Mitsuoka redesignes flaghip model Galue

Mitsuoka has redesigned its flagship model, called Galue (ガリュー), and I have to admit that I like it. For sure, Mitsuoka's designs are not everyone's cup of tea... but they are definitely very special. Oh, and if the rear lights look familiar to you, that's because they come from Fiat's 500 model!

The basis is Nissan's Teana (日産ティアナ) model and the car comes with two petrol engines. A 2.5L R4 engine and a 3.5L V6 engine. Both engines come coupled to a CVT gearbox, although a six-speed manual gearbox is available with the 3.5L engine. A 4WD version is also available with the 2.5L engine.

Sales start on 12th November and prices start from 3,680,000 ¥.

Toyota going electric with RAV4 and compact EVs

Toyota will show the RAV4 EV at the Los Angeles Auto Show which will be "powered by Tesla". Toyota will pay Tesla around $60 million to develop the parts for the new RAV4 EV. Toyota owns a $50 million stake in Tesla with a goal of collaborating in batter-powered vehicle production. It's still unknown whether an EV version of Vanguard (ヴァンガード) will be offered in Japan.

However, this is just the beginning as Toyota will introduce a compact EV in Japan in 2012. This model will compete with Nissan's LEAF and Chevy's Volt.

Honda most reliable manufacturer in UK

Honda beat off rivals to the top spot in the annual survey which is published by industry leading publication Fleet News. 

The report covers 1.5 million vehicles owned or managed by the country's 50 largest contract hire companies. Honda also featured highly in the top ten most reliable cars with the Accord and British-built Civic in second and ninth place respectively.

20 millionth Toyota delivered in Europe

Toyota is celebrating the delivery of its 20 millionth vehicle in Europe, a landmark reached just 10 years after recording its 10 millionth sale here. In 1963, Toyota entered the European market in a modest way, supplying 190 Crown models to a distributor in Denmark.

The car that took Toyota past its latest milestone was a dark blue Toyota Verso 2.0 D-4D, built at the Adapazari factory in Turkey and delivered to a customer in Madrid at a celebration ceremony at the offices of Toyota Spain.

Beefed up i-MiEV heads to the States

The USDM i-MiEV will make its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show and it is 285 mm longer, 110 mm wider and 5 mm taller than the JDM version. Changes have been made also to the interior.

Nissan tweaks Fairlady Z (370Z)

Nissan will do some minor changes on the Fairlady Z (370Z) in Japan. Changes will include two new exterior colours, a new A/C dial switch and a new shift indicator on the auto models.

The Nismo version will get more significant enhancements as the power will go up by 19 hp, while better tuned dampers and improved reinforced parts designed by Yamaha will be fitted. 

[Source: Nihon Car]

Honda CR-Z wins 2010-2011 Japan Car of the Year award

The Honda CR-Z has won the 2010-2011 Japan Car of the Year (JCOTY) award. The nominees for the award were: Toyota Marx X, Nissan March, Honda CR-Z, Mazda Premacy, Suzuki Swift, Volkswagen Polo, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5-Series, Peugeot RCZ and Jaguar XJ. 

The 2009-2010 award was won by Toyota's Prius.

Gran Turismo 5 coming in November?