First production Lexus LFA

On December 15, 2010, production of Lexus LFA began at the Motomachi factory (earlier post). The LFA is produced by a total of 170 people, including the CFRP (earlier post) manufacturing staff. According to the press release, the CFRP technology, which was developed in-house, will be used in future Toyota and Lexus models!

The LFA is assembled by hand and consists of around 15,000 parts (a "normal" Lexus model consists of around 12,000 parts). Each LFA built will have over a 3,500-page work journal. This will be kept at Lexus and will be utilised for future reference in the case there will be an inquiry after the delivery of the vehicle.

Toyota develops new inductive motor for hybrids & EVs

Toyota is developing a new inductive motor for hybrids and EVs that doesn't need the use of rare-earth materials. This is an attempt to cut Toyota's dependence on rare-earth materials from China, which controls more than 90% of the global market.

According to Automotive News, Toyota engineers in Japan and the US are working on a inductive motor that is lighter and more efficient than the magnet-type motor currently used. 

 

China's government cut export quotas of rare-earth materials for the first half of 2011 by 35 percent last month. That follows a 72 percent reduction in the second half of 2010, causing the price of some of the metals to more than double.

Subaru Exiga tS concept at 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon

This is the third Subaru concept (earlier post) presented at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon.

More photos after the jump!