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Japan's automakers see positive signs ahead

Japan's automakers absorbed the challenges of the fiscal year just ended. Despite worries over rising costs, they see a brighter year ahead.
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Honda: 800,000 EVs built in North America by 2030

EV production should account for about 40 to 50 percent of Honda's total output in North America in 2030, or around 800,000 battery-electric vehicles.
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Toyota slashes April production, takes 'intentional pause' from rampant growth

Toyota said it would slash its global production plan for April by 150,000 units to 750,000 vehicles, compared with the original schedule reported to suppliers earlier this year.
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Former Nissan director Kelly in new jeopardy as Tokyo prosecutors appeal verdict

The appeal filing comes just days after the American – free from Japan on a suspended sentence – had a tearful homecoming to Tennessee and ensures his years-long legal odyssey will drag on.
After 3 years, it is finally verdict time for former Nissan director Greg Kelly, seen here outside the Tokyo District Court in October 2022. Credit: Hans Greimel
Ex-Nissan exec Greg Kelly found guilty in Tokyo, but gets suspended sentence

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said: "We are relieved that the legal process has concluded, and Mr. and Mrs. Kelly can return home." Carlos Ghosn told journalists on a video call: “He’s obviously an innocent man."
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Can new Subaru Solterra EV win Tesla cross-shoppers?

The brand is banking on its awd off-road cred to set its new Solterra EV apart from Tesla and other rivals as it tiptoes into electric vehicles.
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Mazda CEO teases new CX-50 as U.S.-focused

The Japanese brand has high expectations for the CX-50, an America-centric crossover that will be built in Alabama.
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Toyota cuts global production for 3rd time but says worst is over

The automaker will reduce output again in November, but the impact will not be as painful as before and Toyota sees signs of recovery on the horizon.
Former Nissan exec faces tough judge as Tokyo trial winds down

Kenji Shimotsu just handed down a harsh jail term to a 90-year-old defendant in another case.
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Tokyo prosecutors seek 2-year prison term for former Nissan director Kelly

Prosecutors made the case against the American defendant  as they delivered their closing argument in the long-running trial.
Akio Toyoda: All-EV plans are a threat to Japan

Toyota's leader is warning the government that its road map to net-zero emissions needs to be better tailored for the nation's economy.
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Toyota cuts output again on shortage of chips, parts

The automaker said parts such as semiconductors and wire harnesses are in short supply because of bottlenecks triggered by lockdowns in southeast Asia.
Revival of Tokyo Motor Show now set for 2023

After canceling this year because of lingering COVID-19 concerns, it will reconvene in 2023 under the banner "Green and Digital."
Ex-Nissan exec Greg Kelly speaks up in his defense

As he took the stand in his own defense, he stuck up for his former boss, Carlos Ghosn.
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Tokyo auto show cancels 2021 event, will rebrand as 'mobility' show

The auto show, which survived a recession, an earthquake-tsunami and the rivalry of bigger, bolder auto events in China, has finally folded under the pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic.