TOYOTA retain its status of major automotive manufacturers in 2014

Toyota once again topped the list of largest automakers, sold in 2014 for a total of 10.23 million vehicles. This number includes sales subsidiaries, as Daihatsu and Hino. Thus, Volkswagen again remained in second place (the Germans last year sold 10.14 million vehicles), but they might have a chance to become leaders in 2015.

Toyota sales in 2014 increased by 3%, but this year the leadership prepares to decrease. The reason – the decline in demand in the domestic market and emerging markets. The Japanese government raised the consumption tax rate in 2014, which reduced sales activity in general, and particularly in major transactions such as buying a car. In addition, the low gasoline prices reduced the popularity of ecological vehicles that make up a decent share in the model number of the Japanese brand.

Japanese expect that in 2015, sold about 1% fewer cars, but in the race largest automakers even this figure could play a decisive role. Then Toyota will sell about 10.15 million vehicles, and if Volkswagen will make a breakthrough, he could easily be in the leading position.

Almost 80 years the world’s largest carmaker were General Motors, but in 2008 they moved the Japanese. Toyota retained the title until 2011, when sales and production decreased due to catastrophic earthquake and tsunami. A year later, however, the Japanese have recouped and since then only grew. Volkswagen was originally going to move to Toyota in 2018, but already ahead of their own sales targets.

TOYOTA retain its status of major automotive manufacturers in 2014

LOTUS promised "captures" a novelty for the Geneva Motor Show

British sports car manufacturer Lotus has announced substantial growth in sales in the last 9 months. At the same time, in a press release the company referred to the presentation of “exciting” sports car at the Geneva Motor Show.

Lotus to be congratulated on those company has finally started to get out of the crisis. The negative effects of the previous leadership began to disappear, the range is improved, sales are growing and expanding dealer network. In 2014, the British had sold 54% more vehicles, with a total circulation amounted to 1565 units. Demand has increased everywhere, especially in Europe, China and Japan. The dealer network has expanded to 25 showrooms to 163 pieces, and for the current year should see another 50 new ones.

Media interest, however, has caused even the fact that Lotus begins to find its feet, but the promise to present at the Geneva Motor Show March intriguing novelty. The press release says that the new car will remain faithful to the key principles of “ease, sports and handling”, which will be implemented the most attractive way. Then, in an official statement said the new Elise S Cup, a new version of the sports car, which is also homologated for participation in motorsport events and can be used on the roads.

Therefore, it is unclear whether in Geneva presents a new version of the Lotus Elise, or a completely different model. Previously available information that Lotus plans to create on the basis of Evora convertible and crossover. Also in the lineup of the brand is a model Exige, which could also be upgraded. Lotus brand new models in the near future plans.

LOTUS promised "captures" a novelty for the Geneva Motor Show

Mexico presented new car Force India

Formula 1 team Force India presented its new livery car VJM08 at the event in Mexico City, the Museum Soumaya. Thus the team wanted to mark the return of the Grand Prix of Mexico in the calendar of Formula 1, and at the same time honor the attention of old and new sponsors.

The new livery VJM08 consists of three shades. For black and orange added silver. So Force India tried to make the car more aggressive and increase the visibility of their sponsors logos. Vijay Mallya, Force India boss recalled that when the team just came out at the start of the Big Prizes, their car was painted white and then gradually added to it the color of the Indian flag. When the team added to the body of the car black, thus highlighting the logos of sponsors, it received positive reviews. Force India hoping that silver tint car will give a new character and also will appeal to partners.

In fact, there was a presentation in Mexico City, only a new color of the car, and he will come to the tests only in Barcelona, at the end of February. However, the machine presented yesterday, yet you will notice a new form of the nose cone – it became less and shorter. Technical Director VJM08 shared and some other parts of the new car. In particular, it is now equipped with a rear suspension hydro system.

Force India only in January, went to work at Toyota wind tunnel in Cologne. Now the team can use a copy of the car in 60% scale, which significantly affects the reliability of the data. Have been upgraded and systems modeling. Vijay Mallya says that all of these changes would be ineffective if the team did not work real professionals and fireballs are not managed by experienced riders. Force India expects that will be involved in the fight against larger players in the beginning of the European phase of the season, because, since the Spanish Grand Prix will start using aerodynamic innovations, developed in accordance with the data obtained in the tests in the wind tunnel.

Mexico presented new car Force India

Honda present in Chicago "dramatic" design of the model pilot

Japanese carmaker Honda has told about new products, prepared for the Chicago Auto Show, which opens on February 12. The Japanese decided to focus on the productive model crossovers and pickups, which is hardly surprising, given the decline in gasoline prices and the increased interest of buyers in this segment cars. However, the company does have something to show: SUV lineup at no less diverse than the range of Honda motorcycles. In general, it is expected three premieres from the Japanese brand: a new generation Pilot, Ridgeline harbinger of a new and updated Acura RDX, which belongs to the premium segment cars.

SUV Honda Pilot, originally developed by the US subsidiary for Americans this year generational change. The first generation model came out in 2002, the second – in 2008. The new version of Pilot will get three rows of seats, which can fit 8 passengers. The model also will be equipped with new technology, security systems and improve fuel economy. In this case, Honda Pilot will retain its “family” functionality and versatility and design will receive “dramatic” changes. Honda noted in a press release that the 2014 sale Pilot rose by 8.6% in the US market. The second premiere Chicago from Honda will be the second generation of the four-door pickup Ridgeline. The model first entered the market in 2005, and last year its production was discontinued.

From premium brand Acura in Chicago will make a compact crossover RDX. He has already succeeded generation in 2013 and now has completed the upgrade. The model is one of the best sellers in its segment in the US market, being one of the most economical and dynamic representatives of crossovers with the engine V6. In a restyled version of the Japanese promise “long list” of improvements and modifications, including the level of comfort, safety and noise insulation and vibration.

Honda present in Chicago "dramatic" design of the model pilot

Tokyo wants 6000 hydrogen cars for the Olympic Games

Japan is one of the largest players in the automotive industry. Throughout the country there are many automotive factories and enterprises for the production of car accessories, and you can buy many parts online. The country is also known as one of the most progressive, as evidenced by the ambitions of its capital. By 2020, when Tokyo will host the Olympic Games, the metropolis expects that he will be driving around the roads of 6000 hydrogen cars, and will be built 35 hydrogen fueling stations. To do this, the local government has allocated an amount of 385 million dollars.

Tokyo is discussing the possibility of producing 6,000 cars on fuel cells with Toyota and Honda. Both companies presented their hydrogen cars, but the model Honda FCEV in a series will be released only in March 2016 (a year later than the original plan) and sedan Toyota Mirai is ready for sales. It has already received 1,500 pre-orders, most of them from corporate clients or administrations. Toyota expected to lower the hype at first, so the Japanese had to quickly increase productivity by adding two assembly lines.

But the aim is to promote Tokyo hydrogen technology to the masses, so buyers promises considerable subsidy of 3 million yen, t. E. About 25,325 dollars, which is almost half the cost of Mirai. Incentives are provided for the construction of gas stations, covering 80% of the costs and equating the opening of the hydrogen refueling to traditional construction.

Objectives Tokyo after the Olympic Games were even more ambitious. By 2025, the streets should be already 100 000 hydrogen cars, 100 buses and 80 hydrogen fueling stations. Because of this metropolis wants to become a true leader progress.

Tokyo wants 6000 hydrogen cars for the Olympic Games

Volvo eyeing the Formula E

Volvo opinion that participation in motorsport events contradicts the image that they want to ensure yourself: manufacturer of safe vehicles with low fuel consumption. But it is recognized that there is one sports series, the development of which they watched with great interest – Formula-E.

Volvo presently participating in competitions Swedish touring, as well as the Australian championship «V8 Supercars». However, the Swedes have already announced that upon the expiration of the contracts cease to participate in them. After 2016 Swedish car brand wanted to leave the only competition in which to participate, the world regatta Volvo Ocean Race. Firstly, it is environmentally friendly, promotes the unity of man and nature, and is more suitable for the premium automaker.

Alan Visser, senior vice president of Volvo, said in an interview Auto Motor und Sport, that premium brands such as Land Rover and Jaguar did not take part in any competition that does not spoil their image. However, Visser admitted that Volvo closely watching the Formula E, where the track out electric cars. Audience and coverage in the media of the championship so far are not as extensive, but it has a unique concept and great potential for promoting environmental technology driving. Moreover, according to Volvo, this series is more attractive in the quality-price ratio, so it does not imply high costs. For comparison Visser gave an example of endurance races where teams spend 20 million on the car, and coverage of the race only lasts 24 hours.

Volvo eyeing the Formula E

Test your Maserati Levante first crossover in snowy conditions

With the onset of winter, many automakers are hoping to make the most of the weather and how to experience the novelty of endurance in a cold climate. For this perfect snowy fjords of Sweden, where he spotted a mule car photographers Maserati Levante, a new crossover premium brand.

Exit Levante is scheduled for next year, but tests are still being conducted under the body Ghibli. However, judging by how long the Italians tested “internally” Levante under another body, can be seen that they have already come to an end, and soon SUV must appear in serial form.

Mule Maserati Levante has already been seen in August last year, when undergoing flight tests, too, under the body Ghibli. It is impossible to say with certainty that this is the same mule, as in the summer he was unmarked. However, both prototypes have a blue body color, the same wheels and an increased height of the roof. Prototype diligently wrapped camouflage film conceals body parts, though noticeable, that the car was equipped with a plastic protective bodywork.

So far, about Maserati Levante know quite a bit. The crossover will be built based on the concept Kubang, submitted back in 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Earlier it was reported that during the debut on the market it will be powered by a 3.0-liter V6, and later receive an optional “eight”.

Test your Maserati Levante first crossover in snowy conditions