FLEETDRIVE
NEW-GEN NISSAN
The latest version of the world’s
best-selling electric vehicle is set to
be sold in New Zealand.
Japanese manufacturer Nissan is
planning to sell its Leaf EV in seven
markets within Asia and Oceania
during the next fiscal year, including
Australia and New Zealand.
Nissan’s regional senior vice-
president Yutaka Sanada said the
company is working to bring the
new-generation Leaf to as many
markets as possible.
“The new Leaf is the most advanced,
yet accessible 100 per cent electric
vehicle on the planet,” he said.
“The launch in so many markets
shows our commitment to playing a
leading role in electrification in this
dynamic region, and to delivering the
future of mobility to the region now.”
Nissan pulled the plug on the first-
generation Leaf in New Zealand back
in 2016 when the vehicles failed to
sell - largely due to their initially high
purchase price.
TOYOTA WINDFALL
AUTO EXPO
Car giant Toyota has revised its
earnings forecast, announcing it is set
for a record annual net profit for the
fiscal year to March 2018. India’s largest motor show has
showcased the latest in automotive
design, innovation and excellence earlier
this month.
Japan’s top carmarker is set to record
a net profit of 2.4 trillion yen ($22
billion), up from its November estimate
of 1.95 trillion yen, thanks largely to a
weaker yen and US tax cuts. There were big reveals at the Auto
Expo 2018 from Honda as the car
manufacturer unveiled upgraded
versions of the CRV, Civic and Amaze.
“In the US, the corporate tax cuts of
2017 resulted in a reduction in income
taxes of 291 billion yen,” helping push
up net income, senior managing
director Masayoshi Shirayanagi told
reporters.
Executive vice president Koji Kobayashi
said Toyota was “seeing the benefits
coming from cost reductions faster
than I thought.”
Japan’s auto industry is facing
uncertainty over US President Donald
Trump’s drive to support US firms
against foreign imports, raising
concerns of an international trade war.
Also on scene was famed Bollywood
actor Sonakshi Sinha, on behalf of
leading Indian auto design house DC.
Sinha, who has starred in over 20
movies since 2010, was just as vocal
about her opinions on electric vehicles
within the industry.
“It (electric vehicles) is the need of the
hour! I think everyone should switch to
electric, and honestly, they need to do it
now,” she said.
“We don’t need to add more pollution
to the environment when we can do it,
when there is an alternative and we have
found it, discovered it, and there are cars
that are functioning on it, so why can’t
we make all of them electric?”
ISSUE 10 2018 / WWW.AFMA.NET.AU
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