2013 RAV4 Revealed At The Los Angeles Auto Show

Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Bill Fay and the 2013 RAV4.

LOS ANGELES (Jidosha Shinbun) -- Toyota reveals the new redesigned 2013 RAV4 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  The new design reminds us of the previous generation Sienna, Mitsubishi, and perhaps even Nissan's Murano.   The RAV4 will be available in front and all wheel drive versions and is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 176 hp at 6,000 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm.

2013 Toyota RAV4 Limited

Mated to the 4-cylinder engine is a six speed automatic transmission.  Toyota says that the first two gear ratios are optimized for "around-town performance."  The RAV4 will be available in LE, XLE, and Limited trimlevels.  The crossover utility vehicle will go on sale early 2013.

Nissan Updates Leaf Electric Vehicle In Japan

YOKOHAMA, Japan -- Nissan unveiled an updated Leaf electric vehicle in Japan.  Nissan says the Leaf is the number one electric vehicle in the world.  A new S trim level has been added to the existing X and G trim levels.  There are currently 400 dealers in Japan selling the Leaf that have quick chargers.  Nissan plans to expand to 700 dealers with quick chargers.  

Honda Teases 2013 Civic Ahead of LAAS

TORRANCE, Calif (Jidosha Shinbun) -- Honda announces that the new 2013 Honda Civic will debut November 29, 2012 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  The current ninth generation Civic was new for the 2012 model year, so it's a little unusual that the Civic is already getting revisions.  The Civic is one of Honda's most important models so  its perception is important.  The changes gives it more of a family resemblance to its bigger brother, the 2013 Honda Accord.  We like the changes Honda has made to the Civic.  The front end has a classy grille and looks aggressive.  The rear end continues the resemblance to the Honda Accord.

 "The 2013 Honda Civic exterior refinements infuse Civic with a more youthful, premium style. Coupling these with additional changes beneath will ensure that Civic maintains its top-ranked status," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning for American Honda.

The 2013 Civic will go on sale at dealerships also on November 29.

HTC And Apple Agree To 10 Year Agreement

TAIPEI and CUPERTINO, Calif. -- HTC and Apple settle patent disputes by reaching a "global settlement"  that dismisses all lawsuits and a ten year agreement that covers "current and future patents held by both parties."  

“HTC is pleased to have resolved its dispute with Apple, so HTC can focus on innovation instead of litigation.” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC.
“We are glad to have reached a settlement with HTC.” said Tim Cook, CEO of Apple. “We will continue to stay laser focused on product innovation.” 

New Toyota Sub-Compact To Be Built At Mazda's Mexico Plant

TOYOTA CITY, Japan (CarPressions) -- An agreement has been signed between Mazda Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation to build a new car for Toyota based on the Mazda 2 at the new Mazda plant current under construction in Salamanca city, Guanajuato state, Mexico.  The agreement calls for Toyota to share a portion of the equipment, development, and production capacity increase costs.