Tag Archives: toyota

Toyota may be one of the world’s leading car brands but, in Japan, it is one of the country’s most popular surnames. Kozo Toyota is a talented flute-player and founder of the Toyota Ceílí Band in Tokyo. The band was founded in June 2011, in response to an increasing demand for regular céilís in Japan. The band is the first céilí band comprised of Japanese musicians, who host these dances on a regular basis. The members are keen to explore the best way to play for set dancing and have also learned to dance some sets themselves. In September 2015, they won the first prize for the unofficial céilí band competition, organised by Comhaltas Japan. In June of this year, they were awarded first place in the céilí band category of the competitions during the first Féile Tokyo and qualified to enter Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Ennis. The nine members of the band play a range of instruments, including two flutes, three fiddles, button accordion, …

TRAFFIC was blocked for a period of time in the Market in Ennis this afternoon, after a crash which involved five vehicles. While an ambulance was present at the scene, a Garda spokesman said that there were no serious injuries. The incident occurred at around 3pm, when a Toyota Corolla came off the road and struck a Toyota Avensis, which was in a parking space right in front of Taylor’s pub. The Avensis then struck a vehicle in front of it, and the knock on effect resulted in another two vehicles being damaged. Both the Corolla and the Avensis were very badly damaged, but the impact on the other vehicles didn’t seem to be anywhere near as serious. Speaking to the Champion shortly after the incident, the owner of the Avensis said she hadn’t been in the vehicle when the crash happened. “I was above around the corner and we heard an unmerciful bang,” she commented. The woman was quite emotional and …

The Clare Champion’s latest motoring guide coincides with the second half of the 2015 sales season and the introduction of the 152 plate. 152 Motoring provides a comprehensive run down of some of the latest models, just on the market or soon to be introduced. We’ve also got full road tests on two dream machines, the fascinating BMW i8 plug-in hybrid and the unashamedly old school but no less exciting Jaguar F-Type. It’s not only for those with a serious interest in motoring but also those who want a decent car to get from A to B. Whatever your car, whatever your budget, there’s a car out there to suit and if you don’t fancy laying out cash for your purchase, we’ll guide you through the complicated world of car finance. 152 Motoring focuses on a number of important aspects of driving and car ownership. Quite timely, there is a fairly clear outline of summer driving tips, as well as …

GARDAÍ have urged car owners to be on the alert when they park their vehicles, following the theft of number plates. Between 5.05pm and 11pm on Monday, May 11, the front and rear number plates of a red Toyota Corolla hatchback were stolen while it was parked on the road outside of Bunratty Castle Hotel. The registration is 04 C 24375. Between 8.30pm on Monday, May 11 and 5pm on Tuesday, May 12, the number plate of a blue Toyota Corolla saloon was stolen, while parked at Cuirt na hEaglaise, Newmarket-on-Fergus. The registration number is 98 D 42483. At around 7.20pm on Saturday last, the number plates from a blue Ford Fiesta hatchback were stolen while it was parked in Tradaree Court in Shannon. The registration number is 06 D 37722. Gardaí are asking for help in respect of any suspicious activity in the areas at the time or to watch out for the number plates on any other vehicles.

There was a huge amount of new metal at this year’s Geneva Show but no real standout star. Everyone I talked to seemed very bullish about prospects for the new car market this year and there was a palpable sense of optimism in the air, which was a very pleasant change. One of the more significant launches wasn’t even of a car. Apple choose Geneva to launch their new CarPlay system. It’s essentially a very advanced link between your phone and your car and it allows the phone to take over the car’s display and be controlled by the car’s buttons or by voice. As it evolves, it will become the most natural way to interact with your phone while driving. CarPlay is an operating system that can be applied to any iPhone that can run iOS 7 or later and is equipped with a lightning interface – essentially iPhone 5 or later. Right now, the system has been launched …

FIGURES  just released by the SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) show that so far this year, new car sales in Clare are up by 35%. Nationally, sales are up 28%. The confidence evident in January has continued into February with a 21% increase in car sales. The light commercial vehicle market, which is a good sign of activity in the SME sector, saw an increase in sales of 41% in February with sales of Heavy Goods Vehicles, often a barometer of activity in the wider Economy, seeing a 68% increase. Alan Nolan, SIMI Director General commented “The Motor Industry is often the first to be affected when there’s a downturn and one of the first to come back when the economy improves. Dealers are undoubtedly seeing a lot more confidence among consumers, many of whom have been putting off making large purchases over the last few years. Feedback from dealers confirms that footfall and sales enquiries are holding …