Archive → October, 2009
HYUNDAI OPENS NEW R&D CENTER IN HYDERABAD
- US$25 million facility aims to become global centre of excellence for small car engineering
(Oct. 29, 2009 – Hyderabad, India) Hyundai Motor Company opened a new research and development center at Hyderabad in India, the company’s fourth overseas R&D center.
Set up with a US$ 25 million investment and located in the HITECH City of Hyderabad, the new 200,000 square-foot facility, Hyundai Motor India Engineering Pvt. Ltd (HMIE), will further accelerate local content development and enable Hyundai to respond even more quickly to changing customer needs across the world.
The new facility, which was completed in April after 25 months of construction, will serve as an important platform for the development of sub-compact cars in order to meet surging demand. Located about 800 km northwest of Hyundai Motor India’s Chennai production plant, it will further facilitate the development of India as Hyundai’s global hub for manufacturing and engineering of small cars.
This newly created R&D center will also support all back-end operations like computer aided engineering (CAE), computer aided design (CAD) and help the R & D work taking place across Hyundai’s car lineup. In addition, it will provide vehicle development including styling, engineering design and vehicle test & evaluation for cars manufactured in India to satisfy the specific needs of the Indian customers. This state-of-the-art center currently employs about 300 engineers and Hyundai plans to gradually increase this number, strengthening its operations.
Hyundai’s other overseas R&D centers are located in the United States, Germany and Japan.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Aldar announces completion of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi external structure
Aldar Properties today announced the completion of the external structure of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Located on Yas Island, Aldar’s brand new Retail, Leisure and Entertainment destination and host venue for the inaugural Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is set to be the world’s largest indoor theme park and the first ever Ferrari theme park in the world when it opens in 2010.
The iconic sleek red roof directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body covers a surface area of 200,000m? and features the largest Scuderia Ferrari “prancing horse” emblem in the world, measuring 66m in diameter. 35,000 tonnes m? of concrete, 12,370 tonnes of steel, 29,000m? of facade glazing and 165,000m? of roof cladding were used to create the park’s superstructure which was completed in 14 months.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be an intense multi-sensory experience and a must-visit venue for enthusiasts, fans and families. It pays tribute to the passion, excellence, performance and technical innovation that Ferrari has established over the years and represents today. The Park will host over 20 state-of-the-art attractions, each designed to bring to life a different part of the Ferrari story. This includes the world’s fastest rollercoaster, travelling at speeds exceeding 200 km/h emulating the thrilling sensation of being in a Ferrari F1 car, the G-force experience that takes passengers on an adrenaline-pumping ride up over 62 m through the roof and back down again, as well as an aerial voyage over Italy, following a Ferrari. The unique experiences offered at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be complemented by a wide variety of Italian delicacies and unique shopping experiences.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Chrysler Group LLC is First Automaker in the United States to Offer Live, Mobile TV with up to 20 Channels
* Watch live sports, breaking news, kids’ programs and primetime network shows in the back seat
* Live mobile TV available on Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles as a Mopar® option
* Live TV viewing of CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, FOX News, MSNBC, MTV, NBC 2Go, Nickelodeon and more
* FLO TV™ Auto Entertainment will be available in late December for $629 plus installation, includes one-year subscription
* Mobile TV option includes 3-year/36,000-mile warranty for new vehicles and 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on used vehicles
Auburn Hills, Mich., Oct 29, 2009 -
Mopar® is channeling live, mobile TV into Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles.
Starting in late December, Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge Car and Ram Truck customers may watch many of their favorite TV programs with a dealer-installed mobile TV option from Mopar®.
Chrysler Group LLC is the first automaker in the United States to offer live mobile TV to consumers with the capacity for as many as 20 channels through FLO TV™ Auto Entertainment. The system offers something for everyone: college and professional sports, breaking news, children’s shows, primetime sitcoms, reality TV and daytime dramas.
Mopar will showcase FLO TV™ Auto Entertainment at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas next week.
“We want to offer our customers the ultimate in entertainment,” said Pietro Gorlier, President & Chief Executive Officer, Mopar Service, Parts & Customer Care. “With FLO TV Auto Entertainment, we are the first automaker to offer mobile TV with the capacity for as many as 20 channels.”
Until now, the challenge for mobile TV has been to deliver high-quality, uninterrupted coverage in urban environments and at highway speeds. Existing mobile TV systems in the United States either offer limited channels or require large satellite dishes on vehicle roofs – and a large price tag to match.
Mopar’s suggested retail price is $629, plus installation. A one-year pre-paid FLO TV service subscription is included with installation.
The entertainment package will be available as a dealer-installed option on the following 2008-2010 model year vehicles with factory DVD entertainment systems: Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro, Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500.
The service also can be added to select 2008-2010 model-year vehicles when new Mopar headrest or seat-top DVD entertainment systems are purchased.
How it Works
Television signals are delivered through a dedicated multicast network built by San Diego-based FLO TV Inc., a live mobile TV service provider, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Inc. FLO TV offers live and time-shifted programming from top entertainment brands, including CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, FOX News, MSNBC, MTV, NBC 2Go and Nickelodeon.
Up to 20 channels will be available in late December when the feature is available for dealer installation. By the end of 2009, the FLO TV service should be available in more than 100 major markets and many interstate driving corridors. The FLO TV service is not available in some rural areas.
Audiovox Corp., of Hauppauge, NY, supplies FLO TV™ Auto Entertainment hardware that integrates with Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles’ existing entertainment systems and new Mopar 7-inch DVD screen systems. A small antenna, similar in size to a laptop mouse, is mounted on a vehicle’s roof to deliver the digital TV signal. Inside the vehicle, the receiver and wiring are installed under the interior trim of the vehicle and are not visible to occupants.
User-friendly wired and wireless remote controls allow viewers to easily surf channels, similar to TV systems at home.
Mopar’s FLO TV™ Auto Entertainment option includes a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on new vehicles or a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on used vehicles for hardware and installation.
About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car, Ram Truck and Mopar brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete effectively on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat’s complementary technology. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Ram 1500. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group LLC to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.
About Mopar
Mopar distributes approximately 280,000 parts and accessories in more than 90 countries and is the source for all original equipment parts for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles. Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered by the same teams that create factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles – a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide.
Popularity: 1% [?]
The Ibiza range is adding the 105 hp 1.6 TDI CR to its engine line-up
• More common rail engines for the Ibiza range
• CO2 emissions of only 112 g/km and a low consumption figure of 4.3 l/100 km
• Replaces the 105 hp 1.9 TDI engine
Both the SEAT Ibiza 5-door and SC models will soon be available with the 105 hp 1.6 TDI CR engine as part of the company’s efforts to keep adding common rail technology to the Ibiza range for better engine performance and considerably lower noise levels, fuel consumption and emissions.
The 105 hp 1.6 TDI CR engine is an equally attractive option that joins the recently added 90 hp 1.6 TDI CR and at the same time replaces the 105 hp 1.9 TDI. The new engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, is fitted with the DPF particulate filter and fully complies with EU5 emissions legislation.
Its exceptional performance figures speak for themselves and combine with increasingly low fuel consumption and emissions levels to make the Ibiza one of the most ecological models in its segment. With an engine torque of 250 Nm between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm, average fuel consumption of only 4.3 l/100 km and 112 g/km of emissions, customers buying the new 105 hp Ibiza 1.6 TCI CR are exempt from paying registration tax.
The models equipped with this engine feature the same standard equipment line-up and optional elements as on the rest of the range. Prices are the following:
CO2 emissions
1.6 TDI CR 105 hp STYLE DPF 112
1.6 TDI CR 105 hp SPORT DPF 112
1.6 TDI CR 105 hp STYLE DPF 112
1.6 TDI CR 105 hp SPORT DPF 112
Popularity: 1% [?]
Mitsubishi Motors Reaches Milestone of 3 Million Vehicles Assembled in U. S.
October 29, 2009 –Normal, IL –
About 800 employees cheered the three millionth car assembled at Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today as a rally red 2010 Eclipse GT was driven off the assembly line.
Mitsubishi Motors North America President & CEO Shin Kurihara congratulated employees on their accomplishment and shared memories of his visit to the site of the then-future assembly plant in Normal, when he visited the vacant field in 1985. “How could I have imagined that I would be here as President almost 25 years and three million vehicles later?, he added.
MMNA Manufacturing Division President & CEO Shiro Futaki extended the congratulations to customers, suppliers, affiliated Mitsubishi Motors companies, and the UAW, which represents the majority of the MMNA Manufacturing workforce. “Today we celebrate what we have accomplished together,” Futaki said. “It is our teamwork and working together that have created our success.”
UAW Local 2488 President Ralph Timan expressed thanks and congratulations to the union’s membership and MMNA. MMNA Manufacturing Chief Operating Officer Jerry Berwanger was the master of ceremonies for the celebration.
The three millionth vehicle rolled off the line at 2:30 p.m. CDT and was received by a delegation including the members of the UAW Local 2488 bargaining committee.
Background: MMNA Timeline
* October 1985, Diamond-Star Motors was incorporated as a joint venture of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Chrysler Corporation.
* April 1986, ground broken for the auto assembly plant in Normal, Illinois. Construction of the 1.9 million square foot facility, with an annual production capacity of 240,000 vehicles, was completed in March 1988.
* Diamond-Star Motors simultaneously launched its first two mass production vehicles in September 1988: the Mitsubishi Eclipse and the Plymouth Laser.
* In 1991, MMC purchased Chrysler’s 50 percent share and the plant became a wholly-owned subsidiary of MMC.
* In October 1995, Mitsubishi Motors celebrated production in Normal of the one-millionth vehicle – which was the first Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder convertible. It was also the 10th anniversary of incorporation.
* In February, 2001, MMNA celebrated production of its two-millionth vehicle.
Vehicles Produced at MMNA
* Plymouth Laser (1988-1994)
* Mitsubishi Mirage (1989-1992)
* Eagle Talon (1989-1998)
* Eagle Summit (1990-1992)
* Dodge Avenger (1994 -2000)
* Chrysler Sebring coupe (1994 -2005)
* Dodge Stratus coupe (2000 -2005)
* Mitsubishi Eclipse (first produced in 1988 and currently produced)
* Mitsubishi Galant (first produced in 1993 and currently produced)
* Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder convertible (first produced in 1995 and currently produced)
* Mitsubishi Endeavor (first produced in 2002 and currently produced)
Popularity: 1% [?]
NEW FORD FIESTA SALES TOP 500,000 UNITS IN FIRST YEAR
ROLL-OUT CONTINUES IN 2010 TO U.S., OTHER ASIAN MARKETS
* Customer demand for fuel-efficient Fiesta continues strong in Europe and Asia Pacific markets as Ford prepares to introduce the Fiesta to U.S. buyers in December
* More than 40 percent of European customers are choosing higher end Titanium and Ghia trim levels of the new Fiesta
* From “Hot Magenta” in Spain to “Winning Blue” in China and “Panther Black” in Australia, Fiesta buyers are opting for a wide mix of colors
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 29, 2009 – One year after its debut, more than half a million customers have purchased the new Ford Fiesta, marking an important milestone as Ford Motor Company prepares to bring the fuel-efficient, global car to the U.S. and other key Asian Pacific markets next year.
The new Fiesta, the first in a wave of stylish vehicles being brought to world-wide markets under the ONE Ford plan, went on sale in Germany in October 2008. It quickly became the second-best-selling car for all markets in Europe and the leader in the European small car segment. The new Fiesta has also been a key driver behind Ford of Europe’s market share gains, which are up 0.5 percentage points this year through September to 9.2 percent, the highest since 1999.
After its European introduction, the Fiesta was launched in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and China. Global retail sales of the car reached 470,000 units through September of this year, with 430,000 sales in Europe and 40,000 in the Asia Pacific region. Continued strong demand for Fiesta through October has pushed the total number beyond 500,000.
“Customers around the world are recognizing the new Fiesta delivers on the global Ford DNA — eye-catching design, innovation, outstanding driving dynamics and great value,” said Jim Farley, group vice president of global marketing and Canada, Mexico and South America.
The new Fiesta will make its North American debut when it is revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December. Set to arrive in North American dealer showrooms next summer, the Fiesta already can claim more than 50,000 potential U.S. customers thanks to the Fiesta Movement, a social media initiative in which 100 young trendsetters are test driving and living with a European-spec Ford Fiesta for six months.
Customers so far have been drawn to higher end models of the Fiesta, with more than 40 percent of European buyers choosing the Titanium and Ghia trim levels. The variety of colors that Fiesta offers is also proving to be a hit.
So far this year customers in the U.K. and Germany, Ford of Europe’s two largest markets, drive off in a “Panther Black” Fiesta more than any other color. Drivers in Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands and Greece are also among those countries that favor black.
However, buyers in Spain, Austria and Russia are selecting “Hot Magenta” as their top color. The Scandinavian countries are setting a pattern all their own. The Swedes select “Moondust Silver” most often. Norwegians favor “Hot Magenta.” Denmark goes with “Panther Black,” while the Finns tilt toward “Tango.”
Top choices among China buyers are “Passion Orange” and “Winning Blue.” But throughout Asia Pacific overall, the top-selling color is “Moondust Silver,” with South African’s also favoring “Frozen White” while Australians go for “Panther Black” in nearly equal numbers.
When the Fiesta hits American shores next year it will feature bold color choices, including “Bright Magenta” and “Lime Squeeze.”
Fiesta Facts
Ford’s Cologne Assembly Plant in Germany and Valencia Assembly Plant in Spain produce three-door and five-door hatch back versions of the new Fiesta. The Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Company manufacturing facility in Nanjing, China produces the five-door hatchback and four-door sedan versions of the Fiesta. The AutoAlliance Thailand production facility will start to build the five- and four-door versions of Fiesta as well in the second quarter of next year.
Ford’s plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico, will build five-door hatchback and sedan versions of the new Fiesta for the United States and other North American markets.
Within five years, Ford expects to build about one million vehicles worldwide annually off of the new global B-car platform, the basis for the new Fiesta. Since Fiesta was launched in 1976, more than 12 million have been sold worldwide.
The Fiesta has won numerous international awards since it was introduced:
* Prestigious “red dot” award for international product design — Germany’s Essen-based Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen
* Car of the Year 2009 by Britain’s What Car? Magazine
* 2009 Car of the Year – The Sun Motors
* 2009 Croatian Car of the Year – Croatian Car Association
* 2009 Hellenic Car of the Year – Journalists from Autobild, Drive Autocar
* Woman’s Car 2009 – Hachette Filipacchi Editorial Group
* 2008 Scottish Car of the year – Association of Scottish Motoring Writers
* The Best of the 2008 Geneva Show – Most Significant – Autoweek
* Top Gear, Car, Car & Driver and 4 Wheels
* 2008 Croatian Car of the Year – Croatian Car Association
* 2008 Best Supermini – What Car? magazine
Popularity: unranked [?]
Brazil is 2009 the largest market for Mercedes-Benz trucks in the world
Stuttgart/Sao Bernardo do Campo
,
Oct 29, 2009
*More than 23,000 Mercedes-Benz trucks sold between January and September 2009
*Every second truck in Brazil today has the star
Stuttgart/S?o Bernardo do Campo – Brazil is the largest market for Mercedes-Benz trucks in the world in this year. Between January and September 2009, the Brazilian unit of Daimler Trucks registered sales volume of more than 23,000 units of all weight classes. This equals a decrease of -20% compared to the same period of the record year 2008, a decline that has been much lower than in other major Mercedes-Benz truck market worldwide.
“The market and the good performance of Mercedes-Benz do Brasil are very important for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and therefore Daimler Trucks”, said Hubertus Troska, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
According to Troska, the Brazilian commercial vehicle sector has recovered much faster from the global economic crisis than many other sales markets: “After a difficult first quarter in Brazil, there was a strong recovery with positive sales prospects for 2010.”
This growth perspective confirms the leading role of Brazil among the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China).
“As a part of our Global Excellence strategy, we focus on consequently further developing our activities in Brazil and the other growth markets Russia, India and China”, Troska continued.
Largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in Latin America
Mercedes-Benz do Brasil is the largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in Latin America and furthermore features the largest Mercedes-Benz truck plant outside Germany. The Company offers the market’s most complete line of products for freight and passengers.
In the course of the last 53 years, Mercedes-Benz of Brazil has reached the milestone of 1,000,000 trucks sold in the country, an unprecedented volume among manufacturers in the industry. Every second truck in Brazil today has the star. Vehicles manufactured in Brazil are now exported to 50 countries worldwide.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Insight Hybrid Vehicle Wins Japan Automotive Hall of Fame Car of the Year 2009-2010
TOKYO, Japan, October 29, 2009 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that the Committee of Japan Automotive Hall of Fame had awarded its Car of the Year 2009-2010 to the Insight hybrid vehicle. The NonProfit Organization cited the following three factors in conferring the award on the Insight:
1. The strategy of affordable pricing Honda used in marketing the hybrid Insight
2. The Insight’s balance of driving performance and environmental performance
3. The balance of performance and fuel economy at cruising and higher speeds offered by Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), Honda’s original hybrid system
Designed to set the standard of compact cars for a new era, the Insight combines outstanding environmental performance based on Honda’s original hybrid system with a fun, responsive driving and an efficient, versatile packaging. In addition, pricing starts at an affordable JPY1,890,000*. Enthusiastically received by customers, in April 2009 the Insight became the first hybrid vehicle to achieve the status of the best-selling automobile among new vehicle registrations in Japan in a calendar month.
* Manufacturer’s suggested retail price including consumption tax for the G-type
Popularity: 1% [?]
ALL-NEW 2011 KIA SORENTO ENTERS CUV SEGMENT
All-New CUV Embodies Kia Motors’ Style, Value and Longevity
# Newest Kia vehicle offers premium style, technology and safety features
# The first vehicle built1 at KMMG, the 2011 Sorento is a symbol of Kia Motors’ commitment to the U.S.
ATLANTA, October 27, 2009 – Kia Motors continues its full-fledged design and vehicle lineup transformation and today Kia Motors America (KMA) introduces the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV. The first vehicle to roll off the line at Kia Motors’ state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia, the new Sorento adopts Kia signature design cues and offers the U.S. market a well-equipped, well-appointed and versatile CUV suited perfectly for the time and a fun, dynamic generation of drivers.
“Kia Motors is known for producing safe, affordable, appealing vehicles and we are furthering our commitment to U.S. market consumers with the 2011 Sorento as the first vehicle to come off the state-of-the-art assembly line at our new manufacturing plant in Georgia,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). “Creating stylish and safe vehicles loaded with value is a core philosophy for the Kia brand, and the opening of KMMG along with the production of the all-new Sorento further reinforces those values.”
With a streamlined and attractive look, the new Sorento represents a modern CUV that is just the right size for today’s consumer. Built using a unibody design with the ability to comfortably fit up to seven passengers, Sorento has an overall length of 183.9 inches and overall width of 74.2 inches, and is longer and roomier than the previous-generation Sorento. With increased head and legroom and nearly five cubic feet more in cargo capacity, the 2011 Sorento effortlessly accommodates both passenger and cargo needs for all drivers. An available panoramic sunroof, the first on any Kia vehicle, increases the feeling of spaciousness and adds to the overall contemporary appearance.
In addition to offering a comfortable ride, a host of impressive technology features also come standard, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service? , auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting personal MP3 players, and Bluetooth® connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for all compatible mobile phones. Available push button-start ignition, voice-activated navigation, rear sonar back-up cameras and air ionization purification technology complete the modern and high-tech driving experience.
To further match the needs and preferences for all drivers, the 2011 Sorento offers two engines, both more powerful than the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V?. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine outputting 172 horsepower or a larger 3.5-liter V6 providing a class-leading 273 horsepower are both coupled to a new six-speed automatic transmission, which together provide ample power, improved fuel efficiency and smooth driving performance. To further meet consumer needs, both engines can be mated to either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations.
“With a spacious, comfortable interior and multiple convenience features, the 2011 Sorento is the perfect, versatile choice for couples or young families taking a weekend getaway or merely handling everyday responsibilities,” said Tom Loveless, vice president of sales for KMA. “Consumers are sure to take notice of Sorento’s sharp styling, exceptional value and standard safety features, making it a standout in the competitive CUV segment.”
Industry-Leading Warranty
The 2011 Sorento is covered by Kia’s comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the comprehensive vehicle coverage.
Kia Motors Product Line
Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The vehicle line features the stylish and all-new Forte compact sedan and all-new two-door Forte Koup, the highly personalizable Soul, functional Rondo CUV, award-winning Sedona minivan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan and versatile yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The vehicle line also features the affordably luxurious Borrego and value-packed Sportage SUVs, while the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV arrives in showrooms in January 2010.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Honda Sets All-Time Record for Worldwide Auto Production in Asia and China for the First Half of a Fiscal Year
October 28, 2009 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd., today announced a summary of automobile production, Japan domestic sales, and export results for the month of September 2009 and the first half of the current fiscal year (April-September 2009).
<Production>
First Half of Current Fiscal Year (April – September 2009)
Production in Japan for the first half of the current fiscal year experienced a year-on-year decrease for the third consecutive year (since the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008).
Production in regions outside of Japan for the first half of the current fiscal year experienced a year-on-year decrease for the first time in 13 years (since the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997), although production in Asia and China respectively set all-time record for the first half of a fiscal year.
Worldwide production experienced a year-on-year decrease for the first time in six years (since the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004).
September 2009
Production in Japan for the month of September 2009 experienced a year-on-year decrease for the 11th consecutive month (since November 2008).
Production in regions outside of Japan experienced a year-on-year decrease for the 12th consecutive month (since October 2008), although production in Asia and China respectively set all-time record for the month of September.
Worldwide production experienced a year-on-year decrease for the 11th consecutive month (since November 2008).
<Japan Domestic Market Sales>
First Half of Current Fiscal Year (April – September 2009)
Total Japan domestic market auto sales for the first half of the current fiscal year experienced a year-on-year increase for the second consecutive year (since the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009).
New vehicle registrations for the first half of the current fiscal year experienced a year-on-year increase for the second consecutive year (since the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009).
Sales of mini-vehicles for the first half of the current fiscal year experienced a year-on-year decrease for the third consecutive year (since the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008).
<Vehicle registrations – excluding mini-vehicles>
Fit was the industry’s second best-selling car among new vehicle registrations for the first half of the current fiscal year, with sales of 76,489 units. Insight was the industry’s third best-selling car with sales of 55,845 units. Freed was the industry’s ninth best-selling car with sales of 35,875 units.
<Mini-vehicles – under 660cc>
Life was the industry’s sixth best-selling car among mini-vehicles for the first half of the current fiscal year with sales of 32,248 units. Zest was the industry’s ninth best-selling car with sales of 20,595 units.
September 2009
Total Japan domestic market auto sales for the month of September 2009, experienced a year-on-year increase for the third consecutive month (since July 2009).
New vehicle registrations experienced a year-on-year increase for the sixth consecutive month (since April 2009).
Sales of mini-vehicles experienced a year-on-year decrease for the tenth consecutive month (since December 2008).
<Vehicle registrations – excluding mini-vehicles>
Fit was the industry’s second best-selling car among new vehicle registrations for the month of September 2009, with sales of 17,241 units. Insight was the industry’s fifth best-selling car with sales of 10,289 units. Freed was the industry’s sixth best-selling car with sales of 9,123 units.
<Mini-vehicles – under 660cc>
Life was the industry’s eighth best-selling car in the mini-vehicle category for the month of September 2009, with sales of 5,544 units. Zest was the industry’s ninth best-selling car with sales of 4,610 units.
<Exports from Japan>
First Half of Current Fiscal Year (April – September 2009)
Total exports from Japan for the first half of the current fiscal year experienced a year-on-year decrease for the second consecutive year (since fiscal year ended March 31, 2009).
September 2009
Total exports from Japan in September 2009, experienced a year-on-year decrease for the 12th consecutive month (since October 2008).
PRODUCTION, SALES and EXPORTS (September 2009)
Worldwide Production
| *1st Half Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2010 | September 2009 | Year-to-Date Total (Jan. – Sep. 2009) | |||||
|
Units
|
vs.FY09
|
Units
|
vs.’08
|
Units | vs.’08 | ||
| Japan |
394,514
|
-34.9%
|
77,900
|
-34.3%
|
588,128
|
-35.8%
|
|
| Outside of Japan |
1,095,981
|
-19.5%
|
222,842
|
-7.8%
|
1,535,372
|
-25.8%
|
|
| Worldwide Total |
1,490,495
|
-24.2%
|
300,742
|
-16.6%
|
2,123,500
|
-28.9%
|
|
Production Outside of Japan
| *1st Half Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2010 | September 2009 | Year-to-Date Total (Jan.-Sep. 2009) |
|||||
|
Units
|
vs.FY09
|
Units
|
vs.’08
|
Units
|
vs.’08
|
||
| North America |
520,032
|
-27.4%
|
104,607
|
-13.9%
|
729,611
|
-33.4%
|
|
| (USA) |
366,578
|
-25.7%
|
74,752
|
-10.8%
|
506,101
|
-33.6%
|
|
| Europe |
32,729
|
-70.3%
|
12,185
|
-42.9%
|
44,243
|
-75.1%
|
|
| Asia |
460,269
|
+4.8%
|
90,220
|
+12.6%
|
643,785
|
-1.8%
|
|
| (China) |
308,505
|
+15.4%
|
60,741
|
+20.1%
|
427,503
|
+8.3%
|
|
| Others |
82,951
|
-13.1%
|
15,830
|
-16.3%
|
117,733
|
-16.7%
|
|
| Overseas Total |
1,095,981
|
-19.5%
|
222,842
|
-7.8%
|
1,535,372
|
-25.8%
|
|
Japan Domestic Market Sales
| Vehicle type | *1st Half Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2010 | September 2009 | Year-to-Date Total (Jan. – Sep. 2009) |
||||
|
Units
|
vs.FY09
|
Units
|
vs.’08
|
Units
|
vs.’08
|
||
| Registrations |
221,448
|
+8.9%
|
48,363
|
+15.4%
|
318,868
|
-4.3%
|
|
| Mini Vehicles |
73,104
|
-17.8%
|
13,633
|
-20.8%
|
123,038
|
-18.3%
|
|
| Honda Brand Total |
294,552
|
+0.8%
|
61,996
|
+4.8%
|
441,906
|
-8.7%
|
|
Exports from Japan
| *1st Half Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2010 | September 2009 | Year-to-Date Total (Jan. – Sep. 2009) |
|||||
|
Units
|
vs.FY09
|
Units
|
vs.’08
|
Units
|
vs.’08
|
||
| North America |
67,897
|
-59.7%
|
10,619
|
-62.3%
|
115,378
|
-56.8%
|
|
| (USA) |
65,426
|
-58.3%
|
10,521
|
-58.4%
|
107,311
|
-57.3%
|
|
| Europe |
29,760
|
-58.8%
|
1,813
|
-87.3%
|
53,236
|
-41.1%
|
|
| Asia |
4,850
|
-74.6%
|
1,400
|
-58.8%
|
8,580
|
-71.9%
|
|
| Others |
12,152
|
-80.1%
|
3,103
|
-77.7%
|
22,242
|
-76.5%
|
|
| Total |
114,659
|
-64.2%
|
16,935
|
-71.6%
|
199,436
|
-58.6%
|
|
*April-September 2009
Popularity: 1% [?]