Naoto Okamura Naoto Okamura, the Tokyo-based news assistant, supports Automotive News coverage from Japan through a wide array of reporting, interviewing, translation and news gathering. [email protected] +81-3-6434-0640 See All Staff Page Recent Stories After repeated cuts, Toyota now plans a production comeback By wrangling alternative semiconductor sourcing, building direct ties to chip makers and communicating more closely with suppliers, Toyota has gradually bolstered production plans. Tokyo show to be revamped as mobility event Organizers hope the Tokyo auto show will reboot international interest in Asia’s one-time premier auto event and in Japan as a technology leader. Honda, Nissan see brighter days ahead Honda and Nissan are sounding upbeat as they raise full-year earnings forecasts, citing progress in sorting out the semiconductor shortage and improved profitability. Mazda grapples with tight labor at U.S. plant as it struggles to ramp up CX-50 Mazda hopes to add a second shift to its new Alabama plant as it struggles with staffing amid low unemployment in the U.S. state, where it makes the CX-50. Honda U.S. dealers could service Sony-Honda EVs, CFO says The sales and servicing plan for Honda's EV partnership with Sony is still under discussion. But Honda's network of more than 1,000 U.S. dealers are well situated to service the new cars, the automaker's CFO said. Mitsubishi weighs possible stake in Renault EV spinoff Operating profit more than tripled to 53.8 billion yen ($372.3 million) and net income more than doubled to 44.1 billion yen ($240.4 million) in the three-month period. Subaru struggles to compete with McDonald's on wages as automaker shies away from U.S. EV investments Subaru says soaring labor costs are one reason the company is not thinking of new investments to build EVs in the U.S. anytime soon. Subaru said its third-quarter net income nearly doubled to $350.2 million. Toyota finally finds fix to keep wheels on its new bZ4X EV crossover Toyota started recalling the bZ4X in June, just two months after the EV went on sale. The callback also affected the Subaru Solterra, a rebadged version sold by Toyota’s partner. Toyota cuts production plan again on ongoing chip shortage Toyota now sees output at 850,000 in September and only 800,000 in October, Nissan tightens the screws on ongoing Ghosn case Nissan has tightened the screws on Carlos Ghosn and Greg Kelly by dramatically jacking up its damages claims in civil cases against both men as acrimony continues to molder. Subaru preparing AI-based next-generation EyeSight driver assist systems from 2025 The technology will build upon Subaru’s stereo camera system and use artificial intelligence to improve computer recognition in hard-to-see situations, such as when road lane markers are covered in snow. Hino emissions misconduct rattles Toyota partnership Truck maker Hino's new emissions scandal has some observers wondering about its future with Toyota. Honda focuses on deliveries, rather than recession talk, as profits fall Honda expects higher inflation and interest rates to eventually have an impact on the U.S. economy, but for now, its top priority is delivering more product to customers. Mazda pursues U.S. price hikes as profits plunge Mazda says U.S. demand for its vehicles is robust enough to support price hikes, as the company notches record-low incentives on crimped production and tight inventories. Toyota increases overseas car production as output slumps in Japan Toyota's overseas output climbed 5.6 percent to 3.35 million vehicles through June, while production in Japan fell 18 percent to 1.73 million. Load More
Naoto Okamura Naoto Okamura, the Tokyo-based news assistant, supports Automotive News coverage from Japan through a wide array of reporting, interviewing, translation and news gathering. [email protected] +81-3-6434-0640 See All Staff Page