When the Toyota Hiace first shown up in the market it was 1967, more than 44 years ago in Japan, the expectations was never a van that would span generations. Today, it’s still going strong and on its 5th generation. It is so popular; it has become the number 1 van most sought after in Japan. Not many used Toyota Hiace van for sale can be found sitting in an auction house or car lot for long. The resale value of the used Toyota Hiace van is such that it’s still a good investment as a second hand unit.

On its first run in 1967, the Hiace was used as a commuter and delivery van. There was even a Hiace Commercial that was converted into a camper. It’s rare to find a 60s model today because most of the used 1960s models were shipped to Africa and other parts of Asia where maintenance was not properly observed.

By 1977 a new generation of Hiace vans was introduced. There was a choice between diesel and gas and it had a longer wheel base. The ride was enhanced and became less bumpy. By 1980s, the 3rd generation was released. It had to face stiff competition with the Toyoace truck. This was the last hurrah for the Hiace pick-up van which was discontinued.

By the end of the 1980s, the 4th generation was launched as a wagon with high roof and extended wheelbase. The choices in models became even more aggressive with a 2.0 to 3.0 liter turbo engine, gas or diesel. The 4WD was also introduced but on a partial mode. The Granvia was launched in 1995 but only for the Japanese market. It was to be the jump off point for the MPV from Hiace and introduced the 5th generation.

The 5th generation came into the spotlight around 2004 with the “Grand Cabin” concept. The gear shift was transferred to the dash board and there were 4-speed, 5-speed, and automatic transmission models. It still is ranked high as a van easy to steal because it does not come with an immobilizer and it is very easy to find a buyer for a Hiace or sell for parts. Thus, buyers are advised to get some kind of anti-theft device to protect their investment.

The problems that have struck Japan and its car manufacturing companies have been undeniably mind-blowing. If it happened to any other culture, the speed with which Japanese companies have been able to reset and recover would probably have been slower. Kudos goes to the Japanese for their resilience and perseverance.

With the auto industry, it was a devastating blow and while major companies like Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi and Isuzu have plants and factories elsewhere, key parts were still being made in Japan; in places affected by the earthquake and tsunami. It was literally a mad scramble to save parts and equipment in order to keep the business going. Most of these car companies have not even been able to fully recover like Nissan which has an enormous backlog of order from Europe and other parts of the world.

Honda had to cut production because even if it has the Ohio plant, some engine parts were only made in Japan. Some shifts have gone on half shifts and this has affected the economy of the area the plants are located.

The challenge is how to get back on track and find suppliers who are just as good, if not better for crucial car parts. Japanese firms also have to deal with permanent damages and a shattered image. This image is both internal and global. Employees need morale boosters in order to meet the challenges facing the company. The companies have to start reassuring the global community that their products are safe and not tainted in any way.

The companies will also have to start raising finds to rebuild lost infrastructure and equipment. It’s a difficult road ahead, and soon the preventive measures for a slow production will no longer be sufficient. Korean cars and other countries are waiting in sidelines for a foot in the door so that they can
begin to assume a more global face as an country with good car products. Fortunately, the international market is behind the Japanese companies 100%.

 

All the car lovers out there have a dream to own a fast car in the world and many of these will do whatsoever is required to possess the fast car in the world. Some details about the fastest cars in the world for the year 2011-2012 are provided as follows:

 

1. Hennessey Venom GT: Valuing at a price of $950,000, the Hennessey Venom GT holds a 6.2 – liter LS9 Turbocharge V8 Twin Turbo along with a V8 Engine having a capacity of 1200 hp. Other specifications include 260 mph, 0-60 in 2.5 seconds. The car brand is still under the testing procedure but it is estimated that it could reach a speed of 275 mph which will make it the closest competitor of the Bugatti Vevron’s Super Sport model.

 

 

 

1.  Koenigsegg Agera R: The Agera R has an immense speed which has been tested to be 260 mph. for those who love snow driving; this car is the perfect choice as it has the enhancements of ski box and winter tires to be attached in it.  The 260 mph, 0-60 in 2.9 seconds has a 1099 hp with a twin turbo 5-liter V8 Engine. The entire package is available at a price of $1,600,000. This car is expected to be the arch enemy of Bugatti Vevron in the coming 5 years.

1. SSC Ultimate Aero: The Aero was tested as the fastest car in the world from the period of March 2007 to July 2010, as reported by the Guinness World Records. In the present year, the Koenigsegg Agera R outclassed it dropping it to the #4 spot. The car has a MV of $654,000 and has specifications of 257 mph, 0-60 in 2.7 second with an hp of 1183 and a twin turbo V8 Engine.