Toyota celebrates rare opening of Japan plant

Workers give the final check on Yaris compact sedans at the new plant in Ohira - AP PHOTO

OHIRA: Toyota celebrated the opening of an auto plant in a forsaken rural area of central Japan on Wednesday – its first new Japanese factory in 18 years that promises to grow into a significant production base for the world’s largest car maker.

Dotted with rice paddies and sometimes covered by snow, the Tohoku region where the new Toyota plant is located is the true boondocks of Japan.

India’s auto sales peak on festive demand: industry

Bystanders take a closer look at Tata Nano cars, billed as the 'world's cheapest car', taking part in a road tour in Amritsar on June 9, 2010. – AFP Photo

NEW DELHI: Car sales hit a record monthly high in October, industry data showed Wednesday, as festive demand, the launch of new models and cheap loans saw consumers flocking to showrooms.
Sales jumped 38 per cent to 182,992 units in October from 132,615 a year earlier, according to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

Truck and bus sales — seen as a crucial indicator of economic growth — rose 18 per cent to 50,835 units.
"October demand was good due to the festive season. The basic fundamentals of the industry remain strong," SIAM Director General Vishnu Mathur told reporters in New Delhi.