Advanced automobiles are in the news today in Japan. Here are two
articles in Japanese. The second one has a nice photo. I have loosely
translated the headlines:
Toyota swamped with "Prius" orders. Government subsidy registration
limits exceeded.
http://sankei.jp.msn.com/economy/business/090723/biz0907232119006-n1.htm
"Extreme eco-cars" hit the public roads; next generation electric car
sales begin
http://www.asahi.com/business/update/0723/TKY200907230269.html
My commentary (from articles and other sources):
Both articles are about sales within Japan. Prius sales are booming
and the factory is working overtime to meet demand. There is Japanese
government "eco-car" subsidy this year for low emissions cars, which
amounts to between $1000 and $2500. There are now 230,000 Prius's on
back order and it seems likely that deliveries for cars ordered now
will not be in time for the subsidy.
The subsidy applies to other fuel-efficient cars. The subsidy alone
cannot explain the sales boom, because cars are expensive, usually
starting around $30,000.
The second article says the Mitsubishi "Aimibu" (i - MiEV) electric
car sales officially began today. These are corporate sales, with 53
units delivered today to government agencies, a power company and so
on. Sales to private individuals will start in January. They will
manufacture 1,600 units this year. They are already almost sold out
with advanced orders. The cars cost $40,000.
The Google translation tools do a pretty good job with these articles:
http://translate.google.com
- Jed
