VIDEO: Japanese Tsunami Sweeps Cars as if They Were Toys

Images coming from Japan today are horrific and it's only in moments like these that we're reminded what an overwhelming force nature really is. If cars are to blame for global warming, then what you will see in the videos after the break could be interpreted as nature's revenge on automobiles.

The massive tidal wave triggered by the 8.9-magnitude earthquake swept everything in its path along the northern and eastern coasts of Japan, creating biblical scenes like these, in which the tide took cars, boats and all sorts of debris away as if they were toys. Surprisingly, despite the massive earthquake and tons of debris from the tsunami, the bridge stood motionless.

By Dan Mihalascu

VIDEOS

Toyota and Honda Plants Shut Down After 8.9 Earthquake and Mega Tsunami Hit Japan

A massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit the northeast part of Japan earlier this morning triggering a 10-meter high tsunami on the coasts of the country sweeping away homes, cars and buildings. The disastrous earthquake, which was followed by many aftershocks, is said to be the world's fifth-largest since 1900 and the biggest in Japan in 140 years.

The full extent of damages caused by the earthquake and the ferocious tsunami remain unknown for now, but we�re already hearing news of people being evacuated and many homes and factories destroyed.

On the automotive front, Toyota and Honda were forced to shut down some of their production plants and evacuate their workers from several factories in the quake zone. According to reports, Toyota, which has a large manufacturing presence in northern Japan, was affected the most with the shutdown possibly affecting production of cars like the Yaris sedan and the Scion xB and xD models.

Honda initially closed down both its Suzuka and Sayama plants, but production at the first factory resumed shortly after. The Sayama plant, which manufactures the US-bound Fit among other models, remains closed.

Sources: Autonews , Youtube

VIDEO

Nissan Qashqai Surpasses 1 Million Sales Milestone

Nissan's well-received Qashqai model has just passed the 1,000,000 sales mark after four years in production. The compact crossover model, which is also known as the Dualis in Japan and Australia and other markets, was designed and engineered in Britain. Introduced in 2007, Nissan expanded the crossover's range with the presentation of the seven-seater, long-wheelbase version called the Qashqai+2 in 2008, while the entire series received an update in March 2010 with a refreshed design and powertrain refinements.

The Qashqai is currently manufactured in Nissan's Sunderland factory in the UK, the Kyushu factory in Japan, and in Dongfeng Nissan�s Huadu Plant and Zhengzhou Nissan�s No. 2 Plant in China. Britain is by far the largest producer of the Qashqai, with more than 800,000 of the 1,000,000 being made in Sunderland.

As far as sales are concerned, Europe leads the way with a total of 759,370 units, 111,088 of which are from the UK, followed by Italy with 103,647 units.

"Qashqai is clearly the pioneer when it comes to �Compact Crossovers�, setting the trend that others in the industry follow," said Guillaume Masurel, Nissan's Global Chief Marketing Manager for Qashqai. "Its balance of key SUV attributes like robust design, roomy interior and higher driving position combined with the benefits of a hatchback such as great fuel economy, compactness and driving dynamics, resonates well with customers around the world."

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Toyota Patents Designs of Sport Version of New Yaris in Europe

Toyota introduced a new generation of the Yaris supermini in Japan (named Vitz for the local market) in December, 2010, and is also planning to showcase a thinly disguised concept of an upcoming hybrid version of the supermini at the Geneva Motor Show, which will be held for the public from March 3 to 13. But as these trademark fillings from Europe prove, the company is also working on a sport variant, most likely as a replacement to the Yaris TS.

The model seen in these patent designs features a full body kit with a new front bumper that replaces the standard Yaris' front grille with openings next to the headlamps while also boasting daytime LED strips, side skirts and profile graphics, a redesigned rear bumper housing a prominent diffuser, and bespoke tail lamps. The new roof spoiler and the multispoke alloy wheels sum up the differences over the regular Yaris.

It only makes sense that if this is the new Yaris TS, it will get a more powerful engine, hopefully something with a bit more oomph than the current model's lackluster 133HP 1.8-liter gasoline engine. Toyota will also upgrade the car's suspension and brake systems to improve handling.

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UPCOMING AUS/JAPAN DATES

We are sooooo excited to be heading over to Australia for our next tour, and then right after, we will be hitting up Tokyo for a show and some vacation days!!

We hope that all our fans in both places can make it out to see us. I have never been to either place before, and trust me when I say I can't even explain how stoked I am!!!

Peep the dates below. We will see you guys soon!!

Mar 4 Perth International Arts Festival
Mar 6 Melbourne East Brunswick Club
Mar 7 Sydney Oxford Arts
Mar 9 Sydney Enmore Theatre (with Os Mutantes)
Mar 10 Brisbane Woodland
Mar 11 Melbourne The Forum (with Os Mutantes)
Mar 12 Geelong The National
Mar 13 Meredith Golden Plains Festival

Mar 15 Tokyo Diakanyama Unit

Honda Officially Announces Fit / Jazz Shuttle, Sales Start in Japan this March

Less than a month ago, we broke the story on the leaked brochure of the Honda Fit Shuttle. Today, the Japanese automaker came out with an official announcement revealing a cropped image of the car and stating that the larger and more practical version of the Fit (otherwise known as the Jazz) will go on sale in Japan this March.

The new Fit Shuttle will be available in Japan with a similar engine lineup to the hatchback version including a conventional 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a hybrid variant featuring a 1.3 liter gasoline unit and a 10 KW electric motor.

Honda did not say whether the Fit Shuttle will be offered exclusively in Japan or if it will make its way to other markets as well. Follow the break for more pictures.

Source: Honda via WFC

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