Almost all key automakers in Japan including Toyota, Honda, Daihatsu, Subaru, and Mazda have introduced a number of refreshed models in the country recently. Among the host of cosmetic changes, key upgrades in the models include advanced safety technology as standard equipment.
The recent move by the key automakers not only forms a part of their intention to keep models competitive, but also corresponds to stricter regulations to make the vehicles safer in the country.
Light vehicle sales in Japan will total more than 5.057 million units in 2017, up 4.3% year on year. The growth can be attributed to factors such as the gradual recovery trend of mini-car sales and the continuation of eco-car tax benefits for another two years from April 2017–19, with more stringent fuel-economy standards.
Almost all key automakers in Japan including Toyota, Honda, Daihatsu, Subaru, and Mazda have introduced a number of refreshed models in the country recently. Among the host of cosmetic changes, key upgrades in the models include advanced safety technology as standard equipment.
Mazda has equipped all grades of the CX-5 sport utility vehicle (SUV) and Atenza (also known as Mazda6 globally) with its i-Activsense advanced safety suite as standard equipment in Japan, according to a company release. In addition, features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also fitted in the models to further enhance safety.
Recent key launches by other automakers
Toyota launched its updated Harrier SUV in Japan in June. All grades of the model feature Toyota’s Safety Sense P active safety suite as standard, including the pre-collision system with vehicle and pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure alert with steering assist function.
Subaru began sales of the updated Levorg and WRX S4 models in Japan last week. Key changes in the models include the adoption of the Smart Assist III collision-avoidance assist system as standard. The models have been upgraded with a “panoramic view monitor” to extend the driver’s cognisance of his or her surroundings. The automaker has equipped all variants of the Levorg and WRX S4 with its EyeSight safety system with Touring Assist as standard. The system has been upgraded with a front-view monitor to extend the driver’s cognisance of his or her surroundings.
The Japanese-specification models also feature the automaker’s first automatic braking system to counteract instances of accidental acceleration. The automaker has released several revamped models in the country, featuring its advanced safety technologies as standard equipment, including the recent Stella, Stella Custom, and Pleo Plus mini-vehicles in May.
