North American International Auto Show leads me to concludes thoughts of the Motor City becoming less of an industry focal point seems a waste of mental energy. The biggest auto manufacturers of the United States, Japan, Europe and even India are expected to provide an automotive delight.

Ahead of major auto shows, the marketing departments of carmakers are challenged to entice interest in a vehicle debut without giving too much away from the physical spectacle. Leading into the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, various tactics are being rolled out by auto brands. Whether they want to unveil the entire full image of the vehicle or a mere teaser photo, the auto companies are careful in their attempts to grab the attention of media and the overall car-adoring public.

For the 2012 edition of the North American International Auto Show, the following is a few of the production-based 2013 model year vehicles making a world debut:

Toyota Prius c

The smallest member of the now established Prius hybrid family, Toyota plans to capitalize on the high efficiency small car market with what will become North America’s first subcompact gasoline-electric vehicle. Roughly 5 inches longer than the 2012 Yaris, the Toyota Prius c liftback body style is a careful execution of small car values with high technology.

Beyond the Toyota Synergy Drive powertrain technology, the interior of the Prius c will incorporate an array of infotainment solutions thoughtful to the youth market the Japanese-based automaker wants to attract. With Bluetooth standard, optional equipment to be offered on the Toyota Prius c includes Toyota Entune multimedia system. Through Toyota Entune, occupants of the Prius c are given access to traffic and weather updates as well as Pandora Internet radio.

Two vital unknowns remain with the pending introduction at the 2012 auto show. Firstly, what will be the fuel economy expectations from the Toyota Prius c hybrid powertrain? Toyota has indicated a city range of more than 50 miles per gallon is estimated for the smallest Prius. Secondly, when the Prius c reaches showrooms, what can the younger generation of Toyota buyers expect to buy for the subcompact? If placed around the $20,000 range (in between the Yaris and common Prius hybrid), the Toyota Prius c could be a major spoiler to the eco-car marketplace.

Cadillac ATS

No longer the 1950s and 1960s when Cadillac’s hulking convertibles defined American luxury, it’s become the objective of the division in the 21st century to redefine its image among the top premium cars. While not hitting a home run with every new product, Cadillac has cemented a reputation for featuring solid luxury and effective technology on smaller vehicles. Applying their lessons to what will be their smallest production vehicle since the disastrous Cimarron of the 1980s, the 2013 Cadillac ATS will be the General Motors division latest test in the modern luxury car marketplace.

The Cadillac ATS has expected to be the most vibrant display of compact vehicle refinement of their new car line-up at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Through the teaser image, we can expect to see the 2013 Cadillac ATS to resemble its bigger brother CTS sedan. One of the more compelling characteristics of the compact car is the use of an all-new rear wheel drive platform. Specifically aiming at the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C Class, the Cadillac ATS sedan will have a strong assortment of engine power to support what should be a fierce luxury car battle. To offer three powerplant choices, the 2013 ATS will offer a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine, the 3.6 liter V-6 already found on Cadillac products and a new 270-horsepower, turbocharged 2-liter engine to debut in the vehicle.

The 2013 Cadillac ATS will also feature available Magnetic Ride Control suspension and the brand’s latest CUE in-car infotainment system.

Ford Fusion

The third-highest selling vehicle in the Ford Motor Company behind the Ford F-150 and the Ford Escape, the Fusion exists in the narrow but important market segment of mid-sized family sedans.

Kept under a great deal of secrecy by the auto company, there has not even been as much as a teaser shot ushered out for the 2013 Ford Fusion. Unsure of how radical or tame the 2013 Fusion styling will be on the four-door sedan, observers at the unveiling should expect Ford to advertise the new vehicle’s improved fuel economy and technology. Judging from the discontinuation of the Escape hybrid with the 2013 model year vehicle, a hybrid version of the new Ford Fusion might not be a guarantee. What should be certain with the 2013 Fusion’s powertrain is the inclusion of an EcoBoost engine (likely the 2-liter, four-cylinder powerplant). Based on the competition in the vehicle category, expect the all-wheel drive option to return as a substitute to standard front-wheel power. New technology expected on the upcoming Ford Fusion’s interior is an available Lane Keeping System and the revised version of MyFord Touch.

Ahead of the 2012 North American International Auto Show debut, Ford provided potential customers a chance to interact with the 2013 model year sedan through a unique mobile app. Available free for Apple iPhone and Android devices at fordfusionapp.com, the app supplies an experience with 19 unlockable driving courses through augmented reality. When the 2013 Ford Fusion is presented on January 10^th, users of the Ford Fusion mobile app will be able to witness full images of the new car.

Dodge Dart

With close automobile rivals Chevrolet and Ford staking claims to the subcompact car category, Chrysler Corporation’s Dodge division stood on the sidelines unable to compete. Though many automotive photographers were able to snap spy shots of a proposed small car based on the Dodge Hornet concept for years, corporate restructuring of the auto company has tightened resources for new car debuts. Reactivating a long-running Dodge nameplate, the Chrysler Group’s subcompact 2013 Dart will be targeting the growing entry-level car segment.

Teasing automotive enthusiasts with the same successful spoon-feeding of images that welcomed the 2011 Dodge Durango’s return, only a front corner and interior panel shot defines the 2013 Dodge Dart leading into this year‘s North American International Auto Show. The first all-new product created for the North American market by Chrysler through its 2009 collaboration with Fiat Group, the 2013 Dodge Dart rests on the same compact platform as the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. While the Giulietta is a hatchback, the 2013 Dodge Dart making its debut in Detroit will be a more Americanized four-door sedan shape. Conforming to the Dodge brand identity, the Dart will be aggressively styled with touches found on the new Dodge Charger. Mechanicals for the 2013 Dodge Dart is likely to include a 1.4 liter and 2-liter engine with an available 9-speed automatic transmission.

The smallest vehicle in a brand line-up, the 2013 Dodge Dart will perhaps face the fiercest fight in the modern car industry. Ford Fiesta, Chevy Sonic, Hyundai Accent and Toyota Yaris have either new or redesigned products each providing competitive powertrains, standard equipment and fuel economy.

Nissan Pathfinder Concept

Nissan’s most enduring SUV (sport utility vehicle) brand, the Pathfinder lived up to its name since debuting in 1986. In constant production since introduction, the Nissan Pathfinder’s ability to connect with the North American consumer led the Japan-derived brand to share the Pathfinder name briefly with the large Amanda SUV. Rolling out at the 2012 North American International Auto Show as a concept vehicle, the exterior design for Nissan’s latest generation of the Pathfinder should remain close to the production model set for release later this year.

A four-wheel drive set to offer seating for seven passengers, the Nissan Pathfinder Concept will feature a refreshed exterior design. A more aerodynamic look than the predecessor model, the teaser photo of the Pathfinder Concept unveils a roof similar to the Nissan Quest minivan and body panels featuring aggressive flaring like the Juke. Buyers of the next generation Nissan Pathfinder should feel confident that the powerplant options should consist of the VQ series six-cylinder and the VK series eight-cylinder engine.

Users of Facebook will be some of the first observers to see the Nissan Pathfinder Concept. After 8:30am on Monday, Facebook users who log into the Nissan page will be able to view the new vehicle after clicking on the “Pathfinder Reveal” tab.

Information and photo source: Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Nissan Americas, Toyota Motor Corporation

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An Observation for Japanese abundant drive in design and innovation creativity, the Tokyo Motor Show has been a location symbolizing forward thinking. The Tokyo Motor Show has served as a unique showcase of cars, trucks and motorcycles depicting bold ideas along with the occasional bizarre attraction. Giving consumers a peek at new arrivals for dealerships, the 2011 show is presenting the world a look at new production vehicles such as Toyota GT-86, Subaru BRZ and Mazda’s car displaying I-ELOOP hybrid technology. Cars like Volkswagen’s Cross Coupe Concept and the most extreme design study of the year, the Toyota Fun-Vii provides a strong statement to a wide-open vision for global motoring. Presenting the future of motoring, the 2011 edition auto exhibition at Tokyo’s Big Sight venue serves importantly in the recuperation during a difficult present.

Held first in 1954, the Tokyo Motor Show was held to highlight the products created by a people recovering from their imperialistic errors of the 1930s that ultimately led to direct combat with the United States during World War Two. Demonstrating modest and utilitarian vehicles for an new, evolving culture, the Tokyo Motor Show beginnings would see Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi (a diverse corporation that debuted their very first vehicle at the 1959 event) gain steps into the Japanese marketplace. As Japanese auto brands became increasingly more global, the Tokyo Motor Show grew into a spotlight event for the car business when European and even American manufacturers fought for exhibition space. The precursor vehicle to the Audi R8 (the Avus concept sports car) was a significant world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1991. In recent years, the Honda FCX and the Nissan GT-R were some of the high-profile production cars the Japanese exhibition brought to light.

As automotive entities arrived at the Tokyo Big Sight venue for the 2011 exhibit, this show staging came just short of nine months after Japan’s worst environmental disaster. On March 11, a 9.0 magnitude underwater earthquake shook the Asian country violently. The Earthquake spawned an equally as destructive tsunami that ultimately led to the lives of almost 16,000 people being lost (including an employee at the Honda R&D Center in Tochigi). Placing second below the human loss of Japan’s worst natural event, a country’s massive industrial complex was brought to a halt due to damage and power interruptions.

The Japanese auto industry shutdown not only slowed productivity on the Asian island but surged worldwide as vital vehicles and parts were unable to flow out of the country for almost a month. Possessing large North American assembly capacity, American and Canadian workers at Honda as well as Nissan plants operated under reduced capacity for months following the disaster. For Honda, it wasn’t until August when Honda’s supply to North American plants for the Civic and Accord returned to full capacity. Toyota, Subaru, Suzuki, Mazda and Mitsubishi also suffered global productivity setbacks throughout 2011 year.

Nearly nine months since the disaster, Japanese auto companies have returned to full operations for the most part but continued to haunted by sales sheet declines through 2011. With production hindrances more than likely playing a role, many of the leading Japanese automakers are heading into the end of the year posting regional and even global losses. Toyota has recorded a 7.5 percent decline in United States vehicle sales in 2011 compared to previous year. In the 11 months of this year, the top Japanese automaker’s Lexus division (consisting largely of cars built in Japan) holds a 14.2 percent drop over 2010. Honda’s tightened supply through much of this year has also been a contributing factor to a 5.5 percent drop in American sales for the 11 months of 2011. Mitsubishi Motors production for the first six months within the country of Japan fell by 12.6 percent. One of the few bright notes was Nissan that actually bettered Japan corporate rivals by increasing global sales by 18.8 percent for 2011. Nissan’s success could be owed to sizeable amounts of part and vehicle sources outside of Japan. However, the electric Nissan Leaf’s production in Japan slowed the distribution of the very hot new vehicle.

While Japanese auto companies returned to normality over the summer of 2011 in the production of vehicles, the effects of the earthquake and tsunami left these companies in-line with their national community. Five of the major Japanese auto manufacturers immediately donated the equivalent of over 13 million dollars US of aid on top of other provisions including blankets, generators and forklifts. Showing unity, autoworkers and other individuals of regions outside of Japan were also generous to their colleagues. American Honda Motor Company and the Red Cross teamed up to raise money to help aid the Japanese people. For days following the earthquake, Nissan provided their headquarters in Yokohama City as a temporary shelter. A wonderful scene of humanity overcoming the typical coldness of corporation allowed the first steps following this natural disaster aftermath to be made for all Japanese citizens still dealing with hurt.

A much-needed public celebration of engineering marvels, Japanese auto companies are seeking a lot of support from the biennially scheduled world-class event. Similar to the auto shows proceeding after the government-assisted bailouts of General Motors and Chrysler little more than a year ago, the Tokyo Motor Show for 2011 is something more than a display of cars, trucks or motorcycles. The auto companies of Japan are the compilation of people who have committed themselves to move forward. Without forgetting the past, the present and future seeks to carry on an overall spirit of progressive innovation. The attending crowd for the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show have witnessed first-hand the resilience of an auto market seeing the optimism with every vehicle presentation. Unlike several North American auto shows in Chicago and Los Angeles that remain secretive on actual event attendance, the 2011 Tokyo grandly announces the daily count at the turnstiles. After 8 days of public exhibition, the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show has entertained 513,200 admirers of the transportation culture.

Enduring from what has been a year of struggles, the auto manufacturers of Japan are positioning themselves to overcome hard times with a driven intention.

Information source: American Honda Motor Company, Nissan Americas, Tokyo Motor Show
Photo source: Unnamed photographers via Newspress UK

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As convertible weather gives way to snow tires in most part of the United States and Canada, the chances dwindle for seeing the newest cars in pristine condition. For reason of controlled environmental factors and the ability to better lure cold-snapped car enthusiasts, the indoor auto show season becomes a regular cure to the blahs that kick in during late fall.

From the late 1980s through to the beginning of the 2000s, the North American International Auto Show existed as the grand showcase for the United States automobile market. Mainly a showcase for General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler in their figurative backyard, strength of those companies magnetically drew Japanese as well as European manufacturers to the Detroit show.

At the same time as Detroit’s reign as an uncontested mega show, planners behind the Los Angeles Auto Show scheduled the exhibition a week ahead of the North American International Auto Show. This scheduling created a logistical nightmare for auto companies (in particularly the Detroit 3). Levelled with more criticism than Michael Bay from hardcore Transformers Generation 1 fans following the live-action trilogy adaptation, the Los Angeles Auto Show organizers finally bowed to pressure to reschedule their event in 2006. Instead of being the earliest North American major automobile exhibit on the yearly calendar, the Los Angeles Auto Show was moved to one of the latest in the year.

Following the weakened grip the Detroit auto manufacturers on the industry and the increased global focus in general, the Detroit North American International Auto Show is perceived to have lost some of its glamour. Adding the increased allure of an auto show in a generally warmer climate, the Los Angeles Auto Show has connected well in the car-centric California city. Some observers have also questioned lately if the LA car show could be overshadowing the Detroit display.

A question that must be asked when comparing the exhibit in Los Angeles and Detroit, is there a superior auto show?

Size of Exhibition

Both the North American International Auto Show and the Los Angeles Auto Show provides a chance for any visitor to lose themselves in the best of modern automotive culture. With the Detroit show housed in the Cobo Center next door to the Red Wing hockey team’s Joe Louis Arena, exhibition floor space is rated at 623,500 square feet. The Los Angeles Convention Center has 720,000 square feet of advertised space. Both auto shows boast additional floor space with some estimates quoting for the North American International Auto Show as utilizing almost a million square feet of room.

The past two edition of these annual auto shows were not dictated by the size of the convention centers. Since 2009, the auto industry presence at major auto shows is beginning to recuperate from the economic damage. While many had downsized their presentations, other automakers chose not to display at either the Los Angeles or Detroit shows. The biggest drop in auto brand participation at the 2009 North American International Auto Show involved luxury brands like Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Porsche deciding to sit out Detroit. Nissan and Mitsubishi had also been no-shows at the North American International Auto Show as a corporate entity. However, while some companies like Ferrari chose not to appear at Los Angeles as well, Porsche and Rolls-Royce found the auto show hosted inside the largest prestige car market of the United States impossible to miss.

Japanese brand Nissan was absent from the North American International Auto Show in 2010 and 2011 pledging to return for the upcoming 2012 edition.

Show Prices:

For both auto shows, general adult admission is $12 at the gate. For the 2011 edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show, individuals over 65 of age are given $8 show entrance while children under 12 are admitted free with an adult. From November 18 through to Thanksgiving Day, there is a $2 discount if entrants use the E-Ticket system to purchase show admission. The North American International Auto Show’s pricing scheme offers adults over 65 years with $6 admission while free admission for children only covers up to 6 years of age (7-12 year old children are admitted at $6).

In regards to any auto shows, local residents should scan regional newspapers and deal sites for coupons or discount offers on general admission.

Quality of Vehicles at Show:

The North American International Auto Show long had the ability to produce an impressive amount of global and United States automotive lovers with the first peak at the latest showroom vehicles. In the past edition of the Detroit-based auto show, the passion returned with 35 world car premieres bringing allure to the Motor City.

In recent editions of the Los Angeles Auto Show, new car debuts for the North American and world public has become more common. The debut of over 50 vehicles is taking place at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. During the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, 21 world automotive debuts included the first presentation of the 2013 Ford Escape, 2013 Ford Shelby GT500, and the all-new Cadillac XTS.

With announcement still pending for the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, an early world premiere confirmation came from Toyota. The newest member of their hybrid gasoline/electric family, the Toyota Prius c, will work on outshining the domestic auto companies in their hometown. Detroit still remains a leading show for automotive design concepts. In 2011, an unfinished mock-up of the ninth-generation Honda Civic, Kia KV7, GMC Sierra All Terrain and the Ford Vertrek gave visitors of the North American International Auto Show is look into the future.

Event Attendance:

Thanks to a bullish auto industry recovery after the near ruins of 2008 and early 2009, auto show attendance in general has surged. With nine public days planned for the 2012 Detroit North American International Auto Show, the Los Angeles allows visitors an extra day. Through the 2011 edition of the North American International Auto Show, the organizers announced 735,370 spectators attended the exhibition. The Los Angeles Auto Show is more secretive on the event attendance at the past event (in 2010) but some estimates put visitor total at 900,000 people.

Los Angeles benefits include being held in one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the United States. The car culture of California is also a major draw pulling audiences to the Los Angeles Auto Show every year. Prestige auto brands like BMW, Porsche and Infiniti recognize how important it is for their niche products to appeal in a land where personal fashion

The North American International Auto Show could also benefit as a spectator draw to hockey fans through the course of the exhibition. For 2012, there will be three Detroit Red Wings home games at Joe Louis Arena coinciding on public exhibition days in the nearby Cobo Center. One scheduled event has the Red Wings hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets on a Saturday possibility presenting the perfect opportunity for families to make a full afternoon with hockey and automobiles.

The Conclusion:

I know the point of this article is to obtain an answer to determining the most superior auto show but there are some serious obstacles preventing me from making such a subjective call. Besides the competitive attributes both the North American International Auto Show and the Los Angeles Auto Show had through the categories, the car lover inside of me would happily attend any true celebration of automotive passion. For readers and auto show goers, the decision is left in your hands on where your motoring spirit is fostered.

Information source: Los Angeles Auto Show, North American International Auto Show
Photo source: Ford Motor Company, General Motors

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A reality for too many motorists, the necessity of automotive ownership has becoming a crunch time in the pocketbook. With near zero flexibility related pricing for a gallon of gasoline, the need achieve tangible savings through daily driving has resulted in cost savings to be found in other areas.

For some, taking the time to compare auto insurance rates could be a short-term savings on operating a motor vehicle. A longer-term solution for new car buyers is to buy a more efficient car. Thanks to an American auto industry that has been brought to realize the presence of high quality, smaller vehicles on United States roadways, a selection of fuel-efficient subcompact cars offers a fresh line of choices for the 2012 model year.

Ford Fiesta

While introduced to the North American marketplace last year, the Ford Fiesta is strangely one of the older designs in the United States’ B-segment class. By no means outdated, a Fiesta was instantly propelled as a youthful vehicle offered as either a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback. Having sold over 84,000 Ford Fiesta models since the subcompact went on sale summer of 2010, the Ford Motor Company realized a great deal of Americans were ready for 33 mile per gallon average fuel economy. Another aspect Ford recognized when selling the Fiesta was the inclusion of some high-class options. With as many of 80 percent of Fiestas fitted with Ford SYNC, over 50 percent of cars sold up to the end of September 2010 were equipped with leather seating and heated seats.

For those fearful that a small car does not offer the accident survivability of the favoured sport utility or crossover vehicles, drivers and passengers of the Ford Fiesta were immediately comforted with a Top Safety Pick rating following Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing.

Chevrolet Sonic

More than just a mere replacement to the Daewoo-based Aveo, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is a reinvention of the General Motors subcompact car for the North American market. Finally creating a chic, sporty and refined entry-level product, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is the first bowtie-wearing subcompact since the discontinuation Chevette to be manufactured in the United States.

The Sonic is far from being a performance car but minor touches enables economy car buyers to perceive sense of raciness similar to that included on the Camaro and Corvette. Powered by a 135 horsepower, Ecotec 1.8 and a 138 horsepower, turbocharged 1.4 liter engine, up to 40 miles per gallon highway fuel economy is capable from the peppy powerplants. Exterior design of the four-door sedan as well as five-door hatchback versions of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic project a great deal of character. Wheels up to 17 inches in diameter can be ordered on the 2012 Sonic and Chevrolet’s Z Spec products allow the subcompact car to reach considerable factory tuner heights. Behind the wheel of every 2012 Sonic, a compact motorcycle-inspired instrument panel is both stylish and user-friendly.

Toyota Yaris

Receiving a much-needed modernization, the Toyota Yaris enters 2012 a refreshed subcompact vehicle. One of the few B-segment vehicles available with a three-door to differentiate itself from competitors, a five-door model is also part of the 2012 Toyota Yaris line-up. Reasoning through research that 70 percent of customers would prefer a hatchback, the 2012 Yaris five-door model features 68 percent more cargo room EPA-rated 15.6 cubic feet. A highly practical design, the 106 horsepower, 1.5 liter four-cylinder powerplant delivers highway fuel economy up to 38 miles per gallon mated with the 5-speed manual.

The 2012 Toyota Yaris arrives to showrooms with a sizable and attractive standard features range. Nine airbags are included with Toyota‘s Star Safety System along with air conditioning, electric power steering and power door locks are found on all 2012 Yaris models. For a little economy car fun, the 2012 Toyota Yaris SE enhances the exterior with 16-inch alloy wheels, integrated fog lights and a rear spoiler. Leather-trimmed steering wheel and special sport seating are included inside of the 2012 Yaris SE model.

Kia Rio

Debuting as a sketch during the start of the new year, the up-and-coming Kia Motors exhibited a greater sense of style for their value-leading Rio. Considered a convenient vehicle package for fuel-efficient travel, the 2012 Kia Rio adds additional technology to further maximize each gallon of gasoline. The 2012 Rio will be the first North American B-segment vehicle to feature Idle Stop and Go technology configured to place the engine on a stand-by mode automatically when the vehicle is not in motion. The 2012 Kia Rio’s completely revised 1.6 liter inline-four powerplant (producing 138 horsepower) adds gasoline direct injection. Despite higher horsepower, improved engine technology and 6-speed manual or automatic transmission choices allows the 2012 model year Kia Rio to travel an estimated 35 miles per gallon average (about 3-4 miles per gallon further than the 2011 car).

In keeping with Kia’s bang for the buck reputation, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel as well as a full array of safety equipment including four-wheel disc brakes and six airbags are standard for every 2012 Kia Rio model. For the top-tiered 2012 Rio SX model at $17,500 MSRP, a rich set of standard features includes 17-inch wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, power-folding outer mirrors and Kia’s UVO in-vehicle infotainment system.

Nissan Versa

A lighter, restyled vehicle for 2012, the new sedan and hatchback versions of the Nissan Versa presents greater cargo as well as interior space over its predecessor. For the Nissan Versa Sedan an additional cubic-foot of trunk space brings storage to 14.8 cubic-feet total. Like or hate the Continuously Variable Transmission, Nissan has proceeded to revise their Xtronic CVT on the new Versa. Delivering the maximum fuel economy for the 2012 Nissan Versa, the Xtronic CVT combined with the new 1.6 liter, 109-horsepower engine produces a 33 miles per gallon through combined city and highway driving. A 5-speed manual is standard on the lower cost model priced at a very thrifty $10,900. Among an attractive set of convenience features inside of the 2012 Versa is Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System as well as a 5-inch touch-screen display offered with XM Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic.

Prior to Mercedes-Benz’s announcement for taking over the North American distribution of the Smart car brand from the Penske Automotive Group, plans had a Versa-based five-door on the drawing boards.

Information and photo source: Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Kia Motors, Nissan North America, Toyota Motor Corporation

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For almost 100 years of automotive development, the most accepted notion for improving vehicle horsepower was to build a big engine. As many auto enthusiasts know, stricter fuel economy standards and vehicle downsizing have required 21st century auto manufacturers to find equal or more horsepower in a small engine. Turning otherwise underused exhaust air into improved engine efficiency, the turbocharger has ventured from high-performance vehicles into the general vehicle marketplace.

Ford Motor Company’s popular EcoBoost engine, the TDI powerplant produced for Volkswagen and Audi vehicles, as well as the most popular Porsche performers are members of the modern turbocharger revolution. In recent update of the BMW M5, the German auto company downsized their V-10 engine in favour of a twin-turbocharged V-8 powerplant. The result for the 2012 BMW M5 was more than 560 horsepower (60 horsepower extra than the previous engine) but capable of running roughly 4 miles further per gallon in average driving. As the turbocharged engined 2012 model year vehicles are being sold with great enthusiasm, the forced air induction technology marks a 50-year trip since entering into production automobiles.

When pondering the first auto manufacturer to install a factory turbocharger, today’s assumptions would make us believe a Japanese or European company that found promise in the engine component. In fact, the first major factory application of a turbocharger on a gasoline engine was found on the American made Oldsmobile F-85 Jetfire and Chevrolet Corvair in 1962.

Called the Turbo Rocket powerplant, the aluminum V-8 produced an additional 60 horsepower over the conventional 215 cubic inch (3.5 liter) engine. Producing 215 horsepower, the Oldsmobile F-85 Jetfire became a late member of the ‘one horsepower per cubic inch’ fraternity in the American auto industry. Unusual for the era, the early exercise with turbochargers saw Oldsmobile engineers add a rather unorthodox cylinder treatment procedure. Added to the air/fuel mixture, distilled water and methyl alcohol was injected into the 215 cubic-inch turbocharged engine’s combustion chambers to help maintain a proper operating temperature. Debuting in mid-1962, the Oldsmobile F-85 Jetfire with the turbocharged engine would only last through 1963 over 8,500 examples created.

General Motors also tried turbochargers on non-eight cylinder engines by adding the units to the Chevrolet Corvair. Debuting 1962 on the Corvair Monza model, the engine produced 150 horsepower. Ford 1965 and 1966, an improved turbocharged version of the embattled rear-engined Chevrolet Corvair was made available with the flat-6 powerplant. Obtaining 180 horsepower from a 164 cubic inch engine, the efforts to promote turbochargers in smaller vehicles was defeated by the bad publicity brought against the Corvair.

As the muscle car era had American automobile buyers craving big V-8 engines, General Motors declared an unofficial moratorium on turbocharger units. Even as the oil crisis caused auto manufactured to think of downsized vehicles in the late 1970s, the technical advantage of turbochargers was rarely brought to production. During the same time, he world have become wise to turbocharging with Porsche and BMW selling their first models using the forced-air induction system. Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot also made the first turbodiesel passenger cars available to the European public in the late 1970s.

By the start of the 1980s, Japanese auto companies realized turbocharging as a way to pick up power from their smaller engines. The Toyota Supra, Mitsubishi Lancer and Nissan 280ZX stormed the North American market as performance driving entered an era of higher fuel prices. Coinciding with the widespread adaptation of fuel injection, turbochargers came a new statement for high technology in automobiles. Rushing back into the turbocharger game, American auto companies adopted turbocharged engines as a performance enhancement around the horsepower lost to choking emission control hardware. Added to the Pontiac Firebird and the Chrysler K-Cars, Buick made a name for itself with special version of the two-door Regal. In 1987, the Buick GNX powered by a turbocharged, 231 cubic-inch V-6 was recognized as the fastest accelerating production car built in the United States.

Through the 1980s and 1990s, the turbocharger became more noted for reaching the plateaus of high-performance. Limited to cost as well as the increased complexity, turbocharger units were also held back by a mechanical performance delay called turbo lag. Eventually, auto engineers discovered the use of twin turbochargers could overcome the compromise of where optimal turbo power would be delivered. Most recent development was the variable geometry turbocharger that adjusts the profile of the impeller for any speed.

With technology evolved and perfected, turbochargers have struck the mainstream market on new vehicles such as the Chevrolet Cruze, Kia Optima as well as the Ford F-150 pickup. 50 years since General Motors installed the forced-air unit on a showroom-destined vehicle, the turbocharger is potentially the best known way to help obtain fuel efficiency while pleasing are need for performance motoring.

Information source: Cars of the Sizzling ‘60s, Nissan Americas, Porsche AG
Photo source: Chris Nagy, Nissan Americas

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For many vehicles and even entire automakers, the fleet business can be the difference between success or failure. The Checker Motor Corporation (founded as a supplier of a major taxicab corporation) is an example of a car builder benefiting from a strong commercial vehicle sales network. Finding enough business inside major American cities such as New York and Chicago to sustain fleet-only sales from the 1960s to Checker’s end in 1982. Fleet vehicles can also be valuable for building brand recognition for an automaker and trust with the marketplace.

A world where vehicle ownership consists of dozens, if not hundreds, of vehicles, fleet management companies is one of few important choices businesses and governments department must articulate. Require automobiles capable of serving high-mileage duties, durability, and an affordable cost of operation comes into a decision-making process that now pertains to a growing assortment of vehicles. For the 2012 model year, the next generation of fleet vehicles are truly ready to serve.

Chevrolet Captiva Sport

Basically an elongated Chevrolet Equinox, the Chevrolet Captiva Sport has been available several world markets outside of North America. For sale only through General Motors’ fleet outlets, the Captiva Sport offers 56.4 cubic feet of fully functional cargo room. Featuring direct-injection engines in four and six cylinder varieties, power as well as economy is well balanced. Capable yet economical, fleets will appreciate a full array of equipment on the Captiva Sport crossover vehicle. Air conditioning, General Motor’s StabiliTrak, 17-inch aluminum wheels and remote keyless entry is found on all Chevrolet Captiva Sport models as standard features. While the Captiva Sport is available as fleet vehicles, individual Chevrolet crossover vehicle buyers will have to settle on either the Equinox or Traverse.

Ram Cargo Van

Since Chrysler Group lost the Sprinter van when ties with Daimler-Benz were severed in 2007, plans for serving the commercial and fleet vehicle customers remained mostly focused on the truck business. Though Dodge presented a cargo van version of their minivan for past several years, the vehicle is now a member of the work-oriented Ram brand. Most distinguishing from the Dodge Caravan or the Chrysler Town & Country, the Ram Cargo Van features body colour paneling over much of the usual window space beyond the front passengers. Availing businesses up to 144.4 cubic feet of cargo room, the rear floor compartment is reinforced with structural aluminum. For this new 2012 model Cargo Van, Chrysler gave fleet and commercial customers the riches of the 3.6 liter Pentastar V-6 engine. Serving up 283 horsepower, the Ram Cargo Van accomplishes impressive performance with stunning 25 mile per gallon highway fuel economy.

Ford Interceptor

Constructed specifically law enforcement, the Ford Interceptor is the heir apparent to the trusty Ford Crown Victoria. The future of policing promotes many of the same standards and criteria set out in 21st century motoring. An improved aerodynamic shape, the Ford Interceptor preserves all the toughness needed for patrolling the streets. High-powered braking and heavy-duty cooling system that includes an enlarged radiator are found on the Interceptor. Powered by either normally aspirated or Ecoboost powerplant, the 3.5 liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine boasts pursuit power of a V-8 with 25 percent better efficiency. Despite the decreased cylinders, the Ford Interceptor is even more capable of pursuing lawbreakers with 365 horsepower sailing through a 6-speed SelectShift automatic and all-wheel drive.

Nissan NV

Ideally, a freight business could furnish themselves with large transport cube vans. However, the burdens of urban travel as well as the challenges interstate travel inconveniences such as IFTA taxes (an agreement between states and Canadian provinces on fuel taxing) has made full-sized vans popular. The North American commercial vehicle market was long dominated by domestic auto companies until recently. Wanting a piece of the rich fleet vehicle business in the United States, Nissan presents the NV series of work vans.

Offering up to 323.1 cubic feet of cargo volume, the Nissan NV is targeting various commercial enterprises ranging from delivery businesses to home contractors. Featuring the flexibility of a standard and high roof model allowing up to 70.2 inch tall loads, the full-sized Nissan NV can be powered by either the fuel-saving 4-liter V-8 or a 317 horsepower 5.6 liter V-8 engine. Just entering the American market, the new fleet vehicle gained some major confidence. Nissan made news with the city of New York when the Japanese auto brand’s smaller NV200 vans were granted approval for taxicab services. Japanese badged, Nissan’s commercial vans will be produced in their Canton, Tennessee plant.

Information and photo source: Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company General Motors, Nissan North America, Inc.

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‘Range Anxiety’ is what electric vehicle makers call it. It’s what some prospective EV customers suffer from when considering buying something like Nissan’s Leaf EV or Tesla’s Roadster (although probably not so much for Tesla buyers, who can afford to drop into the six-figures on an electric car).

How to overcome ‘Range Anxiety’ is largely the problem of the carmakers, but it also turns out that AAA, bringers of roadside assistance in many forms for many years have now added another service arrow to their quiver.

The American Automobile Association will be rolling out a small armada of quick-charge trucks that will rescue electric vehicles with flat battery packs and get them and their anxious owners back on the road with relative speed.

AAA’s move was announced today at the big Plug-In Conference & Exposition in Raleigh, North Carolina. Given AAA’s role as a huge provider of roadside assistance, this seems like both an eminently logical service for them to offer, as well as a rather shrewd business move. AAA, which boasts more than 52 million members, wants to set itself up in a new niche as more car makers join Nissan in offering mainstream mass-market EVs.

“As an EV advocate-turned EV salesman, I applaud the AAA for taking the lead offering this service to EV drivers. Many people have asked me what would happen if they were to run out of juice on the freeway and now I have a very good answer: They get juiced up by AAA,” said Paul Scott, a founder of the advocacy group Plug-In America

However, this is not a new development in the EV world. Rescue trucks for EV’s are already on the roads in Japan, where Nissan and the Japan Automobile Federation deployed a truck in June. AAA says it will arrange for one truck in each of six metro areas later this summer. The metro areas will be Portland, Oregon; Seattle; the San Francisco Bay Area; Los Angeles; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Tampa, Florida. AAA hopes that as the program picks up momentum along with the increasing numbers of EVs, they will roll out more trucks into other cities.

AAA exec John Nielsen said, “While these six areas are part of the initial pilot program, we’ve had tremendous interest from AAA clubs across the country to offer this service to their members, and we anticipate expanding the program to additional areas in the months following initial deployment.”

And the tech involved is pretty interesting as well. Depending upon the vehicle needing service, AAA members can get either a Level 2 (220 volt) or a Level 3 (440 volt direct current) quick-charging service when needed. The caveat being that Level 3 charging can “fill” a depleted battery in as little as 30 minutes, but not all EVs have the capacity to take Level 3 charging, and, ironically enough, there is still no global standard for the Level 3 plug.

AAA says their EV rescue trucks will include charging units from different manufacturers so it can evaluate the various systems. The truck they recently unveiled gets its energy from a lithium-ion battery. The auto service company says that other trucks will use generators powered by compressed natural gas or an hydraulic power take-off from the truck’s transmission. Both of which are pretty slick.

The amount of time and the level of charge you’ll get might be slightly problematical, for certain points of view. You’ll get 15 minutes with the truck, which isn’t a great deal of juice, especially if you’re using Level 2. They say that it will be enough to get you three to 15 miles down the road to your garage or a public charging station. No, not a full charge, but then again, if you run out of gas and call Triple-A, they only give you a gallon or two to get you to the nearest filling station. Public charging station, you ask? It turns out that there are about 1,300 nationwide at the moment, and there are more on the way.

So, another piece in the ‘how are we going to move to EV’s’ puzzle drops into place.

Source: Wired Autopia, photos from Wired and Flickr users Tom Raftery, mariordo59 and cliff1066™.

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Through the early months of 2011, the latest and best visions of the second century of the automobile were displayed inside stadiums or convention centers in North America. Within the climate-control environments where the only threatening element is the oil through human contact on vehicle surfaces, cars and trucks have little trouble looking presentable through the shine of strong fluorescent lighting. However, seeing an automobile so properly exhibited inside is certainly a case of seeing a creature out of its natural habitat. Advertised as the largest outdoor auto show in North American, the 2011 Georgian College Auto Show opened this past Friday bringing vehicles from 17 car brands to the grounds of a Barrie, Ontario college campus.

For myself (a car enthusiast), relishing to make valuable use of every moment at a grand exhibit for the complex but harmonious automobile. For only $7 Canadian, my entry into the 2011 edition of the auto show (an event I have attended every year since 1997) was granted on a perfect warm, sunny day. Rescheduled from its long-held fall date to a June event coinciding with the bloom occurring in nature, the 2011 Georgian College Auto Show where my senses were rewarded by a wide assortment of marvellous, new automobiles. This year’s Georgian College Auto Show featured vehicles included many of the new products already seen through the prior indoor auto show circuit. The Nissan Leaf, Toyota Prius v and the Chevrolet Camaro convertible were a few showcase cars presented in low-key manner to great effect.

Avid readers of Automoblog.net would already have a clue about the Georgian College Auto Show after my coverage last fall. For new visitors, this outdoor Canadian auto show is a family-friendly weekend event that also serves a purpose in educating the newest crop of automotive sales and marketing professionals. Like every year, I’ve had an opportunity to share the company of people who embody knowledge and drive (a perfect characteristic to possess for the auto industry). I had nothing but pleasant experiences from people who are not simply taught how to sell a potential buyer a car they cannot afford with loan and lease structures. They were personable, friendly and often helped me acquire some great images. At the Chrysler tent, one brand representative did inform me he has been constantly accommodating requests of dropping and raising the hood on a Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. I spent roughly five minutes alone with the 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 gripping the steering wheel seated in the two-tone leather. I imagine one secret to selling an item is simply allowing the consumer to generate his or her own desire to a critical mass. As like every auto show I visit, I leave wanting so many automobiles.

While I saw cars like the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto this past February, the Georgian College exhibition of vehicles gave me a chance to absorb the automotive beauty without a rush. Even though I attended the Toronto show on a Media Day limited to mostly other media outlets, I feel myself having my respect and passion for the newest car unveiling getting conflicted by a near predatorily instincts. Please don’t get me confused, I have absolutely no distaste for my media colleagues (in fact I wish to enjoy more fluid interaction with through as I continue my automotive coverage), Media Day’s meaning becomes slanted to getting the first pictures in a rather static display. Through an automotive press source The Garage Blog, it was reported at the New York Auto Show that a Media Day turned ugly when reporters arguing over a computer station turned into a physical brawl. Maybe it is the fresh air or the removal of the blah of winter that preserves the 2011 Georgian College Auto Show as a large but polite gathering.

A reward to my senses, I’ve found the sensation of touch was most relished on this day. Opening the doors of so many of the vehicles such as the MINI Countryman and Lincoln MKS, the feel of my hand around the contoured door handles gave an introductory tactile experience to each car. Once inside, a more unusual sensations came as I sat in the driver seat of the new Nissan Quest minivan (or should that is called a macro-minivan?). As I back into the driver’s seat, the supporting comfort reminded me of a living room chair. Nissan calls the seating inside of the Quest as ‘low-fatigue’.

In a conversely unique sensation as I divert myself from the Nissan Quest minivan, a Scion tC presented another refreshing comfort feel. Fitted with special Scion leather seating (almost a $2,000 option on the Canadian tC model, the model at the 2011 Georgian College Auto Show had the assuring solace of a luxury car. This feeling inside the sport compact car was more than I would have expected from an under $25,000 vehicle. However, the unexpected is one of the things that make these auto shows compelling.

Though some of the surprises presented at the 2011 Georgian College Auto Show included the appearance of sharply coloured Audi R8 Spyder and two classic DeLoreans, there was also the astounding absence in one of the luxury car exhibits. While BMW display featured a high-performance M3 coupe, the tent of German brand rival Mercedes-Benz AMG line-up. Even the brand ambassador admitted some disappointment that Mercedes-Benz did not send any AMG models to the Georgian College Auto Show. Instead, the showcase of the Mercedes-Benz tent was a charming white E350 coupe.

Though the 2011 Georgian College Auto Show does not present the automotive pageantry and theatrics found in major cities such as Paris, Geneva or Detroit, this gathering of four-wheeled (and those two-wheeled creations) is a site where the spirit of motoring is meant for the people at the show. Motivated by a future career or simply the desire to reconnect with a love for automobiles, the Georgian College Auto Show again is united in the fostering of such a great human creation.

Photo credit: Chris Nagy

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The North American auto show season is drawing close to an end for the half part of 2011. Acting as candy to the automotive enthusiasts will have been stricken to a diet of largely conservative styling and eco-friendly presentations, the 2011 edition of automotive exhibits are being delivered on an optimistic note. Presenting new, exploratory vehicles that now fuse design and technology in near perfect harmony, executives of the auto companies (not only the Detroit 3 automakers) are finding reason for a positive outlook. At the 2011 New York Auto Show, Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares put into words one of the major Japanese automakers’ eagerness inside the United States. During Wednesday’s breakfast with press and dignitaries inside Jacob Javits Convention Center, the Nissan executive vice president Tavares provided a speech full of announcements directed to the North American market.

A company that recorded a 17 percent increase in United States sales across its Nissan and Infiniti car line-ups in 2010, the Japanese-derived auto manufacturer understandably has been dealing with more somber headlines through the aftermath of Japan‘s current earthquake disaster. Leading off the press conference, Carlos Tavares recognized the North American continent’s thought pattern and support to the automaker’s corporate home. “Nissan extends a heartfelt “thank you” to so many of you – for offering kind words of support during this very difficult time. While the automotive industry is still feeling the effects of the disaster in Japan, we do have some good news to report. Nissan’s plants are all operational. “ Tavares said ahead of much of the day’s business.

Announcing major realignments for the United States production facilities, the Nissan Frontier and Xterra construction will be moved from the Smyma, Tennessee plant destined for manufacturing inside the Canton, Mississippi plant. The Canton manufacturing facility already assemblies the Titan full size truck with the Nissan NV commercial van production also set. As for the situation at the Smyma plant, the facility will be bracing for an all-new Infiniti luxury crossover. To be called the JX, the upcoming 2013 Infiniti model will feature three-row seating when introduced for spring of 2012.

Tavares says the ultimate goal is to up Nissan Americas production from 1.1 million to 1.7 million as well as reduce Japanese production dependency for United States sold vehicles. Though the current Japanese crisis could make many believe this planning was a result of a month ago, Nissan initiative is more consistent with their globalization plans playing out through the past decade.

Much of the new vehicle enthusiasm was geared around Nissan’s latest push with all-electric vehicles. Showing off a fun-loving Nissan Leaf purpose-built for racing by Nismo, the prospects of the production Leaf have never been higher. Having 20,000 reservations for one of the many anticipated zero emission vehicles, Nissan admits to presently having a 4-7 month wait at this time due to heavy demand and present conditions in production. Despite the current waiting list, Nissan’s plans to reduce delivery times as much as half when global production capacity of 150,000 Nissan Leafs is met. Currently manufactured in Japan, future North American Nissan Leaf cars will be built at a Smyrna, Tennessee plant in late 2012.

Starting the 2011 New York Auto Show bares a significant reasonability for initializing the enthusiasm of an exhibit. Thanks to Carlos Tavares and Nissan Americas, spectators of the New York event are set to enjoy another feast for the four-wheeled faithful.

Information and photo source: Nissan Americas

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Must suck to be the Nissan GT-R. Yeah, it’s a fantastic car and a true track superstar, but being the best also comes with the burden of being the benchmark – the car that gets picked on and constantly compared to. The worst is when you – a supercar – are compared to the epitome of big-honkin’ SUVs – the Cadillac Escalade.

Of course, this is no typical blinged-out Escalade, it’s been given the Hennessey treatment with their new “HPE1000″ upgrade package. That means it boasts, among many other engine upgrades, two turbochargers allowing the engine to produce just over 1000 horsepower from its 6.2-liter V8. The first thing that makes me wonder is how they’re able to get more power than the Bugatti Veyron with half the number of cylinders and turbochargers. It also makes me wonder why you’d want over 1000 horsepower out of an already overpriced family-hauler. Aside from the fact, of course, that you could beat a Nissan GT-R in a drag race. Check out the video below for that little spectacle:

So that’s impressive, but there are a couple caveats here. First, the Caddy only beat the GT-R by a tenth of a second, and that includes the couple tenths head start it got off the line. Second, they aren’t using the new and improved 2012 GT-R, which happens to be able to hit 60 mph from a stop in only 2.9 seconds.

But still, a ridiculously heavy Cadillac Escalade beating a supercar at anything aside from amount of cargo space and size of its “dubz” is an impressive feat, so we give Hennessey props for that.

The HPE1000 kit is available for any 2007 to 2011 GM SUV or Truck using the 6.2-liter V8, so if you happen to own a Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado, Yukon, Sierra, Escalade or Hummer H2, you could (in theory) beat an (older) Nissan GT-R in a straight-line drag race. Check out some more pictures below, including a dyno chart:

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More than two weeks after the massive earthquake and tsunami, the work in stabilizing Japan in the aftermath has been slow. While the tragedy is still fresh with assessments of the Asian island region has sadly reinforced dire predictions of loss, fate of the thankfully many more survivors depends on the ability to regain some sort of normality. Part of this social recovery mission entails restarting the businesses inside this vital industrial market. Slowly, the Japan automotive industry is restarting output from their manufacturing facilities in this realignment with pre-disaster life.

Much of Japanese auto production for the meantime has focused on keeping part supplied to plants outside of Japan. Honda, Nissan and Toyota have production facilities well embedded in the North American market. This diversity has shielded a good deal of those companies’ infrastructure and personnel from harm. Toyota has reported their Japanese plants were producing parts for export since the 21st of March. In facilities such as the Nissan’s truck plant in Canton, Mississippi and Honda’s East Liberty, Ohio plant have been able to operate normally (though many plants cancelled overtime shifts in fears of exhausting part stores of components imported from Japan).

Not immediately impacted, the earthquake and tsunami effects are now beginning to flow down the production chain to a point where North American assembly is beginning to express concerns. For North American vehicle production, the critical dates are April 1st for Nissan and April 4th for Honda. Honda stated even though the majority of their parts and components are supplied by North American based companies, there is still “a few critical parts” Toyota and Mazda (who currently builds the Mazda6 at the AutoAlliance International facility) have not reported any immediate concerns in North American production.

The Japanese automakers were not the only car company affected by part supply issues. Last week, the General Motors Shreveport, Louisiana and Buffalo, New York plants idled production related to the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Citing a shortage of electronic air sensors supplied by Hitachi, production of the medium sized pick-up has since resumed.

Two weeks following the earthquake fallout, limited production of full vehicles has resumed amidst the less than ideal atmosphere. Production of the Toyota Prius and Lexus CT 200h is set to resumption Monday supplying the very popular hybrid vehicles to domestic as well as global markets. Almost all Japanese-branded hybrid and electric vehicles are built in Japan meaning the need to restart assembly was dire Nissan has also reset production of their all-electric Nissan Leaf on March 24th. Ironically, the electric Leaf’s assembly restarts as rolling power blackouts remain a concern around both the auto and battery plants.

Though operations of one Nissan plant has commenced, another manufacturing is still idled creating a possibility widespread assembly issue. Nissan’s Iwaki plant supplies VQ series 6-cylinder engines for much of the Japanese and overseas market. Used in several Nissan and Infiniti products, the Iwaki engine manufacturing facility was the site of several fires following the earthquake. Requiring repairs that are now ongoing, Nissan is considering options to extend production at the Decherd, Tennessee plant to supply their Japanese facilities for the interim.

Unlike Honda Toyota, and Nissan, Subaru as well as Suzuki depends solely on production in Japan. Subaru has been able to restart limited assembly of their mini-vehicles on March 29th but the rest of automotive production will not recommence at least until March 31st. Suzuki operations will be restricted to only part assembly in the automotive business up to March 29th but their commercial vehicle and motorcycle assembly is already back in full production.

Existing as secondary concern to the humanitarian efforts in Japan, the auto industry is nonetheless an important part to the livelihood of individuals throughout the world. However, as the recovery effort in Japan is still underway, the road ahead for the global auto market through the next few weeks has the potential of being a bumpy path to normality.

Information source: General Motors, Honda Motor Company, Nissan Motor Company, Subaru, Toyota Motor Corporation

Photo source: Chris Nagy, Honda Motor Company

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Struck by effects of the country’s largest earthquake, the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami has created a most devastating scene on Japanese soil. A widespread catastrophe that affects humans across the globe, the natural disaster has influenced the automotive community as Japanese workers face at least a few days of certainty. Updating the world on the effect the earthquake had on Japanese auto industry, most of the major auto manufacturers within the county provided not only the status of their corporations but regrettable human cost.

The press announcement from Honda Motor Company came with a worst-case scenario acknowledged at their Tochigi R&D Center. During the earthquake, a wall in a cafeteria collapsed taking the life of a 43-year old R&D associate. Honda also reports of 30 employee injuries in the Tochigi area due to falling debris or other situations transpiring on the Friday afternoon. Honda Motor Company reports a massive shutdown of their operations through to at least Tuesday affecting Japanese production of automobiles, outboard engines and motorcycles. Honda’s Suzuka facility that builds the Fit, Civic, Insight and CR-Z is among the factories closed. Since most vehicles sold by Honda in North America are produced either in the United States or in Canada, the supply of vehicles should remain steady on the east side of the Pacific Ocean for the short-term.

In the case of Toyota Motor Corporation, two of the automaker’s facilities were located close to the epicenter of the earthquake as well as the tsunami. Two of those plants were part suppliers located within the Tohoku region and on the Hokkaido Island. The Toyota Motor Tohoku plant, employing 283 people total, provides electronic brake and other chassis-related components to Toyota vehicles. Supplying automatic and continuously variable transmission as well as aluminum wheels, Toyota Motor Hokkaido was further north than the Tohoku plant allowing it to be less at-risk to the seismic events. Toyota evacuated employees of both plants to safe areas. Toyota City, a massive manufacturing hub employing almost 28,000 employees for the auto company, is positioned well south of the devastation and therefore was left relatively unscathed. Toyota Motor Company has sent out no reports of serious injuries in relations to the earthquake.

Two vehicle manufacturing sub-constructors to Toyota also has plants positioned close to the earthquake‘s epicenter. Producing B-segment compact vehicles Kanto Auto Works’ Iwete plant and Central Motor Corporation’s manufacturing facility on the Miyagi Prefecture are shut down. Production of the Toyota Yaris as well as the Scion xB and xD models have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

Announcing the temporary shutdown of five manufacturing facilities until Monday, Nissan reported small fires breaking out at their Tochigi Plant and the Iwaki Plant facilities that were quickly extinguished before spreading. Two employees confirmed to have suffered minor injuries at the Tochigi Plant but there are no reports of more serious inflections. Loss of power also occurred in the Atsugi City location of the Nissan Technical Center building.

Subaru is also shutting down their Japanese plants in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake including an auto and aircraft plant in the Tochigi Prefecture. Mazda has also suspended manufacturing operations for the short-term. Mitsubishi Motors has not reported any effects of the earthquake and/or the tsunami on their manufacturing capabilities. Many of Mitsubishi’s operations are located in the southern part of Japan. However, both Mitsubishi and Toyota utilize proving grounds in the northern parts affected severely by the rapid flooding.

Accepting the scope of such a vast natural disaster will make normality an almost certain impossibility for many Japanese residents, the need to resume economic activities is necessary. Honda, Toyota and Nissan have all stated to be carefully analyzing when resumption of manufacturing operations can proceed. Beyond the major Japanese automotive brands, the big questions surround the numerous independent automotive part suppliers of the country. While American auto companies were known to stockpile parts through the 1970s and 1980s, modern vehicle manufacturing is better optimized to insure a smaller quantity of parts are maintained by final assembly facilities. Known through the auto industry as lean manufacturing, the successful implementation of this strategy developed through a corporate philosophy known as kaizen gave Japan auto makers a massive advantage. Of course, with part suppliers crippled, components for Japanese and possibly other world production plants could soon incur slowdowns.

While seeking to restart production, Japanese automakers have maintained awareness of the loss and pain of the Asian country. Both Toyota and Honda voiced condolences as well as prayers to those deeply affected by the massive natural disaster.

Information source: Honda Motor Company, Nissan Motor Company, Subaru, Toyota Motor Corporation

Photo source: Chris Nagy, Toyota Motor Corporation

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Some days, I don’t know if I adequately express my love for automobiles in every post I authored. I am truly a car fan and it is an auto show that reminds me just how much I cherish that interest in automobiles. Knowing that so many Automoblog.net followers feel the same sense of emotion with a prized auto make or even the vehicle in general, it was a pleasure to attend media day of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

While many vehicles are making Canadian debuts, many of the cast and faces have risen to idolization already across the auto show world. Nonetheless, when you truly set eyes on something so beautiful as a new car design, even the best LCD screen or finest glossy magazine paper does not completely radiate the full meaning of automotive existence. The scene at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show media day provided the most upbeat messages to the future of the automobile.

Starting with an opening ceremony as well as a press conference with Ford Motor Company, media day of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show supplied more energy than perhaps the entire 2010 exhibition. Unveiling first the Ford C-Max, a kinetic display at four acrobats brought a spectacle back to auto industry. A bright spot in American motoring, the Ford Motor Company’s engineering pride was more than evident through their use of floor space. Cutaway of a 2011 Ford Explorer, a simulator of Ford’s stability control program, engines and other various car components including their seat belt airbag were featured with as much attention as the whole vehicles.

Right after the Ford conference, BMW and MINI were next to highlight their showcases of 2011 so far. Presenting the BMW M6 convertible, the BMW 1M and the MINI Paceman concept, there was also details on the BMW X1. Reported by some publications earlier this year as being delayed until 2012, the compact sport activity vehicle X1 is set for release late this year starting at just under $39,000 Canadian.

Starting with the unveiling of the MINI Paceman, the automotive marketing of presenting beautiful women alongside the glorious new vehicles. Land Rover and Chrysler later in the day would also enlist the assistance of some photogenic females. With absolutely no offense against the women, my attention is only planted on the automobiles. Using star power, Kia Motors called in sports athletes from the professional soccer team Toronto Football Club to show off a special edition Sportage. For all the people able to present the vehicles during the press conferences, I keep in mind the numerous individuals behind the scenes of the auto companies as well as the Canadian International Auto Show.

Through a stop at the Honda exhibit, the 2012 Honda Civic Si coupe concept in between a tuned Honda Insight and Accord decked out in a white/carbon black paint scheme. Seeing the Civic concept up-close, there is no doubt this vehicle is be the dead-ringer for the upcoming production car. The only thing needed for the final 2012 Civic will be an interior.

Not seen at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Nissan came to Toronto presenting Canadian debuts of the 2011 Quest minivan and the Infiniti M35h. An enthusiastic Alfonso Albaisa, Vice President of Nissan Design America, eagerly presented the Ellure concept. Viewed as a designing precursor to a future Altima or Maxima, Albaisa brings much of the passionate new styling direction that was exhibited on his other creation, the Nissan Juke. Along with the NV commercial van, the new Nissan GT-R and the Nismo 370Z coupe, another live act stole the press conference. Influenced by a new advertising campaign around the all-electric Nissan Leaf featuring a polar bear, a bear-suited individual quietly wondered out bringing a welcomed comic relief to the morning surrounding the car business.

The second-to-last exhibit of the media day morning was General Motors. President of GM Canada Kevin Williams introduced Canadian press members to the Buick Verano as the company’s new theme was discretely unveiled. The trucks and large sport utility vehicles General Motors once depended upon as profit centers were moved literally pushed to the corner. It’s obvious that bets are being hedged on the new Chevrolet Cruze . At least 9 Chevrolet Cruze sedans of varying colours and configurations were scattered across the expanded GM exhibit (including a highly-modified tuner and a touring car version). The Canadian International Auto Show also saw GM feature the Buick Regal eAssist as well as the ‘not-for-the-United States’ Chevrolet Orlando.

Grant the fact the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette are strong brand symbols, it is a relief those vehicles were prominent in Toronto. In fact, on special display for 2011 was an separate exhibit called Icons: Camaro and Firebird. Dedicated to an smaller floor of the convention center were special edition, Indianapolis 500 pace cars and vehicles relating to show business highlighting the best of almost 45 years of the General Motors pony car. A Pontiac Firebird paying tribute to the Knight Industries Two Thousand (affectionately known as K.I.T.T.) from the 1980s TV crime-fighting show Knight Rider and both Camaros representing the vehicle modes for the 2007 Transformers movie character Bumblebee are some stars of the special display. A more modern superstar, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 surprised with its appearance within the Icons: Camaro and Firebird section. Less than a week prior to its debut in Chicago by General Motors, a blue coupe version shown is actually linked to aftermarket company SLP.  Only an hour down the road, the Oshawa, Ontario plant will produce the factory version models of the Camaro ZL1 in very limited quantities.

Three and a half hours of press conferences and vehicle unveils concluded with the Kia Motors exhibit. Covering only a small space of the convention center, Kia’s new Optima and Optima Hybrid supplied a big sense of growth for the South Korea-based auto company. Providing a guide to the brand’s styling direction, the concept Kia Ray was included within the showcase.

For part 2 of this journey, I’ll steer you through an afternoon with Canadian premieres or up-close looks at Mercedes-Benz, Audi and the Concorso Exotica.

Photo Source: Chris Nagy

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1. Journey Inside the 2011 Canadian Auto Show Part 2
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3. Successful 2011 Auto Shows Warmed by Winter Crowds