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Upcoming Release: MOTOR FAN Illustrated Vol.232

On January 15, 2026, MOTOR FAN Illustrated Vol.232 hits the shelves, featuring a detailed exploration of the automotive industry covering sourcing, production, and sales processes. With the concept of 'understanding technology to enhance the fun of driving,' this monthly magazine takes a technical look at critical aspects of the automotive sector. This latest issue presents an intricate feature on the topic 'Sourcing, Production, and Sales in Automotive.'

In the highly complex world of automotive manufacturing, cars are not merely assembled; they are crafted from tens of thousands of components. For OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), effectively managing these supply chains and ensuring the stable delivery of high-quality vehicles is paramount. The quest for new parts at reasonable prices, coupled with the need to update manufacturing equipment for efficient mass production, is crucial. The magazine thoughtfully examines this entire sequence of operations within the automotive industry.

Initially, the process of producing a passenger vehicle begins with the development of a product plan, followed by sourcing necessary parts. The first chapter dives into the procurement aspects, discussing how OEMs engage with suppliers, the types of parts received, and the timing of orders.

The second chapter is dedicated to production. It elaborates on fundamental methods such as press molding and casting for shaping materials. Various manufacturing processes, from welding and adhesive bonding to battery production, which require precision and chemical expertise, are analyzed.

Introducing Toyota’s GR GT, a flagship sports car designed as a ‘racing car for public roads.’ The magazine dissects the engineering behind its all-aluminum body frame, V8 engine featuring dry sump technology, and transaxle transmission. Insights from race engineers contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of this high-performance vehicle.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• - 005 mf eye: Celebrating 50 Years of BMW 3 Series
• - 007 mf eye: Isuzu Unveils Level 4 Autonomous Vehicle Testing
• - 008: In-depth Analysis of Toyota GAZOO Racing's GR GT
• - 014 Event Report: CES 2026 Highlights
• - 020: Diverse Energy Solutions in Automotive by MAHLE
• - 024: The Evolution of Lexus RZ
• - 028: Illustrated Feature on Procurement and Production
• - 030 Chapter 1: Procurement

- Case 1: Over 30,000 Parts in a Passenger Vehicle
- Case 2: Balancing Production of 840,000 Units with a 15% Profit Margin
- Case 3: Mercedes-Benz’s Tomorrow XX: Considering Recycling
- Case 4: The Need for Open Source Software in Automation

• - 044 Chapter 2: Production

- Case 1: Crafting Designs with Press Molding and Die Casting
- Case 2: Innovations in the Joining Processes Enhancing Vehicle Performance
- Case 3: 3D Printing vs. Metal Forming
- Case 4: The Precision Process in Battery Manufacturing

• - 058 Column: Designers Interact with Engineering and Production Areas
• - 062 Chapter 3: Sales

- Case 1: Impact of Tariffs on the New Car Market
- Case 2: Trends in Japan’s Vehicle Registrations
- Case 3: Overview of New Models Launched by Japanese OEMs in 2025

• - 074 BirdView: Comprehensive Overview by Shigeo Makino
• - 076 Racing Car Engineer’s Perspective: Tsutomu Nagashima
• - 078 Legacy of the Internal Combustion Engine: Episode 13
• - 080 New Car Insights by Reiichiro Fukuno
• - 084 Driving Impressions: BYD SEALION
• - 086 Formula E Season 12 Kick-off
• - 090 Event Report: Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Highlights
• - 094 MFi Special Report: Panasonic Automotive Systems Renames to Mobitera
• - 096 Next Issue Preview

Purchase Information

MOTOR FAN Illustrated Vol.232 will be available for purchase at a price of JPY 2,100 (excluding tax) starting January 15, 2026. For more details, visit San-ei's Official Website.

This edition promises to be a treasure trove of information for automotive enthusiasts, professionals, and anyone keen to grasp the intricacies of the automotive crafting process.

About San-ei

San-ei has over 70 years of experience in publishing automotive and racing-related magazines, leveraging diverse resources and extensive networks to broaden its coverage across various genres, including sports, fashion, and outdoor activities. They continually strive to enhance brand power and expand their content across web and video platforms.

Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
President: Kenji Suzuki
Founded: October 1947
Incorporated: September 17, 1952
Capital: 980 million yen
Employees: 141

For further information, visit San-ei's Corporate Website.