Month: 2024-12

- Japan's first(1) minivan PHEV models to contribute to carbon neutrality- Pursuing the joy of comfortable mobility through enhanced quietness and riding experienceToyota City, Japan, Dec 20, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced today that it will commence sales of its all-new Alphard and Vellfire Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV; six-seater) models in Japan on January 31, 2025. Gasoline and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) models of the Alphard and Vellfire have also been improved, and sales will commence on January 7, 2025.The joy of comfortable mobility offered by PHEVsThe Alphard and Vellfire (gasoline and HEV models), which were completely redesigned in June 2023, were developed from the concept of "the joy of comfortable mobility" to create a space where everyone, from the driver to rear seat passengers, can share consideration and appreciation in all kinds of situations, whether traveling with loved ones and family members or taking important visitors to and from work. The platform has been overhauled to offer significant improvements to basic performance, such as riding experience and comfort, making them suitable for a wide range of customers, from families to VIPs.The new PHEV models offer improved quietness and riding experience, enhancing the joy of comfortable mobility offered to the driver and rear seat passengers in all kinds of situations.Comfort has been enhanced through the quietness of a BEV, which produces minimal noise and vibrations, and the low center of gravity and stability provided by the large-capacity lithium-ion battery mounted under the floor. The ability to drive with care for the surrounding environment, such as during late-night pick-ups and drop-offs, has also been further enhanced to make it more suitable for use as a chauffeured car.Air conditioning can also be operated using electricity and doesn't require the engine to be started while waiting for pick-up as a chauffeured car, helping to maintain a comfortable space and contributing to the environment.The Plug-in Hybrid System enables BEV-mode driving for many daily chauffeured trips, using only the electricity stored in the battery(2) (BEV-mode driving range equivalent to 73 km(3)). The engine can be used for traveling long distances with peace of mind.PHEVs are one of many important pathways for achieving carbon neutrality. Going forward, Toyota intends to continue its multi-pathway approach, promoting the widespread uptake of electrified vehicles by expanding its line-up to cater to diverse needs.Improvements to gasoline / HEV modelsAll models are now equipped with a Digital Inner Mirror with built-in dash cams (front and rear) as standard. The Z and Z Premier grades are now available with a JBL premium sound system (15 speakers) and a 14-inch rear-seat entertainment system to further enhance cabin comfort.In addition, three exterior body colors are available for the Vellfire, including a new exclusive Precious Metal color that accentuates the vehicle's aggressive demeanor.An eight-seater X grade has also been added to the Alphard HEV.Sales OutlineBase sales volume for Japan8,600 units per month (approx. 70% Alphard and 30% Vellfire; monthly sales target for PHEV models: 200 units/month)Production PlantToyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. (Toyota Auto Body)(1) As of December 2024. According to Toyota research.(2) According to Toyota research.(3) Driving distance in WLTC mode while using battery charge. As evaluated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The engine will disable BEV driving irrespective of the remaining battery power under a certain state of the engine or drive battery, air conditioner use, or driving style (exceeding the prescribed speed).For more information, visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/41970489.html Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Dec 19, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - On December 12th in 3GPP TSG-RAN meeting #106, Madrid, 6G RAN level study item supported by 56 co-signed companies was approved, which achieves a significant milestone of 6G standard. This study item aims at interacting with ITU on 6G technical performance requirements. In the future, deployment scenarios, requirements and potential directions of 6G radio access technologies will be further identified and investigated in 3GPP.This initiative is spearheaded by industry leaders from diverse countries and regions, underscoring the shared dedication of 3GPP and the broader telecommunications sector to forge a global interoperable 6G standard. It is expected that 6G will serve as a critical enabler of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by advancing network capabilities to drive innovation.(Note: The following quotes according to the alphabetical order of the companies)The co-chairman of Global TD-LTE Initiative, CTO of China Mobile, Mr. Tongqing Gao, stated, “China Mobile has always maintained a strong sense of social responsibility to actively involve in the research of 6G technology, the development of standards, and the promotion of industry advancements. We believe that 6G standardization should progress steadily and solidly, driven by real requirements from global industry, and should not be aggressive and hasty. China Mobile eagerly anticipates cooperating with industrial partners to foster joint innovation, expedite the integration of information services across various sectors, and establish a robust communication network foundation.”The co-chairman of Global TD-LTE Initiative, Deputy Director of China Mobile Science and Technology Committee, Mr. Tongqing Gao, stated, “6G has characteristics of immersive performance, integrated capabilities, platform-based networks, seamless coverage integrating space and earth, as well as green and low-carbon, which will realize the wonderful vision of digital twinning and ubiquitous intelligence. We believe that 6G standardization should be driven by the realistic demands of social digitalization and intelligent development, aiming at the commercial closed loop. With open minds, unity and cooperation, in-depth research and steady promotion, we will build a high-quality and high-value 6G to inject new vitality and impetus into the sustainable development of the information industry. China Mobile eagerly hopes to strengthen cooperation and collaborative innovation with global partners through the 6G joint innovation park and forge a unified global 6G standard.”The Senior Executive Vice President and CTO of NTT DOCOMO, Mr. Takaaki Sato, stated, “Developing 6G global standard is an important opportunity to provide new values such as sustainability, higher efficiency, network for AI, connectivity everywhere, and new/improved customer experiences. These values have great potential to change our life and industries with IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network) for adapting to the environment in global. NTT DOCOMO is willing to lead this activity in 3GPP together with other great contributors in diverse regions, as there are global common demands and issues 6G should address.”Vice President and Head of Infra Tech Office of SKT, Dr. Yu Takki, stated, “The collaboration with industry leaders marks a significant first step in shaping the future of the global telecommunications industry, and SK Telecom is proud to be one of the key contributors to global unified 6G standardization. We believe that 6G will not only transform connectivity but also act as a catalyst for innovation across industries, creating new value through the convergence of AI and telecommunications. SK Telecom remains committed to working closely with global partners to realize a seamless and intelligent 6G ecosystem.”Chief Technology Officer and SVP of Strategy and Technology Enablement of Verizon, Mr. Yago Tenorio, stated, “Verizon is committed to driving innovation and collaboration within the global technology community. A unified global technology standard is essential for unlocking the full potential of 6G, enabling seamless and secure connectivity, and fostering an inclusive digital society. By working together with industry partners, we can achieve ambitious global objectives and ensure that the benefits of next-generation connectivity are accessible to all.” Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Dec 19, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Honda will present the world premiere of two prototype models at CES 2025 representing two Honda 0 Series models the company is planning to introduce to the global market starting in 2026. Honda will also introduce its original vehicle operating system (OS) planned to be adopted to the Honda 0 Series models. CES 2025 will be held January 7-10, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.In January of this year, at CES 2024, Honda premiered the Honda 0 Series and its “Thin, Light and Wise” development approach. At CES 2025, Honda will hold a press conference on January 7, 2025 with a focus on the “Wise” value of the Honda 0 Series. Honda will introduce the value to be realized by the original vehicle OS and automated driving technologies to be installed to its Honda 0 Series models, and provide an overview of the System on Chip (SoC) that will support the value Honda 0 Series models will offer as Software Defined Vehicles (SDV).Honda is also planning to introduce a new energy service, scheduled to be launched along with the Honda 0 Series models, as a part of its initiatives toward the realization of carbon neutrality.About the Honda press conference at CES 2025Date/Time:Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 10:30 am – 11:00 am (local time)[Wednesday, January 8, 2024, 3:30 am – 4:00 am (Japan time)]Venue:Honda booth (West Hall, booth #4640) at Las Vegas Convention CenterLivestreaming (URL):https://youtube.com/live/3M87dqNbY3U Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.