00:00The car that sparked the popularity of Japanese cars
00:09Hello. Thank you for watching today.
00:16Today's topic is the car that sparked the popularity of Japanese cars in Europe and the United States.
00:22After the war, Japanese cars began to be exported overseas in the 1960s, and by the 1970s exports to the targeted European and American markets had begun in earnest.
00:39However, initially, sales were slow to increase due to the size and prejudice against Japanese cars, but the popularity of certain Japanese cars dramatically changed the sales situation.
00:55This time, we have picked out five models that have sparked the popularity of Japanese cars.
01:01So let's take a look.
01:04Nissan launched the first-generation Fairlady Z in 1969 as a new sports car tailored to the American market.
01:17Its specifications are comparable to those of Western sports cars, with a long nose and short deck, and it has the form of a fastback-style sports car.
01:26Its lightweight body, high-performance strut-type, four-wheel independent, stern suspension, and in-line, six-cylinder engine made it an instant hit in Japan.
01:42It was later exported to the United States as the Datsun 240Z, where it became even more popular than in Japan.
01:52The 240Z sold so well that it forced a British sports car manufacturer to withdraw from the US.
02:02Since the car consistently sold more than 40,000 units per year in the United States, most of the cars produced were exported to the United States.
02:13In 1974, the 260Z, a four-seater model equipped with a 2.6-liter engine, was released, and in 1975, the 280Z with a 2.8-liter engine was released, making it more suitable for the American market.
02:35In 1972, Honda launched a revolutionary compact car, the Civic.
02:43It was a huge hit as an innovative mass-produced car with a spacious interior and a shortened front and rear design.
02:54As exhaust gas regulations became increasingly strict, Honda developed the CVCC engine, becoming the first in the world to clear the strict American exhaust gas regulations, commonly known as the Muskie Act, which were previously thought to be impossible.
03:10Thus, when the Civic equipped with the CVCC engine was exported to the United States in 1974, it became a hit as a fuel-efficient, clean car.
03:23In fact, the Honda Civic was exported to the United States in 1973, but its small body and engine displacement were not as good as American cars, so it was not very popular.
03:38However, the first oil crisis provided a tailwind, and its fuel economy drew attention, leading to increased sales.
03:48The Civic also made Americans aware of Honda as an automobile manufacturer, a company that had previously only been known as a motorcycle manufacturer.
03:58The Civic remains highly popular in the North American market, alongside the Accord.
04:10The Suzuki Jimny began full-scale overseas expansion with the second generation.
04:16In 1985, it was named Samurai and began to be exported to Europe and the United States, where its compact 4WD attracted a lot of attention.
04:26It was especially popular among young people in North America, where outdoor leisure activities are popular.
04:34The body and other parts were the same as the Jimny, but the engine was a 1.3 liter and was later sold as the Jimny 1300, making it the original model of the current Jimny Sierra.
04:49However, there were allegations that the number of accidents involving rollovers and falls was high, which led to a recall scandal.
04:56After eight years of litigation, it was finally proven that the cause of the accident was not a structural problem with the vehicle, but rather the driver's rough driving.
05:09However, due to media reports of these protracted trials and other factors, the popularity of the company waned, and in 1995 it finally withdrew from North America.
05:23However, sales have continued since then in Europe, India, South America, and other countries, and the product is still active in overseas markets.
05:35And, driven by this momentum, it seems that there is also a strong desire for a re-release in North America.
05:41We look forward to seeing Suzuki's future North American strategy.
05:49In 1989, Matsuda introduced the Eunos and Roadster.
05:55By using an existing engine installed in the Familia, etc., development time and costs were reduced.
06:03They developed a two-seater model with limited uses, and it became an unprecedented hit.
06:10In the US it is sold as the Matsuda MX-5 or Miata, and in Europe it is sold as the MX-5.
06:19In particular, in Europe, many old-fashioned cars such as MG and Triumph are entering the market.
06:27The car received high praise from the media, with local automotive magazines and other publications all running special features on it.
06:35And by revitalizing the lightweight sports car market, which had previously only had a limited number of users,
06:43European automakers also launched many models in this class.
06:50In the United States, in addition to those who simply enjoy driving cars,
06:57Due to its economy and ease of use, it is loved by a wide range of users, including women, including high school and university students, who overwhelmingly support it.
07:08The Vitz, released by Toyota in 1999, was developed as an entry-level Toyota model to replace the previous Star Red.
07:21Its features include excellent packaging, high basic performance, and a stylish exterior design that allows four adults to sit comfortably inside despite its compact body, as well as ample trunk space, making it an instant best-seller in the Japanese market.
07:43Furthermore, taking advantage of the strong domestic sales, the company then expanded overseas.
07:51For its overseas launch, it was equipped with a 1-liter engine with a maximum output of 70 horsepower, and the name was changed to Yaris.
08:02And as our biggest challenge yet, we decided to take on Europe, the kingdom of compact cars.
08:09As a result, its unique packaging and economy were highly praised, and in fact, it won the European Car of the Year award in 2000.
08:22Today, the Yaris has established a cool position as a benchmark for compact cars, and is also having a major influence on European manufacturers.
08:36What did you think?
08:37When the Honda Civic first came to America, people wondered, where's the engine in such a small car?
08:47Apparently, jokes like this were frequently heard from Americans.
08:52A few decades later, it became one of the top sellers in the United States.
08:59Isn't that inspiring?
09:00Well, that's all for now. See you next time. Bye.
09:07Until next time,
09:08see you.
09:08see you.
09:12Thank you for watching
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