Shiotsu Autotrade Japan – President’s Blog

Facts about Hybrid Cars – Pros and Cons

Actually hybrids are now marketed as the car you must possess, to deal with the high expense of fuel. Paying for one of these brilliant eco-friendly vehicles could save you cash on gas and you will be providing the economy a lift.

That said, there basically are two different types of hybrids: the gas powered money savers and the electric cars. The gas version model is actually driven by a unique specialized gas engine while the electric hybrid includes a chargeable battery, just the way you remote control the Porsche you possessed as a child.  Before you decide on purchasing a Hybrid Car, we would like to list out the common pros and cons of owning a Hybrid car. These facts about hybrid cars can help you make an informed decision whether to go for a hybrid car.

Pros of owning a Hybrid Car

Lower Pollution:

Hybrid cars possess reduced pollution levels compared to other cars. While operating on their electric motors, engines of hybrid vehicles aren’t producing any of the air-borne pollutants we are concerned about when we consider the gas engines.  As rated for an Energy-Efficient Economy by American Council, three of the leading 12 ‘Greenest Cars’ had been hybrid cars.

Higher Fuel Economy:

Spending less on gas is really likelihood for hybrid motorists. Even mild hybrid trucks that enhance the mileage from 17 to 19 mpg are making an impact. Read the rest of this entry »

New Regulations to increase Used Car prices in New Zealand

Japanese cars rule in New Zealand’s used car industry.  Imported vehicles are typically purchased from used auto auctions in Japan and then brought to New Zealand by auto dealers.  Many of these Japanese used vehicles possess low mileage since Japanese people like to travel by public transport instead of by private vehicles.  These used cars from Japan also are properly maintained, obtainable in excellent condition and are available at very low prices. This has resulted in  a great demand for Japanese used cars.  However, latest regulations concerning importing used cars to New Zealand which will soon be put to effect, may rule out vehicles which are older than seven years; and such a move would certainly push up the prices of used Japanese cars in New Zealand.

Current Regulations for importing Japanese Cars in to New Zealand

New or used cars exported from Japan may be shipped from any Japanese port like Tokyo, Nagoya, Yokohama, Kobe, Osaka, to all the main Ports in New Zealand like Auckland, Lyttelton, Dunedin, Napier, Wellington, Tauranga. When considering the age of shipped in vehicles, the vehicle brought in to New Zealand should not be more than 20 years old. Exclusions to this rule could be made if the used car or truck you import is a special interest vehicle or if perhaps you import a car which has already been registered by your name in Japan.  The vehicle under consideration ought to meet noise and emission standards which are laid by New Zealand government for vehicles of a similar class.  Imported cars should be in a position to clear the New Zealand’s WoF (warrant of fitness) check. All new or used cars should be Right Hand Drive.  There may be exceptions made for any special interest vehicle like special purpose vehicles, antique cars, motorsport cars, hearses or machinery. Nevertheless, a few of these import rules pertaining to import of used cars from Japan might change soon, leading to increase in prices of Japanese used cars in New Zealand. Read the rest of this entry »

Truck Batteries – How to choose the best battery for your truck

Most often, truck owners do not give a great thought to which replacement batteries you must buy for our trucks till our original battery fails. Once the final volt is cranked you are generally in a rush to be again on the streets. This simply implies that you don’t spend enough time choosing the perfect replacement batteries for our truck.

Although price is crucial, the cheapest battery may not be the most beneficial (or cheapest) in the long run. Picking out the perfect battery for your truck is much simpler if you get acquainted with your choices before you require a fast replacement. Here are some common factors which you need to consider while selecting a replacement battery for your truck.

How to choose the right Battery for your Truck?

1. Purchase a truck battery having the right size and dimensions

Battery group size shows the battery size which will best match the physical proportions of your truck. Several vehicles may allow for multiple group size.
Batteries are available in all sizes and shapes. If you opt for one that is too small, it may move about inside the battery tray, and therefore the battery hold-down will certainly be loose. On the contrary, if you purchase a battery that is too big, it might sit on the tray’s edge and this could rub a dent in the battery. If your battery is just too tall, it may touch the hood as well as other metal pieces and create a loud explosion. It is clear that the battery group size is very essential while selecting a battery for your truck.

2. Check the Cold Crank Amperes for your Truck

Cold Crank Amperes (CCA) is crucial for a good cranking ability. It is the number of amperes a battery supports for half a minute at a 0⁰ F before the battery voltage falls to levels which are unusable. A 12V battery having a rating of 600 CCA implies the battery provides 600 amps for 30 seconds at 0⁰ F till the voltage falls to 7.20 V (six cells). Cold start-ups are one of the hardest difficulties for any battery, and in case you purchase a substitute having a reduced rating compared to what your truck needs, you might be in trouble.  In case you buy a battery with a higher rating, it won’t hurt, but there is no great benefit to a sizable increase. Read the rest of this entry »

Should you fill up your car with High Octane Gasoline?

Should you use a higher octane gasoline or regular gasoline? Most car owners are not sure about whether going for High Octane gasoline will improve the performance of the car.  You should first learn about how the engine works, the Octane ratings of a fuel and its effect on car engine performance.

Gasoline is most frequently employed in most automobile spark ignition engines.  Gasoline is basically a mixture of various hydrocarbons.  The gasoline used in cars is sprayed to your engine combined with mixture of air.  Once the engine heats up it transforms the gasoline to vapor.  This vapor allows to generate ignition with the aid of spark plug and this ignites the mixture.  Further additives are blended with the gasoline fuel to boost its quality.  If the ignition takes place before time, there can be a trouble with the fuel.  This harms the engine and the engine tends to make some knocking sounds.  The fuel’s quality is decided based on the knocking effect.  The gasoline’s quality is assessed in octane number.

What’s the difference between premium and regular gasoline?

Many cars usually come with four-stroke gasoline engines.  Out of the four strokes, the first is the compression stroke which compresses a cylinder filled with air into a really small volume to help ignition process in the engine.  The standard car engine has a compression ratio of 8:1. Octane is the primary element of fuel.  The octane rating of gasoline will show you the optimum amount of fuel which needs to be compressed to initiate instant ignition. Read the rest of this entry »

Green cars steal the Tokyo Motor Show 2011

Energy-saving electric powered automobiles equipped with sophisticated eco-friendly technology were competing for attention in the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, with computers and robots becoming increasingly part of the automobiles displayed.  Car manufacturers are now exhibiting concept vehicles with bodies that can be transformed and which are also automotive computers connected to smart phones, whilst flaunting energy-efficient green automobiles with electric powered, fuel cell with hybrid engines.  Green cars has been the major theme with most car makers at the Tokyo Motor Show 2011.

The cars on display at Tokyo Motor Show 2011 are mostly compact, fuel-efficient automobiles with which Japanese car manufacturers aspire to shake up the stagnant local sales as the segment attempts to regain from March’s earthquake and tsunami as well as the current worldwide economic crisis.

Eco-Friendly Cars at Tokyo Motor Show

With most of the auto-manufacturers abiding by the green theme, Nissan, Suzuki and Toyota Motors Corporation all exhibited their vehicles in the Tokyo Motor Show.  Nissan’s Leaf Electric Car, which was a major exhibit in this year’s show, was elected the car of the year.  Nissan revealed its PIVO-3 Electric Vehicle, which is a 3 seater commuter vehicle. Toyota Motor Corporation displayed five of its automobiles. Most of these worked on alternative fuel technology.

Daihatsu displayed PICO, its two seater electric vehicle which greatly resembled combination of lightweight automobile and motorized cycle.  Suzuki came up with two of its small cars. Suzuki’s Regina which is an advanced global compact car is lightweight and aerodynamic.  It also exhibited a Q-Concept two seater which can be considered an intermediate between cars and motorcycles.

Foreign Participants in the Tokyo Motor Show

Many reputed auto manufacturers from different countries of the world participated in the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.  German auto manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Volkswagen exhibited their vehicles. Read the rest of this entry »

Toyota’s Fun Vii at Tokyo Motor Show

Tokyo Motor Show is a Motor Show held once in two years is Japan. It is organized by Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Inc (JAMA) on the October-November months. It is held in Tokyo Big Sight, Japan. Many innovative auto manufacturers exhibit their most modern innovations through this Show. This was the 42^nd Tokyo Motor Show and many big companies like the Toyota Motor Corp, Daihatsu Motor Co, Nissan Motor Co, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd, Mitsubishi Motors Corp, Honda Motor Co, Ford and the Volkswagen participated in it.

One of the most interesting entries in the Tokyo Motor Show 2011 was Toyota’s Fun Vii rightly named so. This car resembles a mobile phone and was presented recently and customization was elevated to a different level as Toyota revealed its innovative brand new vehicle, appropriately referred to as the Fun-Vii.

At this point, changing the look of your automobile to match your flavor as well as your disposition can be as simple as downloading a mobile phone application or perhaps uploading a picture or a graphic to Facebook.

Toyota Fun Vii – Fun to Drive, Again

Toyota revealed many concept automobiles in the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. Fun-Vii is just one of them. It was displayed by the theme of ‘Fun to Drive, Again’. Read the rest of this entry »

How to extend the life of your car tires?

There are various factors involved in proper car maintenance.  The car tires are a significant component of your car.  Car tires tend to be a high-priced component and once in a while they ought to be replaced at regular intervals.  The tire maintenance is crucial for any automobile.  Tire maintenance and preservation is easy and straightforward.  You can boost the durability and efficiency of your car tires by executing a couple of basic tasks.

Proper tire maintenance is an important from safety point of view; however, it is often neglected by car owners.  By undertaking some simple measures, you can ascertain the longevity of your auto tires.  Here are some tips for maintaining your car tires.  If you follow these tips, it will certainly help you to extend the life of your car tires.

Examine the Tire Pressure Regularly

Make sure to check the pressure of the tires regularly.  The tire of the car should be properly inflated. If the tires are over inflated or less inflated it may lead to tire failure.  If you do not know the air pressure the tire of your vehicle must possess, you need to find out.  The tire pressure is mentioned in the user manual and also on the side of the tire.

Checking your tire’s pressure is also simple.  You can make use of the tire gauge.  These can be purchased from the automotive department of any big store.  You simply need to unscrew the cap of your tire’s air intake and hold a Tire Gauge against it.  See to it that all the tires of your car are evenly inflated, else it may lead to wear and other problems in future.

Visually inspect for Scars and Pores in Tires

Streets are usually layered with rubble, most of which are actually sharp like nails and glass.  If a nail pierces into a tire, it might not lead to an instant flat tire, but may cause a gradual leakage of tire pressure.  In future, it may even lead to a flat tire. Hence it is essential that you have an alert eye.  You must repair tires with small cuts, scars or abrasions and get the tires with larger cuts replaced to avoid problems in future. Read the rest of this entry »

Toyota debuts new Eco Cars at Tokyo Motor Show 2011

Toyota Motor Corporation will display its Scion FR-S sporty car for the first time at the 42^ndTokyo Motor Show 2011.  Toyota will also unveil Toyota Aqua or the Prius C as the North Americans know it, for the first time in Japanese Market.  Toyota Aqua will go for sale in Japanese Markets next month while it will be displayed in US Showrooms only next year.  Toyota will also showcase its Prius Plug-in Hybrid and also it’s iQ Electric Vehicle.  The Tokyo Motor Show which happens every two years will this year witness many new, hybrid and eco friendly vehicles.

Toyota Aqua or Prius C

The Prius C or Toyota Aqua can comfortably seat five people.  The 1.5 litre engine is linked to Toyota’s all new lightweight Hybrid System.  It has a front that resembles Yaris, roofline is much similar to Prius and it has a wavy new side panel treatment that covers over the rear wheels.

Its new hybrid system consists of a motor, new inverter and a battery.  The hybrid drivetrain is around 88 pounds lighter than the standard Prius. Aqua has been chosen as a standalone name in Japan inorder to generate a new client base for hybrid systems.

In the U.S., they are following a converse theory.  There they intend to cash upon the already existing repute of Prius for Prius C.

Prius Plug-in Hybrid

The Toyota Show will also witness debut of production version of Prius Plug-in Hybrid which will be in markets only next year.  This version will be powered by Lithium Ion Battery.  This battery is smaller and will enable more space for luggage.

Toyota FT-EV III

The FT-EV III is yet another electric vehicle based on Toyota’s iQ Minicar.  The car will be out for sale in USA as Scion next year.  This little car can cover 65 miles when fully charged.  Another merit it offers is its battery can be charged in barely half the time other electric cars take.  In a 200 volt system, the car gets completely charged in around four hours.

Fuel cell concept FCV-R

This is one more remarkable Toyota debut. The FCV-R is a hydrogen-powered fuel cell that will be sold in markets by 2015. It is a four seater and has been inspired from Lexus HS 250h hybrid.  The fuel cell unit can power the car on a single filling for 435miles.  It has been located under the driver’s seat.

Tokyo Motor Show 2011

Tokyo Motor Show is a biannual auto show held in Japan.  Read the rest of this entry »

Isuzu to manufacture trucks in Saudi Arabia for exports

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, is planning to manufacture car components  by around 2013 and expects to build two different car models besides assembling cars in around 10 years from now, according to an official looking after  the development of the country’s automotive industry.

Azzam Shalabi, president of Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Clusters Programme said it was a huge challenge and that was why the government was going to be involved in the development of the country’s automotive sector.

Truck Market in Saudi Arabia and Middle East

Saudi Arabia is engaged in the development of new conversion industries in the areas around petrochemical plants and refineries currently being built by Saudi Basic Industries Corp. and Saudi Arabian Oil Co. Under the Kingdom’s cluster development program, the development of mainly five industrial conversion targets, including the automotive sector, will be covered. Besides the automotive sector and its value chain, the other four industries being targeted include solar energy products, plastics and packaging, energy goods and services, and home appliances.

In order to attract foreign auto investors, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is going to develop an automotive-zone master plan which will allow manufacturers to share some logistics operations and production facilities. The government is also trying to persuade large automotive companies to commence assembling automobiles in the kingdom. Shalabi said that the zone concept was being discussed with automobile manufacturing companies in order to validate its acceptability and feasibility.

Currently, Japan’s Isuzu Motors Ltd. has a plant for assembling medium-size and heavy trucks in Dammam, where it plans to commence production in 2012 and produce 25,000 vehicles each year. Isuzu Motors will be producing the trucks for export to the Middle East and GCC Region. The assembling of the trucks by Isuzu comes under the aegis of Saudi Arabia’s cluster development program. Read the rest of this entry »

The World of Giant Trucks

Ever wondered how big are the biggest trucks in the world?  The world’s biggest truck is not a Mitsubishi Fuso Super Great, Isuzu Giga, Nissan Diesel Big Thumb truck or even a rugged Mach Truck with double trailer.  The biggest trucks in the world are used in mining industry.  These trucks are truly enormous and calling them big would be an understatement.  Normal heavy duty trucks look like miniature puppets in front of the real locomotive giants!

Mining Trucks

In mining, heavy metal ores are hauled from the mining pits using these gigantic dump trucks. These dump trucks generally weigh around one million pounds and can carry more than 300 tons of material. These trucks have power of 3000 horsepower. They generally are taller than 20 feet and are 50 feet long. There are many companies which manufacture such massive trucks. These are used in various nations round the globe for the purpose of mining.

Large Mining Trucks by different companies

Komatsu 930 E-4

It is a mining truck with Japanese origin. It is manufactured and designed by Komatsu. and has an engine power of 2700 horsepower. It has a gross vehicle weight of 553 tons (553000 kilograms) and a payload capacity of 321 tons (321000 kilograms). It has a length of 15.6 meters and a height of 7.5 meters. It is a perfectly productive truck when it comes to mining purposes.

Caterpillar 797B

It is a heavy duty mining truck manufactured and developed in US by Caterpillar Inc Company. It was introduced in 2002. It has a payload capacity of 380 tons (380000 kilograms) while its engine power is 3370 horsepower. The Gross Vehicle weight is 688 tons (688000 kilograms). It is 14.5 meters long and 7.2 meters tall. Read the rest of this entry »