Toyota's New "Baby Land Cruiser" Sparks Frenzy! Affordable FJ Incoming?

Hino Team Sugawara secured 15th place in the Truck category at the Dakar Rally 2026.

The team has achieved a remarkable 35 consecutive finishes since 1991.

This achievement highlights the reliability and durability of Hino's commercial vehicle technology.

Denso joins AUTOSAR as a Core Partner, aiming to standardize automotive software.

AUTOSAR standardization promises improved software reusability and compatibility, reducing development costs.

The move is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the increasingly complex world of EV and autonomous vehicle software development.

F1 photographer Mamoru Atsuta shares his perspective on Yuki Tsunoda's journey to F1.

The article covers from their first encounter in Barcelona 2019 to Tsunoda's Red Bull Racing seat in 2025.

Includes behind-the-scenes stories and insights into Tsunoda's personality, capturing his growth from a photographer's unique viewpoint.

Idemitsu Kosan teams up with KG Motors for distribution and servicing of the "mibot" micro-EV.

"mibot" will be available at Idemitsu service stations in Tokyo and Hiroshima starting April 2024.

This partnership aims to provide new mobility services beyond traditional gas stations.

Tochigi Toyota has unveiled the 3rd generation of its unique 'Strawberry Crown,' a car designed to promote Tochigi Prefecture's famous strawberries.

This isn't just a show car; it's intended to boost the local economy and tourism.

The new model retains the design of previous versions but features improvements to the strawberry-themed decorations and body color.

Crystal joins on-demand mobility service experiment using Toyota's e-Palette in Nagoya.

JR Tokai Bus to handle vehicle operation during the experiment in January 2026.

Aiming to promote MaaS and solve regional transportation issues through autonomous driving technology.

CAMSHOP.JP, a brand known for car-related goods, has released a magnet set featuring the comic covers of the popular manga 'Initial D'.

The set includes 12 different cover designs and is priced at ¥6,600.

This product is an attractive collectible for 'Initial D' fans and can be used as interior decoration for rooms or cars.

STMO (Super Taikyu Future Organization) announces the 2026 "S-Tai Challenge" event.

Aims to lower barriers to entry for endurance racing and expand motorsport participation.

Easing participation requirements and strengthening support systems to create an environment accessible even for beginners.

Astemo and Cypremos will debut the "SDV Engineering Suite," a next-gen mobility development platform, at Automotive World 2026.

The platform aims to accelerate the development of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs).

As global SDV development intensifies, Astemo's initiative is expected to bolster the competitiveness of the Japanese automotive industry.

Kia's all-new PV5 electric van, slated for Japan release this spring, will be showcased at the 'NEW YEAR EV MEET 2026'.

The event marks the first public test drive opportunity in Japan, held in Tokyo on January 25th.

The PV5 is not just an EV van; it's positioned as a Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV) designed for diverse business needs.

Hyundai just revealed the all-electric Staria Electric MPV at a motor show in Belgium.

Available in 7 and 9-seater configurations.

Planned for initial release in Korea and Europe in H1 2026, followed by a global rollout.

Audi Japan expands its A6 e-tron BEV lineup with new RWD entry-level models.

The additions include RWD and AWD versions of both the A6 Sportback e-tron and A6 Avant e-tron.

RWD models start at ¥8.81 million (approx. $56,000 USD), while AWD models begin at ¥11.25 million (approx. $72,000 USD). This aims to attract a broader customer base.