Auto market and Japan

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As you know pretty well till now Japan has been second largest automobile market in the world. An automotive and electronic industries are the most prominent industries, the base of the Japanese economy. Such autos as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi and Mazda have recommended themselves in the world as quality and trustworthy ones.

But now, in the light of Japan’s tragedy that is unfortunately still continuing it’s becoming also obviously that the earthquake has affected on all exports, including cars and probably customers will get the deficit of automotives and electronic components very soon. Japan’s top three auto makers, Toyota, Honda and Nissan, have closed already their plants in the quake-hit areas in Japan.

It’s pity becouse I’ve loved Nissan Micra which is both beautiful as economic auto. Nissan Micra comes in a single engine variant – 1.2 litre petrol with 3 in-line cylinders. The powerful engine can churn out a maximum power of 75 bhp @ 6000 RPM and will give you a maximum torque of 104 Nm @ 4000 RPM. Paired with the engine is a five speed manual transmission.

Micra boasts of optimum performance, ride and handling combined with agility and refinement.Mounted on the Nissan’s new signature V-platform, the suspension minimizes intrusion and takes on well to US or European roads. The suspension set up comprises of McPherson Strut at the front and torsion beam at the rear. The cute looking hatchback also offers a great fuel economy of 18.06 kmpl.

However, we have to hope and many analysts believe that the impact of Japan’s quake would not last long on the global market. A Moody’s economist even thinks that Japan’s reconstruction efforts after the earthquake could boost global trade.

Consumer Brand Preferences

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It’s interesting that despite crises such models that Chevrolet, Ford, and Subaru have benefited from a dramatic increase in overall brand perception among car owners. According CONSUMER REPORTS the scores reflect consumers’ total perception level of a brand across those categories, and not the actual qualities of the brand’s individual vehicles.

Toyota maintained its Number one spot. But overall score improvements helped Ford to slip past Honda into second place and allowed Chevrolet to rise to fourth place, from ninth. Subaru’s 39-point increase, which was the largest of any brand and almost double its 2009 score, boosted the brand to ninth place, from last year’s 18th position.

At the other end of the spectrum, the two lowest-scoring brands were Hummer and Saab—divisions that General Motors has struggled to sell. Luxury brands saw the greatest decreases in overall scores, with Porsche (-13 points), Lexus (-15), Cadillac (-15), Infiniti (-21), and Lincoln (-25) moving in the wrong direction.

Clearly, several brands emerged from the 2009 auto crisis stronger than others, and the way consumers perceive the brands is in constant change.

TOYOTA January 18th 2010

TOYOTA Avensis 2009

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TOYOTA Avensis – Avensis GLX 4D Wagon – 4 auto
STD Standard Fitment
OPT Optional extra, usually available at extra cost.
Note: Option may only be available in combination with others. Refer to Dealer for details.
O/PAK Option only available in combination with others. Usually available at extra cost. Refer to Dealer for details.
Expand allClose allExpand
CloseINSTRUMENT & CONTROLS
Power steering STD
- Power steering type Hydraulic
Steering wheel STD
- Steering wheel type Plastic
- Tilting adjustment STD

Cruise control STD
Door mirrors – driver’s side STD
- Exterior mirror adjustment type Electrically adjustable
- Exterior mirror colour Body colour
Door mirrors – passenger’s side STD
- Exterior mirror adjustment type Electrically adjustable
- Exterior mirror colour Body colour
Rear view mirror STD
Windscreen wipers STD
- Intermittent windscreen wipers Variable
Gear position indicator in dash STD
Tachometer STD
Low fuel level warning STD
Expand
CloseFEATURES
Air conditioning STD
- Climate control STD
- Rear air outlet STD
- Climate control number of zones 1
Power windows – front STD
Power windows – rear STD
Vanity mirror – driver’s side STD
- Illuminated vanity mirror STD
Vanity mirror – passenger’s side STD
- Illuminated vanity mirror STD
Expand
CloseDIMENSIONS
(Note: Some figures are approximate only and may vary due to options/accessories fitted.)

External dimensions STD
- Length (mm) 4690
- Width (mm) 1760
- Height (mm) 1675
- Wheelbase (mm) 2825
- Ground clearance (mm) 135
Expand
CloseSTORAGE
Glovebox STD
- Lockable glovebox STD
Door pockets – driver’s side STD
Door pockets – passenger’s side STD
Door pockets – rear STD
Beverage holders – doors STD
Beverage holders – rear seats STD
Expand
CloseSAFETY
Anti-Skid Brakes (ABS) – All wheels STD
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) STD
Brake Assist (BA) STD
Front airbag – driver STD
Front airbag – passenger STD
Front seat belts – driver STD
- Pre-tensioner seatbelts STD
- Front seat belts force limiter STD
- Height adjustable seatbelts STD
Front seat belts – passenger STD
- Pre-tensioner seatbelts STD
- Front seat belts force limiter STD
- Height adjustable seatbelts STD
Rear seat belts – centre STD
Rear seat belts – driver’s side STD
- 2nd row/rear seat ALR seatbelts for child seats STD
Rear seat belts – passenger’s side STD
- 2nd row/rear seat ALR seatbelts for child seats STD
Third row seat belts – driver’s side STD
Third row seat belts – passenger’s side STD
Expand
CloseTYRES & RIMS
Tyres – front STD
- Tyre width (mm) 205
- Tyre profile 65
- Tyre rating H
Tyres – rear STD
- Tyre width (mm) 205
- Tyre profile 65
- Tyre rating H
Wheels – front STD
- Rim type Steel
- Rim diameter (inch) 15
- Rim width (inch) 6.5
- Wheel covers Full
Wheels – rear STD
- Rim type Steel
- Rim diameter (inch) 15
- Rim width (inch) 6.5
- Wheel covers Full
Spare wheel – internal STD
- Spare wheel type Spacesaver
- Rim type Steel
Expand
CloseSOUND SYSTEM
Audio system STD
- Audio includes radio AM & FM
- Audio includes CD STD
Speakers STD
- Number of Speakers 6
Expand
CloseDRIVETRAIN
Drive STD
- Driven wheels Front
Transmission STD
- Transmission type Automatic
- Number of gears 4
- Transmission description Automatic
Expand
CloseWEIGHTS & CAPACITIES
(Note: Kerb, tare & payload weights are nominal and will vary depending on options and tray/body type.)
Weights STD
- Kerb weight (kg) 1500
- Gross vehicle weight rating (kg) 2195
- Gross trailer weight braked (kg) 1500
- Gross trailer weight unbraked (kg) 500
Seating STD
- Seating capacity 7
(Note: Genuine Towbar Capacity – Refer to Genuine Accessory Guide, as it may differ from Vehicle Towing Capacity in some circumstances.
Towing capacity – Subject to state regulations, towbar design and towing equipment.)
Expand
CloseINTERIOR TRIM AND SEATING
Seat upholstery STD
- Main seat material Upgraded cloth/velour
- Additional seat material Upgraded cloth/velour
Floor covering STD
- Floor covering in cabin Textile
Grab handles STD
Front seat – driver STD
- Front seat type Sports
- Slide adjustment STD
- Slide adjustment type Manual
- Recline adjustment STD
- Recline adjustment type Manual
- Height adjustment STD
- Height adjustment type Manual
Front seat – passenger STD
- Front seat type Sports
- Slide adjustment STD
- Slide adjustment type Manual
- Recline adjustment STD
- Recline adjustment type Manual
Rear seats – front facing STD
- Slide adjustment STD
- Slide adjustment type Manual
- Recline adjustment STD
- Recline adjustment type Manual
- Folding rear seat back 40/60
Head restraints – 3rd row seats STD
Head restraints – front seats STD
Head restraints – rear seats STD
Third row seats – front facing STD
- Fold-away 3rd row seat STD
Expand
CloseLIGHTING
Courtesy (dome) lights STD
- Delayed/fade STD
Map lights – front STD
Cargo light STD
Expand
CloseSECURITY
Immobiliser STD
Central door locking STD
- Central door locking operation Remote
Cargo area cover/rear parcel shelf STD
Remote fuel flap release STD
Expand
CloseEXTERIOR
Bumpers – front STD
- Colour of bumpers Body colour
Bumpers – rear STD
- Colour of bumpers Body colour
Body side moulding STD
Exterior door handles STD
- Exterior door handles colour Body colour
Expand
CloseBRAKES
Disc brakes STD
- Number of disc brakes 4
- Number of ventilated disc brakes 2
Expand
CloseWARRANTY / SERVICE
(Note: Warranties here are in addition to implied warranties under the Trade Practices Act. Conditions apply. See warranty booklet for details.)
Warranty whole vehicle STD
- Duration (months) 36
Warranty paint STD
- Duration (months) 36
Warranty anti-corrosion STD
- Duration (months) 60
Expand
CloseENGINE
Engine STD
- Engine type Petrol
- Capacity (cc) 2362
- Engine description Four cylinders, in-line, DOHC, Variable Valve Timing, alloy block and alloy head.
- Configuration In-line
- Head composition Light alloy
- Variable valve timing STD
- Valve gear type DOHC
- Number of valves per cylinder 4
Fuel STD
- Fuel type Unleaded
- Fuel type octane no. 91
Power STD
- Maximum power kW 118
- Rpm for maximum power 5700
- Maximum torque Nm 221
- Rpm for maximum torque 4000
Fuel system STD
- Injection type Multi-point injection
- Ignition type Full mgmt ctrl
Standard ADR 81/02
Fuel consumption – ADR 81/02 STD
- Fuel consumption – combined (L/100km) 9.2
Expand
CloseSTEERING
Steering STD
- Type Rack & Pinion
Expand
CloseSUSPENSION
Suspension – front STD
- Suspension description Independent, McPherson struts, lower L-arms, coil springs and ball joint mounted stabiliser bar.
Suspension – rear STD
- Suspension description Semi-independent, trailing torsion beam, coil springs, gas dampers and enclosed stabiliser bar.

TOYOTA July 28th 2009

Important Rules Each Driver Has to Keep On

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Automedont was a good driver:-) You should also to try to become like one. Driving your car you have to remember that driving is really very serious business, this is a job and a responsibility and your car is a dangerous object that must be used appropriately then there are some important rules must be keeping in your mind always.

You have to check your vehicle regularly.
You should check your mirrors, tires, brakes, lights, and windshield washer fluid is at the gas station about once a week.
Do leave yourself an out, make sure that you have as much space as possible to maneuver your car if you need to do so quickly.
Do use your hazards, slowed down, put your flashers on. This is a great way to alert drivers behind you when they see you slowing down.

Do beware of precipitation
At the first drop of rain or snow, water gets in contact with oil residue on the road and orms a slippery surface. Watch your speed. If it hasn’t rained or snowed in a long time, there will be all the more oil on the road to contend with. The oil/water reaction aside, high-speed driving is never safe in wet conditions because of hydroplaning.

Don’t let yourself get distracted If you need to consult a map or follow specific directions, print them in a large font and place them somewhere that’s easily accessible. Pull over if you need to look at it more carefully. Always be aware of your position on the map.

Do make proper lane changes
Always pass cars on the left and check your blind spots. It’s tempting to drive like a NASCAR driver out there, but remember, it’s not a game. If you follow the rules, you decrease your chances of being in an accident.

Do use your flashers
Do be alert in parking lots
Do be decisive
Don’t eat or drink while driving, dont smoke
Don’t keep loose objects in your car
Don’t tailgate, try always stay at least one car length behind the vehicle in front of you.
Don’t remain in someone’s blind spot
Don’t assume that trucks drive like cars
It’s never a good idea to cut in front of any vehicle, but when it’s a truck, you’re running a serious risk. As trucks are so much bigger, they need much more room to stop than your typical car. You’re not likely to survive a collision with a truck, so keep your distance and respect their power.
Don’t play loud music and don’t fool around
You’ve seen it in movies a thousand times, and you may have even tried it with your own lady once or twice. But fooling around while driving is just plain stupid. You want the blood circulating in your other head so you can react quickly.
Don’t drive when you’re tired
Don’t commit intersection errors
Don’t give in to road rage
Don’t drive when you’re angry or emotional.

TOYOTA July 28th 2009

Who Is Automedon

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Patroclus told Automedon to yoke the horses quickly?
the man he most esteemed after Achilles,
breaker of men, and the one he trusted most
to carry out his orders in a battle.
For Patroclus Automedon put swift horses
in the harnesses?Xanthus and Balius, who flew along 180
as swiftly as the wind.
Homer , Iliad

Automedon is son of Diores, was Achilles’ charioteer. In Homer’s Iliad, he rides into battle once Patroclus has donned Achilles’s armor, commanding Achilles’ horses Balius and Xanthos. After Patroclus’s death, Automedon is driven to the rear of the battle, where he attempts to console the bereaved horses. Zeus finally intervenes, and Automedon resumes driving the chariot, but can not aid the Achaeans until Alcimidon agrees to be his driver. He repels an attempt on his life by Hector, Aeneas, Chromios, and Aretos, killing Aretos and taking his armor in the process. He also appears in the Aeneid at line 477 of Book II, when the Greek forces break into the palace of Priam.
via Wikipedia

TOYOTA July 25th 2009

Auto Fun

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A careful driver is one who honks his horn when he goes through a red light.
- Henry Morgan

***
Ah…so many pedestrians, so little time…
- Robin Williams

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Americans will put up with anything provided it doesn’t block traffic.
- Dan Rather

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Boston’s freeway system is insane. It was clearly designed by a person who had spent his childhood crashing toy trains. — (The Lost Continent)
- Bill Bryson

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Drive carefully! Remember, it’s not only a car that can be recalled by it’s maker.
- Anonymous

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For many years the National Pretend Speed Limit was fifty-five miles per hour, metric equivalent: 378 kilograms per hectare.
- Dave Barry

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I drive a V10 Ford Excursion and I have to tell folks all the time: look I’ve got five kids and a dog and birds. I would have to have two Lincolns with two V8s, you see, so it would be 16 cylinders.
- Dan Aykroyd

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I have some road rage inside of me. Traffic, especially in L.A., is a pet peeve of mine.
- Katie Holmes

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If your wife wants to learn to drive, don’t stand in her way.
- Sam Levenson

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Men can read maps better than women. Cause only the male mind could conceive of one inch equalling a hundred miles.
- Roseanne Barr

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Never drive faster than your Guardian Angel can fly.
- Anonymous

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Never lend your car to anyone to whom you have given birth.
- Erma Bombeck

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Some days you’re a bug, some days you’re a windshield.
- Price Cobb

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Sometimes when I am driving I get so angry at inconsiderate drivers that I want to scream at them. But then I remember how insignificant that is, and I thank God that I have a car and my health and gas. That was phrased wrong – normally you wouldn’t say, thank God I have gas.
- Ellen DeGeneres

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The best car safety device is a rear-view mirror with a cop in it.
- Dudley Moore

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The last person to get across that town in under three hours was yelling “The British are coming! The British are coming!” [On Boston traffic]
- Lewis Black

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The problem with the designated driver program, it’s not a desirable job. But if you ever get sucked into doing it, have fun with it. At the end of the night, drop them off at the wrong house.
- Jeff Foxworthy

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There are two things no man will admit he cannot do well: drive and make love.
- Stirling Moss

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When Solomon said that there was a time and a place for everything he had not encountered the problem of parking an automobile.
- Bob Edwards

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When there is a very long road upon which there is a one-way bridge placed at random, and there are only two cars on that road, it follows that: (1) the two cars are going in opposite directions, and (2) they will always meet at the bridge.
- Murphy’s Law of the Open Road

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When travelling down the freeway, the first bug to hit a clean windshield will always land directly in front of the driver’s face.
- Quigley’s Law of Highway Driving

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Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves? (from Mork and Mindy)
- Robin Williams

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You know, somebody actually complimented me on my driving today. They left a little note on the windscreen, it said ‘Parking Fine.
- Tommy Cooper

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Normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work and driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for – in order to get to the job you need to pay for the clothes and the car, and the house you leave vacant all day so you can afford to live in it.

TOYOTA July 25th 2009