Three Honda models due for 'product update'

Monday, September 05, 2011

Three Honda models due for 'product update'

PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia today announced a "product update campaign" on the Civic, City and Jazz.

The vehicles involved in the campaign are Civic 2006 year-model (YM) - 2008YM, City 2006YM-2007YM and Jazz 2005YM-2007YM.

The affected cars are (from bottom to top) Jazz, City and Civic.

Honda Malaysia said all current selling models are not affected.

“Honda Malaysia would like to apologise to all customers for the inconvenience caused," said Honda Malaysia managing director and CEO Yoichiro Ueno.

"The campaign aims to implement a few preventive measures against technical failure. This is an early call for inspection and replacement, of which we believe could sustain the best product performance for customers in spite of the technical irregularities.”

For Civic 2006YM-2008YM, the power steering feed hose may leak oil when the hose deteriorates after running in hot and humid weather. Though the affected units may not cause serious safety issues, the possibility of a technical breakdown might show in the future.

Honda Malaysia will change the rubber material for the power steering feed hose to improve its heat resistance. The campaign is expected to involve 16,537 units of Civic 2006YM-2008YM.

Meanwhile, City 2006YM-2007YM and Jazz 2005YM-2007YM are prone to possible failure of the power window master switch, which under certain conditions, could cause a minor short-circuit resulting in a burnt smell.

Honda Malaysia undertakes to change all the affected units with a counter measure power window switch. The product update campaign will involve 20,949 units of City 2006YM-2007YM and 2,970 units of Jazz 2005YM-2007YM.

The company said necessary replacement would be carried out when the parts are ready and it would bear all costs incurred.

All owners of affected units involved are to send their vehicle to an authorised dealer as soon as they receive notification from the company.

For more information, call Honda’s toll-free number at 1-800-88-2020 or visit any authorised Honda dealer. Customers are advised to call for an appointment to avoid long waiting hours.

SOURCE

Ministry to meet car industry reps on HP Act

The Star: Friday, June 24, 2011

SOURCE: 

KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry will be meeting financial institutions and used car industry representatives to discuss issues on vehicle sales, resulting from the recently amended Hire-Purchase Act 1967.

Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said he had instructed the ministry's legal and enforcement departments to do so.

Ismail

Regarding complaints of a slowdown in car sales since the amended Act took effect on June 15, Ismail said, “We will need to look at the causes of the problem.”

He reiterated that the Act was amended to protect the interests of consumers.

“Of course, with the amended Act, the documentation process (by financial institutions and vehicle dealerships) is more troublesome and takes more time,” Ismail said yesterday after officiating at a function concerning the Government's Tukar (transform) initiative, aimed at helping traditional sundry shops stay competitive.

To recap, car marque franchise holders and dealers contacted by StarBiz recently said they were worried about the possibility of trickling cashflow, a rise in booking cancellations and longer lead-time for completion of sales resulting from the amended Act.

Malaysian Automotive Association president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said on Wednesday that the amended Act had definitely impacted car sales and there were “teething” problems in the vehicle retail trade.

The Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia and Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Association of Malaysia have urged the Government to defer and review the amendments to the Act.

Govt suspends plans to scrap old cars

 KUALA LUMPUR: The government does not plan to dispose of all vehicles over 15 years old because it does not yet have a suitable mechanism for doing so, Deputy Transport Minister Jelaing Mersat said.

The government would also have to get the views of non-governmental organisations and the public before disposal of all old vehicles could be enforced, he told the Dewan Negara.

Although use of these old vehicles was allowed, the road transport department and police were ensuring that they were road-worthy, he said when winding the debate on the motion to thank Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin for his royal address on Tuesday.


 -Bernama

World's biggest Rolls-Royce showroom opens

World's biggest Rolls-Royce showroom opens

ABU DHABI: The largest Rolls-Royce showroom in the world has opened in the Umm Al Nar area of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The new 900 square metre showroom provides space for displaying five Rolls-Royce motor cars, a coffee bar and a customer configuration lounge including colour and trim samples. The showroom is also directly linked to a Rolls-Royce service facility.

“The showroom opening in Abu Dhabi represents one of a line of new and expanded Rolls‑Royce showrooms which have been unveiled throughout the Gulf region in the last 18 months," said Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös.

“The Middle East continues to be an important driver in the global growth of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Last year the region contributed over 15% of our global sales."

The occasion was marked by the unveiling of a Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection Phantom Drophead Coupé.

One of a collection of 100 customised Phantom models, the cars were built to mark the Centenary of the Spirit of Ecstasy, 100 years since the world’s most instantly recognisable bonnet figurine was first fitted to Rolls-Royce cars.

END OF ARTICLE...

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Tata keen to work with Proton, says DPM Muhyiddin

Tata keen to work with Proton, says DPM Muhyiddin

March 10, 2011, By Danny Tan  

SOURCE: PAULTAN.ORG (Click on the Title - in Blue, underlined for the link to source).

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is on an official visit to India, has revealed that Indian carmaker Tata Motors has expressed interest to enter the Malaysian market. The maker of the world’s cheapest car plans to do this by working with national carmaker Proton.

“Mr Tata (Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata Group) is keen to work with Proton again. About seven or eight years ago there were some joint discussions to manufacture cars but nothing came out of it. Now our automotive policy is more liberal and there are new opportunities,” Muhyiddin said.

“It’s now up to the Proton management to study this proposal and whether a car like the Nano can be brought into Malaysia. Perhaps we can also come up with a kereta rakyat costing about RM20,000, modelled after the Nano,” the DPM suggested to Malaysian journalists in Mumbai.

“He felt there should be some synergy because they had been in the automotive industry for a long time. He can bring his technical team to discuss with Proton or Perodua,” added Muhyiddin, although we’re not sure if Perodua, which is part owned by Daihatsu and has its own compact car plans, will be interested in such a development.

A cheap Tata Nano based kereta rakyat, anyone?

 

GM Korea says goodbye to Daewoo, hello to Chevrolet

GM Korea says goodbye to Daewoo, hello to Chevrolet


SEOUL: GM Korea Co, the South Korean unit of US automaker General Motors Co, will officially launch the Chevrolet brand in South Korea this week, saying goodbye to Daewoo, a name that has endured in South Korea for the past 28 years, Yonhap News Agency reported the company as saying Monday.



The name of the company will officially be changed to GM Korea from GM Daewoo also from Tuesday, it added.


"The change of the company name is an evolution from a company that does export sales and also domestic sales. We are a global company that works in Korea. This is a revolutionary pivot for us and an imperative decision," GM Korea president and CEO Mike Arcamone had said, introducing the new company name and the Chevrolet brand for the first time in January.

GM Korea has already introduced three Chevrolet vehicles in South Korea - the multi-purpose vehicle Orlando, small passenger car Aveo and Chevrolet's iconic sports car the Camaro - with their deliveries scheduled to begin late next month.

The company plans to introduce an additional five Chevrolet vehicles here this year under what Arcamone has called an "unprecedentedly aggressive launch programme" designed to boost the company's domestic sales.

"This is a good change. It is in the best interest of customers, our company, its employees, shareholders, dealers, suppliers and indeed the people of Korea," he had said.

All new makeovers of former GM Daewoo cars will also come with the Chevrolet brand.
The only immediate concern for GM Korea and its officials is that many local customers, unfamiliar with the Chevrolet brand, may mistake their new vehicles as products by an entirely different or smaller manufacturer as, in South Korea, the name of a vehicle brand is almost without fail the name of its maker, a GM Korea official noted.


To prevent such confusion, the company is planning a massive launch event here Tuesday when it will also announce new marketing strategies that have "never been seen before" in South Korea for new Chevrolet vehicles, the official said.


GM Korea is struggling to increase its market share in South Korea to a double-digit number as it failed again to do so in 2010, though only by 0.5 percentage point.


The company currently is the third-largest of five automakers in South Korea, where over 80 per cent of the market is controlled by top automaker Hyundai Motor Co and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp.

-Bernama

Government To Maintain Present RON 95 And Diesel Prices

Government To Maintain Present RON 95 And Diesel Prices

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- The government will maintain the current fuel price for RON 95 at RM1.90 and diesel at RM1.80 despite the escalating global oil price, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said on Thursday.

It will instead discuss with the Finance Ministry for alternatives to cushion the increase, he said.

"The government will retain current prices and look at other options or alternatives even if the government's load increases.

"So far the situation can be handled without raising the price of RON 95 and diesel," the minister told reporters after announcing Bank Rakyat's annual financial results here.

He said the budget allocated for subsidy this year was RM10.3 billion and if the price trend continued, this could reach up to RM14 billion.

The RM10.3 billion subsidy covers petroleum, RON 95, diesel, LPG gas, sugar, rice and cooking oil.

Last December, the prices of RON 95 and diesel price were each increased five sen to RM1.90 and RM1.80 per litre respectively.

On the alternatives being looked at, he said there would be a review on the petrol and diesel quotas received by certain parties.

Asked when both ministries would finalise the discussion, he said decisions would be made as soon as possible.

"It won't take long. The more time is taken, the higher the amount of subsidy the government would have to bear," he added.

He said as an importer of food products, the country would also have to bear the increase in the prices of imported food products.

Commenting on whether prices for other subsidised products would be increased since the fuel price would not be hiked, Ismail Sabri said the government was not looking to increase the prices of other subsidised products.

"Effective Feb 1, subsidy has been stopped for all factories producing food products and drinks using 500 metric tonnes of sugar a month.

"The government would be able to save RM128 million," he said.

-- BERNAMA

International award for Nasim

It says a lot about a distributor whenever recognition is made of its efforts by a principal which deals with many other distributors globally. In the case of Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia, the recognition of its strong efforts in growing the popularity of the French cars has come in the form of an International Award from Automobiles Peugeot.

At the Peugeot 2011 Convention for Worldwide Distributors in Spain recently, Nasim was presented with the Successful Industrialization and Commercial Launch of the 207 Award

“This award from Peugeot is recognition of our efforts in manufacturing the 207 in Malaysia for right-hand drive markets in the region. At present, we have had over 600 bookings for the new 207 and it is currently the most attainable European offering in the market,” said SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group Executive Chairman of the Naza Group of Companies and CEO of Nasim, who received the award.

The 207 is produced at Naza Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd’s plant in Gurun, Kedah, for both the domestic and export markets. It was launched in November 2010 and is already being exported to Thailand. Exports to Indonesia, Brunei and Sri Lanka will commence in the first quarter of 2011. The 207 project is the first one in which Peugeot is collaborating with Nasim to make Malaysia the French carmaker’s manufacturing hub for the region.

To know more about the 207 and other Peugeot models in Malaysia, visit www.peugeot.com.my

SOURCE: MOTORTRADER Website...

Airbags compulsory for all vehicles from 2012

Airbags compulsory for all vehicles from 2012
BERNAMA January 21, 2011

Research shows that most fatal accidents involved front passengers who did not use the safety belt and did not have an airbag.

RANTAU PANJANG: All vehicles, except four-wheel drives, will be required to be fitted with airbags from next year, Transport Minister Kong Cho Ha said today.

He said the measure was to reduce risks of death in road accidents.

The government was particularly concerned with fatal accidents due to inadequate safety equipment, he told reporters here after launching the road safety campaign in conjunction with the coming Chinese New Year.

He cited research done by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety which found that most fatal accidents involved front passengers who did not use the safety belt and did not have an airbag.

Kong said his ministry would ensure that vehicles manufactured in the country and the national car were equipped with safety airbags before the new regulation was enforced.

He said there would be no problem with imported vehicles as most of them came equipped with safety bags.

– BernamaTr

BMW Malaysia CNY offers

CNY @ BMW.

 

SOURCE: http://www.bmw.com.my/cny

Gong Xi Fa Cai. Come celebrate the New Year with us from now till 2 
February 2011. We have lots of X-citing offers and fun-filled family
activities in our showrooms to make this festive season all the more Joyful.

	•	New BMW 3 Series Editions: the new BMW 323i Exclusive Edition, the BMW 325i Sports Edition and the enhanced BMW 320d M Sports.
	•	Attractive offers for selected units.
	•	CNY Open House at all BMW Authorised Dealers on 15 & 16 January 2011. For full details on all the fun activities, please click here.
	•	Free safety check with special gifts and angpows to redeem.

Terms and conditions apply.

UMW Toyota LATEST Promotions...

In this blog entry, I'm covering UMW Toyota LATEST Promotions.  Apparently, for the month of December, ALL UMW TOYOTA Models EXCEPT  the PRIUS have Promotions...  Below are highlighted models... (Double click to enlarge)...

In addition, there's a TEST DRIVE AND WIN Promotion for New Toyota Corolla Altis.  This promotion's from 1 December all the way to 28 February 2011  For every test drive, you entitle to win one of these prizes:

50x Garmin Nuvi 1350 GPS

50x Shopping voucher worth RM880

50x Sony Handycam SX Series

OR


BUY A COROLLA ALTIS and win even BIGGER Prizes:

50x Sony 40x FULL HD BRAVIA LCD TV

50x Shopping Voucher worth RM2000

50x Dell VOSTRO 3300...

ALSO,


Instant gift of a "sporty" water bottle with every test drive...


HAPPY SHOPPING!!!  Please visit your NEAREST Toyota Showrooms for promotions of OTHER TOYOTA Cars.  I repeat, ALL UMW TOYOTA Cars EXCEPT PRIUS got Offer...


THE END...


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CKD Passat and Jetta coming up

STAR MOTORING: CKD Passat and Jetta coming up

SOURCE Website

KUALA LUMPUR: It's all systems go for the local assembly of two Volkswagen models.

For VW fans, this is welcome news as it means a lower entry point to German car ownership.

DRB-Hicom and Volkswagen AG are looking at starting production in the fourth quarter of 2011 with the assembly of the Passat sedan first followed by the Jetta at the DRB-Hicom plant in Pekan, Pahang.

Mohd Khamil (left) exchanging documents with VW head of sales (China/Asean) Wei Ming Soh. Witnessing the event are Najib and Klingler.

The cars will initially be made for local consumption and later exported to other Asean markets.

Speaking at the ceremony where DRB-Hicom signed an exclusive collaboration and licence agreement with Volkswagen,  VW AG management board member Christian Klingler said:  "Developing the market potential of the Asean region is of major significance for the Volkswagen Group’s long-term growth strategy."

The deal worth RM1bil followed a Memorandum of Understanding signed by both parties in August to study the feasibility of the local production of Volkswagen passenger cars in Malaysia.

DRB-Hicom and VW have agreed to share costs in a ratio of 70% to 30% respectively.

Klingler said the Malaysian market, where more than 570,000 vehicles were sold in 2010, played an important role in the VW’s strategic planning.

"We will be using existing structures and capacities at the DRB-Hicom plant in Pekan to systematically extend our presence in the Malaysian market of the future."

Klingler said there were plans to manufacture about 40,000 to 50,000 VW cars a year at the plant.

VW has plans to build further Volkswagen models for the Malaysian market on the basis of a local full scale production in a second expansion phase from the end of 2012, he said, with some quarters suggesting the Polo was a possibility.

DRB-Hicom group managing director Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil said the Pekan plant has a maximum capacity of 96,000 vehicles a year.

“To date, our capacity is about 25,000 to 30,000 (units) per annum, so there’s still a lot of space to accommodate VW."

He also said DRB-Hicom and VW would step up localisation to achieve local content of as much as 40%.

Both parties would identify suitable local vendors, not only to supply parts and components for local assembly but also to look into the global supply to VW operations, he added.

On the Passat and Jetta, Mohd Khamil and Klingler did not want to disclose the specifications.

Mohd Khamil said it was also too early to reveal prices. On whether DRB-Hicom would be assembling Audi, which is part of the VW group, Mohd Khamil said it was premature to say if a deal was in the pipeline.

Also present at the signing ceremony were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

In his speech, Najib said the government offered various incentives for car makers such as tax relief under the National Automotive Policy.

He said VW's entry with advanced car technology and expertise would add value to the automotive value chain and holds the promise of turning Malaysia into a regional hub.

Could this little 'un be up for local assembly in the not too distant future? Many will hope so.

Najib said Malaysia was in a strategic position to serve as a regional hub because of its accessibility by road, air and sea.

He said the partnership with VW "will also advance our local automotive technology and transfer technical expertise for the assembly, testing and quality assurance of CKD models."

Najib showed a humourous side, saying that as MP for Pekan, he would make it a point to personally monitor the development of the partnership. His statement was greeted with laughter from the audience.

DRB-Hicom has the largest automotive production network in Malaysia and builds passenger cars and commercial vehicles at its plants in Pekan and Malacca. 

DRB Hicom is also a car dealer and importer with a nationwide sales network.

END OF SOURCE...

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NST: Car of the Year 2010 Winners announced

SOURCE:
http://www.cbt.com.my/101126/car-year-2010-winners-announced

The News Straits Times MAYBANK Car of the Year 2010 Winners were announced at the COTY Gala Dinner held at The Saujana, Kuala Lumpur on 26 November 2010.

Appended are the winners by their respective categories.
The Gala Dinner pics are available at the CBT Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/cbtpage
COTY 2010 Category Winners

1 - Entry Level Car
Hyundai i10 (1.25 Kappa)

2 - Compact Car
Ford Fiesta - (Hatchback/Sedan)

3 - Family Car
Naza Kia Forte

4 - Executive Car 
Hyundai Sonata

5 - Premium Executive Car (below RM300,000)
Volkswagen Passat CC

6 – Premium Executive Car (above RM300,000)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (E200 CGI)

7 - Limousine
Jaguar XJ

8 - Performance Car (below RM300,000)
Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk6

9 - Premium Coupe/Cabriolet
Audi A5 Coupe

10 – Compact MPV (Below RM150,000)
Perodua Alza

11 – Large MPV
Mazda 8
Ssangyong Stavic

12 - SUV (Below RM200,000)
Hyundai Tucson (2.4 L)

13 – Premium SUV
Mazda CX-7

14 - SUV (RM280,000 - RM350,000)
Mitsubishi Pajero

15 - SUV (RM350,000 and above)
Porsche Cayenne (S Hybrid)

16 - Pickup Truck (4x4)
Isuzu D-Max 2.5 Super Common Rail

17 - Pickup Truck (4x2)
Ford Ranger Double Cab 4x2 XL





Public's Choice (Vote): Naza Kia Forte

Overall Car of the Year 2010 – Volkswagen Passat CC

Best Design Award – Volkswagen Passat CC

Automotive Man Of The Year : Naza Group joint group executive chairman SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin

 CLICK HERE FOR LAST YEAR'S RESULTS:
http://otoreview.blogspot.com/2009/12/nstmaybank-car-of-year-award-2009.html

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NEWS: Proton records RM105 mil profit in Q1, growth in all areas

SOURCE: Paul Tan's Blog

August 23, 2010 at 11:24 pm By Danny Tan

Proton records RM105 mil profit in Q1, growth in all areas

National carmaker Proton announced its financial results for the first quarter of the company’s 2010/11 financial year. It was positive figures across the board, with a headline of RM105 million profit before tax in Q1. This is significantly more than the RM13 million profit made in the previous quarter (Q4 09/10). In the same period of the previous financial year, Proton posted RM64 million profit before tax.

Riding on the 19% growth in Malaysia’s Total Industry Volume (TIV) for the first half of 2010, Proton sold 39,994 vehicles in Q1, which is 8% more than the corresponding period in 2009. Similarly, revenue rose to RM2.29 billion from RM1.85 billion.

Some of you might have been surprised at Proton’s position in our recent Thai market report post (Exora is the best selling MPV in Thailand), and the company is happy to announce that total exports have increased by 88% (8,303 units) compared to Q1 09/10. This figure takes into account the Gen2 and Persona CKD kits exported to China, which amounts to 60-65% of total exports. In the longer term, the company plans to introduce the Proton brand in China, making the world’s largest auto market its left-hand drive hub.

Proton, which has a presence in 29 countries, is working hard to boost exports as “the domestic market has reached saturation point and exports are needed to increase economies of scale,” according to Proton Chairman Dato’ Sri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh.

The company is also seeking to establish more CKD operations in other countries to replace the current CBU (except China) practice, as localisation to meet diverse needs is essential. The markets Proton is eyeing are ASEAN, China, Iran and India. The short term goal is to reach 40,000 export units this financial year.

Besides higher car sales, Proton attributed the improved financial showing to the ongoing efforts to rationalise its dealer and support network. Offering value added products/services, consolidation of dealers, increased efficiency and the promotion of the use of genuine parts all led to a 40% growth in revenue from service and spare parts in Q1.

At the media briefing, management revealed that the company is deep in a restructuring process that will see it being divided into four strategic business units (SBU). While not disclosing what the SBUs are (there could be a manufacturing arm and a dealer arm, for instance), it was explained that by doing this, it would be easier to collaborate with other companies.

For example, if company V wants to work with Proton on vehicle assembly, it would be possible for the manufacturing deal to happen without company V buying equity into Proton. V may be eyeing something Proton has, but may not want to manage another brand.

At the event, Proton MD Dato’ Syed Zainal also showed off some very interesting future products and plans. Stay tuned for more!

END OF ARTICLE. Source:

http://paultan.org/2010/08/23/proton-records-rm105-mil-profit-in-q1-growth-in-all-areas/

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HOT NEWS: Proton's NEW turbo engine gets 6-speed manual Getrag gearbox!

HOT NEWS: Proton's turbo engine gets 6-speed manual Getrag gearbox!

Proton is certainly moving up ahead with its new engine development.
According to industry sources, the new engine will be using turbo technology but is developed more for low end torque and fuel consumption.

The main target for the engine is for the Exora, which we was told will only happen next year.
We were told that the Low Pressure Turbo (LPT) system uses a turbine from BorgWarner  and pressure starts to kick in at around 1,800rpm.  Power should hover around 140hp.

Apart from the LPT system, the new engine will also be using a Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) system on the intake valves.

Transmission wise, the 6-speed Getrag gearbox is said to be chosen for the engine while a CVT gearbox by ZF will replace the normal torque converter automatic transmission system. Proton realises that it needs more control on the transmission and using Mitsubishi's will not allow them so.

The engine is loosely based from the CAMPRO block but many changes have been done to it (improved water jackets, etc) and that it should deserve a new name.

CBT editorial team  thinks the project's code name, Phoenix, is good enough.


SOURCE:
1) http://cbt.com.my/100319/proton039s-turbo-engine-gets-6-speed-manual-getrag-gearbox

NST/Maybank Car of the Year award 2009

Peugeot 308 Turbo wins “Overall Car of the Year 2008” Award

Source: Cars.Bike.Trucks website:
http://cbt.com.my/091214/peugeot-308-turbo-wins-%E2%80%9Coverall-car-year-2008%E2%80%9D-award

Submitted by salihin on Mon, 14/12/2009 - 12:36pm


The new Peugeot 308 Turbo made its mark when it won the New Straits Times/Maybank “Overall Car of the Year 2009” Award. The 308 Turbo was also a winner in the Family Car Award.

The winners for the New Straits Times/Maybank 2009 Awards were announced at a gala dinner at The Saujana Kuala Lumpur, hosted by the New Straits Times and title sponsor Maybank Berhad.

The guest-of-honour for the night was Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the Deputy Prime Minister.


Also present was Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of the Malaysian Automotive Association.

A panel of 10 judges, comprising motoring editors, an automotive blogger and other distinguished personalities unanimously voted for the Peugeot 308 Turbo as winner of the coveted “Overall Car of The Year” based on its impressive road handling, powerful performance, comfort and safety.

Judges were impressed by the car’s fuel efficiency, and the performance of the 1.6-litre direct injection turbo petrol engine, already an award winner internationally - but it was the 308 Turbo’s competitive price point and build quality that was the key factor in its win. The car also has a full-length panoramic glass roof, the only car in its class to offer such a feature.

The 308 Turbo is completely knocked down (CKD) and consists of imported parts from France. It is distributed by the official franchise holder of Peugeot Automobiles in Malaysia, Nasim Sdn Bhd (NSB), a member of the Naza Group of Companies.


The winner of the Good Design Award is the Toyota Prius. Already the number one selling hybrid car in the world, The Prius was selected not just for its beautifully sculpted shape, but also how much of its styling have been made to help its aerodynamic efficiency. Judges were also won over by the flowing lines of the car’s interior, the overall “cockpit” feel of the cabin, right down to the innovative use of storage space in the car.

The Volvo XV60, winner of the Luxury SUV award, added another feather to its cap by winning the Safety Award for its impressive list of safety features, which include the laser-based City Safety feature, Lane Departure Warning System and Collision Warning with Auto Brake, which uses radar technology for vehicle tracking.

The winners were selected from 68 new models introduced between December 2008 and October 2009, and judges took into account criteria such as exterior and interior design, comfort and ergonomics, performance, safety, emotional appeal, and after sales service including the comprehensiveness of its warranty. Points were awarded to the cars, and the vehicle with the most points wins the category. The overall Car of The Year winner was then selected from the list of 15 winners.

The night also saw history in the making when two distinguished names in motoring were selected as the “Automotive Man of The Year 2009” Award, Dato’ Dr Ang Bon Beng and Datuk Syed Abdull Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar.


Dato’ Dr Ang is the Executive Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor while Datuk Syed Abdull Hafiz is the Managing Director of Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua).

Dato Dr Ang was selected for his efforts in keeping the Tan Chong business thriving and making it the icon it is today, all this in spite of internal turmoil and pressure from its Japanese principal.

yed Hafiz was recognised for presenting a product loved by Malaysians for its quality, reliability and styling.

The Car of the Year Awards is the country’s first motoring award, and was launched in 2002 by Cars, Bikes and Trucks, the motoring section of the New Sunday Times, as a means to acknowledge achievements within the motoring industry.

The event is endorsed by the Malaysian Automotive Association.



1- Entry Level Car of the Year 2009 - Hyundai i10



2- Compact Car of the Year 2009 - Honda City



3 – Premium Compact Car of the Year 2009 - Fiat 500



4- Family Car of the Year 2009 - Peugeot 308 Turbo



5- Executive Car of the Year 2009 - Honda Accord 2.0 VTI-L


6- Premium Executive Car of the Year 2009 - Alfa Romeo 159


7- Limousine of the Year 2009 - Jaguar XFR



8- Performance Car of the Year 2009 - Mazda RX8


9- Premium Performance Car of the Year 2009 - Nissan 370Z



10- Midi MPV of the Year 2009 - Proton Exora



11- Large MPV of the Year 2009 - Hyundai Grand Starex Royale



12- SUV of the Year 2009 - Mitsubishi Pajero Sport



13- Premium SUV of the Year 2009 - Audi Q5



14- Luxury SUV of the Year 2009 - Volvo XC60 LE


15- Twin Cab Pickup Truck of the Year 2009 - Mitsubishi Triton


16 - Good Design Award 2009 - Toyota Prius



17 - Safety Award 2009 - Volvo XC60


18 - NST-Maybank Car of the Year 2009 (overall winner) - Peugeot 308 Turbo


Head of the Jury Panel, CBT Editor Yamin Vong delivering the citations for the Automotive Man Of The Year Awards


END OF SOURCE...

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I'm back and I CUT ALREADY! (18SX)

SORRY FELLOW READERS/FOLLOWERS, After 2 week hiatus, I'm back. I've ditched the WORST Broadband service provider, S-L-O-W (hey, it's only averaged 2x faster than 56k DIAL-UP MODEM (mine is RM66 512kb package + RM26 fixed line = RM92++), always down - DSL light blinking (my house is in Section 17, Petaling Jaya where it's full of UTAR/UM Students = always congested). This is no other than Streamyx, by Telekom Malaysia.

The reason I didn't post for 2 weeks is because:
i) Preparation of MOTHER'S 60th birthday party bash at Grand Millenium Hotel on 18 October.
ii) Sister's birthday on 23rd October
iii) Lastly, my ADSL Modem struck by lightling back in 3rd October 2009. Hence, I relied on 56k TMNET dial-up modem till TODAY. Hey, can't update much with average transfer speed of 4.1kbps right?

Well, I'm proud to announce: TODAY I FINALLY CUT ALREADY!!!

This is actually the 2nd time I CUT IT...

"WARNING 18SX": 1st time is REAL ONE when I was 14 years old. My "sunroof skin" is too THICK and can't open fully, dad said it'll be pain when making love in future. So he brought me to a hospital... AND CUT IT... Gotta wear SARONG for 3 weeks. Aiya... Long story man. End of the day, after the "surgery" my brother's NOT ONLY CLEANER, BUT grew 1.2" longer and slightly thicker in 3 years (by 17 years old)...

Without further ado, here's one of the funny leaflet found around Klang Valley.




I addition, here's some goodies I found in youtube. They have both the Radio and TV Commercials version which I found it very hilarious. Hence, I decided to share to you readers/followers of my blog:

RADIO ADVERTISEMENTS:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNSUKNck3kk
Cantonese

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpwgPZICpHM
Malay

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I_e2jkUTZ8
English

VIDEO ADVERTISEMENTS:
Cantonese 1: (Director's cut)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjM1OR0d-b4

Cantonese 2: (Director's cut)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDCCvDiKmEg

Malay version (Director's cut):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQiZhxvdxHU

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this "lame" blog entry...

All Models from Honda Malaysia are RON95 compatible

Petaling Jaya, 26 August 2009 - Honda Malaysia today announced that all models distributed by the company are compatible with petrol RON95 (Research Octane Number 95). The Company announced this following the government's decision to increase the price of RON97, along with the introduction of a more affordable option, RON95, which will replace RON92. The new fuel is available at RM1.75 per litre effective 1^st September 2009.

Honda Accord 2.0 VTi-L.

Honda's premium sedan-driving SUV in a new sophisticated colour - Taffeta White.

As RON97 is most commonly used, many are doubtful in switching to fuel with lower RON. Honda Malaysia assured all Honda drivers that RON95 should not affect any model distributed by its authorised dealers with the exception of Civic Type R.

"Since 2001, all Honda cars require a minimum RON91, hence, any number above the minimum RON is safe. The switch therefore will not affect the performance and fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Compromisation of performance and fuel efficiency will only occur when the RON is lower than the minimum requirement," said Mr. Toru Takahashi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia.

"Except for Civic Type R, of which we recommend RON97 because of its high performance engine. A higher RON will thus produce more power for this performance sedan. Otherwise, the performance and fuel consumption may be affected," he added.

In the event when fuel with lower RON is used, a condition called engine knocking will happen, which will result in reduced performance and fuel efficiency.

In order to prevent engine knocking, all models from Honda Malaysia are equipped with knock sensors. Knock sensors are detectors that signal engine operation to slow down the ignition timing (spark plug action) in case of engine knocking, which would consequently affect the vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency. These knock sensors can also run on fuel with a minimum octane number of 91.

For models distributed before 2001 or distributed by non-authorised Honda dealers, owners are advised to cross check the vehicle's minimum RON requirement by referring to their owner's manual.

For more information, please visit www.honda.com.my or call 1-800-88-2020 for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What exactly is RON?

RON stands for Research Octane Number, which measures the quality of fuel. It represents the fuel's ability to resist premature & uncontrolled combustion that occurs when fuel pre-ignites before the ignition spark plug.

2. What is engine knocking?

Engine knocking is caused by self-ignition of the fuel or air mixture, which is a result of using RON levels that is lower than the minimum requirement.

3. What is the minimum RON requirement of my Honda Car?

For all Honda cars produced in year 2001 onwards, the minimum RON requirement is 91. Honda cars are equipped with 'Knock Sensors' that detect the octane quality of the fuel used, enabling it to automatically adjust spark timing to prevent engine knocking.

We advice drivers that bought their cars from non-authorised dealers to check their owner's manual for minimum RON requirement.

4. Type-R RON Issue

It is recommended to use RON97 for Civic Type R because of its high performance engine, as it was tested in Japan with RON100 for optimum engine performance. Please note that this engine version with knock control can also run on fuel with a minimum octane number of 91; but performance and fuel consumption are affected as a result.

5. What is a Knock Sensor? Are all Honda cars equipped with Knock Sensors?

A knock sensor is a detector, which identifies engine knocking during spark ignition. When engine knocking occurs, the knock sensor signals the engine operation to slow down the ignition timing that will eliminate the knock, which may result in some power loss.

All Honda cars are equipped with Knock Sensor.

6. What fuel should I use & what RON works best for my car?

As long as the fuel used is not below the minimum RON requirement (RON91), it will be appropriate for all Honda Cars.

7. What is the effect to the engine if petrol of a different RON is mixed together?

As long as the fuel meets or exceeds the minimum RON required by the engine, mixing is fine & should not damage your engine. (except Civic Type R, recommended RON97). However, do note that different fuel brands come with different levels & types of additives, so mixing different fuels may not provide the optimum performance & efficiency for your vehicle.

8. Do I have to always pick the highest octane rating petrol for my vehicle?

Anything above the minimum RON requirement, which is RON91 for all Honda cars will be appropriate. (except Civic Type R, recommended RON97).

9. Will there be a reduction of fuel efficiency & performance with the use of RON95 from RON97?

The efficiency & performance will not be affected if the car uses above its minimum requirement RON which is RON91 for all Honda Cars. (except Civic Type R, recommended RON97). Loss of power & fuel efficiency will only occur when the minimum RON requirement is not met as the knock sensor signals the engine operations to retard its spark timing to eliminate engine knock.

Source: http://www.honda.com.my/newsevents/news/details.dot?inode=60509

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this...

Petrol Price Higher "because of subsidy"

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 2 – The price of petrol had to be adjusted upward “because of an increase in subsidy”, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak explained today.

He said the government was committed to a 30 sen subsidy for every litre of petrol sold to the rakyat (people).

“Our promise to the rakyat is a subsidy of 30 sen but the subsidy is currently more than 30 sen. So there has to be a slight adjustment, a minor adjustment," he told reporters after announcing the winner of the 1 Malaysia song competition at Bangunan Putra Perdana, here.

He was asked to comment on the increase in the pump price for RON95 from the RM1.75 announced earlier to RM1.80 per litre while RON 97 is now sold at RM2.05 from RM1.80 previously, both effective since yesterday.

As he was answering the question during the press conference, Najib said he would provide a detailed explanation later. – Bernama

Source: The Malaysian Insider, 4 September 2009.

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/36696-petrol-price-higher-because-of-subsidy

That's all folks... Feel free to post your comments here...

IN: SHOUTMIX and Nuffnang XChange, OUT: Chatango

Fellow readers of my blog, Did you guys noticed any changes?

Well, I've removed Chatango in My blog due to HYPER-UNFAVOURABLE response. Also "Chatango" is less popular among the Malaysians.

So, now, I present you SHOUTMIX AND Nuffnang XCHANGE (among Nuffnangers). I hope I can attract more and more visitors/readers to this blog...

Warmest regards,
Jeff Lim
ONLY Blog owner and editor...
(Contributors wanted).