6 Attempts to Improve Japanese Cars

Japanese cars are the best. I wouldn't have any other model, except for maybe a BMW, Mercedes or Porsche.

But then, I'd trade them in on something I really want.

We have a Toyota Corolla with 125+K miles and a Honda CRV that does the job quite well, thank you.

Still, improvements are in the works. Japan's carmakers are working on safety…safety…safety.

1. Toyota will spend almost Y1 trillion each year for several years on R&D to develop highly advanced safety technology. The money might be better spent teaching people how to drive, but instead Toyota will begin operating a domed building that allows crash testing using actual driving.

2. Nissan is upgrading its domestic R&D safety facilities.

3. Honda is doing the same.

4. Tohoku University is working in cahoots with Toyota on a next generation automobile especially for the growing number of elderly drivers. 

5. University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan is working with Nissan to investigate mechanisms at work during drunk driving.

6. Mazda will begin trials on public roads using radar communications systems to avoid collisions.

What could be better than a Japanese car?

A Japanese car that stays in one piece. 

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