“Turning Japanese - Manila Times” plus 1 more

Posted: 12 Oct 2009 02:21 PM PDT

»PREVIEW 41ST TOKYO MOTOR SHOW

ON October 21, the vast halls of the Makuhari Messe in Japan will welcome the global press for the 41st staging of the Tokyo Motor Show, which is one of the world's most significant automotive spectacle and certainly the region's most important.

While Motoring Times will be there to report on the event, here is a special preview of some of the most interesting features included in next week's show. Partnering with

Subaru, Toyota to display eco-friendly sports car

TOKYO: Toyota unveiled last week a new lightweight, sporty concept car inspired by an iconic coupe from the 1980s, saying its vision of the future was both mean and green. With a low center of gravity and a special 2.0-liter boxer engine developed by partner Subaru, the rear-wheel drive FT-86 is said to handle like a race car but with less damage to the environment.

The cherry-red concept car, which will go on display at the Tokyo Motor Show, aims to rekindle passion for the Toyota Corolla AE86 of the '80s.

"Everyone thinks sports cars won't sell but there is a huge demand, particularly among middle-aged men who have fond memories of the Corolla AE86 and who would like to drive it once again," a Toyota engineer, Tetsuya Tada, said.

"When green cars become prevalent, consumers will choose brands that offer something extra," Tada said at the preview of the vehicle.

Toyota will also display a new version of its electric concept car—based on its compact iQ. Called the FT-EV II, the four-seat car runs on lithium-ion batteries and has a top speed of more than 100kph.

"We think the time is almost ripe for cost levels, batteries and performance to evolve one step further," said Akihiro Yanaka, who oversees the FT-EV II project. The electric concept car has solar panels on its roof and is designed to be easily recharged at shopping malls or at home.
AFP

Mitsubishi to showcase i-MiEV Cargo and PX-MiEV hybrid crossover concepts

Mitsubishi's MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) lineage gets two new offspring concept cars—the PX-MiEV (the "PX" stands for Plug-in hybrid crossover) and the i-MiEV Cargo.

The PX MiEV uses two permanent magnet synchronous motors to drive the front and rear wheels in conjunction with a 1.6-liter MIVEC gasoline engine that powers the front wheels as well as work as a generator. The concept is able to automatically balance the hybrid drive combination to suit driving conditions and its smart control system. The result is impressive fuel economy "in excess of 50 kilometers per liter," according to Mitsubishi.

Meanwhile, the i-MiEV Cargo takes the i-MiEV front and adds a square rear to provide extensive carrying capacity that's designed for a variety of uses.

Nissan unveils zero-emission concept car that 'glides' on land

TOKYO: Nissan unveiled last week a futuristic concept car that tilts to the side when going around bends to make drivers feel like they are gliding through the air. The zero-emission electric "Land Glider" seats two people—one in the front and one in the back.

Just 1.1 meters wide, it can easily squeeze into tight parking spaces and through narrow streets.

"In the past a car used to move only in a two dimensional way but the Land Glider can move in a three-dimensional way," said Nissan's Ryusuke Hayashi, who is overseeing the project.

"Although you are driving on the road, you feel as if you are flying," he said at a preview of the car.

Inspired by motorbikes and glider aircraft, the four-wheel car has tilting wheels and moving fenders that enable it to lean by up to 17 degrees. Special sensors calculate the best tilt for negotiating a corner.

Instead of a steering wheel, it has airplane-style controls. With a cocoon-like cabin and a body designed to look like it is protected with armor, the Land Glider also aims to give motorists a sense of security.

Japan's third-largest carmaker will also display a chunky concept sports crossover, Qazana, that looks halfway between a tank and a beach buggy.
AFP

Honda flaunts 'vehicle2vehicle' and 'vehicle2driver' system

Honda announced a "car2car" and "car2driver" communications system named HELLO! (Honda ELectric mobility Loop!) and unveiled its LOOP portable communication tool that fits in the palm of a hand and allows people and mobility devices to communicate with each other.

"By linking solar panels that supply electricity with battery electric vehicles that emit zero emissions, Honda envisions the low-carbon society of the near future," the carmaker said in a statement. "In addition, each HELLO! vehicle features interactive communication technologies that showcase the fun ways in which mobility devices can interact with people and society."

The vehicles Honda has listed as using the HELLO! (and LOOP) system are the FCX Clarity fuel-cell electric vehicle, the EV-N battery electric vehicle, the EV-Cub electric motorcycle, the EV-MONPAL electric personal mobility device and the new U3-X one-wheel personal mobility device.

This content has passed through fivefilters.org.

China Bank donates P1M for Ondoy and Pepeng victims, launches donation ... - Business World

Posted: 12 Oct 2009 08:30 AM PDT

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

FREE PREVIEW

Corporate Bulletins

In response to the recent calamities, typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, China Bank has an on-going donation drive to benefit the victims of the said typhoons.

The Bank is donating P1 million to support the relief operations of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC). In addition, the Bank is also accepting cash or check donations for typhoon victims though the China Bank Calamity/Disaster Fund: Savings account no.: 203-365071-3. Inter-branch transaction fees are waived for all the donations to the said fund. The proceeds of the Bank's donation drive will likewise be turned over to PNRC.

This is our free preview of this article.

To enjoy reading the story in full, please log in to Codex. Or, if you are not yet a subscriber, please subscribe now to get complete access to Philippine business news daily from BusinessWorld.

This content has passed through fivefilters.org.