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Chester Dawson
For Chester Dawson's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Workers install components on a RAV4 hybrid sport utility vehicle at the Toyota manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Kentucky.
BUSINESS / Companies
Feb 7, 2024
Toyota boosts spending on EV production in U.S. by $1.3 billion
The automaker said the added spending is earmarked for its first U.S.-made EV and other unspecified battery-powered models.
Honda’s sales in the United States soared 33% last year and the firm anticipates continued growth but at a more modest pace.
BUSINESS / Companies
Jan 19, 2024
Honda sees 2024 U.S. sales climbing 10% with boost from hybrids
Honda’s sales in the U.S. soared 33% last year to 1.3 million vehicles — with one-quarter of that total coming from hybrid models.
The interior of a Toyota Global HiAce electric vehicle concept on display during the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo on Oct. 26
BUSINESS / Companies
Nov 1, 2023
Toyota to invest $8 billion more in U.S. battery plant for EVs
The auto giant has quietly laid the groundwork for a more robust EV strategy in the U.S. even as sales of its hybrid gas-electric models are surging.
Honda's new electric vehicle Prologue is displayed in Detroit on Sept. 21.
BUSINESS / Companies
Sep 29, 2023
With help from GM, Honda tries again in U.S. EV market
The carmaker unveiled the brand’s first electric SUV on Thursday, marking a renewed push into fully electric vehicles.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Dec 2, 2022
Nissan CEO wants ‘grace period’ for Biden rules on EV subsidies
The Japanese company and other carmakers have been urging the White House to adopt a more flexible approach to subsidy eligibility in the Inflation Reduction Act.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Mar 5, 2021
Nissan to electrify more sedans and SUVs for U.S., says COO Gupta
Even so, the Japanese automaker isn't rushing to join a stampede into battery-powered trucks, the executive said, citing low demand.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
May 5, 2020
SUVs parked out at sea reveal scope of U.S. auto market glut
Even as ports struggle to cope with excess auto inventory, they're preparing for an even worse outcome — deliveries stopping altogether as the recession digs deeper.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Mar 3, 2020
Tesla barely registers in Japan, the world's third-largest auto market
For all of Elon Musk’s domination of the burgeoning electric vehicle business, Tesla Inc. is struggling to get traction in Japan, a market he put on a pedestal early in the automaker’s early days.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jan 14, 2020
Ex-Nissan exec Greg Kelly fears odds of fair trial slimmer after Ghosn's flight
“It will be difficult for Greg to get a fair trial with a key witness not available to testify,” wrote Kelly's wife, Donna.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies / FOCUS
Oct 11, 2019
For Toyota, hydrogen still the route forward
As others automakers plan battery-powered SUVs and trucks, Toyota Motor Corp.'s vision for the future of driving remains a hydrogen-sipping sedan.

Longform

Later this month, author Shogo Imamura will open Honmaru, a bookstore that allows other businesses to rent its shelves. It's part of a wave of ideas Japanese booksellers are trying to compete with online spaces.
The story isn't over for Japan's bookstores