Volvo to employ 200 more workers to meet demand

Volvo is increasing its recruiting an additional 200 employees in Sweden, to meet likely demand in the New Year.

The assembly plant that’s receiving the boost in employment will be Volvo’s Gothenburg factory, which employs around 3,200 people. The additional 200 workers will increase the current production rate from 48 units to 52 units per hour.

A Volvo spokesperson said over the telephone: “We want to be prepared as we expect higher demand next year.”

BAIC bidding for Pininfarina

BAIC (Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corp.) is allegedly making a bid to acquire Italian design company Pininfarina, which has been on the market for a few months now.

BAIC formerly brought the tooling, powertrain technology and intellectual property associated with the outgoing Saab 9-3. The Chinese car manufacture is developing new models centred on the 9-3 that it plans to sell under the Beijing Auto brand name, and Pininfarina is apparently caught up in the design of that car.

According to Chinese auto-media, a nameless BAIC executive reportedly returned from Italy, where he spoke with Pininfarina about the firm’s joint venture on a bespoke adaptation of the Saab 9-3 that would premier at the 2011 Beijing motor show.

Other potential bidders include Anhui Jiangling, Mahindra and Baja, Brilliance Auto and Magna International.

Four-wheel-drive Fiat 500 spied in Italy

Here’s prove that Fiat is developing a 4x4 variant of the 500. Spied by an eagle-eyed reader in Catania, Sicily, Italy, this mule was attracting attention left, right and centre.

The 500 4x4 will target those who want a compact, fashionable 4x4 without the associated running costs and price-tag. The newcomer will likely to be sold with 5-doors and will underpin the current Panda 4x4, giving the 500 4x4 genuine off-road ability.

Shaft and rear differential

All engines, transmissions and 4x4 hardware will be taken off the current Panda 4x4, although, Fiat will be launching the all-new Panda in 2012, itself with new engines, transmissions and a new platform. That said, we can expect the 500 4x4 to sport the all-new 0.9 litre TwinAir (both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged), 1.2 69bhp, and the 1.3 litre 90bhp turbo-diesel MultiJet. Both 5 speed, 6 speed manual and 6 speed automated Dualogic transmissions will be offered. Prices may start around £13,000 for the entry-level model, rising to £16,000 for the range-topping models with the turbocharged TwinAir engines.

According to plans submitted to unions and the Government, Fiat is looking to launch the 500 4x4 sometime in 2012, alongside the restyled 500 and all-new Panda city-car.

Via Alvolante

Ford recalls 2011 F-Series, Edge and Lincoln MKX (U.S)

Ford is recalling 14,737 F-Series, Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles due to a faulty body control module. The glitch might cause to an electrical short, resulting to overheating and a fire, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. The module, assembled by Lear Corporation in Mexico, is faulty on some vehicles manufactured in late October to mid-November.

Ford reportedly informed the NHTSA that two 2011 F-150s caught fire outside its Dearborn, Michigan, manufacturing plant.

Neither Ford nor the NHTSA reported of any injuries or deaths. Ford will recall the vehicles on 1st January to fix the body control module for free.

Vauxhall Astra the most seized car in 2009 (UK)

Around 500 uninsured vehicles are apprehended on a daily basis, with the Vauxhall Astra taking the top spot.
The second most seized car is the BMW 3 Series according to the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) police helpline.

The figures arrive as a new online video cautioning the consequences of driving without insurance is released by the MIB, which reimburses victims caught up in accidents with uninsured drivers.

MIB chief executive, Ashton West said: "Christmas is a time when household budgets are stretched to the limit and, for some, the renewal of insurance may be overlooked. Modern technology means that motorists who have no insurance are more likely than ever to be caught. It is simply not worth the risk."

He went on: "The proposed change in insurance law in 2011 will mean that the number of people caught without motor insurance will increase. We are working with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and expect to reduce the numbers of uninsured drivers on UK roads even further."

The 10 most seized uninsured cars in 2009 were:

1. Vauxhall Astra

2. BMW 3 Series

3. Vauxhall Vectra

4. Volkswagen Golf

5. Vauxhall Corsa

6. Ford Mondeo

7. Ford Fiesta

8. Ford Focus

9. Ford Escort

10. Renault Megane.

U.S spec Audi A4 Allroad spied in Scandinavia

Spies have caught what seems to be a U.S spec Audi A4 Allroad, undergoing winter testing in Northern Sweden. Audi decided the A4 Allroad wouldn’t go on sale in the U.S due to the financial slowdown, however, an executive at Audi has overturned that decision.

The A4 Allroad will be similar to the European model; grey/black bodykit, increased ride height and front and rear skid plates will feature as standard.

The biggest giveaway to this virtually undisguised U.S spec A4 Allroad was its amber reflector lights. Other little clues included a reduced license plate surrounding hidden behind the vehicles European plate and the miles-per-hour on the speedometer.

Under the bonnet will be a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder 211bhp petrol engine, mated to a 7 speed dual-clutch S-tronic transmission.

Expect the car to debut at next month’s Detroit motor show.

Via Roadandtrack

Honda gets attacked by cyber criminals (U.S)

Honda has contacted millions of customers after cyber criminals stolen a database enclosing names, email addresses, and VINs (the Vehicle Identification Number).

Around 2.2m Honda customers have been affected by the security breach. One theory suggests hackers sent out e-mails on behalf of Honda, tricking the end user into clicking on malicious attachments or links, thus handing over personal information.

A report by the Columbus Dispatch suggests the data was taken from a third-party company who sent out "Welcome" emails to customers who created accounts with the firm.

Honda’s luxury arm, Acura, also contacted a further 2.7m consumers after hackers stole customer e-mails addresses from a separate list.

Rising fuel prices threaten SUV sales (U.S)

Recently, sales of SUV’s and pick-up trucks have risen, but at late so have fuel prices, which may hinder sales and residual values of large SUV’s and pick-ups.

With fuel prices across the States averaging around $3 a gallon, it’s signing the highest levels observed since October 2008. An additional ¢50 may see customers purchasing smaller vehicles.

“If you see a ¢20 -¢30 price increase per gallon over the course of a couple weeks then of course people are going to panic,” Alec Gutierrez, analyst for vehicle evaluation at Kelley Blue Book, said. Nevertheless, Gutierrez noted that if prices increase steadily, it’ll give the “market a chance to react rationally.”

Some showrooms have already begun to see consumer’s down-size. A large amount of customers are ditching large SUV’s in favour for compact ones like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Mercedes GLK.

Jason Stewart, general manager of Earl Stewart Toyota of North Palm Beach in Florida said: “Our small SUVs are doing OK but the large SUVs and large trucks have definitely cooled off since the pickup in gas prices”.

He also claimed sales of the Toyota Prius have tripled at his dealership. Dealers are also reporting a decline in prices as an end result to shove consumer’s into smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles.

Paris may ban SUVs from the city (FR)

If you’re living in France and want to take your SUV into Paris, you might want to think again. According to reports, environmental official, Denis Baupin has proposed a new set of limitations that could potentially ban old diesel car and SUV’s.

Baupin is a hardcore SUV-hater and has even suggested that current sport utility owners should “sell it and buy a vehicle that’s compatible with city life.” He then added, “I’m sorry, but having a sport utility vehicle in a city makes no sense,” when exclamation to local radio station.

Unfortunately, the proposals are legal and are backed by French law, as the Environment Ministry said that each city can independently choose what types of vehicles can be under attack, in which neighbourhoods and during what hours and/or times of the year certain vehicles could be banned.

Cadillac debuts 4-cylinder 2.0T SIDI in SLS sedan (CN)

GM has unwrapped the new SLS 2.0T SIDI at the 2010 Guangzhou motor show. While the car hasn’t changes cosmetically, it sports a new petrol engine.

A Cadillac and large executive sedan first, the 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine SIDI signs the first usage of a turbocharged four-cylinder in a Cadillac. This engine gives Cadillac a workable competitor into the Chinese premium large sedan market, which is dominated by 2.0 litre – 2.5 litre cars.

The 2.0T SIDI kicks out 260bhp with 358Nm (265lb-ft) of torque. The turbocharged 2.0 litre is likely to be just as powerful as the STS V6 sold in the U.S.

It is very doubtful at the engine will arrive in North America as the SLS/STS are at deaths door.

Dodge Journey to replace Fiat Ulysse (EU)

The Dodge Journey will be the first Dodge vehicle to bare the Fiat emblem. The revised Journey, dubbed Freemont will arrive in dealerships across Europe from June 2011. Historically, large Fiat models haven’t been successful in the UK, so Fiat has its work cut out.

The Freemont will obtain minor revisions inside and out, as well as receiving suspension adjustments that are better match European tastes.

Out goes Volkswagen 2.0 TDI 140PS PD diesel engine, in favour of Fiat’s sophisticated 2.0 litre 170bhp MultiJet engine.

Fiat-Chrysler forecast substantially stronger sales of the Freemont, because of Fiat’s popularity in Europe. The Freemont will also replace the Ulysse large MPV, which has just gone out of production.

Dodge Journey sales increased by 62% across Europe, at 8,395 units. Compare that to Ford, both the S-Max and Galaxy sold 42,991 units and 26,103 units in 2009.

A world debut at the Geneva motor show in March 2011 is likely.

Chelsea tops 4x4 popularity chart (UK)

According to a survey conducted by Diamond Insurance, almost 20% of vehicles in Chelsea are SUV’s.
Kensington is following in at 17.4% while the rural areas of Banchory and Turriff in Scotland come third and fourth.

The survey exposed that the Range Rover was the most preferred model followed by the Land Rover Freelander. Haulage contractors, bank directors, farmers and agricultural contractors are most likely to purchase an SUV.

Top 10 areas for 4x4s:

Position:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Area:

Chelsea, London

Kensington, London

Banchory, Aberdeenshire

Turriff, Aberdeenshire

Ashford, Kent

Cobham, Surrey

Dorking, Surrey

Guildford, Surrey

Wadhurst, Kent

Brentwod, Essex

Percentage of 4x4s:

17.8

17.4

17.0

16.4

16.2

15.7

15.7

15.5

15.5

15.4

Ford offers custom graphics for 2012 Focus (U.S)

Ford is extending their well-liked vinyl graphics program to the 2012 Focus. On a side note, did you know that shows 40% of Millennials (those born between 1980 and 1995) posses a tattoo.

Produced from 3M Scotchprint film, the graphics will be available in 200 designs, starting from $120, rising to $470. While that sounds expensive, Ford dealerships will be fitting them and will include a three-year/36,000 mile restricted warranty.

The Focus brand executive, KC Dallia said "Millennials have a very personalized, artistic side to their lifestyle, and their vehicle is a very important part of that. With its striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance, the Focus provides the perfect canvas for customization."

Press Release:

TATTOOS COME INTO FOCUS - LITERALLY - WITH FORD'S HOT NEW SMALL CAR

Tattoos are not just body art anymore; customers will soon be able to express themselves with vehicle tattoos for the all-new 2012 Ford Focus

•Ford Custom Graphics will offer more than 200 unique vinyl wrap tattoos in an array of different colors for the new Focus at http://www.fordcustomgraphics.com/

•Available in a variety of designs - from geometric patterns and racing stripes to whimsical imagery like splashes and swirls - the Custom Graphics offer the look of custom paint at half the cost

•Ford Custom Graphics are currently available for the Ford Mustang, Explorer F-150 and Fiesta

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 23, 2010 - The popularity of tattoos has turned body art into a fashion statement - especially among Millennials - and Ford is taking the trend one step further by offering car buyers a quick and inexpensive way to express themselves with tattoos for the new 2012 Ford Focus.

From geometric patterns and racing stripes to whimsical imagery like splashes and swirls, customers will soon be able to choose from more than 200 unique vinyl wrap tattoos to find a design that reflects their personality at http://www.fordcustomgraphics.com/.

"Millennials have a very personalized, artistic side to their lifestyle, and their vehicle is a very important part of that," said KC Dallia, Focus brand manager. "With its striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance, the Focus provides the perfect canvas for customization."

Tattoo trend extends to cars:

According to the Pew Research Institute, nearly four in 10 Millennials have at least one tattoo, and Gen Xers are not far behind at 32 percent.

Sheryl Connelly, Ford Global Trends and Futuring manager, says the migration to vehicle tattoos is a natural progression of the tattoo craze.

"The one-size-fits-all model isn't really relevant to today's consumers, and it's not necessarily a desire to stand out from the crowd. It's more of a desire not to be lost in the masses," she said. "People are personalizing everything - cell phones, computers and clothing - and it's no different with automobiles."

Ford Custom Graphics developed for the new Focus will range in price from $120 to $470 and can beasily removed, providing younger customers with an economical way to "grow with their car," says Connelly.

"People are holding on to their vehicles longer, and the way we identify ourselves today may not be the way we want to express ourselves tomorrow," she said. "Customers can easily change the tattoos as their life situation and style evolves."

Test your creativity with the 2012 Ford Focus at http://www.fordcustomgraphics.com/

With a few clicks of the computer mouse, customers can choose the exterior color of their Focus, select the tattoos they like and then be able to see exactly how the designs will look on the car.

All of the tattoos are made with 3M Scotchprint® Personalized Vehicle Graphic Film plus a clear graphic protection layer. They are professionally installed at Ford dealerships and include a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty.

Original Wraps Inc., a provider of on-demand custom graphics to the automotive industry, developed the tattoos and the website for Ford. According to the company's chief executive officer Tom Stemple, the tattoos offer customers the look of custom paint at half the cost.

"Another important benefit is that the tattoos are made to order. We don't manufacture any graphics until they are purchased," said Stemple. "That gives us the flexibility to keep updating the designs to give customers fresh new ideas to choose from."

Custom Graphics are currently available at http://www.fordcustomgraphics.com/ for the Ford Mustang,

F-150, Explorer and Fiesta. Because orders are processed at individual dealerships throughout the country, there is no way to track how many tattoos have been sold, but consumer response to the site has been strong with an average of 15,000 unique hits per month.

Focus graphics are expected to be online in mid-January.

2012 Ford Focus offers customers more choices at production:

The all-new 2012 Ford Focus, which will arrive in dealerships early next year, will offer customers plenty of choices at production, including four trim series - S, SE, SEL and Titanium - and 11 unique wheel styles.

The vehicle also will be available in 11 exterior paint colors. Four of the choices are premium paints. Tri-coat paints that offer deeper, richer color will be available in White Platinum and Yellow Blaze, and two tinted clearcoat paints will be offered in Red Candy and Blue Candy.

Vehicle Personalization: Ford Custom Accessories make it easy and fun:

The automotive aftermarket has grown into a $34 billion industry. And Ford Vehicle Personalization continues to come out with cool new products - from wheels and decklids to hood scoops, grille inserts and vehicle tattoos - to meet increasing customer demand for accessories.

"The goal of Ford Custom Accessories is to give customers new ways to make the vehicle their own," said Jim Abraham, Ford Licensed Accessories manager, noting that the business of Vehicle Personalization at Ford has grown exponentially over the last few years. "Our accessories are designed alongside our vehicles, so the integration is seamless and reflective of Ford quality."

To learn more about Ford Custom Accessories, please visit http://www.fordaccessoriesstore.com/.

Audi A1 sales slow

Audi dealerships are anxious about lethargic sales of the firms A1 premium supermini, and are blaming the models high list-price.

Since its launch in August, Audi has sold 20,000 units. Audi firmly believes deliveries will total 30,000 units by the end of 2010. Compare that to Mini, which has sold 42,000 units within the last three months.

Audi can produce 100,000 units per annum and has already built 45,000 models to this point at its assembly plant in Belgium. Audi has set targets from last January of selling 80,000 A1s in its first year of production.

In Audi’s domestic market, German dealers are crabby about the A1’s price tag of €15,800.

Audi rejects that there’s a sales issue with the A1 but has moved the release of the 5dr A1 to next year from the formerly planned 2012 introduction date, which Audi hopes will boost sales.

Nissan delivers first LEAF EV in Japan (JP)

The Kanagawa Prefectural Government is the first to receive a Japanese specified Nissan LEAF EV. Despite the LEAF being assembled in Japan, the very first car was delivered to a 31 year old male customer in California, U.S.

The black LEAF was delivered this morning to several representatives by Nissan COO Toshiyuki Shiga. The Kanagawa Government will ultimately own 10 LEAFs as both government transportation and rental cars.

Kanagawa’s government said that the LEAF rental cars will be part of its EV Sharing Model Business proposal, which will permit local residents to rent out the EVs for short term use via a unique deal with Nissan Rent-a-Car. On weekdays, the rental cars will be used as government vehicles and on weekends, local residents will be given the opportunity to sample a LEAF.

Nissan’s global HQ, Kanagawa said it’s devoted to increasing EV use. The government expects to place more than 3,000 EVs on the road thanks to comprehensive financial support programs.

New Car: 2011 Toyota Yaris/Vitz

Toyota has taken the wraps of the newly designed Yaris/Vitz supermini. While these images show the Japanese domestic market (JDM) model, the European Yaris will look identical.

The refreshed supermini now sports a wheelbase that is 50mm longer with the rear cabin receiving an additional 35mm of legroom. The car is 100mm longer, at 3,885mm but is 30mm shorter while retaining the same width as its predecessor. Toyota claims to have made many weight saving measures, which has taken off 30kg (66lbs), with the car weighting at 1,000kg (2,204lbs) (model dependent). Check out the photos and videos after the jump.

Designed to articulate agility and sophistication, the Yaris/Vitz features styling that imitates the current Toyota line-up. Thanks to the smoother exterior, Toyota is claiming a coefficient drag value of 0.285. Japanese models will obtains a variety of bodykits and alloy wheels, designed and manufactured by Toyota.

The first two generations of the Yaris have usually attracted female buyers, but the new one will aim at a different market. “This car gets a sportier body with stronger street presence,” chief engineer Hirofumi Yamamoto said, “so we expect a larger proportion of male buyers this time.”

Toyota says they have made major improvements to the cabin. Prominent changes include enhanced seats, higher quality materials, and big-car options like reversing camera, HDD satellite navigation and heated seats.

Japanese models will be available will three petrol engines; a 1.0 litre 69bhp, 1.33 litre 95bhp and a 1.5 litre 110bhp, the latter to be used in the RS model. A stop/start will feature on the 1.33, which should return 75mpg UK/62.3mpg U.S/3.8l/100km. Four-wheel drive will also be offered.

A 7-speed CVT will be standard on certain models but a 5-speed manual will be offered. Toyota is aiming to sell 10,000 units a month.

Toyota will drop its 1.4 D-4D in European models, however, the 1.5 litre is unlikely to reach European shores. A hybrid variant will arrive in 2013, with estimated CO2 emissions of 65g/km. Sales of the Yaris will start in Summer 2011 for Europe, while UK sales start in September 2011. Toyota will equip Euro-models with auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heated fronts seats, leather interior, cruise control, digital radio, rear electric windows, satellite navigation system w/reversing camera, upgraded sound system, electric-folding door mirrors and rain/light sensors to compete with class-leaders.

Press Release:

TMC Launches Redesigned 'Vitz'

Models with Idling-stop Boast Fuel Efficiency of 26.5 km/L

Toyota City, Japan, December 22, 2010-Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces the launch in Japan today of the redesigned "Vitz" compact car.

Since the launch of the first-generation in 1999, the Vitz has achieved cumulative sales in more than 70 countries and regions around the world-including many European countries-exceeding 3.5 million units*1. With more than 1.4 million of those units*2 having been sold in Japan, the Vitz is truly a core model of the Toyota brand.

The new, third-generation Vitz, developed based on a new definition of the ideal compact car to meet consumers' diversifying compact-car needs, features sharper styling as well as a compact exterior but roomy, refined interior; abundant utility; and outstanding fuel efficiency of 26.5 km/L-made possible by the Toyota Stop & Start idling-stop system-in the 10-15 test cycle of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). The result is a distinctive compact car that achieves performance equivalent to a vehicle one class higher in terms of quality, comfort, ease of use and affordability.

With four grades that emphasize unique individuality, 17 body colours and four interior colours available, the Vitz is a highly appealing next-generation compact that enhances the enjoyment of choosing the perfect car and the pride of ownership.

Monthly sales target for Japan: 10,000 units

Assembly Plant: Nagakusa Plant, Toyota Industries Corporation

Vehicle Outline

Exterior symbolizes innovation united with a high-quality interior

The exterior has been completely redesigned under the key design concept words of agility and sophistication. The result is a dynamism conveying the car's brisk and responsive handling as well as a sophistication expressing compact-car elegance and presence.

The exterior design achieves high aerodynamic performance (coefficient drag value of 0.285), contributing to high fuel efficiency and stable high-speed cruising.

The interior strives to create a form both sporty and comfortable. For example, padding that extends horizontally from the instrument panel to the door trim conveys roominess and creates a sophisticated feel.

New package provides both easy driving and a roomy interior

The compact length, just 3,885mm, enables a turning radius of 4.5m.

The interior length has been extended by 35mm to 1,915mm, creating a roomier space.

The front seats use a new frame that enhances seating comfort, and the rear seats have 35mm more legroom to create a comfortable and relaxing space in the rear.

The rear seats fold in a 60:40 split, enabling flexible arrangement.

The vertical adjustment range of the driver's seat is now 60mm (15mm more than the previous model) and the seat slide adjustment range is 10mm with 24 steps (8 steps more than the previous model), allowing the driver to achieve an optimal driving position.

Utility and enhanced performance ideal for a range of driving situations:

The cargo space has been made 145mm deeper, providing ample storage capacity. Also, a new adjustable deck board can be set at two heights: When set in the upper position small objects can be placed below, and folding down the rear seats can create an almost-flat luggage space.

A discreet sub compartment for storing the owner's manual is located at the top of the glove compartment, expanding storage space.

The passenger seat has a special plastic barrier that can be used to prevent handbags or other items from falling forward off the seat. Shopping bags and such can be hooked to the top of the barrier, which can also be used to keep an umbrella in place.

The new Vitz is the first vehicle in the world to use UV-reducing glass in the front-door glass that reduces 99%*3 of ultraviolet light, providing the same level of UV protection as wearing gloves*4.

The single windshield wiper works with an integrated washer nozzle that improves wiping performance.

The headlights automatically turn on and off according to exterior brightness.

The new Vitz is equipped with a color, rearview monitor that enhances visibility when parking, as well as an HDD navigation system that incorporates steering-wheel-mounted audio-system-control switches.

Comfortable cruising, due consideration to safety and the environment:

The Smart Stop package, featuring a new idling-stop function, mounts a 1.3-liter engine on a two-wheel drive model to achieve class-leading*5 fuel efficiency of 26.5 km/L. The engine restarts in just 0.35 seconds to ensure smooth and immediate acceleration from a stop.

The 1.3-liter models are now equipped with a 1NR-FE engine with Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent). Pairing with a Super CVT-i (Super Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent) transmission achieves outstanding fuel efficiency of 24.0 km/L (two-wheel drive models) and powerful cruising. The four-wheel drive models are also equipped with Super CVT-i for smooth cruising and higher fuel efficiency.

The front-wheel-drive models (with CVT) surpass the existing Japanese 2010 fuel efficiency standards by 25% and the four-wheel-drive models surpass the standards by 15%. All models in the series achieve emission levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under MLIT's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles, qualifying for incentives under the Japanese government's taxation system for environment friendly vehicles. As a result, the front-wheel-drive models (with CVT) qualify for a 75% reduction in the automobile acquisition tax and automobile weight tax, while the four-wheel-drive models qualify for 50% reductions.

A multi-information display located within the instrument cluster shows information including fuel efficiency, average fuel efficiency and possible cruising distance. Further, an Eco Driving Indicator that turns on when the accelerator is operated in an environmentally friendly manner supports eco-driving.

EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) and ABS are standard on all models.

The Vitz features an omni-directional compatibility structure to provide outstanding collision safety performance in the event of a collision from the front, side or rear.

All vehicles come equipped with SRS airbags for both the driver and front-passenger seats. SRS side airbags also provide chest protection, while SRS curtain-shield airbags aim to reduce head injuries.

The WIL (Whiplash-injury Lessening) concept has been adopted for the front seats, adding backrest-give and head and back support for more protection in the event of a rear-end collision.

A pedestrian-injury-lessening body has been adopted to minimize impact to the head and legs of pedestrians in the unfortunate event of a collision.

Four grades emphasize individuality and boost the joy of selection:

The new and distinctive Jewela grade features exclusive body and interior colors and interior and exterior ornamentation with a plated finish to convey vibrancy. The Jewela also offers a selectable sophisticated silver-finish for the door mirrors and door handles.

The F grade has specifications designed to meet a wide range of needs including price, fuel efficiency, and comfort.

On the U grade, a leather-covered steering wheel and shift knob and heated seats that warm the shoulders and back are standard equipment to enhance comfort and sophistication.

The sporty RS grade has exclusive designs on the front and rear, including the bumpers and a roof spoiler. Various other equipment, including exclusive sports car style seats, a steering wheel wrapped in leather with dimple stitching, and a fun-to-drive five-speed manual transmission or seven-speed Sports Sequential Shiftmatic transmission with a paddle shift-type shift lever that provides manual-transmission feel.

Welcabs: Vehicles with factory-installed features for the disabled:

The Lift-up Front Passenger Seat model is equipped with a front passenger seat that rotates and slides down and to the outside of the vehicle. The B type comes with a motorized device for loading and unloading a wheelchair as standard equipment.

A Welcab Friendmatic model allowing for the installation of a specialized driver's seat and devices is also available. This vehicle has special power steering as a standard feature that reduces the force needed for operation compared to the base vehicle, making the steering wheel easier to turn during initial acceleration and low-speed driving.

Videos: