When it comes to car companies and their followers/ owners, there has been rivalry forever. Honda vs. Toyota and BMW vs. Mercedes are some commonly known and discussed examples. This rivalry is also among the people who work for these companies or represent them, which goes all the way to the top-level management. Normally, higher-level management of these companies also mostly use vehicles of the same brand they work for and obviously as company-maintained vehicles. Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda The current chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, Akio Toyoda, is well respected among auto enthusiasts because of his love for racing. He raced at Nürburgring for the 24-hour competition multiple times and raced an exclusive one-off model of Toyota Century GRMN at the Fuji racetrack. All this is not just for media attention because when he was CEO of Toyota, he also outlined restructuring of the company and developing an all-new GR/GRMN brand to bring performance and sporty character of Toyota vehicles as there was a perception of Toyota making BORING cars. Akio Toyoda was right and successful, and we have seen models like GR Corolla, GR Yaris, GR Land Cruiser, and more. https://vimeo.com/864464883 Toyota CEO and Honda HR-V  Akio participates in racing competitions and recently was doing a pre-race survey of the racetrack for the upcoming Rally Hokkaido in Japan. The chairman is planning to participate in the rally by driving a GR YARIS Rally-1, the vehicle that Toyota ran in the 2022 FIA WRC season. Well, the interesting thing is that Akio was seen driving a Honda HR-V while on the survey mission of the raceway. In the short video clip, Toyota also shares on their social media with the camera guy asking Akio what car this is. He responds, "This is Honeq. " The video ends with Honda's famous brand slogan, "Power of Dreams". The video with the chairman driving HR-V with a thumbs up was liked by followers for Akio Toyoda's respect for competitors. Rivalry is OK as it helps in improvements, but one should respect the opponents. I am sure Honda fans are happy seeing the video, but let's see what Toyota's fans have to say. Share in the comments. Meanwhile, you can watch a detailed PakWheels review on Pakistan's domestic model HR-V below; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilPZ3_s06ZE

In a significant win for road safety, the fourth-generation Toyota Vios, also known as Yaris, has received a stellar 5-star rating from the New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP). The ASEAN NCAP has awarded this remarkable rating upon the 2023 Vios, and it's all thanks to the strict 2021-2025 assessment protocol. The variant that underwent rigorous testing was the G variant, crafted in Malaysia exclusively for the Malaysian market. But here's the exciting part: other Vios models produced in Thailand for countries like Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, and Cambodia also share this prestigious 5-star rating. When it comes to safeguarding adult occupants (AOP), the Vios scored an impressive 35.25 out of a possible 40 points. In the child occupant protection (COP) category, it managed a solid 16.64 out of 20 points. This impressive safety performance is further strengthened by the inclusion of cutting-edge safety features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB). These advanced safety systems helped the 2023 Vios secure 16.08 points out of 20. Motorcycle safety (MS) is another vital aspect, and here, the Vios didn't disappoint. It earned a commendable 10.73 points. With all these elements considered, the 2023 Toyota Vios achieved an overall score of 78.70 points, even after the weighting adjustments. This outstanding performance rightfully earned it a coveted five-star ASEAN NCAP rating. The ASEAN NCAP is delighted to see Toyota's unwavering dedication to road safety. By equipping the Vios with a range of safety assist technologies, Toyota is ensuring the safety of both vehicle occupants and fellow road users. These innovations act as a shield, protecting all from unforeseen incidents on the road. Back in 2021, Toyota Yaris had scored 1 star in the Latic crash test, proving to be a highly dangerous vehicle. So, this improvement reflects Toyota’s commitment to safety and growth. What do you think about this improvement? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!

In the world of luxury, Toyota has unveiled its crown jewel - the Toyota Century SUV. This luxurious beauty, often considered Japan's answer to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, promises to redefine extravagance on wheels. Here's what you need to know: Unveiling Toyota Century SUV The Century SUV is the pinnacle of Toyota's opulence, taking luxury to unprecedented levels. This SUV, only gracing the roads with 30 units per month, is created to be a rare gem. But this exclusivity comes at a price - a hefty $170,000 price tag. [gallery size="publisher-lg" ids="180641,180645,180643"] Size of The Century SUV The Century SUV is no ordinary car; it's a statement of grandeur. With its boxy silhouette, split horizontal lights reminiscent of a Genesis, and imposing dimensions, it stands at 197.8 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 71 inches tall. But here's the twist - it's a four-seater, emphasizing exclusivity over capacity. [gallery size="publisher-lg" ids="180657,180668,180653"] Luxury With Convenience Getting in and out of the Toyota Century SUV is a breeze. Equipped with grab handles on the C-pillars, electrically deployable side steps, and rear doors that open to a 75-degree angle, it ensures a royal entrance. There are even minivan-like electric sliding rear doors, adding a touch of innovation to elegance. Underneath its grandeur lies the TNGA platform, refined for enhanced comfort. Laminated glass separates the cabin from the cargo area, guaranteeing a serene environment. The Rear Comfort mode optimizes driving and braking forces to ensure rear passengers enjoy uninterrupted tranquility. [gallery size="publisher-lg" ids="180663,180661,180659"] Power and Performance The Century SUV boasts a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, a CVT, and all-wheel drive. With a combined output of 406 horsepower, it matches the Lexus TX 550h+. However, some may miss the 5.0-liter V8 of the sedan. [gallery size="publisher-lg" ids="180651,180655,180665"] Exclusive Customization Toyota plans to make each Century SUV a unique masterpiece. It will be available at select dealers in Japan, ensuring that owning one is an unparalleled experience. Rest assured, the iconic Century sedan will still be available. The Century SUV redefines the meaning of luxury. With unmatched elegance, comfort, and exclusivity, it promises to be the epitome of automotive luxury. As Toyota opens the doors to customizability, each Century SUV will become a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Do you love this beauty or not? Tell us in the comments below!

The problems for the auto industry continue as Indus Motor Company (IMC) has announced another plant shutdown. The combination of LC issues and low demand has forced the company to report another plant closure for two weeks. Notification by IMC In a notification to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the company stated per Sections 96 and 131 of the Securities Act 2015 and Clause 5.6.1 (a) of PSX Regulations, IMC hereby conveys the following information: In the fiscal year 2022-23, the demand for the auto sector has continuously declined due to the challenging economic environment, low consumer purchasing power, and increased duties and taxes by the Federal Government. While considering the low demand and inventory levels, the company has decided to close its production plant from Friday, August 25, 2023, to Wednesday, September 6, 2023 (both days inclusive).  You may please inform the TRE Certificate holders of the Exchange accordingly. Commenting on the situation, economist Abdul Rehman tweeted that this industry should seriously work on developing some sort of expert business for long-term sustainable operations. https://twitter.com/AbdulRehman0292/status/1694660988186874239 Previous Toyota Plant Shutdowns   Earlier, the company announced a closure of its production plant for two weeks, from July 21, 2023, to August 3, 2023. The decision to another plant shutdown came as the IMC grapples with significant challenges in importing raw materials, leading to disruptions in its supply chain. Other Shutdowns Indus Motors is not alone in facing the brunt of raw material scarcity. Other major automotive manufacturers, including Pak Suzuki Motors and Honda Cars, have also experienced shutdown days in recent months due to similar issues. The automotive sector, along with other industries reliant on imported raw materials, has been grappling with these challenges due to a shortage of foreign exchange reserves in Pakistan. As a significant player in Pakistan’s automobile industry, Indus Motors has invested $100 million in local production of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The company has played a crucial role in establishing the local automotive ecosystem, with over 50 part manufacturers contributing to the value chain by producing parts worth over Rs. 250 million every working day.