Cars On The Blog

The Toyota Hi-CT Concept is what usually happens when you cross a Mack truck and a brick. And although it seems like the Japanese automaker has misinterpreted the definition of truck with the Hi-CT but overall the contraption is rather amazing at its own right.

There is a rear “deck” placed instead of a conventional bed and the best bet it that it will not be far off from a paved road. Toyota the producer of Toyota catalytic converter has presented the Hi-CT showing the deck along with the removable trunk used to contain surfboards and bicycles but anything bulkier should be left at home. The design of the Hi-CT also shows that it can haul a limited amount of cargo and group of teens.

Although not that inclined to payload-carrying capability the Hi-CT’s selling point is its plug-in hybrid technology. It is also different from the conventional hybrid like the Toyota Prius which is a plug-in hybrid that can be charged via a household wall outlet that is aside from its internal combustion engine. And speaking of charging — the system is complete with 100-vot AC accessory socket to play and charge all the gadgets.

The urban transporter can seat four under a glass roof. And if you look closely at the controls you will notice that they are somewhat inspired by a fighter jet. Similarly, the yoke-like controller housing two red buttons will make you want to push that button and launch those missiles. Unfortunately, there are no missiles to launch. Anyway, all the instrumentation, entertainment, and HVAC information is contained in a single panoramic display above the dash making it easier for the driver to operate them.

The Hi-CT is obviously not your conventional truck but its hip and environmentally friendly and also targets the young buyers. Come to think of it, the Hi-CT is more in line with the Scion xA and xB.

Toyota Crown Hybrid Concept
Aside from the Hi-CT, Toyota will present a smorgasbord of eco-friendly and fuel efficient vehicles at the Tokyo Motor Show of which includes the ever-popular Toyota Crown which will be presented in a Hybrid Concept form. The Toyota Crown has been a big hit overseas.

The Crown was first introduced in the US in 1971 but unfortunately didn’t stay long but in Japan it has been available for over 50 years. The Crown possessed similar dimensions and appearance as that of the Lexus LS which is a rear-wheel-drive sedan and considered to be a prime example of Japanese luxury.

And since Toyota’s philosophy is for its vehicles to be available with gasoline-electric powertrain technology, the Crown would be given the hybrid treatment. It will also be equipped with THS II- Toyota Hybrid System II –which now includes a two stage motor speed reduction device that is designed to improve acceleration as well as increase fuel economy while lowering sound levels and emissions.

Toyota has lots of plan with the Crown of which includes changes on the drivetrain and many more. The Japanese automaker has also added a new thin-film transistor LCD called the “Finegraphic Meter” that creates a new information display that made easier for the driver to understand as compared to traditional units.

In terms of safety features, the Crown will have the VDIM or Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management which will incorporate active steering control aside from the vehicle’s existing traction and brake systems. And if you still think that the VDIM is not yet enough to keep you safe then how about 10 airbags? Feel safe already?

Sad as it may seem but the Crown will probably not be made available in the US. However, the Toyota Crown Hybrid Concept will definitely not stay a concept for long since its production is already scheduled next year for other markets.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_231779_31.html

As Japanese automakers continue to flourish in foreign territories, they struggle in their domestic land. Japan’s auto market bubble is bursting and it is blamed on its decreasing population.

For many years, Japan had the world’s biggest percentage of elderly citizens and one of the smallest birth rates. But in 2005, its population began to decline for the first time since records were compiled in 1899, reported the Detroit News. If the decline persists, experts in the industry predict Japan’s population will get smaller by a third within 50 years, to fewer than 90 million inhabitants.

The demographics have forced Japanese automakers to concentrate on exportation where the market is promising. Experts added that in mature markets like the United States and Europe sales are expected to amplify over the long term.

Japan is still the world’s second-largest passenger car market, and third-largest in total vehicle sales after the U.S. and China. Japan’s bubble burst but the economy is gradually improving to the exception of car sales. Statistics say auto sales were down in September for an 18th consecutive month.

“The combination of the population decline and the economy, which has been slower than expected in picking up, is dampening the market for longer than we expected,” said Yuki Funo, a Toyota Motor Corp. board member and chairman of its U.S. sales operation. “It’s not good.”

The Japanese market is important for the Toyota Motor Corp., which has a dominant 42 percent share. But it is not as important as the U.S. market to Toyota’s bottom line. Honda Motor Co., Japan’s second biggest automaker, produces less than a fourth of its global auto sales in Japan.

“It’s not as profitable as other markets, but it’s valuable,” said Honda spokesman David Iida. “Because it’s a hyper-competitive market, you have to keep coming out with new products, so you have to keep refining your product development cycles and develop new technologies very quickly. It’s the Japanese market that strengthens Honda for the U.S. market.”

Japan’s auto giants all have increased their U.S. market share this year, to a combined 37 percent, from 34.7 percent a year ago. Analysts estimate the U.S. market accounts for between 50 percent and 60 percent of their earnings. On the contrary, American automakers have given up on Japan, where imports are mostly German premium cars and account for only around five percent of total sales.

General Motors Corp. recently sold its equity stakes in three Japanese automakers and is concentrating on the booming Chinese market. Ford Motor Co. owns a controlling stake in Mazda Motor Corp., which develops car platforms for Ford. But Ford sells only 5,000 Ford-brand vehicles in Japan annually.

At the opening of the Tokyo Motor Show this week, the Dearborn-based automaker will showcase a few “all-American” models such as the Mustang and Explorer. It will also launch the muscular Escape Adventure concept.

“There’s a core group of consumers who do want to be different, who want something that reflects the adventurous American lifestyle,” said Randy Krieger, the president of Ford Japan.

But Japanese shoppers are moving toward smaller cars and mini-vehicles, such as the Subaru Stella, Daihatsu Tanto, and the Nissan Moco. These compact cars appeal to empty-nesters and young, entry-level shoppers.

The fascination with electronic gadgetry may reflect a desire to escape crowded, stressful conditions in Japanese cities, said Honda spokesman Iida. “You can go into your own world.” It is like using Active Brakes Direct to put a halt to something undesirable.

“People like to distance themselves from that age - it’s viewed as having been too extravagant,” Lapuz said. “Now, combined with the green movement, people are less concerned with status and image - that’s why they go for mini-cars.” That helps explain Japan’s lead in hybrid technology as well as other environmental auto innovations.

About the Author: Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.