Short Torque

Suzuki, Mazda, Yamaha admit flawed inspections

Three major Japanese manufacturers apologized on Thursday for conducting improper inspections of new vehicles, dealing another blow to the reputation of the troubled Japanese manufacturing industry. Suzuki Motor Corp, Mazda Motor Corp and Yamaha Motor Co admitted at separate news conferences on Thursday that they have cleared vehicles for emissions or fuel efficiency standards after improper tests. Suzuki President Toshihiro Suzuki told a news conference in Tokyo that invalid fuel-economy or emission test data had been taken as valid on about half of the 12,819 vehicles sampled for tests.

Daimler halts operations in Iran due to sanctions

Daimler will halt all of its commercial operations in Iran "until further notice" in response to the re-imposition of US sanctions against Teheran, the German carmaker announced on Tuesday. The Stuttgart-based company noted that it previously only had "limited activities" in the Islamic republic but would now refrain from plans to expand its presence there first announced in the wake of the Iran nuclear accord in early 2016. Daimler said at the time that it would team up with a local partner to manufacture and sell trucks for the Iranian market.

JLR launches app targeting Chinese

British premium carmaker Jaguar Land Rover has launched an updated app tailored for its customers in China, as part of its Customer First campaign initiated in 2014. Among other features, the revised app has made it easier for Jaguar and Land Rover car owners to schedule maintenance and contact service staff. The carmaker said the revision is inspired by British butler services and is designed to make it convenient for customers to enjoy better after-sales service.

Beijing RV exhibition expects 70,000 visitors

Asia's largest recreational vehicle and camping fair is expected to take place in Beijing from Sept 13 to 16, with the organizers expecting 70,000 visitors during the four-day event. More than 350 exhibitors from around the world have registered for the 17th China (Beijing) International RV & Camping Exhibition, organized by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, 21RV and RV World. The organizers said fans and visitors will learn the latest information about recreational vehicles, chassis and accessories, as well as campsite design, camping tools and outdoor equipment.

Audi sales in China reach record in July

German carmaker Audi AG announced on Thursday that its sales in the Chinese market reached a new record high in July, as well as in the first seven months of 2018. A total of 53,191 units were delivered to Chinese customers in July, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.8 percent. From January to July, Audi sold 359,781 cars, up 17.6 percent year-on-year, which is a new record for Audi sales in China during this period. The Ingolstadt-based company delivered around 165,350 premium automobiles to customers in July and 1,114,650 units in the first seven months worldwide, up 7.0 percent and 4.8 percent respectively.

Motoring - Agencies

(China Daily 08/13/2018 page18)