Tag Archives: Japan

NEWS

This Toyota GR Supra final edition features more upgrades than Malaysian spec Supra

First revealed in November last year, Toyota Gazoo Racing has officially announced the sales of the GR Supra A90 Final Edition for the Japanese market.

Only 300 units of this Final Edition model will be produced, with 150 units allocated for the Land of the Rising Sun, and the remaining units will be sold in the European market.

What makes the GR Supra A90 Final Edition particularly special is the standard features it offers directly from the factory, compared to the regular GR Supra model.

In terms of performance, the GR Supra A90 Final Edition is equipped with a B58 engine that has been upgraded to deliver 441 PS and 571 Nm of torque, compared to the standard 387 PS and 500 Nm.

Toyota has also optimized the intake and cooling systems, culminating in a titanium Akrapovic exhaust unit.

Moreover, the chassis of the GR Supra has been reinforced with the addition of brace structures in several locations, followed by front and rear stabilizer bars crafted from reinforced aluminum.

KW adjustable suspension is utilized at all four corners, with the camber angle adjusted for both the front and rear wheels.

Contributing to improved handling are the active differential control and an optimized electronic steering system.

The 19-inch front and 20-inch rear aluminum rims are fitted with wider Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, which are 10 mm wider than the standard settings.

The exterior appearance of the GR Supra A90 Final Edition is enhanced by carbon fiber components like the front spoiler and canards, along with a “ducktail” rear wing.

Inside the cabin, there are full Recaro Podium CF bucket seats, red seatbelts, and extensive carbon fiber and Alcantara trim that dominate the interior space.

With the improvements offered in this model, it’s no surprise that Toyota has set a sales price of approximately 15,000,000 yen (RM 443,000), which is higher than that of the GR Supra RZ grade.

Interested parties can register at all GR Garage locations across Japan starting April 13; however, buyers will be selected via a lottery system. Winners (a.k.a the rightful owners) will be announced on May 9.

NEWS

Toyota Crown Estate HEV & PHEV officially launched in Japan

The sixteenth generation of the Toyota Crown family is now available in Sedan, Crossover, and Sport versions.

If you’re looking for a much more practical Crown, the Crown Estate is the answer you need.

Toyota Japan has officially begun sales of the Crown Estate, which comes with the option of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain.

Both systems utilize a 2.5-liter engine (code A25A-FXS) paired with two electric motors and an E-Four all-wheel-drive system.

In the Crown Estate HEV, the front motor output is enhanced by 50 percent compared to the Crossover and Sport models, aimed at improving acceleration, especially when carrying passengers.

Meanwhile, the Estate PHEV version is equipped with a lithium-ion battery pack that allows for a zero-emission driving range of up to 89 km.

Built on the TNGA-K platform, the Toyota Crown Estate measures 4,930 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, 1,625 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm.

The suspension system features MacPherson struts in the front, followed by Multi-link setup in the rear.

Driving dynamics are enhanced with the inclusion of a Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) system for more agile handling, as well as Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) to ensure passengers remain comfortable and enjoy a high-quality ride.

The exterior design of the Crown Estate follows the design language shared with its siblings.

The front features hammerhead shark-like elements with thinner daytime running lights, a neatly integrated grille structure in the bumper, and 21-inch wheels.

The cabin layout is similar to what is featured in the Crossover, Sport, and Sedan models, with a 12.3-inch cluster display paired with a similarly sized infotainment screen.

Using an island architecture, the dashboard layout is designed to minimize eye movement during driving.

The Crown Estate’s cargo space can accommodate up to 570 liters of goods, or up to 1,470 liters with the second-row seats folded flat.

Toyota also offers special items for this model, including seat cushions and a small table to use in that space, especially when engaging in outdoor activities.

In Japan, the Toyota Crown Estate is priced starting at 6,350,000 yen (RM190,457) for the HEV version, and can reach up to 8,100,000 yen (RM242,945) for the PHEV version.

NEWS

Toyota Land Cruiser was a favorite among thieves in Japan last year

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We’re accustomed to hearing about Toyota’s success, particularly regarding sales performance and customer reliability.

However, in Japan, Toyota reportedly topped the charts for the most stolen vehicles throughout 2024, dominating the top ten spots!

According to data from the Japan General Insurance Association, the Toyota Land Cruiser (including the Prado model) has topped the list for the fourth consecutive year.

In 2024, there were 688 reported Land Cruiser thefts, accounting for 27.5 percent of every 100 vehicles stolen.

This means more than one in four vehicles stolen were Land Cruiser models.

The Alphard minivan took second place with 289 cases, followed by the Toyota Prius (235) in third. The Lexus LX ranked fourth (109), the Lexus RX fifth (89), Toyota Crown (62), Toyota Hiace (43), Toyota Vellfire (38), Lexus LS (34), and finally, the Toyota Voxy (21).

According to the data, Land Cruiser thefts in 2024 increased significantly compared to 2023 (383 cases), contributing to a total of 2,499 theft cases overall.

NEWS

Suzuki Jimny Nomade lands in Japan, imported from India, priced from RM76k

Suzuki has officially launched a more practical five-door off-road SUV variant of the Jimny, known as the Jimny Nomade for the Japanese market.

Compared to the three-door Jimny Sierra still available there, the Jimny Nomade measures 3,890 mm in length, making it 340 mm longer, and resulting in a wheelbase of 2,590 mm.

The benefits? More spacious rear passenger seating, as well as increased cargo capacity, making it more practical.

The Jimny Nomade can be distinguished by its honeycomb grille structure with a Gun Metallic finish, as well as new color options including Sizzling Red Metallic and Celestial Blue Pearl Metallic.

In terms of power, the Suzuki Jimny Nomade retains the 1.5-liter engine that produces 103 hp and 134 Nm of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Additionally, the Jimny Nomade comes standard with a part-time four-wheel drive (4WD) system and maintains a 36-degree approach angle and a 47-degree departure angle.

In Japan, Suzuki sells the Jimny Nomade starting at ¥2,651,000 (approximately RM75,643).

For reference, the Suzuki Jimny Nomade is a completely imported unit from the Gurugram assembly plant in India, unlike the Jimny Sierra (3-door variant) which is assembled in Japan.

NEWS

Toyota Alphard/Vellfire PHEV launched in Japan, 73 km EV range, starting from RM306k

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Toyota has announced its latest update, introducing the 2025 model year Alphard/Vellfire with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engine option.

This PHEV configuration combines a 2.5-liter engine (A25A-FXS) with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, capable of providing an electric driving range of up to 73 km on a full charge.

Overall, the system can generate a power output of up to 306 PS.

Like Toyota’s conventional hybrid vehicles, the BEV mode is prioritized to achieve lower fuel consumption rates of 16.7 km/liter (or 5.98 liters/100 km).

According to Toyota, the lithium-ion battery pack is positioned under the floor to maximize cabin space and lower the center of gravity by 35 mm compared to the HEV model.

Charging the battery (up to 80 percent) takes approximately 38 minutes.

In addition to offering a quieter driving experience (with added sound insulation), enhanced comfort, and reduced vibrations, Toyota has introduced the Smooth Stop control feature, which prevents nose-dive effects during deceleration to ensure passenger comfort.

The PHEV model also features “My Room Mode,” allowing users to enjoy a comfortable cabin space for working, resting, or engaging in other activities while charging.

Along with the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, both the Alphard and Vellfire PHEVs are equipped with a Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) feature for emergency purposes, where a full tank of fuel and a charged battery can provide power for up to 5.5 days.

Other enhancements include a Digital Inner Mirror system and front and rear dash cameras as standard features, followed by a premium JBL audio system with 15 speakers and a 14-inch rear infotainment system for the Z and Z Premier trims.

Toyota Auto Body also offers the Alphard Spacious Lounge, a four-seat version that provides more legroom and is equipped with various luxurious amenities.

In Japan, the retail price of the Alphard PHEV starts at JPY 10,650,000 (RM306,177), while the Vellfire PHEV is priced from JPY 10,850,000 (RM311,927).

NEWS

Honda N-BOX still remains the best-selling car in Japan

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Despite Honda’s overall sales figures being difficult to surpass those of the Japanese giant Toyota, at the very least, Honda has managed to prove that it can be the best-selling model there.

The model in question is the Honda N-BOX kei car.

Yes, this boxy car is not only popular among kei car enthusiasts here, but it also holds a significant name and can outshine its competitors.

According to a report from Response JP, the Honda N-BOX recorded sales of 102,226 units during the first half of the fiscal year 2024 (April-September), marking an increase of 1.8 percent compared to the same period last year.

This makes the Honda N-BOX the best-selling car for the third consecutive year!

The second place is held by the kei car Suzuki Spacia (80,179 units), followed by the Toyota Corolla (77,030 units), and the Toyota Yaris (73,052 units).

Impacted by the safety scandal issue, the popular car Daihatsu Tanto dropped three ranks to sixth place, with sales of 53,177 units, marking a decrease of 26.3 percent.

An interesting point coming from the Land of the Rising Sun is the rather slow transition rate to EVs, where EVs only make up 1.3 percent of new vehicle sales, marking a decrease of 0.6 percent.

NEWS

Honda confirms Super Cub model will not disappear

About two weeks ago, several Japanese media outlets reported that Honda would terminate the production of motorcycles with a displacement of 50 cc and below by May 2025.

As a result, it also sparked some commotion in the Land of the Rising Sun, as some claimed that the production of the Super Cub model would also be completely discontinued.

In a latest report by Young Machine, only the production of the 50 cc version of the Super Cub model will be affected.

 

 

Meanwhile, production for the 110 cc and 125 cc versions of the Super Cub model will continue as usual.

According to Honda’s motorcycle business unit leader, Minoru Kato, he also confirmed that they are currently developing a new Super Cub model that can meet stricter emission standards as a replacement for the 50 cc Super Cub model.

In accordance with the new framework expected to be implemented by November 2025, moped license holders (with a limit of 50 cc) will be allowed to ride motorcycles with a displacement of 125 cc and below, provided that the power output of the model is limited to only 4 kW (5.4 hp).

NEWS

Japan wants to build a 500 km conveyor belt system to address truck driver shortage

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Those who have traveled abroad are surely impressed by the efficiency of staff and machinery at airports in handling hundreds to thousands of bags in a day. Now, imagine the same system, but over a longer distance.

Yes, that is one of the solutions being proposed by the Japanese Ministry of Transport in an effort to address the increasingly acute shortage of truck drivers each year. According to Japan News, a system called Autoflow Road, or simply a conveyor belt system, will be built to connect Tokyo and Osaka over 500 km for the purpose of distributing cargo.

 

 

This conveyor belt system can be built adjacent to existing main roads or using underground routes. With continuous operation every day, theoretically, this system can handle the same cargo delivery capacity made by 25,000 truck drivers in a day.

As previously reported, Japan is expected to face a shortage of up to 36 percent of the workforce needed to handle 1.40 billion tons of cargo by 2030. By potentially reducing up to 25,000 trucks from the roads, it may help alleviate traffic congestion, reduce emission levels, and mitigate the impact of the labor shortage crisis.

 

 

The use of a conveyor belt system is not unfamiliar, as Japan itself already uses a similar method to transport limestone over 23 km. The main challenge, of course, is the construction cost.

According to a study conducted by a construction company, the cost of building an underground tunnel starts from ¥7 billion (RM204 million) and could reach up to ¥80 billion (RM2.3 billion) for every 10 km. Therefore, the total cost of building a system connecting Tokyo and Osaka could potentially reach up to ¥3.7 trillion (RM108.2 billion)!

NEWS

This is the new Honda Freed, two engine choice and with waterproof interior fabric!

WHO still remembers the Honda Freed that previously entered the Malaysian market? The third generation of the Freed has just been launched in Japan with options for a 1.5-liter NA engine and a hybrid variant. Let’s take a closer look at the details.

The 1.5-liter petrol 4-cylinder engine offers 117hp and 142Nm of torque, with a CVT transmission sending power to the front wheels. There is also an option for all-wheel drive.

The hybrid variant is equipped with the e:HEV system, comprising a 1.5-liter engine producing 105hp and 127Nm, paired with an electric motor generating 121hp and 253Nm. This system is similar to the e:HEV found in the City and Civic models.

In terms of dimensions, this new Honda Freed measures 4,310mm in length, 1,720mm in width, and up to 1,780mm in height, with a wheelbase remaining at 2,740mm.

The design of the new Freed is more angular with flat surfaces on the body sides. The front end is more upright, featuring trapezoidal headlights and dotted DRLs. The central grille has only a small opening, while the lower apron is more open.

Visible on the side are sliding rear doors, and there are side lines drawn from the front lights passing through the door handles. Opting for the Crosstar variant provides a unique rugged appearance and styling.

The interior design also appears upright, emphasizing space and practicality. The instrument display is now digital, and the dashboard is wrapped in a fabric finish. According to Honda, the fabric used is water and oil repellent.

Depending on the variant, you can choose a 2+2+2 or 2+3+2 seating configuration, but the Crosstar variant only offers seating for five or six individuals.

The Japanese Honda Freed comes equipped with Honda Sensing safety features, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and more. The price starts at 2.5 million Yen (RM73,536).

Would it be interesting to bring this model to Malaysia? We believe it could be a choice for small business owners and weekend adventurers.

NEWS

Mazda admits to using ‘external device’, modified engine sofware on vehicle testing

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Following the safety test scandal of Daihatsu, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan has initiated an investigation into other domestic manufacturers.

In an official statement, Mazda stated it had conducted an investigation into all of its 2,403 tests for applications for Type Designation tests performed between January 2014 and January 2024. The investigation results confirmed irregularities in a total of five tests in two test categories.

The irregularities, which were reported to MLIT on May 30, involve 150,878 manufactured vehicles, out of which 149,313 were sold in the domestic market.

According to Mazda, they had used an “external device” in the frontal collision test for the Mazda 6 and Mazda 3, respectively known as Atenza and Axela in Japan.

The devise was used to trigger a timed activation of the airbag instead of spontaneous activation based on collision detection by an onboard sensor.

Even though these models are no longer being produced, Mazda said it has conducted in-house technical verification as well as re-tests, and confirmed that these models have the performance that meets the legal standards for occupant protection performance in the event of a frontal collision.

Additionally, Mazda admitted to using a different engine control software in the petrol engine output test for the MX-5 RF and Mazda 2.

“The test should have been performed using engine control software in the same condition as a mass-production vehicle, but it was conducted by using control software in which the ignition timing adjust function was partially deactivated,” the manufacturer said.

In light of the result, Mazda stated that they will rewrite the engine control software and conduct the tests again under the same conditions as those for mass-production vehicles.

The company assured that the affected units are still safe to drive but have temporarily suspended their sales since May 30.

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Gachaco opens public battery sharing service for EV scooters in Japan

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JAPAN’S Big Four Companies (Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Honda) and the energy company Eneos have formed Gachaco, a electric scooter battery swapping service in the Japanese market.

Initially, Gachaco was targeted for business and delivery use only and could only be used for certain models of Honda electric scooters, such as Benly e:, Gyro e:, Gyro Canopy e:, and EM1 e:.

Only the EM1 e: model is available for public purchase, where interested individuals can subscribe to Gachaco’s battery swapping service.

By reclassifying the battery as a service and excluding it from the selling price, Honda customers can obtain the EM1 e: scooter at a lower cost, approximately 97,200 yen (RM3,167).

What they need to do is subscribe to Gachaco’s battery swapping service based on their current usage. For example, the basic plan starts at about 1,078 yen per month (RM35 per month), while the standard plan costs 2,805 yen per month (RM91.39 per month).

Gachaco also offers a pay-per-use option for each usage, priced at 180 yen per kWh (RM5.86 per kWh).

At present, the Gachaco battery swapping service, which utilizes the Honda Mobile Power Pack e: unit, is only available in Japan.

NEWS

Toyota Crown Sport PHEV goes on sale in Japan, 1,200 km on one full tank

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THE Toyota Crown Sport, which is one of the four models in the Crown lineup, is now available with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain in its home market, where it is priced from 7.65 million yen (RM248,030).

Similar to the hybrid version, the aforementioned powertrain employs the A25A-FXS 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine, but in this version, the engine is assisted by a pair of electric motors.

On its own, the engine develops 177 PS and 219 Nm of torque, while the front and rear electric motors generate 182 PS/270 Nm and 54 PS/121 Nm, respectively.

The ICE-electric motor combo provides the Crown Sport PHEV with an E-Four all-wheel drive system and a healthy total system output of 306 PS.

With a 51-Ah lithium-ion battery, the SUV is capable of traveling up to 90 km without using a drop of fuel.

Not only that, it is also said to offer a fuel consumption rate of about 20.3 km/l and with a 55-litre fuel tank, it boasts a total cruising range of more than 1,200 km on a full tank.

According to Toyota, the Crown Sport PHEV supports both standard and rapid charging, with the latter enabling a charge to 80% power in 38 minutes.

The exterior may appear to be unchanged from the hybrid version, but underneath the gorgeous sheetmetal lies an additional braces to the floor tunnel to ensure an optimal balance of body rigidity.

Furthermore, the damping characteristics of the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system have been retuned for smoother and more stable ride.

The Crown Sport PHEV comes standard with 21-inch aluminum rims, 20-inch ventilated disc brakes with red calipers on all four corners, black and red interior colour scheme, paddle shifters and sports seats.

Other features include the Vehicle to Home (V2H) that can provide enough electricity for about 6.5 days of use in emergency situations, and My Room Mode, which allows users to enjoy air conditioning and audio systems from an external power source.