Honda announces new plug-in vehicle testing program

Honda has already announced a testing program in the US and now, it's time for Japan with Saitama Prefecture. Honda will test its next-generation personal mobility products, including EVs, PHVs (next-gen Accord, aka Inspire, will be the first model to get a PHV version - earlier post), electric scooters and electric carts. Solar-powered charging stations will also be tested.

In March 2009, Honda and Saitama Prefecture concluded an agreement to collaborate on environmental issues. Based on this agreement, Honda will start an Electric Vehicle Testing Program in the cities of Saitama, Kumagaya and Chichibu. Honda is also considering the possibility of conducting a similar program in China.

Lexus trademarks ES 300h name - new hybrid on its way

Car and Driver has came across with an interesting info. Lexus has trademarked the name ES 300h, which as you can easily guess, it's going to be a hybrid model. It's still unclear whether the ES 300h will be the second ES model, along with the existing ES 350, or it will be the next-gen ES arriving in a couple of years time.

Toyota is already developing the next JDM Camry, which will be available as a hybrid (earlier post) only, and my guess is that the new ES will be based on it.

Honda announces "Li Nian S1" - first model from Guangqi Honda's original brand

Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., an automobile production and sales joint venture of Honda in China, today announced the all-new compact sedan model of Guangqi Honda's original automobile brand, "Li Nian" (Everus) to be known as "Li Nian S1".

The Li Nian S1 is based on one of Honda's small car platforms and applies 1.3 L and 1.5 L engines. Targeting the younger generation in China, Li Nian S1 will be available in the Chinese market from the spring of 2011 through the current Guangqi Honda sales channel.
 

Li Nian is Guangqi Honda's original automobile brand with Guangqi Honda fully handling each step including design, production and sales with the goal of targeting the younger generation and entry level car customers.

Nissan unveils new global sedan in China called Sunny

Nissan has finally revealed its new global sedan at the 8th Guangzhou Motor Show, which is going to be sold as Sunny (サニー) in China. Sales start in January 2011 and then progressively across 170 countries worldwide under different vehicle brand names.

The Sunny will be powered by a 1.5 L (HR15DE) engine with dual injectors and a new-generation Xtronic CVT with an auxiliary transmission. The new Sunny will be produced in Dongfeng Nissan’s Huadu Plant in Guangzhou and will be priced from RMB 82.8K to 112.8K (1,040,000 - 1,400,000 ¥).

So, we know that we will get this, but is it going to be the proper Tiida (aka Versa) replacement? A hatchback version has been caught during testing (earlier post) and it has a different interior looking more of a likely Golf/Focus competitor than the new Sunny.

Lexus LFA test on Goodwood (... ignore the guy and just listen to this engine!!!)

FD2 Civic Type R at Aoyama dealership (... my favourite Civic Type R!!!)

Nissan Teana heading to UAE?

Nissan's Teana (ティアナ) is a large sedan available in Japan  (basis of Mitsuoka's Galue) and some South Asian markets, e.g. Thailand and Malaysia, and a number of them have been spotted in UAE (photo at the top) being transported to Nissan's Jebel Ali HQ.

The specific cars are powered by a 2.0 L engine, producing 136 hp and coupled to a CVT gearbox. Now, it remains unknown whether Nissan plans to sell Teana in UAE or they are just conducting hot weather testing.

[Source: Car Middle East]

Toyota at 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon

The 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon is going to take place in January, opening on January 14, and we have the first info on what Toyota will display.

Toyota will display the Auris GT Concept (an Auris with TRD parts), as well as MODELLISTA options for the FJ Cruiser and the Ractis (aka Verso-S). Subaru will also exhibit an STi version of its own version of the latter one, the Trezia.

Additionally, the Toyota Sports EV-Twin will be there, an FR sports concept developed in-house voluntary by TES (Toyota Engineering Society).

The Gazoo Racing Lexus LFA that won its class in the 2010 Nurburgring 24 hours race will be displayed, as well as TOM'S version of LS460.

[Source: Response]