Japan Automakers and the Earthquake/Tsunami Aftermath

All Japanese automakers have had to postpone production and close down their factories either due to the tstunami or earthquake damage suffered last week. It's been a bumpy road for them these few weeks.

The stoppages have caused fears of parts availability, as well as new vehicle inventory in sufficient quantities to keep up with customer demand.

Reuters announced fears that global automotive output could suffer by 30% due to these necessary and unpreventable stoppages.

Toyota today was announcing that it will begin production for Prius and other hybrids--I didn't know they had others! And I imagine other companies aren't far behind.

Here's wishing Japanese automakers, their employees, and their families all the best as they work to recover from those unfortunate, recent events.

Porsche 918

Ever since the 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid's surprise launch at the 2010 Geneva auto show, everyone is up in arms over the model's looks, and more importantly, exorbitant price. Porsche will be charging for their new 918 Spyder...$845,000. Here's MSN Autos', Wired Autopia's, and Car and Driver's coverage.

In a similar vein, I was watching an episode of Top Gear on BBC America when Richard Hammond (aka The Hamster) began comparing the new 911 Porsche to its VW Beetle roots. And up ensued mayhem.

I thought that was hilarious. Not only is comparing a Porsche to a VW a quick way to put Porsche in its place (mwahahaha) but also very a propos, since the two automotive giants finally brought to an end their years-long animosity...after VW bought Porsche. Life truly is a circle.

Toyota Expands Prius Line

According to CNNMoney's coverage of the Detroit Auto Show, Toyota has decided to expand on the Prius name by adding two other models: a compact and a wagon.

"The new wagon-like Prius, called the Prius V -- that's the letter V for "versatility," Toyota says, not the Roman numeral five -- has a more spacious interior than the familiar Prius hatchback. The Prius V offers 50% more interior space, according to Toyota."

So...what is the plural of Prius then?

New Prius Just Around the Corner

Of all places, CNN Money's Twitter timeline posted a little blurb about Toyota releasing its latest Prius model soon...in January at the Detroit Auto Show (DAS).