New 2021 Lexus NX: firm’s first plug-in hybrid brings 302bhp

Lexus has ushered in the second-generation version of its NX crossover, which has gained a 302bhp plug-in hybrid option along with a bold new cabin design and evolved exterior styling. The latest iteration of Lexus’s best-selling model in Europe arrives shortly after the brand’s announcement that it will ramp up its electrification efforts with 10… Continue reading New 2021 Lexus NX: firm’s first plug-in hybrid brings 302bhp

India Auto Inc wholesales crash 65 percent in lockdown-hit May

Just like the automotive dealer body – Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) – revealed a significant drop registered in vehicle retail sales in May, the wholesale data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) too tells a similar story. Overall vehicle wholesales (despatches from automakers to dealers) registered a 65 percent month-on-month… Continue reading India Auto Inc wholesales crash 65 percent in lockdown-hit May

SoftBank’s PayPay racing ahead in Japan’s digital payments race

For six decades, shoppers at Mikawaya, a rice dealer in eastern Tokyo, paid in cash – until sales staff from payments app PayPay swept through the low-lying district, persuading the store to give their product a try. With customers clamouring to use the service and nearby stores signing up, PayPay‘s offer of free installation and no handling fees… Continue reading SoftBank’s PayPay racing ahead in Japan’s digital payments race

Ghosn speaks his mind on Renault-Nissan’s fall – Asia Times

This is the second of two stories based on an exclusive interview with Carlos Ghosn. Part one, “Secret pay never happened,” is here. It was a big event at the time, although mostly forgotten by now. On a mild autumn evening in 2004, Carlos Ghosn, then president and CEO of Nissan Motor Co, was inducted… Continue reading Ghosn speaks his mind on Renault-Nissan’s fall – Asia Times

German FAZ: Two-wheeler purchase at the pool table001474

Spring is still taking its time and amazes with almost autumnal capers. This also has an impact on an industry that depends more than others on good weather: that of motorized two-wheelers. Spring is the time when shops are usually buzzing and sales rise. This is also the case this year – but the motorcycle… Continue reading German FAZ: Two-wheeler purchase at the pool table001474

Toyota Urban Cruiser: a value-added sensible buy

Japanese automaker Toyota, which is globally renowned for its SUVs, enjoys a similar reputation in the Indian market, thanks mainly to its butch Fortuner and multi-purpose Innova Crysta. However, unlike overseas markets where it has a strong presence in the sub-compact SUV segment with the RAV4 in Japan and the US, Avanza, Raize and Veloz… Continue reading Toyota Urban Cruiser: a value-added sensible buy

@Toyota: Toyota Hits World Championship Century at Portimao

Toyota will reach another milestone in its motorsport history next week when it competes in its 100th World Endurance Championship race, the 8 Hours of Portimao. The event, the second round of the 2021 FIA World Endurance Championship, will take place at the Portuguese circuit on 10-11 June. Portimao is a new venue for the… Continue reading @Toyota: Toyota Hits World Championship Century at Portimao

Maruti in wait-and-watch mode for June, bullish on rural growth

After May turned out to be a disaster for car sales, market leader Maruti Suzuki is not entirely certain if the tide will turn in June. “The pent-up demand could come through but the problem there is we are not sure how the Covid situation will unravel,” Shashank Srivastava, Senior ED – marketing and sales,… Continue reading Maruti in wait-and-watch mode for June, bullish on rural growth

Suzuki’s India woes extend far beyond the pandemic

TOKYO — It is a market where Suzuki Motor once reigned as the undisputed champion. Forty years ago, nearly every passenger car sold in India was made by the Japanese automaker. Now this share is under 50%, and the competition only looks to increase. Suzuki still makes half its car sales in the country, and the automaker’s stock price… Continue reading Suzuki’s India woes extend far beyond the pandemic

Electronic, mobile & auto plants crank up output

India’s top consumer electronics, smartphone and auto companies are resuming or raising production this week more than a fortnight after they shut plants or scaled-down output for the domestic market as states ease curbs amid a decline in Covid infections. LG, Samsung, Godrej Appliances, Haier, Vivo, Oppo, Bosch, Siemens, Panasonic, Carrier Midea and others have… Continue reading Electronic, mobile & auto plants crank up output