How many custom Honda's does the world need. All these young punks with their Honda's, please, give us a break......sign
Friday, September 28, 2007
Hondas, honda, hondas, too many Honda's!!
How many custom Honda's does the world need. All these young punks with their Honda's, please, give us a break......sign
Amercan JDM?
American companies are trying hard to cut into the JDM/custom craze. This GM looks pretty fresh, but I wouldn't want one. Anyway, the custom craze is open to any makers. I love to see the completion.
Toyota Rush
I wonder if fans of the band "Rush" would want to drive this one? I don't think they are going to sell this one in Canada. At least not with the same name.
Video Game-GranTurismo
I have played this game from version one until version four. Great game with too many cars to mention. It is very Japan centric as most of the cars are pure JDM. I have never played the HD version, but I may own it one day. My only criticism of the game is the fact that you can't really crash. I also like the Burnout series (the game is entirely based on crashing) , so I would love to see Grand Turismo with crashing programed into the game.
From http://www.granturismoworld.com/ & http://www.cheatcodeschamp.com
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
A MUST read! Do they have no Shame!?!
This is a must read for anybody interested in the Chinese Automotive market! See http://gemssty.com/2006/10/29/top-10-copycat-cars/
I was shocked! Look at some of these copycat cars and Logos. Do they have no shame? I thought the Japanese were bad in the 50's and 60's, but this is ridicules.
Look alikes? Daihatsu Kopen & Audi TT
From http://www.ima-g.com/ & http://www.canadiandriver.com/ Who can deny these two upside down tubs don't look alike. 
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Mazda R360 Commercial
Leave it to Youtube. Without them, I would never be able to dig up history like this!
Subaru 360
Check out the
http://www.microcarmuseum.com
for tons of information on Micro cars.
This is the legendary Subaru 360. It was to Japan what the Volkwagon beetle was to Germany. It was the car that got the nation on wheels. The first models in the late fifties had ugly little headlights but over time the design was refined until the line ended in the early seventies. They even played around with a version that had racing stripes. Some were even sold in America! Truly a Japanese classic.
Mazda R360
Check out http://www.microcar.org/ a very cool club/website/magazine about tiny cars.
This is the Mazda R360. After the Subaru 360 that came out in 1958, this was one of the many "people's cars" that got the nation on wheels. Keijidosha cars from this era used to be 360cc by law. That is a smaller engine size than most motorcycles in North America! Slowly over time, Kei cars grew in size. Next was 550cc and then 660cc.
I feel this design is very modern, yet quirky. You might even say it hints towards the Nissan 240Z design ques, but that would be a stretch for some. Anyway, I feel this is a jewel in the story of Japanese automotive design.
Nissan Cherry X-1 Rear
Nissan was very fond of round lights in this period. I really needed to show a rear view of this car to show off it nice proportion and stance.
See http://www.enthuno-mori.at-server.com/nissan/20031220nissan/ for more
1971 Nissan Cherry X-1
This car is known as the Cherry X-1 or日産チェリーＸ－1 in Japanese. As far a I know, this car was never sold outside of Japan. Today the car is fairly collectible in Japan and can get a decent price, over $10,000 if in good condition. I really like the rear half of this car. It is a very original design as it is not a sedan, yet not a station wagon. I guess they would call it a sporty fastback, but it looks more functional than sporty to me. The two tone white on green add a nice touch too.
Check out http://www.enthuno-mori.at-server.com/nissan/20031220nissan/
if you are interested to see more photo's of this car.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
The Nissan Figaro
The Figaro reminds me of that first car every child draws. Two simple curves. Why not? It works, it's cute. The Figaro is very rare as only 20,000 were build. In the mid 80's until the early 90's, Nissan experimented with a lot of these quirky, low production number cars. Others were the Pao, the Bee and the S-Cargo. Recently, Toyota has been doing something similar with their Will series. They try to tie product and vehicle design into the same package. Check out the Will cars if you get a chance. This car is selling at http://www.japanoid.com/
Good luck to Japanoid.com!!
I wish Japanoid the best of luck. I was watching their video's on Youtube and completely agree with their philosophy. You make a statement by the car you drive. If you drive a SUV, some would say you are selfish, egotistical, and not concerned about the environment. But if you drive a Kei car, some may say you want to drive a funky, cute car that is gentle on the environment. Leave it to the Japanese. They are way ahead in this department. Who ever said small can't be cool. Take that Hummer. Vist the website at http://www.japanoid.com/
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Daihatsu and Toyota
A joint Daihatsu/Toyota project. As you may notice, the plate says Akita. This was taken on my 2006 trip.
Micro Trucks in North America. "Keitora" ケイトラ
Micro trucks (Kei Trucks) are also sold in America. They are not road legal in the USA, but they make great farm/hunting vehicles. Like the one in the picture. In Canada, they can be street legal if they are 15 years or older.
An interesting side note, in Japan, these vehicle are called "Keitora" for short.
If you want to find out more about sellers of these trucks check out http://www.best-used-tractors.com/mini_truck.html for more information.
Nostalgic hero
Nostalgic hero is a great magazine if you are into classic Japanese cars. Here is the company that publishes the magazine. http://www.geibunsha.co.jp/teiki/mo_nh.html
I do not know if they will ship outside of Japan (as is the case with most Japanese companies), but I am sure you can find an issue on ebay. I have four issues myself, so contact me if you want to buy one.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Here is an interesting article from Japanoid.com
Stop the 25 year rule!
Transport Canada is thinking about changing the vehicle import law from 15 years to 25 years old, help us send them a message; THIS IS A BAD IDEA.
According to current law, Canadian citizens can import any vehicle outside North America that was manufactured 15 years ago or older. American citizens can also import vehicles to the US, but they have to be 25 years or older. Pressure is building for Canada to change our law to match the United States, 25 years. This change in law would unfairly limit Canadian consumers and destroy many small businesses. Imported vehicles are safe, environmentally friendly, cost effective, and in such low numbers they pose no threat to the Canadian public.
Transport Canada claims that since these vehicles are not manufactured to American Standards, they don't belong on Canadian roads. While this is true for some imported vehicles, the origin of nearly all imports is Japan, Germany and the UK; not exactly countries known to be unsafe. All three of these countries rank in the top 10 for road safety; while Canada and the US rank 11th and 25th respectively, Germany (#8) Japan (#6) and the UK (#2) do a much better job. According to 2002 statistics, 9.3 Canadian drivers died for every 100,000. In the United States this number is 14.9; not a system we should align with. And although Transport Canada claims Canadian and American standards are better than the 52 countries who are part of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, most experts fiercely disagree. Ask a Swede (#1) or the Dutch (#3), heck even the Swiss (#5) are in that club.
Please share!Digg it
digg_url = 'http://www.japanoid.com/petition.php';
digg_bgcolor = '#f0f0f0';
digg_skin = '';
Send a letter to Transport CanadaPostal Code:
Did you know?
In British Colombia motorcycles are exempt from carbon emissions tests. Most motorcycles in BC are above 750cc. Kei cars are not exempt in BC but their engines are 660cc and smaller.
It can be claimed that imported cars are in fact safer than their domestic counterparts of the same age.
A majority of these foreign imports are arriving from Japan. Besides the recognized quality of Japanese cars, domestic use 15 year old Japanese cars are amazingly well maintained. The Japanese don't fool around with safety; they force every car on the road to pass a strict inspection every two years. This system of Japanese inspection standards called the "Shaken", tests brakes, emissions, shocks, tires, body condition, everything. As a result, the most popular imports are much safer than vehicles sold in North America 15 years ago, which don't have mandatory inspections.
Find out more about the Shaken
Besides, Canadians who import 15 year old cars don't exactly bring these vehicles in and drive away. Upon entry, importers pay custom duties and tax, go through agricultural inspections, modifications inspections, provincial inspections and in BC, emissions testing. Any and all maintenance, repairs or modifications have to be made before a vehicle is granted approval for road use. More often than not, new headlights, tires, reflectors, catalytic converters, and day-time running lights are added to these vehicles, making them compliant to Canadian standards to the very last detail.
Find out more about Federal and Provincial Vehicle Compliance
Canadians buying these vehicles are looking for a healthy alternative.
A majority of the cars imported are fuel efficient or Bio-diesel ready. Diesel Toyota Lancruisers, Mitsubishi Delicas, VW Sycros and Jettas are often readily converted to Bio-Diesel. There is no real domestic alternative to these multi-passenger four wheel drives. Additionally, many Canadians prefer the smaller set, the Kei Cars with 660cc engines. Kei cars get an average of 5.8l/100kms, which if sold new would qualify for an ecoRebate from the Canadian Government. And although Transport Canada claims that older vehicles and smaller engines don't always mean fewer pollutants, California's Smogcheck Program exempts diesels and engines under 800cc. In addition, Kei Cars save space on our crowded roads and public spaces. And unlike their hybrid counterparts, take much less energy to manufacture and dispose because of their small size and simple materials.
Transport Canada and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) also claim that Canadian drivers are incapable of operating Right Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles safely.
This claim has no evidence to back it up. Japan and England drive on the left side of the road and thus manufacture RHD Vehicles. However, Japanese and British citizens have the freedom to import vehicles from Left Hand Drive (LHD) countries like Canada and the US. Ford, Mercedes, Chrysler, and General Motors left hand drive vehicles can be bought new in Japan without any question. Vehicles imported to Japan do not have to meet Japanese Safety Standards, only emissions regulations. The Japanese do not pay more for insurance; are not required to take additional tests and are not subject any other form of prejudice for choosing a foreign vehicle. The Japanese even provide LHD toll-booths to facilitate LHD vehicles. If Canadian authorities feel the Canadian driver is not as competent as the Japanese or British driver, they should provide us with the basis for this belief. Some attribute our Canadian policies to pure protectionism.
Find out more abotu LHD vs. RHD
Transport Canada instituted the 15 year old import law in 1986 for the benefit of car collectors collecting American muscle cars.
Today many Canadians are taking advantage of this law to import environmentally friendly vehicles from places like Japan and Germany. Given the current concerns with global warming and the movement towards freer trade, it is difficult to understand why Transport Canada wants to change the law to 25 years. Just like back in 1986 the number of imported cars on Canadian roads is extremely low. Out of the more than 18 Million cars in Canada there are no more than 73,000 cars that fall under the 15 year import rule; this is only 0.004% of cars on the road. And many are driven only on weekends or off-road. Clearly not a threat to the motoring public.
As their owners will tell you, imported cars provide for a need in the marketplace that currently does not exist. Imported vehicles are safe and on average, more environmentally friendly and cost effective than domestic vehicles. Changing the 15 year import law now would be a big mistake and send the wrong message on the environment and free trade. Not only would it negatively impact choice for the car collector, many small businesses across Canada would be destroyed. Keeping the current law is in the best interest of all Canadians. Please Stop the 25 year import law change.
To find out more:Visit the Canadian Association of Vehicle Importers CAVI.ca
Or Send an Email to Transport Canada and tell them how you feel
Printer friendly version of this page.
Transport Canada is thinking about changing the vehicle import law from 15 years to 25 years old, help us send them a message; THIS IS A BAD IDEA.
According to current law, Canadian citizens can import any vehicle outside North America that was manufactured 15 years ago or older. American citizens can also import vehicles to the US, but they have to be 25 years or older. Pressure is building for Canada to change our law to match the United States, 25 years. This change in law would unfairly limit Canadian consumers and destroy many small businesses. Imported vehicles are safe, environmentally friendly, cost effective, and in such low numbers they pose no threat to the Canadian public.
Transport Canada claims that since these vehicles are not manufactured to American Standards, they don't belong on Canadian roads. While this is true for some imported vehicles, the origin of nearly all imports is Japan, Germany and the UK; not exactly countries known to be unsafe. All three of these countries rank in the top 10 for road safety; while Canada and the US rank 11th and 25th respectively, Germany (#8) Japan (#6) and the UK (#2) do a much better job. According to 2002 statistics, 9.3 Canadian drivers died for every 100,000. In the United States this number is 14.9; not a system we should align with. And although Transport Canada claims Canadian and American standards are better than the 52 countries who are part of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, most experts fiercely disagree. Ask a Swede (#1) or the Dutch (#3), heck even the Swiss (#5) are in that club.
Please share!Digg it
digg_url = 'http://www.japanoid.com/petition.php';
digg_bgcolor = '#f0f0f0';
digg_skin = '';
Send a letter to Transport CanadaPostal Code:
Did you know?
In British Colombia motorcycles are exempt from carbon emissions tests. Most motorcycles in BC are above 750cc. Kei cars are not exempt in BC but their engines are 660cc and smaller.
It can be claimed that imported cars are in fact safer than their domestic counterparts of the same age.
A majority of these foreign imports are arriving from Japan. Besides the recognized quality of Japanese cars, domestic use 15 year old Japanese cars are amazingly well maintained. The Japanese don't fool around with safety; they force every car on the road to pass a strict inspection every two years. This system of Japanese inspection standards called the "Shaken", tests brakes, emissions, shocks, tires, body condition, everything. As a result, the most popular imports are much safer than vehicles sold in North America 15 years ago, which don't have mandatory inspections.
Find out more about the Shaken
Besides, Canadians who import 15 year old cars don't exactly bring these vehicles in and drive away. Upon entry, importers pay custom duties and tax, go through agricultural inspections, modifications inspections, provincial inspections and in BC, emissions testing. Any and all maintenance, repairs or modifications have to be made before a vehicle is granted approval for road use. More often than not, new headlights, tires, reflectors, catalytic converters, and day-time running lights are added to these vehicles, making them compliant to Canadian standards to the very last detail.
Find out more about Federal and Provincial Vehicle Compliance
Canadians buying these vehicles are looking for a healthy alternative.
A majority of the cars imported are fuel efficient or Bio-diesel ready. Diesel Toyota Lancruisers, Mitsubishi Delicas, VW Sycros and Jettas are often readily converted to Bio-Diesel. There is no real domestic alternative to these multi-passenger four wheel drives. Additionally, many Canadians prefer the smaller set, the Kei Cars with 660cc engines. Kei cars get an average of 5.8l/100kms, which if sold new would qualify for an ecoRebate from the Canadian Government. And although Transport Canada claims that older vehicles and smaller engines don't always mean fewer pollutants, California's Smogcheck Program exempts diesels and engines under 800cc. In addition, Kei Cars save space on our crowded roads and public spaces. And unlike their hybrid counterparts, take much less energy to manufacture and dispose because of their small size and simple materials.
Transport Canada and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) also claim that Canadian drivers are incapable of operating Right Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles safely.
This claim has no evidence to back it up. Japan and England drive on the left side of the road and thus manufacture RHD Vehicles. However, Japanese and British citizens have the freedom to import vehicles from Left Hand Drive (LHD) countries like Canada and the US. Ford, Mercedes, Chrysler, and General Motors left hand drive vehicles can be bought new in Japan without any question. Vehicles imported to Japan do not have to meet Japanese Safety Standards, only emissions regulations. The Japanese do not pay more for insurance; are not required to take additional tests and are not subject any other form of prejudice for choosing a foreign vehicle. The Japanese even provide LHD toll-booths to facilitate LHD vehicles. If Canadian authorities feel the Canadian driver is not as competent as the Japanese or British driver, they should provide us with the basis for this belief. Some attribute our Canadian policies to pure protectionism.
Find out more abotu LHD vs. RHD
Transport Canada instituted the 15 year old import law in 1986 for the benefit of car collectors collecting American muscle cars.
Today many Canadians are taking advantage of this law to import environmentally friendly vehicles from places like Japan and Germany. Given the current concerns with global warming and the movement towards freer trade, it is difficult to understand why Transport Canada wants to change the law to 25 years. Just like back in 1986 the number of imported cars on Canadian roads is extremely low. Out of the more than 18 Million cars in Canada there are no more than 73,000 cars that fall under the 15 year import rule; this is only 0.004% of cars on the road. And many are driven only on weekends or off-road. Clearly not a threat to the motoring public.
As their owners will tell you, imported cars provide for a need in the marketplace that currently does not exist. Imported vehicles are safe and on average, more environmentally friendly and cost effective than domestic vehicles. Changing the 15 year import law now would be a big mistake and send the wrong message on the environment and free trade. Not only would it negatively impact choice for the car collector, many small businesses across Canada would be destroyed. Keeping the current law is in the best interest of all Canadians. Please Stop the 25 year import law change.
To find out more:Visit the Canadian Association of Vehicle Importers CAVI.ca
Or Send an Email to Transport Canada and tell them how you feel
Printer friendly version of this page.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
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