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We are still open!! As COVID-19 is having a dramatic impact on our lives, businesses and on supply chains, I want to share an update on what Made In Japan is doing to keep our customers safe while continuing to stay open as an essential business. You can still get your car fixed at Made In Japan while staying safe during the Clinton Stay-In Place order. Here’s how: Accepting payments over the phone. Call from your car or beep your horn and we will come out keeping our distance. Leave keys in center console. After every service we are disinfecting all keys, steering wheels, gear selectors, and exterior and interior door handles. All communication over phone &/or email. Call, text…

After the diesel emissions fiasco Volkswagen has done a full 180, and has jumped into the electric car race. Recently it has unveiled its Volkswagen ID 3 – a fully electric vehicle. But what is more significant is that it is committed to mass production of electric vehicles. While Tesla produces around 500,000 electric vehicles per year, Volkswagen promises to build over 1.2 million electric vehicles per year by 2022, and increase that capacity to over 20 million electric vehicles per year by 2028. At Made in Japan/ USA / Europe we welcome these new developments. Our shop is staffed with highly trained Volkswagen mechanics who are nationally ASE certified, and have the skill as well as the latest state-of-the-art…

Volkswagen Passat – Great Vehicle if You Avoid 2002 or 2003 model At Made in Europe we are big fans of Volkswagen vehicles. They combine German engineering with practicality and non-nonsense performance. Volkswagen Passat is one of the VWs we really like. In general it garners positive reviews form owners. The only exceptions were the 2002 and 2003 models – they suffered from engine failure due to oil sludge. Even use of synthetic oil did not always protect from the problem. Fortunately, most Passat models are fairly problem free and can provide reliable transportation. At Made in Japan, we highly recommend regular service, and following manufacturer maintenance schedule. Regular service not only prolongs engine and tire life, but also provides…

Volkswagen continues to expand its electric vehicle (EV) commitments. As it continues the $800 million investment in the Chattanooga TN plant, it also ramps up training for those working in the high-voltage environment. Training ranges from 2 weeks to 6 months, depending on the jobs involved. Training will involve working in high-voltage environment, working with high-voltage batteries, and robotics. Volkswagen plans to start producing electric vehicles at the Chattanooga plant starting in 2022. It’s a part of VW commitment to building millions of electric vehicles in this decade. Workers will receive training onsite, but they will also travel to the Volkswagen plant in former East Germany, where Volkswagen is already producing its Volkswagen ID.3 electric vehicle. We are thrilled to…

Honda announced that they are partnering with Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC) to provide Indiana students with exposure to careers in next generation manufacturing. Honda has a large plant in Greensburg, Indiana that produces Honda Civic sedan as well as Honda CR-V, and CR-V Hybrid. The plant has production capacity of 250,000 vehicles per year. Honda in partnership with IN-Mac created a Design and Innovation Studio. Middle school and high school students can explore design, as well as problem solving, and be exposed to advanced technologies, including 3D printers, programming, and robotics – all learning modules include hands-on activities. The Studio is located inside Honda’s Greensburg manufacturing plant. At Russ’s Wrench we applaud Honda efforts. We have been…