Picture : subaru.com

Japanese automakers are introducing new models of sports cars that were once popular among the younger generation to boost sales after the consumption tax hike in April hurt demand.
 
Fuji Heavy Industries has unveiled a new model of its WRX sports car for the domestic market for the first time in seven years.
 
WRXs were popular among young motorists for their performance in the FIA World Rally Championship in the 1990s.
 
The automaker plans to market the new model to young drivers as well as middle-aged motorists who drove sports cars when they were younger.
 
Company officials say the model is equipped with the latest safety technologies including an automatic braking system. They say it also has a roomy interior for more comfort. Its price tag starts at about 3.3 million yen, or 32,000 dollars.
 
On Monday, Toyota Motor announced that it will resume domestic sales of its classic off-road car, the Land Cruiser 70, for the first time in 10 years.
 
The automaker made the decision to mark the model's 30th anniversary. Toyota ended domestic sales of the car 10 years ago, but it is still sold overseas.

(source : nhk.or.jp)