Investigators in the United States have identified ‘moisture and time’ as the possible cause of airbags from Japanese supplier Takata Corporation being triggered abnormally. US motoring watchdog the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it will soon announce “significant new steps” in dealing with the growing number of vehicle recalls affected by the apparent … [Read more...] about Recalled Toyotas: ‘Moisture’ from humidity likely cause of airbag fault
Nissan
Father of the Datsun 240Z was inspired by the vitality of the horse
The man behind the international success of the iconic Datsun 240Z sports coupe has died at the age of 105. Yutaka Katayama, or “Mr K” as he was known to Nissan insiders, based his idea of such a car around the question he often asked himself: "How can we transpose the relationship between man and horse into the one between man and car?" Katayama dwelled on the question … [Read more...] about Father of the Datsun 240Z was inspired by the vitality of the horse
New Toyota Hilux is bigger inside and out – and beefier
This is the new Toyota Hilux dual cab, pictured in the south of Spain by photographers from spy agency Automedia. The light truck has also been testing in Australia, where pictures of two- and four-wheel drive variants, camouflaged and dusty from Victorian bush tracks, have been published online. In Spain, the Hilux was accompanied by a convoy of Toyotas, including a … [Read more...] about New Toyota Hilux is bigger inside and out – and beefier
Nissan welcomes new Qashqai into the strong SUV market
Nissan NZ managing director John Manley reckons this year’s strong new-vehicle market has at last caught up with the country’s population growth. “It’s like the mid-1970s market, it’s up to where it needs to be,” he said. “Over a 40-year period the population of New Zealand has steadily grown, but new car sales have gone backwards. Now we are seeing growth where we could … [Read more...] about Nissan welcomes new Qashqai into the strong SUV market
Honda counts down to launch of hybrid NSX supercar
Honda is putting the final touches to its new petrol-electric NSX supercar and promising that it will offer “the excitement of a (Ferrari) 458 at the price of a (Porsche) 911.” The production coupe has been spied testing at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany ahead of its likely first public appearance at either the Los Angeles motor show in November or Detroit in January. It … [Read more...] about Honda counts down to launch of hybrid NSX supercar