European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - August 08, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Page 14 the stars and stripes automotive monday August 8,1994 american mad automobiles became the Best Selling foreign vehicles in Japan in july edging ahead of German cars for the first time the Japan importers association said. Sales of car from the United states shot up 79.6 percent from the same month last year to 11,536 vehicles in july while those of German models Rose 7.4 percent to 10,437. It was the first time that monthly sales of  vehicles exceeded that of German autos since the association began keeping statistics in 1960, said association spokesman Hisayoshi Minami. Minami said lower prices by Ford motor co. And Chrysler corp. Greatly helped to boost Overall . Sales i Japan along with growing consumer interest in foreign models. The japanese yen s continued appreciation against the Dollar helped importers reduce retail prices. The Dollar has fallen More than 10 percent against the yen so far this year. By automaker 727 passenger cars from general motors were sold in july 1,289 cars from Ford 1,367 from Chrysler 5,603 from Honda Usa 898 Toyota motor s . Plant and five from Nissan motor s . Plant. � Rolls Royce will Stop building convertibles finishing production with 24 special edition Turbo charged corniche s Ragtop Over the next four months. The new models will be the fastest convertibles Ever from the British automaker which has struggled with declining demand for its Rolls Royce Sand Bentley. Rolls Royce has slimmed Down so it can be profitable on a production of just More than 1,300 cars a year. It turned a Small operating profit last year and sales for the first half of 1994 were 2.6 percent higher than in the first six months of 1933, spokesman Reg Abbiss said. Models produced by Rolls Royce Range from the entry level Bentley Brooklands with a suggested retail Price of $147,100, to the Rous Royce touring limousine list Price $337,100. The current version of the corniche lists at $269,000. The company had t decided last week How much extra the Turbo charged version would Cost. _ the . Government wants to eliminate discomfort As a reason for not using automobile safety belts. The National Highway traffic safety administration said last week that it plans to require motor vehicle manufacturers to produce seat belts that Are More comfortable and convenient Touse. We believe that Many people find seat belts uncomfortable and Aren t using them or use them incorrectly. Improve the Comfort and fit should encourage Correct and More consistent use of belts As we strive to meet our National goal of 75 percent Belt usage said Christopher a. Hart acting head of the administration he said the new Rule will require belts to be adjustable so the shoulder Belt will fit More people comfortably. Last month the Agency announced Arule permitting the manufacture of Belt positioning Booster safety seats which Are used in combination with the car s Lap and shoulder Belt for older children. The Agency said that safety Belt usage nationally is 66 percent. It said the new Rule will take effect sept. -1,1997, to match the schedule already in place to redesign vehicles to provide Driver and front seat passenger air bags. By that Date 100 percent of passenger car Sand 80 percent or Light trucks must be equipped with air bags and manual belts. A from wire reports More women live to ride motorcycling in . Fast moving beyond big just a Guy thing by Kristin Tillotson. Minneapolis St Paul Star Tribune Lisa Kinney likes to Tell a Story about How she and 18 other women roared into the. Parking lot of. A Highway Motel near the Iowa Minnesota Border one night Las summer Road weary and ready to bag some big time is. The owner took one look and All he saw was 19 motorcycles said Kinney a Minneapolis attorney. At first there was no Way he was going to let us stay. We really had to cajole him promising there would be no  Clad in a snug fitting Black leather jacket and Gauntlet gloves by Hein Gericke a Brand favored by serious motorcyclists Kinney swung off her Brilliant purple Rac ing Bike a Kawasaki ninja. As she re moved her helmet and gave her business like Strawberry Blond hair a shake she looked younger than her 29 years. My Bike s the fastest one Here. They say it can go 147 Miles an hour she said. And what s Kinney s personal record Speed "well.,. 105." she hesitated then added a disclaimer but Only once 3ut