Japanese Auto Industry News Briefs

08/29/96

Mercedes-Benz to recall right-hand models

Kyodo reported that Japan's Transport Ministry announced that the Japanese unit of Mercedes-Benz AG will recall four right-hand drive models because of a brake defect. The four models affected by the recall are S400L, S500, S500L and S500 Coupe and comprise a total of 2,273 cars imported between June 1992 and February 1995.

A device meant to soften the touch of the brake pedal has a hose that was attached too loosely. The loose hose could lead to leakage of air and hamper smooth braking, the ministry said.

Nissan Diesel Will Buy Parts from South Korea and South Africa

Nikkei English News has reported that Nissan Diesel Motor Company will procure parts from South Korea and South Africa, beginning with 2,000 jacks for medium and large trucks.

Nissan Diesel says its plan will allow it to take advantage of lower material prices in the two countries, and the high technology levels of parts makers there. The imported jacks will cut the company's costs by 25% to 30%.

Nissan Diesel will import 300 jacks for five- to seven-ton trucks from Korea's Kia Motors Company every month. South Africa will supply 1,700 units for medium and large trucks monthly. Imports from South Africa will replace up to 70% of the jacks fitted on Nissan Diesel's larger trucks sold in Japan.

Mitsubishi Motors Keeps Busy

Comline has reported that Mitsubishi's Challenger orders have surpassed its monthly goal 1.8 times over, just one month after the off-road 4WD vehicle debuted. The company says first-month orders hit 3,600 units.

Nissan Motor Debuts New Sport Utility Vehicle

Nikkei English News reported that Nissan Motor Company introduced its new four-wheel drive Terrano Regulus sport utility vehicle into the Japanese Market on Tuesday. The vehicle is powered by a 3,200cc diesel engine that produces 150 horsepower and was jointly developed with Nissan Diesel. The companies claim it's the most powerful diesel engine under 4,000cc.

The Terrano Regulus is the company's first sport utility vehicle. It comes equipped with dual front-seat air bags and an anti-lock braking system. Nissan hopes to sell 1,000 of the vehicles each month, initially. The company's future plans for the Terrano Regulus include selling 1,000 of them per month in the U.S. and Canada.

Mitsubishi Motors to Hire More Temporary Workers

Nikkei English News reported that Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will increase the number of temporary workers at its truck manufacturing plant in Tokyo. Between June and July the company raised the number of temporary staff from 610 to 760. It will hire 40 more temps at the end of August and an additional 50 around October.

The new workers will staff production lines for large trucks and diesel engine-related equipment. Although demand for regular trucks has remained low, large-truck demand has risen.

Mercedes Benz S Class Gets Design Revisions

Comline reported that Mercedes Benz Japan started selling slightly redesigned S Class and CL Coupe Benz cars in Japan on Monday, August 19. The cars feature standard airbags for side collisions and redesigned aluminum wheels. A five speed automatic transmission comes standard on the S320, increasing fuel efficiency (the model was a four-speed).

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel