TOKYO — Mazda Motor’s iconic rotary engine has found new life for the first time in 11 years as a generator for a new plug-in hybrid vehicle, coming as the Japanese automaker grapples to find its niche in the electric age. “The rotary engine is not just an engine. It symbolizes our spirit of challenge,” Mazda executive officer Eiji Nakai… Continue reading Mazda revives rotary engines, eyeing unique path to decarbonization
Author: Nikki News Feed
Sumitomo Electric to make wafers that can extend EV mileage by 10%
TOKYO — Japanese automotive supplier Sumitomo Electric Industries will start producing an energy-efficient silicon carbide wafer for next-generation semiconductors, which is expected to extend the mileage of electric vehicles by 10%, Nikkei has learned. The company plans to invest around 30 billion yen ($214 million), which will cover the cost to build a new plant… Continue reading Sumitomo Electric to make wafers that can extend EV mileage by 10%
Hyundai Motor posts record profit despite slumping China sales
SEOUL/SHANGHAI — Hyundai Motor posted record-high operating profit for the April-June quarter on strong performance in North America and South Korea, but sluggish sales in China reveal stark regional contrasts. Consolidated operating profit for the second quarter reached 4.23 trillion won ($3.3 billion), a 42% year-on-year increase and the third consecutive quarter the South Korean… Continue reading Hyundai Motor posts record profit despite slumping China sales
Nissan agrees to invest up to $660m in Renault’s new EV maker
TOKYO — Nissan Motor and Renault announced on Wednesday that they have signed a final agreement over the review of their capital relationship. Renault’s stake in Nissan will be reduced to 15% from 43%, the same level as Nissan’s stake in the French automaker. Nissan has also decided to invest up to 600 million euros… Continue reading Nissan agrees to invest up to $660m in Renault’s new EV maker
Honda looks to kick-start e-motorbike sales in Southeast Asia
BANGKOK — Honda Motor is launching its first electric two-wheeler models in Indonesia, seeing Southeast Asia as a promising market as the global motorcycle leader steps up its electrics business. The EM1 e: scooter, which is also scheduled to go on sale in Japan in late August, will be the first electric two-wheeler made by… Continue reading Honda looks to kick-start e-motorbike sales in Southeast Asia
Mitsubishi Fuso to test electric trucks with 5-minute battery swap
TOKYO — Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus will work with a U.S. company on a test run of electric trucks with batteries that can be changed in five minutes, Nikkei has learned, in an effort to boost the trucking industry’s shift to zero-emission vehicles. Mitsubishi Fuso will modify its eCanter electric truck to allow for battery swapping, with… Continue reading Mitsubishi Fuso to test electric trucks with 5-minute battery swap
Head of Japan’s used car dealer Bigmotor to step down
TOKYO (Kyodo) — Bigmotor Co. President Hiroyuki Kaneshige said Tuesday he will step down, with the used car dealership chain having come under fire over allegations that the company charged excessive repair fees by intentionally damaging cars and also made fraudulent insurance claims. The decision came as Japan’s transport ministry is expected to conduct hearings… Continue reading Head of Japan’s used car dealer Bigmotor to step down
Toyota slashes 1,000 jobs at operations in China
GUANGZHOU — Toyota Motor has cut 1,000 jobs at its business in China. The slowdown in the world’s second-biggest economy has resulted in lackluster sales of new cars, creating more headwinds for automakers. GAC Toyota, Toyota’s subsidiary in China that is also a joint venture with Chinese auto giant Guangzhou Automobile Group, said it terminated… Continue reading Toyota slashes 1,000 jobs at operations in China
New EV from truck maker Hino to debut in U.S. next year
TOKYO — Hino Motors will start selling an electrified version of its heavy-duty commercial trucks in the U.S. next year, jointly developing the new model with Norwegian partner Hexagon Purus. Toyota Motor group member Hino plans to begin production of the EV, designed to pull semi-trailers, in 2024, with the aim of 10,000 sales in the U.S. by… Continue reading New EV from truck maker Hino to debut in U.S. next year
Honda wins over investors with electric-vehicle push
TOKYO — Honda Motor has emerged a star performer in this year’s Japanese stock market rally as investors applaud its commitment to increasing production of electric vehicles. As of Friday, Honda shares had climbed 44% this year, outpacing Toyota Motor and other major Japanese carmakers during the period. Overall, the Nikkei 225 equities index has… Continue reading Honda wins over investors with electric-vehicle push