This action follows an announcement made by Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan on July 29, 2010.

Lexus has determined that the construction of the steering shaft on involved LX 470s is such that the snap ring on the shaft may disengage when the vehicle experiences an unusually severe impact to the front wheels, such as striking a deep pothole. If the snap ring becomes disengaged and the steering wheel is then repeatedly turned to the full locked position, the steering shaft may disengage over time.

Lexus is not aware of any accidents related to this condition.

“At Lexus, we are committed to setting a new standard for quality customer care and aggressive attention to the safety of our drivers,” said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager of Lexus. “Our engineers have thoroughly investigated this issue and have identified a robust and durable remedy that will help prevent this condition from affecting drivers in the future.”

The remedy for this condition involves replacing the snap ring with a newly designed one and the installation of an additional component to prevent separation of the steering shaft.

Lexus will begin sending out notification to owners of involved vehicles by first class mail beginning in mid-August 2010, advising them to bring their vehicles to their local Lexus dealer to have this remedy performed at no charge.

Source: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/lexus/lexus-announces-intent-to-voluntarily-165037.aspx?ncid=12040

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The customers attending the camp were able to learn and enjoy the pleasures of off-roading that only a capable 4 X 4 vehicle like the Fortuner can offer. Highly experienced instructors held both theoretical and practical sessions that comprised steep ascends, steep descends, stone crawling (along the river bed) and overcoming obstacles.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director (Marketing, TKM) said, “The owners of the Fortuner are interested in off-roading adventures, but often do not have the opportunity or experience to take up such an activity. The objective behind setting up such a camp is to provide our customers a unique opportunity to fully experience the off-roading capabilities of the Fortuner in a safe and exciting environment. We will eventually conduct similar boot camps all over India and will include other Toyota SUVs such as the Prado and the Land Cruiser.”

The Fortuner was launched in India in August last year and has close to 9,000 proud owners, still growing. True to its rugged and sturdy image, the Fortuner can conquer the most adventurous terrain. It is a leader in its segment, with a market share of 59%. Its key off-roading capabilities include:

Full-time 4 wheel drive
A 3L D4D engine
Intercooler Turbocharger
5-speed manual transmission

Source: http://www.toyotabharat.com/inen/news/fortuner_camp.asp

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The higher projections are driven by lower incentives, tighter controls on inventory and an emphasis on design, as showcased in the all-new CTS Coupe.

The resale value for the 2011 CTS Sport Sedan after 36 months is projected to be 55 percent of the initial purchase price, about 9 percentage points higher than the projected resale value for the 2010 model, according to ALG. The projected resale value for the 2011 CTS Sport Wagon, compared to the 2010 model, also has risen about 9 percentage points to 54 percent of the initial purchase price.

The CTS Coupe, which began arriving at U.S. dealerships in July, has a projected resale value of 59 percent of its initial price. The CTS Coupe has been praised in early reviews for its dramatic design, staying true to a model that was named best concept car in the Eyes on Design Awards for the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

“Competitive products, innovative styling and a value driven pricing strategy are contributing to a resurgence of the Cadillac brand,” said Matt Traylen, ALG chief economist and client partner. “The introduction of the Coupe broadens the potential CTS customer base and elevates the Cadillac brand as a whole with emotional appeal, dynamic performance and enthusiast credibility.”

The projected resale values are the result of Cadillac’s long-term commitment to building the brand, said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing.

The SRX crossover, redesigned for the 2010 model year, has experienced a double-digit percentage increase in projected resale value in the past year.

“Cadillac continues to deliver products that stand out in the luxury market through bold design, exceptional performance and advanced technology,” Butler said. “The SRX has brought Cadillac style to the fast-growing crossover market. The CTS Coupe pushes design and performance even further on Cadillac’s award-winning CTS line.”

Source: http://publish.media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/July/0728_cts

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Chevrolet is so confident in the overall value of the Volt that the brand will offer a lease program on the Volt with a monthly payment as low as $350 for 36 months at Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price with $2,500 due at lease signing, including security deposit based on current conditions, which could vary at time of delivery. The benefit of the $7,500 tax credit is included in the reduced lease payment, with the tax credit going to the lessor. The Volt’s MSRP will start at $41,000 ($33,500 net of the full federal tax credit, which ranges from $0-$7,500) including a destination freight charge of $720. Customer deliveries of the Chevrolet Volt are scheduled to begin in launch markets late this year with initial production limited.

“The Chevrolet Volt will be the best vehicle in its class…because it’s in a class by itself,” said Joel Ewanick, vice president of U.S. marketing for General Motors, who made the announcement at the Plug-In 2010 conference. “No other automaker offers an electrically driven vehicle that can be your everyday driver, to take you wherever, whenever. The Volt will be packed with premium content and innovation, standard.”

The Volt will be initially available to Chevrolet customers in California, New York, Michigan, Connecticut, Texas, New Jersey and the Washington D.C. area. To be among the first to purchase a Volt, customers can visit their nearest participating Chevrolet Volt dealer. The dealer will begin the order process, which will be followed up by contact from a dedicated Volt advisor who will be available to answer any questions and keep the customer apprised of the progress of their order. For customers needing general Volt information,

The Chevrolet Volt is the only electric vehicle that can operate under a range of weather climates and driving conditions with little concern of being stranded by a depleted battery. Volt has a total driving range of about 340 miles and is powered by electricity at all times. For up to the first 40 miles, the Volt drives gas- and tailpipe-emissions-free using electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas powered range-extending engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 300 miles on a full tank.

Depending on their tax situation, Volt owners can qualify for up to $7,500 in U.S. Federal income tax credit, as well as other potential state and local tax credits, depending on location. Owners in certain states may qualify for the added convenience of High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane access.

While the Chevrolet Volt will come standard with a 120-volt charge cord that will provide owners with the ability to charge their Volt directly from a standard home electrical outlet, a total of 4,400 Volt buyers in launch markets could be eligible for a free 240-volt charging station, including home installation. The installations are part of a program developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to install approximately 15,000 240-volt home charging stations across the U.S.

Technologies Keep Volt Customers Connected

When it comes to advanced technology, Volt customers are on the leading edge. The 2011 Chevrolet Volt has standard technology features that link and entertain in innovative ways, starting with standard seven-inch touch screen navigation and an energy-efficient Bose premium audio system.

The Volt is the first GM vehicle to offer five years of OnStar Directions and Connections service, which includes Automatic Crash Response, stolen vehicle assistance and connected navigation, all standard. Volt will expand on OnStar’s foundation of leading-edge safety and security technology through the introduction of an OnStar-enabled mobile app that connects the vehicle to the owner’s smartphone.

“We wanted to make the Volt ownership experience unlike anything we’ve done at Chevrolet, because the Volt is unlike any vehicle we’ve offered,” said Tony DiSalle, director of Chevrolet Volt product marketing. “We want customers to fully enjoy the Volt lifestyle by providing unprecedented connectivity to their vehicle through the Volt mobile app.”

Unprecedented Warranties Bring Value and Peace of Mind

Volt owners will be provided outstanding battery and vehicle limited warranties. The Volt’s 16-kWh lithium-ion battery is covered by an industry-leading transferable warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles. In addition, Chevrolet will provide:

3-year / 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage
5-year / 100,000-mile roadside assistance and courtesy transportation
5-year/100,000-mile limited gas engine coverage
6-year/100,000-mile corrosion protection coverage
The Volt also has an array of standard safety features, including eight air bags — dual-stage frontal, side-impact, knee, and roof-rail side-impact—and StabiliTrak electronic stability control with Traction Control. The Volt is constructed of 80 percent high-strength steel for additional safety and protection.

Chevrolet will also provide customer assistance via a Volt advisor available 24/7 by phone or Internet. Dealers will also provide on-site dedicated Volt service and sales experts who will be able to address inquiries.

Source:http://publish.media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/July/0727_GM_voltpricing

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June 2010 Highlights (year-on-year)
PRODUCTION IN JAPAN
Toyota – Increase
Daihatsu – Increase
Hino – Increase
Toyota + Daihatsu + Hino – Increase

SALES IN JAPAN
Toyota
Eleventh consecutive month of increase
Lexus-vehicle sales totaled 2,151 units (16.3% increase)
48.5% share of market excluding minivehicles (2.3% increase); thirteenth consecutive month of increase and record high for month of June

Daihatsu
Fifth consecutive month of increase
Minivehicle sales totaled approximately 54,900 units (10.2% increase); sixth consecutive month of increase
35.4% share of minivehicle market (0.5% decrease)

Hino
Fifth consecutive month of increase
Standard-truck sales totaled approximately 1,800 (83.1% increase); fourth consecutive month of increase
32.6% share of the truck* market (0.6% decrease)

Toyota + Daihatsu + Hino
Eleventh consecutive month of increase
44.7% share of market including minivehicles (1.6% increase); thirteenth consecutive month of increase and record high for month of June

*Maximum loading capacity of four tons or more; excluding imported trucks

EXPORTS

Toyota
Sixth consecutive month of increase, due to increased exports to North America, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa

Daihatsu
Decrease, due to decreased exports to Asia, Europe and other regions

Hino
Eighth consecutive month of increase, due to increased exports to almost all regions
Toyota + Daihatsu + Hino
Sixth consecutive month of increase

OVERSEAS PRODUCTION

Toyota
Eleventh consecutive month of increase, due to increased production in almost all regions other than Europe

Daihatsu
Eighth consecutive month of increase, due to increased production in Indonesia and other regions

Toyota + Daihatsu + Hino
Eleventh consecutive month of increase

Source: http://www2.toyota.co.jp/en/news/10/07/0727.html

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For a limited time, RAV4 Altitude has more than $1700 value but for only $500 more compared with the CV model on which it is based.*

But you’ll have to be quick, with only 800 examples of this special edition to be built in Japan.

Altitude’s range of extra features starts on the outside with five 17-inch alloy wheels (in place of steel wheels) and roof rails as well as rear, rear quarter and rear-door privacy glass.

It also has sonar reverse parking sensors and an “Altitude” exterior badge.

RAV4 Altitude’s additional interior equipment includes a 6-CD LCD display-type audio unit with USB connectivity and Bluetooth™~ telephone and audio streaming^ functionality.

The package includes a premium steering wheel and premium gear-shift knob and comes with the choice of manual or automatic transmission.

Source: http://news.toyota.com.au/rav4-gains-altitude

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Dealers have reported that around 55 per cent of Rukus customers are in these age groups.

The trend to younger buyers is significant for an established brand like Toyota where customers in these age groups normally account for fewer than 50 per cent of sales.

Another significant fact is that a majority of people buying Rukus are new to the Toyota brand, trading-in a competitor’s car.

Toyota believes that many of these people may never have previously considered a Toyota.

Breaking down the sales stats, more than 40 per cent of Rukus customers are from Generation X and are now in their 30s and 40s.

In addition, there is healthy demand from motorists in their 20s.

Dealer feedback indicates Rukus is popular for its in-your-face styling, compact exterior, roomy interior and plenty of punch from its engine.

Features that appeal to all age-groups include its wide door openings for easy entry and exit, tall driving position with large windscreen, easy-to-read dials, lots of headroom, capped-price servicing* and Toyota reliability.

Rukus is achieving its target of at least 150 sales a month.

Source: http://news.toyota.com.au/rukus-brings-younger-buyers-to-toyota

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Upgraded Pajero Sport GS with roof rail

Priced competitively at RM 161,531.80 (on the road without insurance), the new upgraded Pajero Sport GS is set to attract urban motorists who want a stylish 7-seater SUV with space, versatility, and 4WD off-road capability. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia expects to sell more than 2,000 units of Pajero Sport SUV by end of this year.

The upgraded Pajero Sport GS comes with new standard features such as auto climate control, cruise control, rear spoiler and roof rail. Besides that, its new 2-DIN LCD wide touch screen entertainment system with built-in reverse camera feature allows easier and safer parking.

The Pajero Sport GS comes with a choice of four colours (Eisen Gray Mica, Dark Blue Mica, Platinum Beige Metallic and White Pearl.

“The Pajero Sport has been a success since its debut in Malaysia last June. And to date, it has found more than 1,000 proud owners. We expect this upgraded GS variant to further widen the appeal of the Pajero Sport. The riding comfort of the seven-seat cabin is one of its biggest strengths, being both versatile and spacious enough to carry long cargo and passengers. With an impressive set of new features, Pajero Sport GS is one of the best in its class,” said Mr Tetsuya Oda, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GS
Producing 136 PS of maximum output and 314 Nm of torque from a low 2,000 rpm, the proven and reliable DOHC 16-valve engine provides strong performance with efficient fuel consumption. The common rail direct injection system delivers maximum output with better efficiency and emissions.

The capable engine is paired with Mitsubishi’s INVECS-II 4-speed automatic transmission. INVECS-II shift control analyzes the driving pattern and conditions and adapts to it by creating a profile that matches the driver’s characteristics. There is also a Sport Mode that offers the control of a manual transmission.

Pajero Sport ladder frame is supported with double-wishbone suspension up front and three-link suspension with coil springs at the rear plus stabilizer bars on both ends, a combination that provides both robustness and a high-level of comfort.

A power assisted rack-and-pinion steering provides better feel, precision and a minimum turning radius of only 5.6 metres in its class.

The strong but lighter frame is designed with impact-absorbing collapsible beads that help to cushion the cabin from collision impacts. These work in conjunction with the Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body, collapsible steering column, anti-intrusion brake pedal, side door impact bars and ELR seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, dual SRS airbags, ABS and EBD for top level passive safety.

Pajero Sport owners will enjoy a 2-year or 40,000km free maintenance program.

Source: http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my/news.php?id=95

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Despite the financial and economic crisis in 2009, Audi’s balance sheet stayed in the black month after month – meaning that the company fared considerably better than its competitors. Now Audi is sharing its success with the workforce: at the end of the month they will be paid a bonus averaging 1,355 euros, the third such extra payment this year. Dr. Werner Widuckel, Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources at AUDI AG, comments: “When the business situation is difficult we’re dependent on maximum effort from all our employees. So it’s only logical for us to share our success with them.” As a result of this policy, each employee receives an average of 3,500 euros.

In June the Board of Management and the General Works Council had already agreed a bonus of 1,200 euros. In the words of Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council of AUDI AG: “We bucked the trend and were successful. Recognizing this exceptional performance promotes solidarity in the long term and encourages the company’s employees to master upcoming tasks with equal success.”

In May this year the company also made an “expanded employee participation” (eMeb) for the fifth time. This payment is laid down in the company agreement known as “Audi’s Future – Performance, Success, Participation” and linked to the operating profit.

Source: http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1884

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The A7 is pure high-tech. Its body is very lightweight thanks to numerous aluminum components. The elegant interior shows a craftsman’s level of workmanship. The four V6 engines combine refined power with groundbreaking efficiency. The 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) and multitronic has CO2 emissions of just 139 grams per kilometer (223.70 g/mile). The sporty chassis comes with new solutions, such as electromechanical power steering. When it comes to assistance and infotainment systems, the luxury-class coupe exhibits all of the innovative power expected of Audi.

The five-door coupe from Audi combines supreme, long-distance comfort with a sporty character. The interior noise level is very low even at fast highway speeds, with the V6 engines providing refined acoustic feedback as their power unfolds.

The excellent vibrational comfort likewise contributes to the atmosphere of cultured tranquility on board. This is the result of painstakingly tuning all components, systematic hydraulic damping in the axle and drivetrain bearings and the extremely stiff body. The body is comprised primarily of aluminum and high-tech steels, making it extremely lightweight and safe. The large rear hatch opens wide to reveal a large, extremely usable luggage compartment that is very easy to load. Its 535-liter (18.89 cu ft) capacity swells to a volume of 1,390 liters (49.09 cu ft) with the rear seat backrests folded down.

With the A7, which will be rolling into dealerships in the fall at a base price of €51,600, Audi is taking up a new design line representing elegance on a grand scale. The five-door coupe is 4.97 meters (16.31 ft) long and 1.91 meters (6.27 ft) wide, but only 1.42 meters (4.66 ft) high. Its long hood, the short front overhang, the long wheelbase, the sportily flowing C-pillars and the sharply dropping rear create a dynamic overall impression. The five-door coupe is an aesthetic athlete with a wide, powerful road stance.

Optional LED headlights reinforce the unmistakable expression of the A7 and provide all light functions with light-emitting diodes while minimizing energy consumption. Bi-xenon headlights and LED tail lights come standard. The innovative all-weather light function has also been integrated into the headlights, replacing the classic fog lights.

The sinewy sportiness of the exterior carries over into the interior of the A7, where Audi again demonstrates its leading role in automotive design. The salient element is the “wrap-around,” a horizontal line that encircles the driver and front-seat passenger in the interior to provide a feeling of safety and security. The wave-shaped application strip with its integrative dynamics is the salient element of the dashboard.

The utmost care has been devoted to every last detail in the interior. Workmanship is at a craftsman’s level. Optional climate-control and massage functions are available for the front seats covered in high-grade Audi leathers. The optional ambient lighting fills the entire interior with atmosphere.

Like Audi’s A8 flagship, the A7 also combines a new level of technical intelligence with logical, intuitive ergonomics and self-explanatory operation. The advanced MMI operating system with central menu button and reduced number of buttons comes standard, while one of the options is a new head-up display that projects the most important information on the windshield. The MMI touch system combines a hard drive navigation system with the convenience of touchpad input.

The driver can use the touchpad to perform numerous functions, such as using his or her finger to write the letters of the destination or the digits of the telephone number.

The online services work together with Google to connect the five-door Audi coupe to the Internet via the Bluetooth car phone. A UMTS module delivers images and information from Google Earth to the monitor and combines them with the navigation route. A WLAN hotspot is used to connect mobile devices. Further to the Bose sound system, the top-of-the-line option is the Advanced Sound System from Bang & Olufsen featuring 1,300 watts of power and
15 speakers.

The top navigation system works closely together with the many optional driver assistance and safety systems in the A7. It forwards the route data to the control units for the headlights, the automatic transmission and the adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, enabling these systems to recognize complex scenarios. In many cases, the Audi pre sense safety system can reduce the severity of accidents and their consequences. The new Audi active lane assist helps the driver to keep the A7 firmly on course, and the new park assist system relieves the driver of the chore of steering when parallel parking.

Audi will initially offer the A7 with a choice of four powerful and cultivated V6 engines: two gasoline and two TDI units. Their power output ranges from 150 kW (204 hp) to 220 kW (300 hp), and their efficiency sets impressive new standards in the vehicle class. The new 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) and multitronic consumes on average just 5.3 liters of fuel per 100 km
(44.38 US mpg), corresponding to CO2 emissions of just 139 g per km (223.70 g/mile). All engines use Audi’s innovative thermal management system, a recuperation system and a start-stop system.

The standard automatic transmissions also play a role in the high efficiency of the Audi A7. Audi offers two different transmissions depending on the engines: The continuous multitronic sends the power to the front wheels, while the sporty seven-speed S tronic works together with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The latest evolutionary stage of quattro features a crown-gear center differential and torque vectoring.

The drive system is particularly flexible and dynamic. The optional sport differential actively distributes the power between the rear wheels.

The chassis also combines sporty precision with luxurious comfort. The Audi A7 rolls on large wheels measuring from 18 to 20 inches in diameter. The chassis features aluminum control arms and a newly developed power steering system with an electromechanical drive for high efficiency. The Audi drive select dynamics system is standard and can be supplemented by the optional adaptive air suspension with controlled damping.

Source: http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1883

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