Tag: Automotive news

  • Quality concerns prompt Toyota’s production line suspension

    Quality concerns prompt Toyota’s production line suspension

    In response to the discovery of irregularities in certification tests for diesel engines developed by affiliate Toyota Industries, Toyota Motors has announced the extension of the shutdown of two prominent production lines at manufacturing plants operated by Toyota group companies in Japan.

    The production lines, which were initially suspended on January 29, will now remain halted until March 1. Toyota Motors is set to make a crucial decision on March 1 regarding whether to reopen the production lines from Monday, March 4.

    The affected lines include one at Toyota Auto Body’s Inabe plant in Mie prefecture, known for producing the Alphard and Vellfire minivans.

    Additionally, one line at Gifu Auto Body’s main plant in Gifu prefecture, responsible for manufacturing the HiAce van, will also continue to be suspended.

    The decision to extend the shutdown comes as Toyota Motors is addressing the irregularities in certification tests, underlining its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.

    The company aims to thoroughly investigate and rectify the issues before considering the resumption of production.

    This development has significant implications for the automotive industry, as Toyota Motors is a major player in the global market.

    Stakeholders and industry observers await the decision on March 1, as it will shed light on the company’s strategy to address the challenges posed by the certification test irregularities.

  • Here’s why KIA Pakistan is teasing ‘Yasir and Alvin’ 

    Here’s why KIA Pakistan is teasing ‘Yasir and Alvin’ 

    KIA Motors Pakistan recently stirred curiosity on social media by mentioning “Yasir and Alvin” in a post, leaving some oblivious while surprising others.  

    Clarifying the mystery, KIA Lucky Motor Corporation is hinting at the introduction of a sedan resembling the Toyota Yaris and Changan Alsvin.  

    This serves as a clear indication of the automaker’s intent to enter this segment. The upcoming car is expected to match the size of the Toyota Yaris and Changan Alsvin, eliminating the possibility of it being an entirely different model.  

    This move suggests that, for the time being, the Corolla and Civic segments remain unthreatened by a new entrant.  

    While the brand has not disclosed the car’s details or its name, it is apparent that a new vehicle is on the verge of being launched. 

    Considering the current economic challenges in Pakistan, with soaring car prices, launching a new vehicle seems like a risky decision.  

    The nation is already grappling with high petrol costs and escalating inflation, making the timing of this introduction noteworthy. 

  • Mysterious closure: Kia Lucky Motors Pakistan closes four showrooms despite rising sales

    Mysterious closure: Kia Lucky Motors Pakistan closes four showrooms despite rising sales

    Lucky Motor Corporation Limited (LMC) shocked the automotive industry in Pakistan with a surprise announcement on Monday. In a press release issued on the same day, LMC revealed its decision to close four of its dealerships in the country, effective immediately.

    The affected dealerships include Kia Motors Hanna Lake in Quetta, Kia Motors Chenab in Gujrat, Kia Motors Avenue in Dera Ghazi Khan, and Kia Motors Gateway in Mardan. While the announcement was unexpected, LMC emphasized its commitment to transparency and customer-centric practices by informing all its customers promptly.

    Curiously, the press release did not provide a specific reason for the abrupt decision. It comes as a puzzling move for LMC, considering the company’s positive performance in 2023. In contrast to its competitors experiencing declining sales, LMC saw a significant boost in sales during the same period.

    According to Mettis Global, Kia Sportage, one of the company’s popular models, saw a notable 4 per cent increase in total sales Month-over-Month (MoM). Furthermore, LMC managed to sell impressive numbers of other models, with 163 Picantos, 53 Stonics, and 72 Sorentos sold in February 2023 alone.

    The closure of these dealerships raises questions among industry experts and customers alike, as the company’s sales figures seemed to indicate a flourishing business. However, without a clear explanation from LMC, speculation continues to circulate regarding the true motives behind this unexpected decision.

  • Koenigsegg’s new Gemera to offer mind-blowing 2,300 horsepower hybrid powertrain

    Koenigsegg’s new Gemera to offer mind-blowing 2,300 horsepower hybrid powertrain

    We have been acquainted with luxurious alternatives in the past, yet never encountered anything quite as remarkable as this. According to reports from the inauguration event at Koenigsegg’s newly established manufacturing facility, the company is poised to offer purchasers of the Gemera model an unprecedented V8 hybrid powertrain, boasting a staggering output of 2,300 horsepower.

    Upon its initial revelation, Koenigsegg pledged that the Gemera, a two-door, four-seat vehicle, would exhibit a still-excessive 1,700 horsepower (1,268 kW/1,723 PS) generated by a three-cylinder engine harmoniously integrated with a hybrid system.

    However, the Egg Registry reports that the production iteration of the Gemera will present an alternative powertrain. Discarding the three-cylinder engine, the vehicle will adopt a V8 engine sourced from the Jesko model.

    The aforementioned 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine already commands an impressive output of 1,578 horsepower (1,177 kW/1,600 PS) and 1,106 lb-ft (1,500 Nm) of torque when utilising E85 fuel in the Jesko. Moreover, the company boldly asserts that this engine holds the title of the fastest revving production engine in existence, rendering it a highly coveted addition to nearly any automobile.

    According to CarScoops, the precise method by which this powerhouse will fit within the same space previously occupied by the comparatively diminutive three-cylinder engine remains uncertain. Nonetheless, reports indicate that it will be coupled with Koenigsegg’s nine-speed Light Speed Transmission and, owing to the inclusion of the hybrid system, deliver an awe-inspiring 2,300 horsepower and 2,028 lb-ft (2,750 Nm) of torque.

    Furthermore, the production model of the Gemera will be equipped with physical side mirrors instead of the cameras featured on earlier prototypes, adhering to the regulatory requirements of the United States. For enhanced performance, an optional “Ghost Package” will introduce several aerodynamic enhancements, including a rear wing, an extended front splitter, and an S-duct. It is worth noting, however, that this package compromises practicality by eliminating the front trunk.

    Regrettably, the outlet informs us that production of the Gemera is still a considerable amount of time away, with the first customers anticipated to receive their vehicles in 2025.

  • Honda Pakistan to launch the long-awaited HR-V tomorrow

    Honda Pakistan to launch the long-awaited HR-V tomorrow

    The long-awaited all-new Honda HR-V will finally make its formal debut on Friday, according to Honda Atlas Cars Limited (HACL), which recently teased the crossover in a Facebook post and confirmed the unveiling.

    Honda Pakistan will offer two versions of the HR-V, the VTi and VTi S. The 1.5-liter 4-cylinder naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine in the base model will produce 119 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. A 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine with 179 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque will power the second model.

    According to details, the Honda HR-V VTi is anticipated to cost between Rs6.3 and Rs6.5 million. The top variant would cost approximately Rs6.7 million.

    If this pricing is accurate, the Honda HR-V will be a fierce competitor for crossover SUVs that are already on the market. As Pakistani car buyers may favour a crossover over a pricey sedan, sales of Honda Civic and crossover SUVs from other automakers could also have a little impact.

    The sources have also stated that because bookings would begin immediately after the launch, the delivery of this car will begin in November 2022.

    Here are the features that the impending crossover may offer:

    • Traction control 
    • Hill start assist 
    • Stability control  
    • Dual tone side view mirrors + roof
    • Body coloured & black front grille
    • Automatic climate control 
    • Honda Sense
    • Four airbags

    For those who are unaware, the Honda HR-V is not a brand-new sight in Pakistan; local auto dealers have been offering hybrid versions of this vehicle, which are originally imported from Japan.

  • Here’s a look at the upcoming Honda Vezel 2023

    Here’s a look at the upcoming Honda Vezel 2023

    Honda’s mini-SUV, the HR-V is finally approaching its second generation. The upcoming model will have some significant upgrades from styling to engine performance.

    It will be bulkier, futuristic, and more powerful than the previous model, with better looks than the smaller, hybrid-only European variant introduced in 2021.

    VEZEL and HR-V confusion

    For those who may not know, the original name for ‘Honda Vezel’ is ‘Honda HR-V’. This hybrid vehicle has become quite famous in Pakistan for its good looks and impressive fuel consumption despite being an expensive completely built-up (CBU) unit. It is mostly witnessed with a ‘Vezel’ badging instead of ‘HR-V’ here.

    The Japanese automaker said that the new subcompact SUV will be based on the same platform as the international Honda Civic variants. It has a longer wheelbase than before, and the rear suspension is now independent.

    Engine and Performance

    One important thing Honda revealed about the powertrain is that it will be a more responsive engine as compared to the prior one, which might be the Civic’s 180-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four, replacing the existing HR-V’s 141-horsepower 1.8-liter inline-four.

    The HR-V’s engine for the base model could be the naturally aspirated 158-hp 2.0-liter inline-four from the Civic’s lower trim levels. Front-wheel drive will almost certainly be standard, with all-wheel drive as an option, and a CVT automatic transmission will almost certainly be the only transmission option. A hybrid HR-V is also expected to enter the lineup, though it may arrive later than the fuel-only model.

    Read more: Car sales up by 53.7 per cent in 2022, despite repeated price hikes

    Honda has not officially revealed any photographs or details of the HR-V’s interior, however, it will be exciting to see how the new platform will affect its packaging. As the fuel tank was positioned behind the front seats, the previous HR-V, like the Fit, had a surprisingly low cargo floor.

    The LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L variants from the current model are anticipated to continue over. Honda also published a video showcasing the new HR-V in a variety of colours, including red, silver, black, and white. Unfortunately, there is no official statement released by the company regarding its price and availability in other regions.