Consumers will find a bit of Toyota at Mazda dealerships by 2013. Mazda will become the second manufacturer, after Nissan, to borrow Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology as part of a licensing agreement aimed at leap-frogging hybrids into Mazda’s stable beyond the lonely Mazda Tribute SUV.

The deal’s details have yet to be released but Toyota’s key hybrid drive components are expected to make the cross over to Mazda’s recently announced, next-generation, direct-injected Sky engines.

TMC and Mazda Agree to Hybrid System Technology License
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) have reached an agreement on the supply under license of hybrid technology used in the Toyota Prius.

Leveraging this agreement, Mazda plans to combine the hybrid system with its next-generation SKY* engine that is currently under development, and develop and manufacture a hybrid vehicle in Japan. Mazda is aiming to commence sales of a hybrid vehicle starting in Japan by 2013.

Positioning response to environmental issues as a management priority, TMC began sales of the Prius, the world’s first mass-production hybrid vehicle, in 1997. Since then, over 2.3 million TMC-produced hybrid vehicles have been delivered to customers in over 70 countries and regions.

TMC recognizes the importance of benefiting the environment by encouraging the popularization of its eco-friendly technologies, which are represented by its hybrid systems. Accordingly, TMC has announced that it will consider requests from other companies to supply hybrid technology.

Based on its long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, Mazda aims to increase the average fuel economy of Mazda vehicles sold globally 30 percent by 2015, compared to its 2008 level. In order to offer all of its customers driving pleasure as well as outstanding eco-friendly and safety performance, Mazda is implementing a Building Block Strategy. Under this strategy, Mazda will enhance the core aspects of its vehicles - including engines, transmissions and weight reduction - and then progressively add electric devices such as idling stop, regenerative braking and hybrid systems.

Through this partnership, each company intends to offer technologies and products with outstanding environmental benefits to as many people as possible.

*Concept name for engines and transmissions that are intended for launch from 2011 onward.

With the New York Auto Show around the corner, Subaru’s well into teaser mode about a new Impreza WRX STI variant. With just “the wing is back! Exclusive world debut at the New York International Auto Show” as a press release, and a winged silhouette to accompany, the Japanese automaker is craving attention.

And it has it. Unfortunately, like most teases, there’s very little information we can worth with. We’ll just have to stand in the corner awkward.

The New York International Auto Show opens for press day on March 31 and April 1 and will ppen to the public from April 2 through 11.

Nissan launched it’s new 2010 Nissan Patrol off road “hero” in the first-ever Middle East automobile premiere in Abu Dhabi last week. Carlos Ghosn’s presence made it clear just how significant the Middle East market is in the ongoing success of the Patrol brand. “The new Patrol is built with the high level of safety, performance and quality that characterises the Nissan brand, and we paid special attention to the needs of GCC drivers and passengers,” sais Ghosn.

The flagship SUV will feature a newly developed 5.6litre V8 engine with variable valve event and lift (VVEL) and direct injection gasoline technologies. It delivers 400hp and 560Nm of torque on the top specification version and with its new seven-speed automatic transmission has a wider range of gear ratios than its predecessor in an effort to deliver more power, faster. The New Patrol also comes equipped with a hydrauclic body motion control system to keep the car stabilized during lane changes and off-road treks.

NISSAN PRESS RELEASE

Abu Dhabi, UAE (Feb. 13, 2010) - Reliable, unbreakable, affordable. The Nissan Patrol is a name synonymous with ruggedness, a legendary off-roader capable of going anywhere, anytime. Meticulously honed for over five decades, the Patrol is Nissan’s flagship large SUV model and enjoys a rich heritage particularly in the Middle East that dates back to the 1950’s. This off-road trendsetter was one of the first dedicated four-wheel-drive vehicles in the climatically demanding Middle East region, and boasts the notable distinction of also being the first vehicle to successfully cross the grueling Simpson Desert in Australia back in 1962.

Under the banner of “The Hero Comes Home” the Patrol is back as an all-new seventh generation model, building on its impressive history, but at the same time, incorporating a new platform, a radical new design direction, significantly enhanced interior comfort and luxury, powerful new V8 engines, a 7-speed automatic transmission and a new 4WD system.

“We paid special attention to the needs of current Patrol owners, and their passengers, and so focused on creating first-class levels of comfort for the whole family. Heightened luxury, a roomier cabin and a quieter ride combine to achieve this goal, while maintaining Patrol’s superior off-road heritage” stresses Hiroyuki Fushiki, project head and Segment Chief Product Specialist.

Tested to the limit
Wanting to build the best possible Patrol, engineers first tuned and tested 200 prototypes for dynamic evaluation at the company’s Motegi, Oppama and Tochigi proving grounds before sending them to the Middle East where they were exposed to every imaginable challenge; desert, rocky surfaces, highways and inner-city traffic. “By the time we came around to adding the new body and interior, we had virtually completed our reliability and durability testing and perfected all of the new technologies,” says chief vehicle engineer, Takashi Fukui.

New exterior more sophisticated but still rugged
After extensive market research, especially in the Middle East, the design team concluded that for the Patrol to beat its main competitors, it needed not only a brand new design direction but class-leading engine performance, greater luxury and comfort and a smart mix of new technologies that enhanced the total driving experience. Product design director, Taiji Toyota, tells us that the all-new exterior design is like a breath of fresh air. “Not as edgy and hardcore as its predecessor, the softer new surfaces are beautiful and add a sense of modernity to the design equation, while still maintaining a ruggedness and commanding road presence” he said.

According to the design director, one design element that expresses ‘Patrol’ and had to feature strongly was the angled-strut motif front grille. It was meticulously proportioned to deliver a sense of continuity with past models but give a touch of newness while enhancing the car’s status level.

Focus on roomier, more luxurious cabin
Featuring generous amounts of leather, polished aluminium and wood grain paneling, the Patrol’s interior too has been significantly upgraded. Given that most customers only go off-road no more than 15% of the time, designers wanted to create a better, higher quality interior for the whole family.

In keeping with the Patrol’s mission to deliver more comfort and more room, the new Patrol delivers seat dimensions that outclass all competition. Boasting wider, higher and deeper front seats, the Patrol offers over 100mm more legroom for second row passengers, and a roomier third row of seats as well. Employing double the lateral rigidity over the outgoing model, the new Patrol sits on a revised platform that now offers a more robust construction with a low vibration body.

All-new V8 engine leads array of segment-beating hardware
The new Patrol is now the most powerful vehicle in its class. And the key technology achieving this jump in performance over the predecessor’s 4.8 litre power plant is the newly developed ‘VK56VD’ 5.6-litre V8 engine with VVEL (variable valve event and lift) and DIG (direct injection gasoline) technologies that generate 400hp and 550Nm of torque on the top specification version of this new engine.
Every component has been redesigned for maximum performance and smooth response, while a new 7-speed automatic transmission with a wider range of gear ratios than its predecessor, gives the off-roader the ability to deliver power faster.

Comprehensively upgraded 4WD system sets new standard
In a world-first for Nissan, the new Patrol employs a Hydraulic Body Motion Control System (HBMC), which keeps the car flatter with less body roll during lane-changing and cornering, while delivering a comfortable ride in city driving and superb stability on rugged and sandy tracks. Another crucial part of handling equation comes from the new suspension system, which now employs 4-wheel independent suspension, upgraded from the previous rigid axle setup. Nissan has completely redesigned the vehicle’s suspension from the bushes to the links. The combination of HBMC and the new suspension system with its longer suspension stroke delivers significantly improved handling and stability on both on- and off-road terrain.

The Patrol also employs a newly developed ALL MODE 4×4 system incorporating a variable 4×4 mode package. It allows the driver to quickly switch between four drive modes: sand, on-road, snow and rock, with the flick of a switch. In sand mode, owners are able to drive safely, quickly and skillfully in sand and dirt, just like professional rally drivers.

In addition, the Patrol also offers a new Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control which can also be selected easily with the touch of a button. With Hill Start Assist, if a driver stops on a slope and steps off the brake pedal, the system keeps the vehicle stationary - with no roll back. Hill Descent Control uses the brakes to maintain a constant downhill speed of 7km/h in 4H mode and 4km/h in 4L mode.

The new model employs a revised Tyre Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with tyre inflation indicator which beeps the horn softly to inform drivers that a suitable tyre pressure has been reached.

A revised, more effective brake system also provides the best braking performance in its class thanks to its new hydraulic brake booster and a 4-piston opposed front caliper setup with larger 358mm front discs.

More world-firsts
Nissan designers paid special attention to the second row seat passengers by not only significantly expanding legroom, but by also fitting a new multi-screen DVD entertainment system, a first form Nissan. It boasts two rear-facing TVs; one 7-inch monitor embedded into each front seat headrest.

Fitted with six airbags for top grade, the Patrol also comes with a totally revised climate control system boasting another world-first - the curtain vent. Curtain vent has several small but highly effective vents mounted in the ceiling above each side window to blow a strong current of cool air down forming a curtain of air that acts as a barrier to heat penetrating the cabin.

Yet another impressive Patrol feature is the cool box mounted in the centre console between the front seats. Incorporating a unique double hinge design, the lid of the cool box can be opened easily from either the front or second row of seats to access the six 600ml drink bottles inside.

And lastly…
With its fresh new styling, superior packaging, powerful but economical V8 engine, clever off-road technologies and higher levels of luxury and comfort, the all-new Patrol is now a true segment leader.

Designed as an in-between to a small car and small SUV the Nissan Juke, which is set to launch at the ucoming Geneva Motor Show, will be one of the few ultra-compact crossover SUVs on the market. The somewhat ridiculous design is meant primarily for European consumption with sales expectations hopeful to surpass the Qashqai’s half-a-million in 3 year sales benchmark.

“In the last five years we have enjoyed significant growth in a crowded European market. This has been achieved by challenging traditional patterns and moving away from the C and D segments. Instead, we have pioneered the introduction of crossovers. We started with Murano and then, in higher volumes, with Qashqai - a car which has far exceeded our expectations. Sales have exceeded half-a-million in Europe in less than 3 years,” said Colin Dodge, Executive Vice President.

Juke will be manufactured in Europe at Nissan’s factory in Sunderland, England, and in Oppama, Japan. In Europe, its production alongside the Note compact family car and Qashqai crossover is the result of an investment in excess of 60m Euros, which safeguards over 1000 Nissan jobs, and more than 2000 in the supply chain.

Sales of Juke will begin in Japan in the summer, with the European and North American launch beginning in the autumn.

Design
From a design standpoint, the lower portion of Juke is pure SUV. It combines chunky wheels, wide tyres, extended ground clearance and a robust stance with a top portion that is unadulterated sports car, with a high waistline, slim visor-like side glass graphics and a coupé-style falling roofline. The coupé effect is further underlined by the rear doors which have their handles hidden in the frame of the door.

Inside, the sports car theme continues with a driver-focused cabin dominated by a centre console design inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank. Finished in a distinctive high gloss colour, the ‘bike’ console adds a sense of fun to the car. Practicality is assured by the rear-opening hatch and versatile luggage area with hidden storage opportunities.

Speaking at the launch, Nissan’s Senior Vice President for Design and Chief Creative Officer, Shiro Nakamura, said: “It was our intention to challenge the conventions. I really think Juke will bring something different for customers - something more emotional, energetic, more masculine”.

Juke is based on the Renault Nissan Alliance B platform and has a 2530mm wheelbase, is 4135mm long, 1765mm wide and 1570mm tall. On front-wheel drive versions, suspension is by MacPherson struts at the front with a torsion beam at the rear while four-wheel drive models have a multi-link rear suspension modelled on the system found on Qashqai.

The ALL-MODE 4×4-i, is a new development of Nissan’s respected electronic all-wheel drive system and now features torque-vectoring technology to enhance agility and reduce understeer when cornering. As well splitting torque front to rear - up to a maximum of 50:50 - it can now be split from side-to-side across the rear axle, too.

Cornering ability is enhanced by sending increased torque to the outside rear wheel, reducing understeer. In total, up to 50% of the total available engine torque can be sent to either rear wheel. The inclusion of this innovation is a first in the small car segment - a technology that has, until now, only been found on top-of-the-range, premium vehicles.

Engines & transmissions
In Europe, three different engines will be available when sales start later in the year: one diesel and two 1.6-litre petrol units, all fully Euro 5 compliant. At the top of the range is a new turbocharged petrol engine (MR16DDT) with direct injection. The engine is one of the most powerful in its class, developing 140kW (190PS) and 240 Nm. The combination of direct injection with a turbocharger provides the power and responses expected from a 2.5-litre engine with the economy of a smaller engine.

The second petrol engine is a newly developed version from Nissan’s trusted HR-family. Designated HR16DE, the lightweight, low-friction 16-valve unit now has a unique dual-injection system allowing finer metering of the fuel sprays for better combustion and develops 86kW (117 PS).

Finally, the K9K 81kW (110PS) 1.5-litre dCI common rail diesel offers excellent driveability - thanks to its heady 240 Nm of torque - with good economy and emissions.

In terms of transmissions, the two-wheel drive turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine is available with a six-speed manual transmission.

Nissan’s XTRONIC CVT transmission, with a six-speed manual mode, will be available on the range-topping all-wheel-drive version of the turbocharged petrol engine.

The naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol is available either with a 5-speed manual or the updated XTRONIC CVT, while the 1.5-litre diesel engine is available with a 6-speed manual.

Equipment
Lists of standard and optional equipment will be released nearer the on sale date, but expected items such as climate control, leather upholstery, rear view camera and Intelligent Key will all be available to Juke customers along with some more unusual features.

One such is the Nissan Dynamic Control System, a central command and display module which allows the driver to alter dynamic drive settings as well as make changes to more obvious functions such as climate control. The display, meanwhile, shows engine and drive related dials and information.

“At Nissan, we are working hard to bring more value to the brand through great design, quality, and driving pleasure. For me, Juke represents so much of what Nissan is and will reinforce Nissan’s position as a global leader of design innovation, but also as the global pioneer in crossovers,” said Shiro Nakamura.

In an unprecedented move, Toyota has suspended sales of eight models until it fixes the stuck accelerator pedal problem that has led to a huge recall.

“Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company,” said Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter in a press release. “This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We’re making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible.”

The models include the 2009-2010 RAV4; 2009-2010 Corolla; 2009-2010 Matrix; 2005-2010 Avalon; certain 2007-2010 Camrys; 2010 Highlander; 2007-2010 Tundra; and the 2008-2010 Sequoia.

Toyota is in danger of losing its top quality ranking to Hyundai, according to a test engineer at Consumer Reports, which releases it annual rankings in April.

Toyota’s debuting the Etios, a new small sedan specifically created for the Indian market, at the New Delhi Auto Expo on January 6th. The four-door entry level sedan with a name that means “the origin of” takes on the popular Suzuki Swift sedan and is set to debut with the option of a 1.4-liter diesel from the Yaris or either a 1.2-liter or 1.3-liter gasoline engine.

The plan is to launch the car in India first and then introduce it to other world markets. The next destination is set to be Brazil where the Etios will be assembled for the South American market.

Recently the Japanese press gang has been suggesting that Lexus is preparing a hard-core GS F model to sit alongside its M3-fighting IS F. The rumors go on to say the tuned GS will be powered by a version of the LFA’s 4.8 litre V10 engine.

Not true says Lexus’ European press office. Lexus has posted a message on their Twitter feed saying that the “LFA V10 is bespoke to LFA,” indicating that the 412kW bent-ten won’t be used by any vehicle other than the marque’s performance flagship

Interestingly, Lexus declined to comment on the existence of a GS F project in its brief message. Is the company working on a hi-po luxury sedan to rival the likes of BMW’s M5 and Benz’s E63 AMG? We don’t know, but what is certain is that if a GS F is indeed in the works, it won’t be receiving a heart transplant from its supercar sibling.

The current M5 uses a naturally-aspirated V10 of similar capacity to the LFA’s motor, but the company is reportedly moving to a twin-turbocharged V8 for the next generation model.

[Motor Report]

Japan’s Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama rides Toyota’s personal mobility i-REAL during a photo session after a news conference to announce the government’s new growth strategy. The zippidy zip around the Premier’s official Tokyo residence was intended to promote a “green economy.”

Hatoyama later danced with Honda’s humanoid droid Asimo and drove Mitsubishi’s electric vehicle MiEV. A great way to kiss 2009 goodbye; only in the stately playgrounds of Japan.

Infiniti’s blessed its G37 Coupe and Sedan with a few mild tweaks for 2010 — and as a result, pricing for the range is slightly tweaked as well.

Today Infiniti announced pricing on the 2010 Infiniti G37 Sedan and G37 Coupe, which are on sale now at Infiniti retailers nationwide. For 2010, the G Sedan, Infiniti’s top-selling model, features revised exterior styling, an enhanced interior treatment and upgraded technology features. The 2010 G Coupe also enters 2010 with a number of significant enhancements, including a revised interior and upgraded navigation and entertainment systems.

The 2010 Infiniti G Sedan and Coupe come equipped with an advanced 3.7-liter VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) V6 and choice of 7-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission - as well as with available Infiniti Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system (G37x Sedan AWD, G37x Coupe AWD).

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP)* for the four available 2010 Infiniti G37 Sedan models are:

G37 Sedan $33,250 USD
G37 Sedan Journey $34,450 USD
G37x Sedan AWD $36,050 USD
G37 Sedan Sport 6MT $37,000 USD

The MSRPs for the four available 2010 Infiniti G37 Coupe models are:

G37 Coupe $36,050 USD
G37 Coupe Journey $37,500 USD
G37x Coupe AWD $39,150 USD
G37 Coupe Sport 6MT $40,400 USD

The 2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible, which shares many of the G Sedan and Coupe interior enhancements, will be available in early February 2010.

About the 2010 Infiniti G Sedan

The 2010 G37 Sedan offers a standard 328-horsepower 3.7-liter VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) V6 and 7-speed automatic transmission. And, as is appropriate for a cutting-edge performance sports sedan, the G is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission (G37 Sedan Sport 6MT), as well as with an advanced Infiniti Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system (G37x Sedan AWD).

The G37 Sedan’s strikingly seductive exterior is defined by its sleek wave form hood, signature G-style taillights, raked A-pillars and athletic stance. For 2010, the front fascia has been revised with new grille, headlights and bumper. The standard fog lights have been moved from their previous location in the headlight cluster to the lower fascia - where they help provide a sportier, more upscale appearance.

G37 Sport models also receive a new, distinctive front fascia with separated headlights and fog lights. 2010 G37 and G37 Journey models feature a new 17-inch 5-spoke “triple forks” wheel design. In the rear, all models receive a revised rear fascia with an improved exhaust finisher treatment. Two new exterior colors are offered for 2010: Smoky Quartz and Graphite Shadow.

Inside, the G37 Sedan offers a crafted interior environment and luxury features such as standard leather-appointed seating and an available audiophile-quality Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose premium audio system, which combines Bose’s 3-way front door speaker array with 10-inch subwoofers and a parcel shelf-mounted subwoofer. A 2GB Music Box is available with the Premium Package.

Enhancements for 2010 include a new, predominately white color scheme for the gauges and LCD instrument display, improving both legibility and cohesiveness of design. There is also a new center console design (7AT models) and new “Shodo” aluminum trim. In addition, a next-generation version of the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System now includes features such as XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information and NavWeather(TM) with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and Zagat® Restaurant Guide. Other navigation system features include a 7.0-inch touch screen monitor and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive.

Again in 2010, advanced G Sedan technologies include standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and RearView Monitor (newly standard in most models) and available Intelligent Cruise Control with Preview Braking.

The 2010 G37 Sedan is available in four models - G37 Sedan, G37 Sedan Journey, G37x Sedan AWD and G37S Sedan Sport 6MT. In addition, various enhancements and revisions have been made to the 2010 G37 Sedan’s available option packages.

About the 2010 Infiniti G Coupe

The Infiniti G Coupe is designed to stir the soul through an unmatched combination of dynamic design, exhilarating performance and a modern, luxuriously crafted interior. For 2010, the G Coupe receives a number of significant enhancements, including a revised interior and upgraded navigation and entertainment systems.

The G Coupe is again offered in a range of four models: G37 Coupe, G37 Coupe Journey, G37S Coupe Sport 6MT and G37x Coupe AWD - each equipped with a standard 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift) rated at 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Three models are offered with a standard performance-oriented 7-speed automatic transmission with Drive Sport (DS) Mode, Downshift Rev Matching and available solid magnesium paddle shifters. The G37 Coupe Sport 6MT comes with a responsive, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.

For buyers who want an even higher level of sporty performance, the Sport 6MT model and Journey model with Sport Package offer a sport-tuned suspension, 14.7:1 sport-tuned steering gear, Viscous Limited-Slip Differential, large Sport Brakes with 4-piston opposed front calipers and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with summer performance tires.

Interior enhancements for 2010 include a new, predominately white color scheme for the gauges and LCD instrument display, improving both legibility and cohesiveness of design. There is also a new center console design (7AT models) and the previous “Washi” aluminum trim has been replaced by “Shodo” aluminum trim inspired by the traditional art of Japanese calligraphy. A new interior trim is now available with high-gloss Maple Accents, along with the next-generation Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System.

Osamu Suzuki, chairman and CEO of Suzuki Motor Corp. and Martin Winterkorn, from Volkswagen AG, have agreed “to establish a close longterm strategic partnership” with each other. The partnership means VW will buy 19.9% of Suzuki, then Suzuki will spend half the money they just received from Volkswagen reciprocating by buying VW shares.

PRESS RELEASE
Volkswagen and Suzuki agreed to establish a comprehensive partnership
Important step towards the future for both companies

Tokyo/Wolfsburg, December 9, 2009 - Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft and Suzuki Motor Corporation have reached a common understanding to establish a close longterm strategic partnership. A framework agreement has been signed by
representatives of both companies today.

In terms of global presence and product diversity, the partnership marks an important step towards the future for both Volkswagen and Suzuki. In terms of product portfolio, global distribution and manufacturing capacities, Volkswagen and Suzuki ideally complement each other. The companies plan a joint approach to the growing worldwide demand for more environmentally friendly vehicles. The management of Volkswagen and Suzuki have concluded that the complementary strengths of each company make for a perfect fit in exploiting their respective advantages as well as rising to the challenge of the global market. In the automotive industry, where globalization and diversification proceed in parallel, both companies will establish a cooperative relationship while respecting each other’s independence as a stand-alone entity. Both parties are focused on achieving synergies in the areas of rapidly growing emerging markets as well as in the development and manufacturing of innovative and environmentally friendly compact cars.

To support a smooth development of this relationship, Volkswagen will purchase 19.9% of Suzuki’s issued shares. The Closing of the transaction is subject to approval of the relevant authorities and is expected in January 2010. Suzuki intends to invest up to one half of the amount received from Volkswagen into shares of Volkswagen. Both companies will form a long-term strategic partnership based on this which will support their successful strategies in these challenging times.

As demand continues to rise for smaller cars and for powertrains with higher fuel efficiency and lower CO2 output, Volkswagen and Suzuki will offer a compelling solution for customers in emerging markets buying a car for the first time and also for customers in advanced economies seeking to lower their CO2 footprint while still enjoying the freedom of transport offered by an exciting range of cars.

A press conference will be held on 5 pm in Tokyo together with a webcast which will be available on http://www.primestage.net/hosting/VW-Tokyo/

Company information
Suzuki is the world leader in the mini-car segment: with a workforce of approximately 51,000, the company sold 2.3 million vehicles and 3.1 million motorcycles in the 2008/2009 financial year (to March 31), generating sales revenue of €20.9 billion and an operating profit of €534 million. Suzuki operates 35 production facilities in Japan and other countries such as
Indonesia, India, China, Thailand and Spain.

In fiscal year 2008 Volkswagen, which has a workforce of 370,000, sold 6.3 million vehicles, generating sales revenue of €113.8 billion and achieved an operating profit of €6.3 billion. Volkswagen operates 61 production plants worldwide.