Mazda has announced  "light-asset strategy" that embodies a multi-solutions approach to electrification. Under the light-asset strategy, Mazda will curb investment to a total of approximately 1.5 trillion yen by promoting collaboration and optimizing investment in batteries. In addition, by combining the strategy with "Monozukuri Innovation 2.0," productivity during development will be increased three-fold. As has been publicly announced, Mazda plans to launch a BEV that uses its own platform in 2027, and through collaboration will also reduce development investment by 40% and development man-hours by 50%. At the production site,...

GM Japan has announced the launch of Cadillac's first BEV (battery electric vehicle) "Lyric" in Japan. Sales will start on March 8th and delivery starts this May. The price including tax is 11,000,000 yen. Lyric's body size is 4995 mm x 1985 mm x 1640 mm, and its wheelbase is 3085 mm. The AWD model, electric motors installed in the front and rear wheels will be introduced in Japan, with 170kW/309Nm for the front motors and 241kW/415Nm for the rear motors. 95.7kWh battery capacity and 384kW/610Nm system output give it...

Two and a half years after its launch in Japan, the CX-60 has been improved to enhance its product appeal. In the rework, the damping force of the front and rear dampers was reviewed to improve ride comfort. In addition, the rear-wheel suspension was modified in terms of spring constant, bump stopper characteristics, and crossmember bushing characteristics, and the stabilizer was simplified. Although it is unreasonable to expect a smooth ride from an SUV with large-diameter tires and heavy unsprung weight, the development staff explains that "the SUV market has...

Toyota will unveil its new BEV in Europe on March 12 at 0:01 a.m. local time. Details have yet to be announced, but teaser images show a sloping fastback-style silhouette, headlamps reminiscent of a hammerhead mask, and a waistline that slopes from the front end of the front doors (near the A-pillar) and the center of the rear doors, rather than being straight. Toyota unveiled a sports crossover concept model locally in the winter of 2023, hinting at a BEV launch in 2025. The concept model made its world premiere...

Suzuki Motor Corporation has formulated and announced a five-year plan starting from FY2025, having achieved its medium-term management plan that has been in progress since FY2021 ahead of schedule. The medium-term management plan mentioned above had targeted sales of 4.8 trillion yen and an operating profit margin of 5.5%, but the company has already achieved sales of 5.4 trillion yen and an operating profit margin of 8.7%. Under the new medium-term management plan "By Your Side," which expresses the company's desire to be closer to consumers, the company aims to...

Mazda Motor Corporation will open the "MAZDA TRANS AOYAMA" brand promotion center in Minami Aoyama, Tokyo, on February 6. This is the first time in 30 years, since the Mazda Rotary in Omotesando, that Mazda has established a directly managed facility in Tokyo to promote its brand. President Masahiro Moro said, "Japan is Mazda's second largest market in the world. We have a sense of crisis that our brand presence has declined in the Japanese market. We would like to firmly establish our brand once again," he said, explaining the...

Suzuki has announced the long 5-door Jimny Nomade in Japan (sales will start on April 3). The price including tax is 2,651,000 yen for the 5-speed MT and 2,750,000 yen for the 4-speed AT. The monthly sales target in Japan is 1,200 units. While the Jimny and Sierra were developed for professional use, the third model in the series, Nomade is targeted at users who need the performance of the Jimny in their daily lives. The wheelbase is 340 mm longer than that of the 3dr Sierra currently on sale,...