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Fukushima Nuclear Crisis Update for January 31st – February 2nd, 2012

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:21:00 GMT

(This post is by Christine McCann)

Here’s the latest of our news bulletins from the ongoing crisis at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

State of Nuclear Politics in Japan

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said that his country’s dependence on nuclear power should be reduced to the “maximum extent.” Noda made the remarks during a policy address to the Diet last week.

Japan has approved a bill to create a new government entity, the Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NRA), which will oversee nuclear power, manage nuclear disasters, and monitor the health of those affected by radiation from said disasters. The new agency will absorb the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA). The new law is expected to go into effect in April. The Cabinet also approved a second bill, which will limit the life of reactors to 40 years, although operators can apply for 20-year extensions.

Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have endorsed stress tests conducted by NISA on reactors #3 and #4 at Kansai Electric’s Oi plant in Fukui prefecture. However, the IAEA team made several suggestions for improvement in NISA’s process, including communicating more effectively with local residents, establishing a safety margin, and addressing severe nuclear accidents “more comprehensively.” IAEA spokesman Greg Webb noted that the IAEA inspection does not guarantee reactor safety: “Nuclear safety is a national responsibility in any country. No country has asked the IAEA to be a safety watchdog. We don’t conduct nuclear safety inspections.”

NISA has proposed a new set of 30 safety guidelines for nuclear plants. If approved, operators would be required to provide backup sources of power, waterproof cooling facilities, upgrade communication systems, and separate ventilation piping from other equipment, among other safeguards. The newly created Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NRA) would oversee the process.

Vitrification tests at the Rokkasho nuclear reprocessing plant in Aomori Prefecture failed this week, dealing a serious blow to Japan’s nuclear fuel cycle policy. Vitrification involves mixing molten glass with highly radioactive liquid nuclear waste, in order to store it more effectively. However, tests resulted in a blocked furnace at the plant, as well as the unexpected production of unidentified black particles. Rokkasho officials have no prospect of immediately fixing the malfunction. The plant has continued to encounter problems since testing began there in 2008, and this most recent issue is expected to spur a review of Japan’s nuclear policy.

Wolfgang Weiss, the Chairman of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) said that massive evacuations and the fact that 80% of the nuclear fallout from the Fukushima Daiichi disaster landed in the ocean have contributed to lower radiation impact on human health. Weiss did not address the impact of radiation on seafood and possible effects on the food chain, nor did he discuss long-term effects of low-level radiation, which are still being studied. The group will publish a preliminary report in May, and a final report in 2013.

The IAEA said it is still considering whether to open an office in Japan’s Fukushima Prefecture, contradicting earlier reports that its Director General, Yukiya Amano, said that the Agency would establish an office there.

Meanwhile, Japan has reportedly asked the IAEA’s Response and Assistance Network to add a new assistance category, which would cover bringing nuclear disasters under control.

TEPCO

TEPCO President Toshio Nishizawa said the utility will reconsider a planned 17% rate hike for businesses, after government officials and business leaders pressured the utility to do so—but any reduction in the new fee is expected to be very small. The company is also pushing for a 10% rate increase for residential users, but by law, the government is required to approve such a change.

Reactor Status

TEPCO has admitted yet another leak of radioactive water at the Fukushima Daiichi plant, after announcing 16 additional leaks earlier this week. Officials initially said that 6 liters of water had leaked from reactor 4, but later conceded that the amount was actually more than 8 tons. The water’s radiation level was measured at 35,500 Bq/liter. TEPCO is unclear about whether the leak was a result of cracks in piping from recent cold weather or from hydrogen explosions that occurred last March.

NISA officials have discovered that pipes and other structures at reactor 5 at the Fukushima Daiichi plant do not meet seismic safety standards established in 2006. Although visible damage from the March earthquake is not evident, NISA plans to conduct more extensive inspections. Officials are trying to determine the extent of earthquake damage to reactors 1 - 3, but first checked 5 because radiation levels are lower there, and it’s more accessible. TEPCO continues to insist that the reactors suffered no damage from the earthquake, and the tsunami was the cause of the meltdowns.

Contamination (Includes Economic Impact and Human Exposure)

The Japan Dairy Industry Association said that it will publicize results of radiation tests on milk and milk products from 17 prefectures at the end of February. Dairy producers Meiji Co., Megmilk Snow Brand, and Morinaga are members of the association and will participate in the tests, which are designed to reassure the public of product safety.

Decontamination

Farmers in Fukushima Prefecture are criticizing a decision by the Environment Ministry to only extend decontamination subsidies if at least 30 cm of surface soil is replaced with subsoil and plowed by special large machines. Farmers say that many rice paddies are too small to accommodate the huge equipment. Fukushima government officials will petition the Ministry to underwrite the costs of zeolite, a substance that absorbs radioactivity, even if the large equipment is not used.

The Environment Ministry will conduct pilot decontamination tests over the next several months on a highway running through the no-entry zone in Fukushima Prefecture. Radiation measurements on the highway vary from low-level to more than 50 millisieverts per year. Effectiveness of the decontamination methods will be assessed in July.

Other Nuclear News

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) said new seismic studies reveal that 96 nuclear plants in the eastern and central United States may be at risk from earthquakes exceeding their design capacity, based on previously uncataloged data. The discovery, which was prompted by the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi plant after last year’s massive earthquake and tsunami, could result in major and costly upgrades to the nation’s plants. The NRC is allowing nuclear plant operators four years to assess whether or not their reactors can withstand earthquakes based on the new data; presumably, even more time will then be allotted for upgrades. Experts, who say the delay is too long and could put the country at risk for a massive nuclear disaster, are harshly criticizing the decision. Dave Lochbaum, Director of Nuclear Safety for the Union of Concerned Scientists said, “The NRC does not need a new model; it needs a new spine.”

Significant amounts of unusual wear have been discovered on tubes that carry radioactive water at Unit 2 of Southern California Edison’s San Onofre nuclear plant. The reactor was shut down earlier this week when one of the tubes was discovered to be leaking radiation, and plant officials admitted that a small amount might have escaped into the atmosphere. Some tube walls were eroded by as much as 30%. The erosion is significant because the tubes, which are manufactured by Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy, were just replaced in 2009. Former NRC engineer Joram Hopenfeld, who is now retired, said, “The safety implications could be very, very severe.” Officials at Southern California Edison are still trying to determine the cause of the problem.

France’s Court of Audit has declared that the country must extend the lifespan of its already aging reactors, because failure to invest in new reactors or alternate forms of energy has threatened the country’s power supply. Sophia Majnoni, Nuclear Campaigner at Greenpeace France, criticized the move, which could put the population’s safety at risk. The country’s Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) “is the only authority entitled to decide whether to extend the lifespan of reactors,” Majnoni added. France gets 75% of its energy from nuclear power, more than any other country.

Japan's Mitsubishi banking group profit soars

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:30:21 GMT

Japan's top banking group Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) said Wednesday its net profit for the nine months to December leapt by almost half on a one-time gain.

Net profit for the period came to 815.8 billion yen ($10.7 billion), up 47.8 percent from 551.8 billion yen a year ago.

Pre-tax profit rose 47.3 percent to 1.23 trillion yen, on sales of 3.79 trillion yen, up 8.6 percent, it said.

The group said earnings "significantly improved due to a negative goodwill of 290.6 billion yen" in connection with its holding in Morgan Stanley.

KEPCO consortium wins $800 mln project in Jordan

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:50:18 GMT

An international consortium led by Korea Electric Power Co (KEPCO) has won an $800 million power plant project in Jordan, according to the South Korean state utility.

The consortium, which also involves Japan's Mitsubishi and Finland's diesel-engine maker Wartsila, will build a 600-megawatt plant for Jordan's National Electric Power, KEPCO said in a statement, released on Tuesday.

The Korean firm said it would hold a 60 percent stake in the project, with Mitsubishi having 35 percent and Wartsila five percent.

Mitsubishi Electric Falls on Japan Contracting Ban: Tokyo Mover

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:36:42 GMT

Mitsubishi Electric Corp. fell the most in 10 months in Tokyo trading after Japan barred the company from competitive bidding for government orders because it overcharged for some defense and aerospace contracts.

Rwanda: Three Survive Fatal Road Accident

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:51:21 GMT

New Times (Kigali)-Three people miraculously escaped death on when a Mitsubishi Fuso truck they were travelling in lost control and rammed into a tree. Two of them were admitted at the University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB) but were soon discharged while the third escaped unhurt.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: glowing green sea, an equinox house and energy-efficient skyscrapers

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:30:00 GMT

Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

Tidal energy made waves around the world this week as Inhabitat reported that Verdant Power was awarded the first license for an East River power project in NYC, while across the pond the UK announced plans for a gigantic 27 gigawatt Marine Energy Park and a new SeaRaser tidal power plant that could be the world's cheapest method of producing electricity. We also watched President Obama set forth a green blueprint for America in his State of the Union Address , despite going on to support oil and gas drilling in his following speech on Thursday . Meanwhile, Scotland made headlines as a new company launched with plans to turn whisky into biofuel , and Google Earth revealed an alarming patch of glowing green sea near a nuclear power plant.

It was also a big week for solar-powered architecture as Deutsche Bank completed the world's tallest roof-mounted solar array and the U.S. Department of Energy announced that the 2013 Solar Decathlon will be taking place in sunny Southern California. We also took a peek inside a crazy solar-powered billboard house , and we showcased plans for a super efficient Equinox house that tracks the sun. We also brought you the world's first 1.4 billion Euro home made from shredded bills, and we rounded up the 6 most energy-efficient skyscrapers in New York City.

In other news, this week Apple CEO Tim Cook responded in outrage to New York Times accusations that Apple abuses workers' rights in Chinese factories, and green transportation blasted off as auto manufacturers unveiled a trio of high-performance vehicles - theTS030 hybrid race car , Toyota's solar-powered 2000GT , and the sexy Lotus-based PG Elektrus . We also saw researchers developed the world's smallest train from a strand of DNA, while Mitsubishi developed a way to make ships more efficient by blowing tiny air bubbles . Finally, we brought you the hottest news in high-tech fashion as the U.S. military developed a pair of high-tech undies to monitor soldiers' vitals and Chanel built a life-size airplane plane for its spring 2012 Paris Couture Week show.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Inhabitat's Week in Green: glowing green sea, an equinox house and energy-efficient skyscrapers originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infographic: Which automakers gave the biggest discounts?

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:33:00 GMT

Filed under: Car Buying, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Mitsubishi

Business was a-boomin' in the auto industry last year, and while a number of factors conspired to keep cars moving through dealerships, chief among them was discounts. How do we know that? This infographic contains part of the answer.

Compiled using data from car-shopping website CarWoo! , the infographic tells us which automakers gave the most discounts last year, where they were given, who got them, and more. Which automaker doled out the most discounts? Jeep , which CarWoo! says was selling its vehicles at a 17.7-percent discount in 2011. Which automaker also posted the largest percentage gain in sales last year? Jeep, whose sales jumped over 44 percent compared to 2010.

Mitsubishi and Kia , which posted the second and third largest percent increases in sales last year, also make CarWoo!'s list by having offered high discounts of 11.7 and 12.1 percent in 2011.

Big savings didn't always equal big sales, though. Infiniti , for instance, is on record offering discounts of 12.2 percent in 2011, but still saw its sales fall 4.8 percent.

Check out the rest of what CarWoo!'s infographic has to say about savings after the jump.

Continue reading Infographic: Which automakers gave the biggest discounts?

Infographic: Which automakers gave the biggest discounts? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi Plastics Develops Front Sheet for Flexible PV Batteries

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:57:00 GMT

Mitsubishi Plastics Inc developed a front sheet with an excellent water vapor barrier property for flexible photovoltaic (PV) batteries.

Mitsubishi to produce ASX in Indonesia starting this year

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:06:09 GMT

Mitsubishi Motors has announced it will start production and sales of the ASX in Indonesia.

Japanese industrial giant seeks link with Russia through Baltic ports - The Baltic Times

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:52:49 GMT

Japanese industrial giant Mitsubishi is choosing whether to send its cargo flow to Russia via Tallinn or Riga port, LETA/Eesti Paevaleht writes.

Mitsubishi Tanabe Shares Fall on MS Drug Reviews: Tokyo Mover

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:38:25 GMT

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corp., discoverer of the multiple sclerosis treatment Gilenya, fell the most in 10 months in Tokyo trading after U.S. and European regulators said they are reviewing the safety of the medicine.

Hitachi, Mitsubishi cease local TV, DVD and Blu-ray ops

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:20:00 GMT

Hitachi and Mitsubishi have separately made decisions to cease aspects of their Japanese manufacturing operations. Following reports to the effect, Hitachi has announced that it will cease production of plasma and LCD TVs in Japan sold under its Wooo brand by this September. Mitsubishi has also made the decision to stop its Japanese DVD and Blu-ray optical disc manufacturing operations....

Hitachi to halt domestic production of Wooo LCD and plasma TVs, Mitsubishi to axe optical discs?

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:20:00 GMT

Hitachi's line of domestically produced Wooo TVs is coming to an end, now that the manufacturer has confirmed plans to close a major plant in central Japan. In an announcement issued today, Hitachi said it will shutter its factory in Gifu, where some 100,000 LCD and plasma TVs are produced each month. Citing industry-wide price competition as the deciding factor, the company went on to clarify that the facility will shut down by September of this year, and that it will instead be used to manufacture projectors and chips. Hitachi will, however, continue to offer non-Wooo TVs manufactured by non-Japanese contractors. Japan's Asahi Shimbun , meanwhile, is reporting that Mitsubishi has decided to terminate domestic production of DVDs and Blu-Rays, due to declining sales of each. From now on, optical disc manufacturing will instead be outsourced to partner companies in India and Taiwan. For more details, check out the post-break press release.

Continue reading Hitachi to halt domestic production of Wooo LCD and plasma TVs, Mitsubishi to axe optical discs?

Hitachi to halt domestic production of Wooo LCD and plasma TVs, Mitsubishi to axe optical discs? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hitachi And Mitsubishi Stop Domestic Production Of TVs, Optical Discs

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:10:52 GMT

Two big Japanese electronics companies, namely Hitachi and Mitsubishi , are to stop producing parts of their product portfolio domestically: Hitachi announced [JP] it will end production of plasma and LCD TVs in Japan, marketed under the Wooo brand, by September this year. The company owns a plant in Gifu prefecture in central Japan that churns out about 100,000 TVs per month (pictured: a Hitachi Wooo plasma from 2009). Citing price competition in the TV business as the main reason for the move, Hitachi said the plant will be used to produce projectors and chips instead.

'See-through' PV Cell Module Functions as Window Glass

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:40:00 GMT

The Yamada Lab of the Nagaoka University of Technology and Mitsubishi Rayon Co Ltd prototyped the "see-through prism-type concentrating PV," a photovoltaic (PV) cell module that collects sunlight with prisms.

Dan Forsman wins season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship for 3rd Champions Tour title

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:40:32 GMT

KAUPULEHU-KONA, Hawaii - Dan Forsman won the season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship on Sunday for his third Champions Tour title, closing with a 3-under 69 in windy conditions for a ...

Dan Forsman Wins Champions Tour Opener

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:32:02 GMT

Dan Forsman won the season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship on Sunday for his third Champions Tour title, closing with a 3-under 69 in windy conditions for a two-stroke victory over Jay Don Blake.

Dan Forsman wins Champions Tour opener (AP)

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:28:07 GMT

AP - Dan Forsman won the season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship on Sunday for his third Champions Tour title, closing with a 3-under 69 in windy conditions for a two-stroke victory over Jay Don Blake.

Dan Forsman shoots 65 to take 2-stroke lead in Champions Tour opener at Hualalai

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:34:02 GMT

KAUPULEHU-KONA, Hawaii - Dan Forsman had six back-nine birdies for a 7-under 65 and a two-stroke lead Saturday after the second round of the Champions Tour's season-opening Mitsubishi Electric ...

Dan Forsman Takes Champions Tour Lead

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 04:17:04 GMT

Dan Forsman had six back-nine birdies for a 7-under 65 and a two-stroke lead Saturday after the second round of the Champions Tour's season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship.

Dan Forsman takes Champions Tour lead (AP)

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 04:11:50 GMT

AP - Dan Forsman had six back-nine birdies for a 7-under 65 and a two-stroke lead Saturday after the second round of the Champions Tour's season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship.

Lehman, Vaughan lead Champions Tour opener

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:01:19 GMT

KAUPULEHU-KONA, Hawaii - Tom Lehman and Bruce Vaughan shot 7-under 65 on Friday to share the first-round lead in the Champions Tour's season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship. Lehman, ...

Former Pack Golfer a Stroke Back on Champions Tour

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 04:40:36 GMT

Tom Lehman and Bruce Vaughan shot 7-under 65 on Friday to share the first-round lead in the Champions Tour's season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship.

Lehman, Vaughan Lead Champions Tour Opener

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:50:58 GMT

Tom Lehman and Bruce Vaughan shot 7-under 65 on Friday to share the first-round lead in the Champions Tour's season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship.

Lehman, Vaughan lead Champions Tour opener (AP)

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:49:47 GMT

AP - Tom Lehman and Bruce Vaughan shot 7-under 65 on Friday to share the first-round lead in the Champions Tour's season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship.

Fukushima Nuclear Crisis Update for January 17th – January 19th, 2012

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:26:00 GMT

(This post is by Christine McCann)

Here’s the latest of our news bulletins from the ongoing crisis at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

State of Nuclear Politics in Japan

A taskforce working within Japan’s Cabinet Secretariat announced that extensions of up to 20 years might be granted for operation of nuclear reactors, creating a loophole to the 40-year operational limit announced by Nuclear Crisis Minister Goshi Hosono early this month. Some experts, local government officials, and the public have criticized the move, saying that the plan has no scientific basis guaranteeing safety of the reactors. The proposal will be presented to the Diet by the end of the month. If approved, and assuming no new reactors are built, extending operation licenses on the most recently built reactors means that Japan would not become nuclear-free until at least 2069.

Japan’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) has declared that stress tests conducted by Kansai Electric on reactors 3 and 4 at the Oi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture were “appropriate”. Stress tests, which evaluate reactors’ ability to withstand natural disasters, have been conducted on 14 reactors around the country, but the Oi stress tests are the first to be assessed by NISA. A ten-member team of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors will visit Japan for nine days starting on January 23 to evaluate the testing process. Afterward, the Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC) must approve the results, at which point Yukio Edano, the head of the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda will make the final determination regarding whether to restart the reactors. Japan has had a long-standing history of requiring the approval of local governments in order to restart reactors. Fukui Governor Issei Nishikawa has said the stress tests are not an adequate assurance of safety, and he will not grant approval based only on that metric. Noda, however, said this week that if the decision is made to approve restarting the reactors, either he or Edano will travel to the prefecture to “explain” the decision to residents.

Also this week, Hideaki Omiya, the President of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., said he expects some of Japan’s nuclear reactors to resume operations this spring, in spite of a rising wave of anti-nuclear sentiment in Japan and reluctance on the part of local government officials to approve the restarts. Mitsubishi Heavy is a major producer of reactor equipment at nuclear plants around the country.

NISA’s hasty approval has ignited criticism from both citizens’ groups and experts on nuclear power, who say that the stress tests themselves are simply simulations conducted by the power companies themselves, rather than true assessments of safety, and are not based on science. Critics contend that no reactors should be restarted until the causes of the Fukushima Daiichi disaster have been determined.

In a turn of events unusual for Japan, NISA’s decision to ban members of the public from attending a hearing before experts to discuss the issue spurred a protest that delayed the start of the meeting by three and a half hours. The activists, including members of Greenpeace, questioned the impartiality of the expert panel. Two of the eight experts expected to attend chose to boycott the meeting because of concerns about banning public participation; another was unable to participate because of the delay, and a fourth left halfway through because of scheduling conflicts. Such protests are rare in Japan, and illustrate increasing anti-nuclear sentiment in the country.

Kiyoshi Kurakawa, the Chairman of an independent, bi-partisan panel charged with investigating the Fukushima nuclear crisis, said that his group plans a more thorough probe than those conducted by the government and (Tokyo Electric Power) (TEPCO). In particular, Kurakawa said the panel will examine the role the earthquake played. Both the government and TEPCO interim reports laid blame on the tsunami and have denied that the earthquake was a cause of system failure. This is the first panel that has subpoena power to demand both documents and witness testimony.

A review of the Nuclear Material Control Center (NMCC), which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT), shows that almost half of its governing board members are former officials of the nuclear industry. The NMCC was created to prevent materials used to create nuclear power from being used as weapons, and its investigators assist IAEA officials with inspections in Japan. In addition, the NMCC receives approximately 96 million yen annually in membership fees from supporting members, the majority of which are utilities and nuclear fuel processing facilities. In effect, the Center is being funded by the very entities that are subject to its regulation. MEXT officials insist that impartiality has not been compromised.

John Roos, United States Ambassador to Japan, met with Fukushima Governor Yuhei Sato this week, after Sato requested technical assistance. Roos promised to support reconstruction efforts and said that the US seeks to collaborate with Japan on renewable energy.

TEPCO

TEPCO officials have admitted that workers failed to connect emergency power to equipment that transmits data to the nation’s Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), in spite of the fact that they were aware of the issue four months prior to the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima plant. The equipment measures real-time reactor temperature and radiation data, which might have shaped the government’s response; NISA said the lack of data also prevented effective use of the System for Prediction of Environment Dose Information (SPEEDI). TEPCO officials said they did not consider the item an “urgent task.” NISA is now considering mandating emergency power for the system at all of the nation’s power plants. Currently, there is no legislation requiring utilities to do so.

TEPCO says it will raise corporate electricity rates by approximately 17% beginning April 1. The utility is also expected to petition the government in March for permission to raise household rates by 10% starting in the fall. Industry leaders are criticizing the price hike, saying it will have significant impact on businesses.

TEPCO has paid $320 million to Fukushima Prefecture, to underwrite the cost of whole body counters and health examinations for victims of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. Prefectural officials also plan to petition the utility for reimbursement of decontamination costs, which are expected to be high.

Kyodo News is reporting that TEPCO may agree to oversight by outside directors, should it fall under government control, according to unnamed sources. Toshio Nishizawa, the company’s current president, is expected to be replaced, and TEPCO may request up to one trillion yen in public funds in order to keep the utility solvent.

State of the Reactors

A momentary loss of power on January 17 completely halted decontamination and cooling systems at the spent fuel pools of the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini plants, as well as the injection of nitrogen into damaged reactors in order to prevent a hydrogen explosion. The incident highlighted the fact that nearly a year after the nuclear disaster there, TEPCO still has no effective backup plans in place for loss of power. Cooling efforts at the reactors were not affected. Most equipment was restarted within three hours. A transmission issue in Tamura caused the voltage drop; TEPCO is still working to identify that problem.

TEPCO’s attempt to use an optical fiber endoscope to view the inside of reactor 2 at the Fukushima Daiichi plant has essentially failed, after high levels of radiation created static, and condensation from steam blurred the lens of the endoscope’s camera. In addition, the equipment was unable to reach below the surface of the water, which TEPCO had estimated at 4.5 meters. Officials now say they believe the water level is 4 meters or less. They are blaming the discrepancy on inaccurate pressure levels and have denied that it was caused by a leak. The utility had hoped that the endoscopy would allow workers to determine the location of molten fuel, which is believed to have seeped through the reactor core to the containment vessel below, as well as the condition of pipes and other equipment within the reactor. Workers were exposed to approximately 3 millisieverts of radiation during the operation.

Contamination (Includes Economic Impact and Human Exposure)

METI is trying to track shipments of 5,280 tons of radioactive stone and gravel, after discovering earlier this week that it had been shipped from a quarry in Namie. The gravel was sent to over 200 construction companies, who planned to use it in approximately 1,000 locations. Ministry officials have identified an additional 16 quarries whose gravel may have been contaminated; they are also working to determine where that gravel was used. METI is considering regulating radiation levels in building materials. Currently, no such regulation exists.

Nine out of 12 families living in a contaminated condominium in Nihonmatsu that was constructed with the radioactive gravel have said they would like to move; all nine moved into the building after evacuating their homes in response to the Fukushima disaster. Prefectural officials said they will work with the families to find new rental accommodations, but said that moving costs will probably not be reimbursed, although rents are covered through Japan’s disaster victim relief law.

Meanwhile, Fukushima Prefectural officials may measure radiation levels in newly-built homes and at public works construction sites, after discovering that some of the contaminated gravel was used to repair earthquake damage in a road leading to an elementary school, as well as to repair an irrigation channel and reinforce a riverbank. Although radiation levels near the school remain relatively low, between .4 and .5 microsieverts per hour, school officials are advising children to walk next to the road, rather than on it. Parents have expressed concern.

An NSC working group has advised against further use of SPEEDI, claiming its ability to predict the spread of radiation is unreliable in the event of a nuclear disaster. The NSC decision contradicts that of the government’s interim report, released at the end of December, which said that timely use of SPEEDI would have allowed for more effective evacuation of victims of the Fukushima disaster.

Japan’s Environment Ministry announced that high levels of radioactive cesium, measuring more than 40,000 Bq/kg, were found in ash from firewood stored outdoors in Nihonmatsu, Fukushima.

The Japan Dairy Industry Association is spearheading an effort by dairy producers to inspect milk for radiation contamination. Results of the tests will be available to the public. Industry leaders hope that the move will alleviate public concern about contamination of their products. Meiji Co., Megmilk Snow, and Morinaga Milk Industry Co. are expected to participate, among others.

Evacuation

Japan’s central government is working to establish an amendment that would allow it to declare an evacuation in the area surrounding the crippled Fukushima Daiichi plant, even after the state of emergency there is lifted. Current law does not allow evacuation powers unless a state of emergency has been declared.

An NSC task force has drafted a three-stage evacuation scale to be used in the case of nuclear disasters. Events will be classified as a “total emergency”, in which fuel is damaged (including nuclear meltdown) and radiation contamination exceeding safety standards is expected; an “emergency situation”, in which facilities and surrounding areas are affected; or a “situation requiring caution”. In a total emergency, those living within 5 km of a reactor will immediately be evacuated. The task force is working to further define each emergency level.

Compensation

Residents from 26 municipalities in Fukushima Prefecture are petitioning TEPCO and the central government for compensation, after an additional 23 municipalities were awarded damages as a result of the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The group says that the entire prefecture has suffered, and only awarding compensation to some areas is “discriminatory.” Approximately 450,000 additional people would be affected if the proposal were accepted.

Report: Dodge Dart to use transmission from Hyundai

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:30:00 GMT

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Dodge, Hyundai

Hyundai CEO John Krafcik has confirmed that the Korean automaker will supply Chrysler with transmissions for its new Dodge Dart , according to Car and Driver . While the two automakers may seem like odd dance partners, the tie-up makes plenty of sense. Both companies use engines born out of the now-defunct Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance with Mitsubishi . As a result, 2.0- and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines found in the Dart share more than a few strands of DNA with the same displacement engines found under the hood of vehicles like the Hyundai Sonata . Needless to say, it shouldn't take too much effort to get the Hyundai gearbox and Chrysler engines to play nice.

We say "shouldn't" because according to Car and Driver , the American manufacturer is reportedly having issues getting the transmission properly calibrated to obtain the lofty fuel economy numbers necessary to satiate the powers that be in Washington . Chrysler hasn't confirmed the move as of yet, and Hyundai is keeping its lips sealed on which transmissions are headed to the Dart line. Even so, if Chrysler's engineers are struggling over calibration, chances are it's a six-speed automatic.

So... what about those lofty 40 miles per gallon claims claims Chrysler was bandying about at the Detroit Auto Show ? C/D hypothesizes that figure may be reliant on a specific engine and transmission combination, be it turbocharged 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder and a dual-clutch gearbox or a 2.0 and a six-speed manual. Curiouser and curiouser.

Dodge Dart to use transmission from Hyundai originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Teased: Mitsubishi teases mystery reveal ahead of Geneva

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:30:00 GMT

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi, Design/Style

Mitsubishi has been something of a punching bag among both analysts and critics in the United States for some years now, with lukewarm reception to new products and meek sales figures. But while few were paying attention, the Japanese brand's pendulum made a mighty swing in the right direction in 2011 , with sales finishing up over 40 percent year-over-year, making it the second fastest-growing brand in the States. Of course, total brand sales were just 77,995 (2010 sales: 55,683), but one has to start somewhere.

Buoyed by increasing demand for new products like the Outlander Sport , Mitsubishi isn't quite "feeling its oats" just yet, but it's alive and kicking. As further evidence, the company has just released a teaser image of an unnamed vehicle it plans to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Significantly, Mitsubishi indicates that this is the first time it has ever chosen to stage a global product reveal in Europe. The mystery vehicle, which appears to be a crossover - likely the next-generation Outlander - will go on sale in 2012. The second-generation Outlander has been on sale here since 2006, with a facelifted model arriving for the 2010 model year .

Mitsubishi says this is the start of a new, "re-focused design language," which evidently means moving away from the massive Lancer Evolution -inspired grille that currently adorns the Outlander. We like what we see here, from the gaping lower air intake to the U-shaped hood pressing and assertive headlamps. We'll probably have to wait until closer the Swiss show starts to get a closer look at the rest of the vehicle, but for now, check out the image above and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Mitsubishi teases mystery reveal ahead of Geneva

Mitsubishi teases mystery reveal ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wacky Gadgets at CES: Motorized Unicycle, Anyone?

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:38:36 GMT

A motorized, seat-less unicycle, a video game you control with your eyes, and a mind-reading headset that serves as a game controller were among the more bizarre gadgets being shown off at this year's International Consumer Electronics Show.

Some 3,100 exhibitors attended the show, and although there were plenty of mainstream technologies on display, the show attracted a fair share of off-beat gadgets. Here's a roundup of some of the weirdest devices:

- SOLOWHEEL. Picture a unicycle without a frame or saddle, and you have the Solowheel. Not working for you? Ok, add this to the picture: footboards that fold out from the wheel. To ride it, you stand on the footboards and straddle the wheel. Lean forward, and the wheel engages a battery-powered electric motor that can send it -- and hopefully its rider -- zooming along at 10 miles per hour. The wheel has a gyroscope that helps keep the rider upright. In other words, it's like a Segway with only one wheel.

Because of the rechargeable battery, which has a 15- to 20-mile range, the Solowheel weighs 26 pounds. That's as much as a folding bike, but the Solowheel is more compact. It's sold by Inventist LLC for $1,800. Its creator is a serial inventor, Shane Chen, previously came up with the AquaSkipper, a human-powered hydrofoil.

Who's it for? Brave people with a good sense of balance, who want to utterly surprise everyone they meet.

- FOAM FIGHTERS. Toy companies are eager to link their products with smartphone and tablet games, creating toys that are an amusing blend of virtual and real. Foam Fighters are made of two sheets of thin foam, painted and shaped like World War II fighter planes such as the famous Mitsubishi Zero. Toss them in the air, and they fly like paper airplanes. Better yet, you can...

MHI develops 12-inch wafer bonding machine capable of producing 3-D integrated LSI circuits at room temperature

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:35:45 GMT

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd (MHI) has developed the world's first fully automated 12-inch (300 millimeters) wafer bonding machine, dubbed the "Bond Meister MWB-12-ST," capable of producing 3-dimensionally integrated LSI (large-scale integration) circuits at room temperature. The company delivered the first unit to the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). Leveraging the new machine's ability to eliminate heat stress and strain in the bonding process and help achieve high productivity, MHI looks to contribute to efforts to further enhance the capacity and performance of LSIs, which currently face limitations in miniaturization.

Autos for younger set still can appeal to older generations, Southwest Florida dealers say

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:26:22 GMT

Adan Hernandez, a sales consultant at O'Brien Hyundai/Mitsubishi/Subaru uses a the push -button start to turn on the engine on a 2012 Hyundai Veloster.

Nuron Biotech licenses Hibtiter flu vaccine in Japan

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:19:22 GMT

Nuron Biotech Inc. licensed its Hibtiter influenza vaccine to Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corp.

Report: Peugeot developing compact crossover based on 208 hatch

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:26:00 GMT

There are things that Peugeot does well, and there are things that Peugeot doesn't do well. Come to think of it, there aren't many things it does all that well, short of the 908 HDi endurance racer, but in any event, crossovers aren't one of the French automaker's core competencies.

Aside from the 508 RXH, which is more closer to a Subaru Outback and Audi Allroad in its beefed-up wagon approach, all of Peugeot's crossovers to date have been based on borrowed mechanicals - and built for it - by the likes of Mitsubishi . But parent company PSA knows that it can't rely on borrowed tech for long, and so it's working on some new crossovers on its own.

Among those in the pipeline is said to be the 2008, a crossover version of the 208 hatchback that just debuted in November. Tipped to replace the slot previously taken by SW wagon versions of the previous 206 and 207, the 2008 is expected to borrow some of its styling cues from the HR1 concept (pictured in the rendering above) that debuted at the last Paris Auto Salon.

Overseas buyers will have to wait a little while longer to see what the Lion marque has in store, but one thing we can tell you with as much certainty as can be assured in this business is that the 2008 - like the rest of the Peugeot range - won't be making it Stateside.

Peugeot developing compact crossover based on 208 hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2011

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:57:00 GMT

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Crossover, Acura, Cadillac, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Luxury

Where there are winners, there are inevitably losers. Last year was exceedingly kind to big pickups, sprawling family sedans and SUVs, but not every model came out of 2011 with big sales figures. We took the time to dig through the low-selling models of the past 12 months to find out which vehicles produced throughout the year were the biggest duds. Since we aren't interested in how few Lamborghini Aventador models rolled off of dealer lots in the U.S. in 2011, we kept the MSRP under $100,000.

Our criteria immediately nixed vehicles like the Mazda RX-8 , Volvo V50 , Ram Cargo Van and everything in the Saab stable due to the fact that those models weren't manufactured through all 12 months of 2011. High-end metal like the Mercdes-Benz SL , CL and G classes were also kicked to the curb due to our price ceiling. Which was the worst of them all? We'll give you a hint. It wasn't the Acura ZDX . Hit the jump to check out our list of the worst-selling vehicles of 2011.

Continue reading These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2011

These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fukushima Nuclear Crisis Update for December 30th, 2011 –January 2nd, 2012

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:22:00 GMT

(This post is by Christine McCann)

Here’s the latest of our news bulletins from the ongoing crisis at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

State of Nuclear Politics in Japan

A 2004 memorandum discovered by the Mainichi Daily News reveals that the then-Director of the Nuclear Power Planning Division of Japan’s Agency for Natural Resources and Energy instructed a subordinate to conceal the costs of disposing of spent nuclear fuel. The move concealed the fact that reprocessing spent fuel was actually more expensive than dumping it—in effect, promoting nuclear reprocessing. Just two months later, a government panel proposed using 19 trillion yen in government funds to underwrite operations at the Rokkasho nuclear reprocessing plant in Aomori Prefecture. Masaya Yasui, the director in question, has denied the claims, although the memo clearly stated, “The subordinate notified Director Yasui yesterday of the existence of the estimate. The director ordered the subordinate to ‘keep it away from the eyes of the general public.’” In spite of his participation in the cover-up, Yasui is currently in charge of nuclear safety reforms in Japan in the aftermath of the Fukushima disaster.

Two commissioners of Japan’s five-person Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC), including its Chair, and 22 of its 84 members received donations from nuclear power companies and manufacturers, totalling over 85 million yen ($1.1 million) over a five-year period. Huruki Madarame was appointed NSC Chair in 2010. He received four million yen from Mitsubishi Heavy Ltd. between 2004 and 2009, but insists that the donations had no impact on his decisions regarding the safety of nuclear reactors.

A panel of experts, led by Kiyoshi Kurokawa, former head of Japan’s National Science Council and a professor at the University of Tokyo, will begin an investigation into the Fukushima nuclear disaster this month. Although the panel is independent from the government, both houses of Japan’s parliament approved Kurokawa’s appointment. The panel plans to examine issues not addressed by the government or TEPCO, as well as the response of the utility and government officials, including then-Prime Minister Naoto Kan. They plan to submit a report within approximately six months.

In response to increasing popular discomfort with nuclear power in Japan, the nation’s utilities have begun to lobby communities located near nuclear reactors, which might be forced to evacuate in the case of a nuclear disaster. Many municipalities are expressing safety concerns and demanding proof that plants are safe; experts say this could effectively block the restart of 48 of the country’s 54 offline nuclear reactors. By May, the remaining six reactors are expected to go offline for routine checkups, and will not be restarted unless local communities agree.

Japanese prosecutors have dropped charges against actor Taro Yamamoto and other anti-nuclear protesters. The group was accused of trespassing and interfering with prefectural duties while delivering petitions against restarting nuclear reactors to Saga Prefecture government offices last July. Prosecutors cited “insufficient evidence to acknowledge criminal intent.”

TEPCO

Japan has reversed its decision to allow (Tokyo Electric Power) TEPCO to manage compensation payments to victims of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, and will establish a government fund to expedite compensation payments, in response to numerous complaints from residents about unacceptable delays. The nuclear disaster occurred almost 10 months ago, but TEPCO has been slow to respond to compensation claims.

The President of Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. (SMFG), Koichi Miyata, said his firm will consider providing additional loans to TEPCO, the first time a major bank has done so. Miyata stressed the need for sound management at TEPCO and “smooth payments of compensation” for victims of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. While admitting that TEPCO may need to accept a public injection of funds in order to make those compensation payments, he said that TEPCO should remain independent, and government control of the company should be limited. Japan is considering injecting up to one trillion yen into the beleaguered utility, although TEPCO is trying to avoid that situation by raising utility rates to cover costs of decommissioning reactors and higher costs of thermal power. Last week, TEPCO President Toshio Nishizawa said, “It is the right of electric power companies to raise electricity charges,” a comment strongly criticized by Yukio Edano, the head of the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI). Earlier this year, a government panel revealed that TEPCO had been consistently overcharging consumers for the past decade.

Contamination (Includes Human Exposure)

Residents living near the Fukushima Daiichi plant are expressing frustration at differing contamination standards used by local municipalities. In spite of repeated requests from residents for guidance regarding safe radiation levels, the Education Ministry did not release guidelines for hotspots—1 microsievert per hour or higher—until October. By that time, some communities had established their own standards, many using the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommendation of 1 millisievert per year. That number translates to 0.23 microsieverts per hour. Others set their own arbitrary limits. The Education Ministry says that the 1 microsievert per hour limit is for hotspots, and the .23 microsieverts per hour limit applies to areas requiring decontamination. Local governments, however, are confused about which standard they should be using. In Tokyo, some ward officials reportedly refused to establish any radiation standards, saying that if high cesium levels were detected, it could damage the ward’s reputation.

A newly-opened facility in Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture, allows residents to scan groceries and soil for radiation. The process, which uses LB 200 gamma spectroscopy equipment, costs 980 yen for 20 minutes and measures cesium levels as low as 20Becquerels. The facility’s popularity illustrates a new reality in Japan, where teachers regularly measure schoolyards for contamination and Aeon, Japan’s largest supermarket chain, now posts cesium levels of each item in its produce department.

Decontamination

Japan’s nuclear decontamination law went into effect on January 1 in Fukushima Prefecture. Buildings, soil, and waste in over a hundred municipalities where cesium levels exceed one millisievert per year will be eligible for decontamination by the central government.

Almost ten months after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, and three months after the government lifted evacuation orders in the 20-30 km zone around the Fukushima Daiichi plant, 54% of evacuees from that area have failed to return home. Evacuees cite radiation fears, delayed decontamination efforts, lack of employment, and closed schools for their reluctance to repopulate evacuated areas.

Other Nuclear News

Officials are investigating the cause of a fire in a Russian nuclear submarine at a shipyard near Murmansk. Russia’s Defense Ministry and Foreign Ministry said no radiation leaked as a result of the incident, and conditions on the sub remained normal, although some crewmembers were hospitalized for smoke inhalation.

A change in Spain’s government means that an aging nuclear reactor may be allowed to operate beyond its previously-planned closing in 2013. The Garona plant, jointly operated by the Iberdrola and Endesa power companies, hit its 40-year lifespan this year. However, Jose Soria, Industry Minister of the newly-elected enter-right government, is considering allowing the reactor to continue operating. Environmental organizations are protesting the move.

Zuari joint venture buys 30% of Peru miner

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 02:30:00 GMT

Fertiliser maker Zuari Industries said on Friday its joint venture with Mitsubishi Corp has bought a 30% stake in Peruvian miner Fosfatos del Pacifico (Fospac) for $46.12 million.

BANGKOK: Two Japanese firms to invest in flood-hit Thailand

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:29:44 GMT

Mitsubishi Electric and Hitachi Plant Technologies this week announced their decision to pour investment into Thailand , despite reportedly eroding confidence among foreign investors in the aftermath of floods.

Jetstar Reveals Growth Plans for New Japan Venture

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:15:17 GMT

Jetstar has revealed plans to attract another partner for its new Japan venture, the Jetstar Japan, adding up to the budget airline's present investors - Japan Airlines and trading firm Mitsubishi.

MHI Sells Japan's Largest Li-ion Battery Storage System

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 07:20:00 GMT

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Ltd sold one of the Japan's largest electricity storage systems that use lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable batteries and are designed for installation inside buildings.

Report: Dodge Caliber euthanized

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:01:00 GMT

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Dodge

According to The Detroit News , the Dodge Caliber has finally stumbled out of production.

When the Caliber first rolled onto the scene for the 2007 model year, we didn't quite know what to make of it. Replacing the long-serving Neon , the Caliber sported polarizing styling, available all-wheel drive and a taller-than-average ride height. To some, it looked like an aggressively styled tonic to the frankly outdated and somewhat cutesy Neon, while others remained suspect of the car's quasi-SUV aesthetic and intrinsic goodness.

It didn't take long for the reviewers to pile on, however. Pundits argued that the Dodge delivered a lackluster driving experience thanks to an unsorted chassis co-developed with Mitsubishi , an unlovable Jatco-sourced CVT and a coarse interior that was later freshened but never truly fixed. In the end, the doubters appear to have won out, as the Belvidere, Illinois-built compact garnered little critical or popular praise. While the Caliber opened to reasonably strong sales traffic, yearly totals quickly collapsed despite steep discounting and the introduction of a powerful SRT-4 performance variant .

As part of its arrangement with new parent company Fiat , Chrysler has developed the Alfa-Romeo-based Dart as the Caliber's replacement, and expectations are running high ahead of its Detroit Auto Show debut next month. The Dart will need to be excellent, as it faces a veritable murderers' row of competitors, ranging from strong new models like the Chevrolet Cruze , Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra to well-sorted mainstays like the Mazda3 - not to mention perennial sales darlings including the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic .

Dodge Caliber euthanized originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Economy Ends Tough 2011 on a Surprising Upswing

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:29:37 GMT

The economy is ending 2011 on a roll. The job market is healthier. Americans are spending lustily on holiday gifts. A long-awaited turnaround for the depressed housing industry may be under way. Gas is cheaper. Factories are busier. Stocks are higher.

Not bad for an economy faced with a debt crisis in Europe and, as recently as last summer, scattered predictions of a second recession at home. Instead, the economy has grown faster each quarter this year, and the last three months should be the best.

"Things are looking up," says Chris Rupkey, chief financial economist at the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ.

When The Associated Press surveyed 43 economists in August, they pegged the likelihood of another recession at roughly one in four. The Dow Jones industrial average was lurching up or down by 400 points or more some days.

There was plenty of reason for gloom. A political standoff over the federal borrowing limit brought the United States to the brink of default and cost the nation its top-drawer credit rating.

Most analysts now rule out another recession. They think the economy will grow at an annual rate of more than 3 percent from October through December, the fastest pace since a 3.8 percent performance in the spring of last year.

Many economists still worry that the year-end surge isn't sustainable, in part because the average worker's pay is barely rising. And Europe may already be sliding into a recession that will infect the United States.

The outlook could darken further if Congress can't break the impasse blocking an extension of a Social Security tax cut for 160 million Americans and emergency unemployment benefits.

Yet for now, the economy is on an upswing that few had predicted:

- JOBS: The number of people applying for unemployment benefits came in at 366,000 last week, down from a peak of...

Say 'goodbye' to these cars and trucks for the new year

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:30:00 GMT

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Crossover, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Volvo, Tesla

As we prepare to flip our calendars from 2011 to 2012, it's time to say goodbye to a handful of vehicles that are being sent to the Great Parking Lot In The Sky before the 2012 model year completely takes hold. And while we're not exactly upset about having to bid farewell to things like the Mitsubishi Endeavor , Mazda Tribute or Chevrolet HHR , there are a few vehicles that we're truly going to miss.

The Mazda RX-8 , for example, has grown to be one of our favorite sports cars since its introduction in 2003. We love its lightweight construction, high-revving rotary engine and surprisingly functional suicide door design. It's kind of like a Miata with a roof and rear seats. Speaking of the Miata, Tesla's two-seat Roadster - the automaker's first production vehicle - proved to us that open-top motoring can be thrilling even with a stack of batteries driving the wheels.

We'll miss the Honda Element and its rugged, utilitarian nature. We'll miss the Volvo V50 and its capacious cargo area made for Ikea runs. And we'll really miss those large lords of luxury, the Cadillac DTS and Ford Crown Victoria . We've already said goodbye to the faithful but overripe Ford Ranger , and as ridiculous as the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid was, it was a shockingly good-to-drive electrified crossover.

There are plenty more models that won't be making the journey to the 2012 model year, so have a look at the full list in our attached image gallery, then let us know which ones you'll miss (if any) in the Comments.

Say 'goodbye' to these cars and trucks for the new year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japan’s F-35 Choice Questioned

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:49:42 GMT

The Diplomat speaks with Gareth Jennings, IHS Jane's Aviation desk editor and managing editor of Jane's Missiles & Rockets, to discuss Japan’s choice of the F-35 fighter in its recent F-X competition. Japan has just selected the F-35 as its next fighter aircraft and winner of the F-X project. Some have asserted the choice was more political than based on merit. Do you agree? My opinion is that politics played a large part in the decision, but was not the sole reason. Ever since Japan was allowed to rebuild its air force after World War II, it has either developed and built its own types (the Mitsubishi F-1 and F-2, both based on western designs) or has bought the rights to license-build U.S. aircraft in Japan (the Mitsubishi-Boeing F-15J Eagle, Mitsubishi/McDonnell Douglas F-4EJ Phantom II). To the best of my knowledge, Japan has never bought a non-U.S. combat aircraft. The reasons for this are largely ... Read More...

Official: Ford says Focus Electric will get 100 MPGe, C-Max models also ready to compete

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Oh, what a difference one seat makes. Ford just announced that the Focus Electric will be, "the first all-electric vehicle to achieve a 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) fuel efficiency rating." But wait, you're saying, what about the Mitsubishi i , which gets 112 MPGe ? Ah, this is when you finish reading Ford's sentence, which ends, "with seating for five." The i is rated as a four-seat (two-plus-two) vehicle while the Focus is a "normal" five-seater.

100 MPGe is just one selling point for Ford's upcoming EV. The other is faster charging technology that allows the Focus EV, "to charge in half the time of a Nissan Leaf using 240-volt outlets." That means a three- to four-hour recharge time.

On the plug-in hybrid side, Ford also announced that the C-Max Energi is expected to have "miles per gallon equivalent rating in electric mode better than Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid" and the C-Max Hybrid (non-plug-in) should get "better fuel economy than Toyota Prius V ." The C-Max Energi "is expected to deliver a better fuel economy equivalent in electric mode than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid with a 500-mile overall driving range, more than Chevrolet Volt ." Even though it's not ready to give us a lot of numbers for the C-Max models quite yet, it's clear that Ford is getting ready to take on the best-selling fuel-efficient cars in the U.S. in 2012.

In California, New York and New Jersey, the first orders for the 2012 Focus Electric were taken in November. Fifteen more launch markets will open up next year. The Focus Electric has started production at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant. The C-Max models also go on sale in 2012.

Continue reading Ford says Focus Electric will get 100 MPGe, C-Max models also ready to compete

Ford says Focus Electric will get 100 MPGe, C-Max models also ready to compete originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kenya: Six Perish in Embu As Lorry Crashes Into KCB

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:33:21 GMT

Six people died on Monday night in Embu town after an allegedly speeding lorry full of assorted food produce heading to Nairobi from Meru lost control before ramming into the Kenya Commercial Bank local branch. The six included the driver of the Mitsubishi lorry, his four passengers and a pedestrian who died instantly when the lorry veered off the Meru-Embu-Nairobi highway at around 10.30Pm. Two cars which had been parked at the car park of the bank were also extensively damaged after being hit by the lorr

Kinshasa: A journalist of Digitalcongo.net attacked after publication of the partial results of Presidential!

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:46:46 GMT

The unfortunate one had his safety only thanks to the providential intervention of major Jean-Jacques Mukeba, person in charge of the police force of the governor André Kimbuta, who succeeded in dissuading from the attackers. But his car Mitsubishi Lancer is completely damaged.

Mitsubishi Electric's EMIRAI concept goes back to the future, refuses to fly

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:41:49 GMT

The Jetsons were a lie, people. If you want a flying car, glue a parachute to a Matchbox racer.