Mitsubishi Motors Corporation President Osamu Masuko noted, “Since the ASX was first launched this February in Japan, then in Europe and China, I am pleased to say that we are receiving such high praise for the vehicle that demand currently exceeds production in Japan. We plan to expand our SUV lineup in Russia with the new ASX in addition to commencing full-fledged SKD*3 production of the Outlander, the core of our SUV lineup, at a new assembly plant in Kaluga next month. We hope to meet the needs and expectations of our customers in Russia, one of our most important markets.”

Yamaha Motor Co Ltd has announced the release of the new electric commuter EC-03 and the sale of the zero-emission scooter will be started from September 1 in Tokyo and nationwide from October 1, 2010. EC-03 electric scooter is powered by a new high energy density 50V lithium-ion battery manufactured by SANYO Electric Co Ltd and Yamaha Motor’s exclusive super-slim Yamaha Integrated Power Unit (YIPU).

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced that Nissan Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (NMT) celebrated the start of the all-new Nissan March at its vehicle assembly plant near Bangkok, attended by Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan, Thailand deputy Prime Minister Triong Suwanakiri and Thai government officials.  Nissan plans to produce 90,000 March model at its Thailand plant in 2010 fiscal and will be exported to Asian region excluding China and Indonesia, and to Oceania besides the Thai market, stated the company.
The all-new March will also be produced at the Chennai Plant in …

Mazda Motor Corporation has commenced sales of the all-new Mazda Premacy (known overseas as the Mazda5) in Japan. The sale of Mazda’s seven-seat minivan has begun at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships nationwide, said a company statement. The retail prices (including sales taxes) of Mazda Premacy range from 1,799,000 to 2,314,000 yen. The target sales volume is 1,800 units per month. A four-wheel-drive (4WD) version will be released in early August.
The Mazda Premacy minivan, which is equipped with 2000cc engine, is one of Mazda’s mainstay products and …

Nissan Motor India, the wholly-owned arm of Japanese car maker Nissan Motor Company, has started production of its small car Micra on commercial basis at its Chennai plant. The Made-in-India hatchback car, Micra, is expected to hit Indian roads by July this year.

Nissan International SA announced that the all-electric five-seater Nissan LEAF will be priced at under 30,000 Euros (25,641 Pounds) after incentives in most of its European launch markets – about the same as a comparably equipped diesel or hybrid vehicle.

Honda Motor Co roll out electric scooter, EV-neo, for commercial use in Japan by December 2010. Honda Motor has unveiled the latest prototype of EV-neo. EV-neo will be sold to businesses and individual business owners that provide mainly delivery services. Honda developed the EV-neo to provide the durability necessary for commercial use, envisioning a wide range of uses by businesses such as delivery services.

General Motors has unveiled a new electric concept car in China, a solution to end the growing urban concerns like traffic congestion, parking availability and air quality, in Shanghai.The three versions of the EN-V, powered by electric motors, can go about 40 km (25 miles) on a single charge. EN-V represents three different characteristics: Jiao (Pride), Miao (Magic) and Xiao (Laugh).

Formula One automaker McLaren has launched McLaren MP4-12C, a top-end sports car. The McLaren MP4-12C is a two-seat mid-engine model with a price ranging between £125,000 (about Rs 86 lakh) and £175,000 (about Rs 1.2 crore).

Toyota Motor Corporation  launched the revamped “Passo” compact hatchback in Japan.  The second edition of the popular Passo comes with a compact body, spacious interior and better fuel efficiency and environmental performance.
The new Toyota Passo comes in two variants: the simple and unpretentious “Passo”, which offers a sense reassurance and familiarity, and the “Passo + Hana”, which imbues an understated glamour for a strong impression.  These unique designs, along with 11 available body colors, create variety that enables vehicle selection ideally suited to express individuality.  It is reported that the …