Hans Greimel
Automotive News
Japan
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Indicted ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn leaves Japan for Lebanon
Ghosn was awaiting trial in Japan under strict bail conditions, which included a prohibition on leaving the country. In a statement, the former chairman said he was not fleeing justice but rather escaping injustice and political persecution. → Read More
Renault-FCA merger plan unleashes fresh uncertainties on Nissan
Renault's looming tie-up with Fiat Chrysler potentially puts Nissan in a tight spot in terms of influence, management and even product planning within its alliance with the French automaker. → Read More
Nissan denies S. Korea claims that UK-built Qashqai diesels have fake emissions figures
Nissan denied South Korean claims that it faked emissions figures in its UK-built Qashqai SUV diesel models. The government's environment ministry said it would fine Nissan $279,920 and order a recall of the 814 new Qashqai vehicles sold in the country so far. → Read More
Ford will expand green-car lineup in China
Ford, notching record sales in China thanks to its solid crossover lineup, is now beefing up its green-car offerings. The U.S. carmaker, as part of a $4.5 billion global investment to introduce 13 new electrified vehicles through 2020, wants 10 percent to 25 percent of its model mix here battery-equipped by then. → Read More
How Toyota applied the lessons of 2011 quake
Like all of Japan's automakers, Toyota has spent the five years since the March 2011 disaster strengthening itself for the next crisis. And when it hit this month, Toyota's preparation largely paid off. → Read More
Will Mitsubishi scandal scare off partners?
Even if Mitsubishi's cheating scandal stays isolated to Japan-market minivehicles, its admission could alarm other automakers who are considering strategic tie-ups with the Japanese manufacturer. → Read More
Lexus dramatizes design in meaner mug for IS
Lexus is doubling down on bolder designs with a freshened IS sport sedan that gets a meaner mug and sportier demeanor. The mid-cycle update also rolls out a tweaked interior with a bigger multimedia display and the brand's latest active safety system. → Read More
Toyota sees potential for minivans in China
Crossovers and SUVs are the hot-selling must-haves in the China's rapidly changing, ever-fickle auto market. But Toyota, on the lookout for the next big trend, thinks it may have spotted an untapped gold mine: minivans. → Read More
Toyota estimates loss in output from Japan quakes at 80,000 vehicles
Toyota expects to lose 80,000 units of production after shutting down nearly all of its assembly plants in Japan after two killer earthquakes disrupted parts supplies. → Read More
Infiniti pulls wraps on QX Sport Inspiration crossover concept
Infiniti pulled the wraps on its new QX Sport Inspiration crossover concept, previewing the new styling direction for the premium brand's critical utility lineup. → Read More
What's behind the Clarity's quirky looks?
The upcoming Honda Clarity fuel cell sedan is not the prettiest car Honda ever designed. But engineers and designers say its looks were dictated by their mission to make the Clarity the ultimate green car. → Read More
Ford to sell F-150 Raptor pickup in China
Ford said it will begin selling its first pickup in China in 2017. The F-150 Raptor off-road pickup will make its debut at next week's Beijing auto show. → Read More
Toyota extends shutdowns to most of its Japan plants
Toyota is extending production shutdowns to most of its assembly plants in Japan for a week, amid a worsening supply chain crunch triggered by last week's twin earthquakes. The new suspensions, announced in Japan on Sunday, affect flagship production plants in the Aichi area around Toyota's headquarters, as well as plants in northern and western Japan. → Read More
Quakes disrupt more output at Japan plants, suppliers
More automakers suspended output in Japan after a pair of strong earthquakes jolted assembly plants and suppliers. A critical weak link is a familiar name: Renesas Electronics. The double whammy raises the likelihood of additional damage throughout the auto supply chain, threatening to expand the scope of production shutdowns. → Read More
Toyota, Nissan idle two assembly plants in wake of earthquake
Toyota and Nissan have suspended production at two plants that export Lexus and crossover vehicles to the United States after a strong earthquake in southwest Japan damaged two factories at a key supplier. → Read More
Honda, Acura prep crossovers for Beijing auto show
Honda Motor Co., already outpacing industry growth in China, aims to further spur sales by tapping the shift to crossovers with two new entries at this month's Beijing auto show. → Read More
Ghosn welcomes rush of Tesla Model 3 preorders
Nissan Motor Co. CEO Carlos Ghosn is welcoming the quarter million-plus preorders booked by Tesla Motors for its new Model 3 as finally some “good competition.” → Read More
Hyundai-Kia's grand electrification plan
Currently a laggard in electrified vehicles, the Hyundai-Kia group aims to leapfrog to the front of the pack by launching 26 hybrids, plug-ins, electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles by 2020. → Read More
Toyota's unlikely tool for lifting hydrogen demand
Toyota is turning to fuel cell forklifts to jumpstart demand for hydrogen fuel by deploying fleets of fuel cell forklifts. → Read More
Hyundai plans multiple versions of Ioniq hybrid
Hyundai will offer at least two different versions of its Ioniq hybrid in the U.S., including a standard one and an eco one geared toward maximum fuel efficiency, a senior Hyundai executive said today. → Read More