Sunroof (A dedication)

I would like to dedicate this post to "SUNROOF".  I've been a HUGE Fan of Sunroof / Open-topped car since I was 3 years old (according to my dad).  I played with my relative's car's Sunroof back then. 

Just as automotive technology has evolved over the past century, so have sunroof systems. From the earliest partially removable cloth covers over a hoop frame (covered wagons) or trap doors in the roof of a stage coach, sunroofs have evolved to become user friendly, enjoyable and reliable vehicle features.

Today's sunroof provide a greater range of features and options than ever before, and technology is ever advancing to provide the next best thing to Convertible.  As vehicles evolve for the future, so will sunroof systems, and enthusiasts love for riding the open road with the wind in their hair and sun on their face.

The 1st car my family owned with Electric Sunroof was a metallic black Acura (Honda) Legend between 1997 to 2001.  It's a Year 1993 model V6 3.2 Quad-cam 24v Fuel Injection. 

In Malaysia, there's only 10% of cars with Sunroof or Convertible. Ie. 1 out of 10 cars.  Critics dismissed sunroof as Unsafe (avenue for thief to break the Glass sunroof), Leaking, Too HOT for Malaysian climate etc...  I TOTALLY DISAGREE...

Sunroof, especially Glass variants are Essential feature to appreciate KL Skyscrapers AT Night (Including KLCC).  Also, it's very useful in COOLER places like Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands.  Modern Sunroof such as Mercedes E-Class panoramic roof has SOLAR Panels built-in to their sunroof to help cool the car down and conserve battery power.

In addition, Cars with sunroof enjoyed up to 10% better resale value OR 10% more expensive to purchase VS its non sunroof versions.  Typical examples are Mercedes E-class Panoramic, Toyota Estima, Alphard, Harrier.

Without further ado, I now present you photos of different types of sunroof. Enjoy,,

Above: The Mother of all sunroof.  Earliest known "sunroof" car. 1940s Citroen 2CV.  Other types of sunroof:

Above: Peugeot 308 Panaromic Roof. Below, 1990s Canvas roof.

Above: Toyota Alphard 2x Sunroof. Below, Mitsubishi Airtrek 2x Sunroof.

Above: Toyota Harrier Panoramic sunroof. Below, Mini Cooper Panoramic Sunroof

Above: Subaru Legacy Outback XXL Sunroof. Below, BMW 525i Touring Panoramic sunroof.

Above: Mercedes B170 Lourved Panoramic Sunroof. Below, Mercedes E-class Panoramic roof

Above: Mercedes Cabriolet.  Below: MAYBACH Solar Panoramic sunroof

Other types of Sunroof:  

BELOW: FULL Length Slide-Electronic Glass Panoramic roof as seen in Porsche Targa.

Above: The Cheapest Sunroof type.   Below: FIXED type Panoramic Glass roof.

Above: Mercedes A-class Electronic Glass Lourved Sunroof. Below: Today's Common Electronic Tilt-slide glass sunroof.

FINALLY: PARTING SHOT.  Nice view  from Ford Escape's "XL-size" Electronic Tilt-slide Glass Sunroof.

REFERENCES:

1) http://www.sunroofs.org/sr-tech.htm

AFTA 2010... Broken Promises?

My Opinion:  READ THIS ARTICLE.  Notice the "BOLD" and LARGER Font.  Yes, According to this article, ASEAN Automobile prices in Malaysia supposed to revised by 1 January 2010.  But so far, NO NEWS...   Any IDEA?  Are we, Malaysian Shortchanged again?


Anyway, DO read this article...

ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)


Common Effective Preferential Tariff Scheme (CEPT) 

The CEPT scheme introduced in 1993 to eliminate intra-ASEAN import tariffs is now almost completed. The ASEAN-6 and Viet Nam have reduced duties on all products to 0-5 per cent. ASEAN-6 will eliminate duties on all products by 1 January 2010, except the limited Sensitive and Highly Sensitive Unprocessed Agricultural Products.


Lao PDR and Myanmar are expected to reduce duties on all products by 1 January 2008 except Sensitive and Highly Sensitive Unprocessed Agricultural Products. Cambodia is given until 1 January 2010 to do so. These countries and Viet Nam will eliminate duties on all products by 1 January 2010.


Indonesia and the Philippines have yet to offer rice and sugar for concessions. A special dispensation has been given to both countries to phase in these products by 2015.
Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar have also phased in all products into the CEPT Scheme, except for:

• 54 tariff lines of Cambodia;
  
• 203 tariff lines of Lao PDR; and
  
• 27 tariff lines of Myanmar.

These products are still placed under their respective Sensitive Lists. These products are to be transferred into the CEPT Scheme not later than 1 January 2008 for Lao PDR and Myanmar and 1 January 2010 for Cambodia.

Number of Tariff Lines at 0% for ASEAN in the CEPT Package 2007

Country	Percentage
	0%	0%	Total
Brunei D.	71.63	28.37	100
Indonesia (AHTN 2007)	66.48	33.52	100
Malaysia	81.42	18.58	100
Philippines	50.30	49.70	100
Singapore	100.00	-	100
Thailand (AHTN 2007)	54.37	45.63	100
ASEAN-6	71.54	28.46	100
Cambodia 3	5.79	94.21	100
Lao PDR	6.28	93.72	100
Myanmar	3.44	96.56	100
Vietnam	52.06	47.94	100
CLMV23	17.01	82.99	100
Total ASEAN	49.67	50.33	100

Source: ASEAN Secretariat, as of July 2007

Note : 1) GE products has been included with CEPT rates assumed = MFN 2) Last tranche of TEL has been included with CEPT rates assumed = MFN

Current Status of Tariff Reduction by Malaysia

Beginning 1 January 2007, Malaysia eliminated duties on 3,368 tariff lines under the CEPT Scheme. The remaining 2,291 tariff lines will be eliminated on 1 January 2010 to fulfil the CEPT commitments. These products are: automotive; iron and steel; glass and glassware; ceramic; and paper products.

GENERAL EXCEPTION LIST

89 tariff lines are exempted from tariff concessions under the CEPT Scheme. These products are: alcoholic beverages; and arms and ammunition.

Malaysia 's Commitment under the CEPT Scheme 

Status	No. of Tariff Lines	Threshold Compliance ¹ (%)
TOTAL	12,581	-
CEPT duties at zero per cent (As of 31 December 2006)	6,767	54.17 ²
CEPT duties eliminated by 1 January 2007 (including PIS products)	3,368	26.96
CEPT duties to be eliminated by 1 January 2010	2,291	18.34
CEPT Duties to be maintained at 5 per cent/20 per cent by 1 January 2010 (tropical fruits, sugar, tobacco, and rice)	66	-
Products not offered for tariff concessions under the CEPT Scheme (General Exception List) (alcoholic beverages and arms and ammunition)	89	-

Source: Ministry of International Trade and Industry
Based on ASEAN Harmonised Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) 2002


RULES OF ORIGIN (ROO)

ASEAN is simplifying the rules and procedures for using the CEPT Scheme to encourage trade among Member States.


To access CEPT tariff concessions ASEAN exporters/manufacturers can now choose the most convenient ROO, either:

• the existing 40 per cent local/regional value content;

or

• the relevant Product Specific Rules (PSR).
  ASEAN has adopted Product Specific Rules (PSR) for 1,453 tariff lines, effective 1 January 2007. Apart from these newly endorsed PSR, ASEAN has also adopted PSR for:
  
• 839 tariff lines of textiles and apparel (1 January 1996);
  
• wheat flour (27 April 2005);
  
• 23 tariff lines of wood and wood based products and 36 aluminium products (28 September 2005); and
  
• 35 tariff lines of iron and steel (1 September 2006).
  Negotiations for the second or final package of Product Specific Rules have been completed for the remaining tariff lines, except for 144 tariff lines which include automotives, iron and steel and chemical products.
  The Second or final package of PSR will be implemented by the first quarter of 2008.
  

NON-TARIFF BARRIERS (NTBs)

An agreed work programme was established in ASEAN to eliminate these barriers in three packages:

• 2008, 2009 and 2010 for ASEAN-5;
  
• 2010, 2011 and 2012 for the Philippines;and
  
• 2013, 2014 and 2015/2018 for Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam.
  

The NTBs are classified according to three types of boxes:

Boxes	Treatment
Green	These can be retained
Red	These will have to be eliminated
Amber	Elimination of NTBs in the Amber Box will be subject to negotiations

ASEAN countries are required to notify other members and ASEAN Secretariat when a specific Non-Tariff Measure (NTM) is being introduced.


A peer review process has been put in place to ensure that the implementation of NTMs is justifiable.

ASEAN INTEGRATION SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES (AISP)


The ASEAN Integration System of Preferences (AISP) is a unilateral scheme of preference given by ASEAN-6 that provides zero duty to products of export interest to Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam (CLMV).


As at December 2006, ASEAN-6 has offered zero duty for 3,195 products of the CLMV namely:

• Myanmar with 1,681 products;
  
• Cambodia (632);
  
• Lao PDR (494); and
  
• Viet Nam (388).
  

Malaysia has granted duty exemption on 793 products to these countries:

• Myanmar with 293 products;
  
• Viet Nam (237);
  
• Cambodia (179); and
  
• Lao PDR (83).
  

These duty exemptions are given to products such as:

fruits and vegetables;	chemical products;
rubber products;	wood-based products;
paper products;	electrical and electronics;
plastic products;	footwear;
furniture;	textiles and apparel; and
iron and steel.

ASEAN HARMONISED TARIFF NOMENCLATURE (AHTN)

AHTN is a harmonised product classification nomenclature implemented by all ASEAN member countries with the aim of further facilitating and promote intra-ASEAN trade.

The transposition of AHTN 2002 into ATHN 2007 among ASEAN members is on-going. Only Thailand and Indonesia have implemented and transposed their CEPT package into AHTN 2007.

Malaysia issued the gazette on 31 December 2007 and the AHTN will come into force on 1 April 2008. The application of the AHTN is expected to be extended to non-ASEAN countries by 2011
ENHANCED CEPT AGREEMENT

In August 2007, ASEAN agreed to review and update the CEPT Agreement to become a comprehensive Trade in Goods (TIG) Agreement for AFTA. The reasons are:

• to update some provisions to accommodate the current development in ASEAN;
  
• to provide legal standing to the Ministerial decisions pertaining to CEPT/AFTA;
  
• inconsistencies found between the provisions in the CEPT Agreement, Protocols and decisions of the AFTA Councils/AEMs;
  
• non-existence of some principle provisions such as Most Favoured Nation (MFN) treatment and National Treatment;
  
• some provisions in the CEPT need to be updated to be at par with the disciplines imposed in FTAs. and
  
• all past amendments to the CEPT agreements in different protocols will be merged into the new comprehensive agreement. 

END OF ARTICLE.

Source:
1) http://www.matrade.gov.my/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_hide_ASEANFreeTradeArea

Good car salesperson vs Bad car salesperson

Back in 2007, I spent 4 months (from July to October) working as a New Car Sales Executive.  I worked for Quasar Carriage selling Skoda cars, Mercedes Vito, Vaneo and Sprinter.

Hence, I think that I'm relevent posting this blog entry titled: "Good car salesman vs Bad car salesman".  Without further ado, Let's sit back and enjoy...

GOOD CAR SALESPERSON...vs....BAD CAR SALESPERSON
..................1) Ignored you, YOU have to approach him

1) Welcomes you with a Warm handshake and...         
introduce himself.
..................2) YOU have to ASK for the brochure + price
..................Leave you checking out the car YOURSELF.

2) Asked what kinda car you're interested in, pass..
you the brochure/price list & if the car is in
showroom usher you to the car.

..................3) IGNORANT, Unsure about the specs/features,
..................Argued with you.  Talk bad about competitors.
..................Misled customers (Eg. Airbag dangerous, ABS
..................easily Spoiled - From a Kah Motor Salesman
..................back in 2001 when asked about the absence of
..................ABS and Airbag in Accord VTI.

3) Brief you the features of the car/gadgets in car......
Knows the technical part of the car INSIDE OUT....
Compare with Rival's Car BUT DO NOT CRITIZE.
Don't argue with/Correct prospects.........................

.................4) Telling white lies/ misleading information. Eg.
................back in Early 2008, Tan Chong P.J. Salesman
................told me can get car before CNY but ended up
................MID-APRIL only we allocated the car.
................My dad was so furious that he Cancelled
................the booking of Grand Livina by Mid March.

4) Inform you about the Service intervals, Running......
 costs, Colour choices, warranties DOs and DON'T..
FUEL Consumption, Realistic Waiting lists..................

...............5) Hide freebies (Eg. my former colleague:
...............Customer got free T-shirt + Giant Umbrella, the
...............joker KEPT it for himself...

5) Give discounts and freebies + FULL TANK upon delivery.

...............6) Salesperson "TAICHI" the Insurance & Bank
..............loan to other people, ask Client to BID/Choose No Plate
..............themselves.  Some REFUSE to Pick up client's call/IGNORE
..............their Requests after closing deal. Did NOT tell the Client that
..............MODIFYING Rims, Engine parts, Suspension cause will
..............void warranty.

6) In the event of Closing Sale, Salesperson
accompany Client to Choose No, OR ask runner...
to tender the No. plate. Also, help to process.........
Insurance, tinting, PUSPAKOM Inspection and Loan Application
ADVISE Customer the Do's and Don'ts upon delivery. Eg. Don't
Modify the Engine parts, Suspension will VOID warranty. Don't
over rev the car for AT LEAST 1000km.

..............7) After getting PAID, DID NOT BOTHER
.............to call Clients. If Client complain, SLAM the
.............PHONE.  NO FOLLOW UP AT ALL.

7) After 1 week of sales, Call client to FOLLOW UP.
Ask them how's the car, any questions/problems. IF
there's DEFECTS/ISSUES, help client to follow up.

 ............8) THIS REALLY HAPPENED.  My Ex-colleague
.............Changed Client's Original 17"AMG Rims worth
.............RM4,000 with "bigger size" 18" TAIWAN AMG
.............Replica Rims (Worth RM1,300). He then RESELL
.............the ORIGINAL RIMS to third Party (Outsiders for
.............RM4,000).

8) Maintain a Relationship with Clients, Eg. Sent them.
Birthday greetings, Christmas, New Year Cards, chat.
with them occasionally. SHOW CONCERN & be a
GOOD LISTENER.....................................

LASTLY: A Good Car salesperson is a CARING, Energetic, Friendly, Humble, Knowledgeble (about the Product/Services), Polite, Sincere, GOOD Listener + observant, Diligent (Hardworking), Optimistic and MOST IMPORTANTLY TEACHABLE.

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry of mine.  An ORIGINAL JEFF LIM'S Production.  My Original Work.

ARTICLE: Forget subsidies, just give me cash

Forget subsidies, just give me cash

By Hafiz Noor, The Malaysian Insider

JAN 19 — In spite of opposition that saw the streets of Kuala Lumpur filled with pro-fuel subsidy groups during the Abdullah administration, efforts to liberalise the fuel subsidy regime has gone a long way.

Out of a number of its arguments, one that criticises the untargeted and blanket nature of the policy has gained tremendous traction. The fact that it benefits those who do not need or deserve the subsidy is clearly one of the main motivators — the bigger drivers are probably cost and waste — behind the reformation of the policy.

The Najib administration is addressing this particular criticism. That has resulted in multiple novel moves and proposals from the federal government. Among the proposals reported in the mainstream media are different prices for different groups, a cap on subsidised fuel consumption and access to subsidy based on engine size. While the moves and proposals may reduce the size of fuel subsidy either in value or in quantity, the proposals may appear too convoluted.

I appreciate the government’s effort at making the policy more targeted hence, less wasteful in terms of opportunity cost. Yet, these novel ways are really unnecessary given its simpler alternatives. In fact, the more convoluted the methods are, the more complex the implementation will be. That is a recipe for a disaster, policy wise.

Just observe the recent attempt to limit the sale of subsidised fuel to foreigners at the border. So complicated was it that everybody was confused and in the end, it did not work. Consumers found ways around the restriction.

There is a better and much simpler way to do to this.

Before we proceed to that better and simpler policy, it is crucial for us to recall the purpose of the fuel subsidy. Its goal is ultimately to reduce the cost of living of the less well-to-do Malaysians. On top of that, fuel subsidy is not the only way to achieve that goal.

With that in mind, the better alternative to the fuel subsidy is a simple cash transfer from the government to those who deserve it.

Why cash transfer?

The first reason is that it paves the way for total elimination of fuel subsidy to free up the market. Since free prices signal scarcity, individuals and entities will make decisions that are more reflective of the reality of the energy market. On top of that, it creates real competition among pump owners. The same system of free prices already exists in the United States and Australia. Its effectiveness is proven.

Not only that, elimination of subsidy at the pump reduces consumption, all else being constant. That means lower carbon emissions. In times when carbon emissions are a worldwide concern and in light of the Najib administration’s promise to announce a carbon cut roadmap in the near future, this is an opportunity to integrate transportation and energy policies together environmental policy. Such integration is important given that, according to the International Energy Agency in 2007, the transportation sector was the source of 30 per cent of Malaysia’s carbon dioxide emissions in 2005.

Thirdly, cash can be used for a variety of things and not just fuel. Maybe a beneficiary of such a cash transfer appreciates books or food more than fuel. This has the potential of increasing the beneficiary’s welfare higher than what a fuel subsidy policy can bring. If the beneficiary does appreciate fuel more than anything else, then he or she can simply buy the same amount of fuel he or she would have otherwise bought under the fuel subsidy policy. In other words, there are more choices. The economics behind cash transfer is clearly more welfare enhancing than a simple fuel subsidy.

The next question is, naturally, how to do it.

If the sale of subsidised fuel is to be limited, then the government will have a good idea about the maximum amount of money it needs to spend on fuel subsidy. Furthermore, the lower the cap, the higher the likelihood a beneficiary of the subsidy will exhaust his or her quota. From there on, certain statistical manipulations can give us the size of money transfer per capita required to make the cash transfer method the equivalent of the fuel subsidy policy in terms of value.

The cash transfer itself can be delivered to the deserving via the existing tax system. Here is another beauty of cash transfer. It pays only to those who have filed their taxes. Thus, this is yet another incentive for those who have yet to file their tax to finally do so.

For those who just want to fill up their vehicles, here is another reason to support a simple cash transfer instead of an explicit targeted fuel subsidy policy: no weird rule at the pump.

So, what about it that is not to like?

*The views written here are the personal opinion of the columnist.

END OF ARTICLE.  That's all folks, thanks for reading this WONDERFULLY WRITTEN ARTICLE. 

SOURCE: 

 1) http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/opinion/alice-nah/index.php/opinion/
hafiznoorshams/50045-forget-subsidies-just-give-me-cash

UGLY MALAYSIAN: SHOPPING Ethics...

Last weekend, I accompanied my Tenant to IKEA.  Guess what?

This is a GOOD PLACE to SPOT UGLY MALAYSIAN.  Here's what I observed during the 2 hours shopping:

1) They simply park their TROLLEY in the middle / walkway.  (See photo) 

 This is what they should do:

Park their trolley at the side or ensure that it don't obstruct the walkways.

2) They took the item, from the shelf, later changed their mind and SIMPLY PUT THE ITEM in ANOTHER DEPARTMENT/ SECTION.  (See picture Below, circled)

 

WHAT THEY SHOULD DO, Put back the item back into the shelf you took from.  Where it belongs.

3) TROLLEY FIGHTING (in the event of SALE). 
They will initially line up for the Trolley, when the trolley ARRIVES, they "FIGHT" or GRAB the trolley. 

4) AS SEEN IN HYPERMARKET: Peeling onion/Garlic and left the SKIN/Outer layer in the shelf.  OR Picking MANDARIN ORANGE from one box to another.  OR Pressing the Mango, Durian. 

5) QUEUING in WRONG LANES:  Eg. 30 items but lined up in ""10 items or less" lane / EXPRESS LANE.  Or "CASH ONLY" Lane, but opting to pay CREDIT CARD.

6) HOGGING the ESCALATOR: Eg. Despite saying "EXCUSE ME" they refused to move to the left, preferring to STAND say, 2 to 3 people side by side.

7) HUGGING, CARESSING  AND KISSING in PUBLIC.  Man, 1/5 couples in Malaysian shopping mall did this.  Example are FAMOUS DJ PIETRO FELIX and his Scantily Clad GIRLFRIEND as spotted in IKEA on the 3rd week of December.   I PERSONALLY  SPOTTED THEM, while queuing for payments, KISSING, CARASSING and Hugging EACH OTHER. 


8) AND THE LISTS GOES ON AND ON... 

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

Govt scraps end-of-life policy for vehicles

SOURCE: The Star, Saturday November 7, 2009
Govt scraps end-of-life policy for vehicles

KUALA LUMPUR: The Govern-ment has agreed to pull back the introduction of an end-of-life policy for vehicles, after taking into account the people’s views and feedback.

Since the announcement of the plan, the Government has received many complaints from the people who were generally not agreeable to the mandatory annual comprehensive inspection as a requirement for road tax renewal for vehicles aged 15 years or older, a statement from the International Trade and Industry Ministry said yesterday.

On Oct 28, the ministry an­­nounced the new National Auto­motive Policy, which included the vehicle end-of-life policy, reports Bernama.

Meanwhile, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said the Cabinet had decided to withdraw the policy after getting negative feedback from the public.

“The public, especially those living in rural areas, found this new policy a burden to them,’’ he said.

END OF SOURCE...

MY (JEFF LIM'S OPINION):

Hey, that's NOT ENOUGH! What About the "Abolishment of Chop Shops by 2011?"
PLEASE SCRAP THAT AS WELL. Otherwise, the Rural areas/poor folks with older cars will still suffer as they no longer can find USED parts/components for their car as they were FORCED TO BUY NEW SPARE PARTS. Owners' of currently LOWISH Maintenence Prestige conti-car such as Mercedes W124 E-class (which priced from RM20k (1986 230E) to RM45k (1995 E220 Masterpiece FULL SPEC) currently depending on year, specs and Engine Capacity) will suffer.

Besides the RURAL FOLKS, Ah Bengs, Ah Lians and other Kaki Modify would also be disappointed as they can no longer source USED REASONABLY PRICED ENGINE (from Chop Shops), Brakes, Rims, Gearbox for Transplant. This means NO MORE 6A12TT V6, 1.6 MIVEC, 4G93T EVO, B16A, B18C, H22A, Rotary Engines, M3 engine, B8 engines, Mira L500 Turbo and the lists goes on from 2011 onwards...

In my HUMBLE OPINION, there's nothing wrong with having "Chop Shops" (Potong Kereta) in Malaysia. EVEN Developed places such as England, Japan, Hong Kong and New Zealand still having "Potong Kereta" @ Chop shops...

LASTLY, THE EXCISE DUTY, SALES TAX and IMPORT DUTY IS STILL ASTRONOMICALLY HIGH. Up to 300%! Please do something about it by considering reducing it...

That's all folks, Jeff Lim Signing off... Thanks for having the time and patience to read this...

SOLUTION: For Habitual Double and Triple parkers...

This is a follow-up from my earlier posting "Of double and triple parkers".
http://otoreview.blogspot.com/2009/02/of-double-and-triple-parkers.html

Today, I have 3 friends' whose car was blocked by double parkers. One of my friend was blocked by NOT 1 but 2 cars. Ie. triple parkers. To these offenders, please AT LEAST have COURTESY to leave your Phone no. in or at the front windscreen.

If you think it's "ALREADY MY HABIT", sorry, can't help it... Then I have a solution for you. It costs between RM9.90 to RM12.90 only and it's more presentable than "writing a note/paper", thus better than DOING NOTHING and simply double/triple park...

Here's a sample picture of my SOLUTION:


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

Proposal... Roadtax based on insurance... (2nd reminding)

In this blog entry, I'm going to follow up on what I wrote back in

"Wednesday, December 19, 2007"
"Propose: Road tax based on insurance instead of... "

Again, I proposed ROAD TAX based on insured value instead of CC (Cubic Capacity). Why?

Because it's Unfair for say (Example 1) an 18 years 0ld 3200cc car (1991 Honda Legend) owned by a Pensioner worth RM12,000 but have to fork out RM4,000 road tax PA. The pensioner don't want to sell his car due to sentimental value. It's his LAST COMPANY Car which he bought over when he retire...


Again, it's unfair as (Example 2) A New 350,000 E-class owner only pay RM3xx roadtax PA. Why is it so? Because the car's a 1.8.

Example 3, a Retired VIP wants to keep his 1989 BMW 750iL V12, does it make sense to imposed RM18,000 a year when his car's worth RM1-2k LESS. Even though he's a VIP.

Can you sense the irony in this 3 examples?

To ensure fairness, the Government should implement this proposal As soon as possible (ASAP) so that some Rich folks won't get away with the Loophole. It's SHOCKING, a 1796cc Mercedes E200K worth RM350,000 owner only have to pay RM3xx roadtax whie 1 20 yrs old BMW worth RM10,000 gets to pay RM10,000+ oad tax per annum. Something needs to be done...

Difference between UK-spec and LOCAL Proton

Two days a go, I teman (accompany) my friend to a Dealer in Pudu, Empire motors. We were checking out a Proton Wira 1.5(M) 2003 or as low as RM23,600. That car came with Leather seat, Different seat (have lumbar support as well), Autocruise. Was told that at that time, buyer can choose between DUAL AIRBAGS OR Leather seats.
One thing I observed, the car got "HEATER", the BONNET is HEAVY, needed 2 hands to lift it up.

Earlier (1 week ago), we checked out 3 WIRA SE Limited (the black ones), the Materials such as Dashboard poorly fitted together AND the BONNET IS LIGHT (1 hand can lift it up). Apart from 16" rims and REAR DISC BRAKES (For 1st 10000 units only). Price RM27,000. All 3 units SAME PRICE @ Selayang CIty Mall.

This is for WIRA. For Saga Iswara, the difference is EVEN Clearer. Firstly it's the FUEL INJECTION, Secondly it uses Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore Dashboard, Thirdly, again BONNET HEAVIER (2 hands to lift it up instead of 1 hands). Also, doors slightly thicker. Some of the car has rear foglights...

ALSO, WAJA, In UK, it has TCS (Traction COntrol), Climate COntrol, 4 airbags, THICKER Bodyshell (to achieve 3 star NCAP), heavier...

OVERALL, UK spec Proton has BETTER BUILT QUALITY. Imagine 5 yrs warranty for "POWERTRAIN", engine in UK.

In Australia, 3 years, Unlimited mileage warranty...

Will post some photos by tomorrow, watch this space.

Laptop just got struck by lightning... Will be posting less often.

My DELL Inspiron 510m laptop got struck by lightning 15 minutes ago. Heard double "click" from my Voltage Regulator then, laptop emitted a soft "Boom". After that, cannot power on anymore. Is it a blessing in disguise? Is it time for a new laptop? I asked myself since the Laptop is already 5 years old.

But the WEIRD thing is that my Linksys AM300 ADSL modem is still working fine. Ie. NOT HARMED. Wonder HOW? and WHY?

Well, no use crying over spilled milk... Will try to repair the Laptop. In a meantime, I will be posting less often this month.

Now using dad's old 2005 laptop "CHINESE WINDOWS XP" IBM Thinkpad R51E Celeron Laptop. Very BULKY (3.5kg) and SLOW (256MB RAM only). Hey, it's a challenge for me as I dunno how to read and write "CHINESE BIG5". Yes, there's English keyboards but very annoying... Typed 1/2 way (English) automatically switched to "Chinese Big 5".

Re. RM5000 "discount" for >10 yrs car in exchange of NEW National Car

Friend's opinion: The announcement to scrap 15 years old car and get a rebate of 5K to buy a new NATIONAL car. But why new "NATIONAL" cars only. This seems like unfair to NEW Non-National car makers. What about used car dealer that sell 10 years old cars, who is going to buy it assuming the life line remain to 5 years (15 years) while the price stated by used cars dealers are base on market value.

Another problem will be the car price, our cars selling price are one of the most expensive through out the world due to high tax rate. Many people are unable to pay for the car installments despite having all kinds of downpayment discount and car loan offer.

Base on the report, there are about 1 million cars that were more than 15 years old on the road, why is this group of car owner not wanting to change new cars. There should be a study on this as well but I believe the reasons behind no doubt will include some of the above.

SECOND OPINION (Jeff's):

Cars that are 15 or more years old can still good and useful. My friend's car a 1979 Datsun 120Y is 30 years old (same age as me) this year and gives no problems at all. There are absolutely no reasons at all to scrap these old cars.

Unlike Singapore, the public transport in Malaysia is terrible. Without a car, no matter how old, it is very inconvenient to travel around. With good public transport, there is less need to own cars. As their old cars are scrapped, the owners can use and depend on public transport.

Typically, These old cars are fully paid and car owners are no longer burdened with payment installments.

Many of the owners of old cars are pensioners and retirees who can't afford to pay a few hundred Ringgit monthly installments. Even if they wanted to, no bank would lend them the money to buy a new car.

Some are people who just don't want to pay installments month after month. There are people like my friend (1979 Datsun 120Y owner) who don't see any value in a new car, other than to show off. An old car is perfectly fine to travel around.

A car/s is not an asset but the fastest depreciation liability. What else could lose 10% to 15% of its value after the 1st year? For a relatively cheap car of RM60K, this means a loss of RM6K - RM9K for the year or RM500 - RM750 per month.
How can a car ever be called an asset when there is absolutely no way for it to gain value but only to lose value?

Some old cars have very little residual monetary value left. Many of them are not even worth RM5K. But a RM1000 old car (such as Datsun 120Y) is good enough to travel around town.

BUT WHAT ABOUT GOOD RESALE VALUE CARS? Example "Honda Civic EK 1998". Guess what, this car I mentioned is STILL WORTH RM39,000. Isn't it CRAZY to offer JUST "RM5000 to scrap it? In my opinion, it's NOT JUST CRAZY but INSULTING as well. Another example is "MY CAR" 1999 Ford Telstar Ghia (longtermer in this blog). For your information, my car's STILL WORTH around RM18,000. MY SUGGESTION: Give RM5k for MORE THAN 20 YEARS OLD CAR INSTEAD OF 10 YEARS...

Like my friend, an owner of 1979 Datsun 120Y, Mr.Chieng said: "I'd prefer buying a property for investment over investing on a "New National car" (which this "package" is all about) and ended up paying $$$ INSTALLMENTS".

Of double and triple parkers...

The picture above shows irresponsible parent/s DOUBLE OR TRIPLE PARKED waiting to pick up their Kids from School. The School name is no other than "SRJK(C) Damansara". The location of the school alone is PHARKED UP. The TOWN PLANNER need a SHOT in HIS/HER HEAD for locating a School along a busy MAIN ROAD and right after a traffic light (Riana Green on the right). (adding salt to the wounds, the 2 lanes each side become 1 lane due to double parkers, WORSE, it merged into 1 lane right after the school).

Below, another shot of Double parkers.


Below, picture of "TRIPLE PARKERS".


ALSO, there's this 1-car-park-2-parking-lots, often occurs in "L-parking".

I'd like to raise up / suggest the following to curb this problems, especially rampant in 1) Taipan USJ, 2) Damansara Uptown, 3) SS2, PJ. 4) Subang Jaya near Taylor's college etc... HOW TO CURB these ISSUES?

0) Issue summons. This idea is OUT. Currently implemented by MBPJ and MPSJ. The offenders have the cheek to NOT TO PAY summons as their reason: NOT BY POLICE, pay not pay still can renew ROAD TAX. OR "TOO LAZY". Don't you know that MBPJ gave 50% discount to those paid within 2 weeks. Eg. RM30 for expired tickets => RM15.

1) Introduce "Wheel Clamping".
2) Tow their car/s away.
3) For 1-car-park-2-parking lots: Paste an A4 paper to the front windscreen. Use as much glue as possible. Or, Scratch their car if he/she's a REPEAT Offenders - ie. worked there, everyday can see their car double parked there. (NOT ADVISABLE, DO AT YOUR OWN RISK).

End of my ramblings... Thanks for reading this. A 100% ORIGINAL OTOREVIEW'S (JEFF LIM'S) piece of work.

Aaargghh! It's 2009 now, 12 years passed... Missed 1997!

Aarrrggh!!! 12 yrs passed… Missed 1997! How times flies... It's 2009 now... How I missed 1997, the best year of my life...

Time flies! It’s already 2009… Panic Panic!!! 12 yrs have passed. The year’s 1997, it’s "THE BEST YEAR OF MY LIFE"! Let’s take a trip down to Memory Lane: 1997…

I remembered 1997 clearly as if it’s yesterday… Remembered 80% of what happened back then (compared to 40% btw 2005-2007)…

I was studying in Hong Kong back then (dad transferred there from HSBC KL Branch to Hong Kong HQ). I was 17 yrs old at that time, finished my YEAR 11 (University of London GCE O’ LEVEL) in June 1997 and proceeded to year 12 TWO months later. Back in Malaysia for 2 weeks in between. Back then, I stayed in a 3000sq.ft HSBC Apartment in "The Peak" complete with FULL "Victoria Harbour view". I studied at the prestigious Island School (International British School), Mid Levels, Hong Kong.


I followed my Business Studies class trip to Guangzhou, China (Where I Drank whole bottle of Corona (Beer) for 1st time) AND worked 1 week in Star Cruises, Hong Kong as a Clerk during the Summer of 1997. I bought Nike AIRMAX 97′ with my 1st paycheque. The most expensive sneakers I ever bought (till today) at HK$1149 (RM500)… Spent a lot of money buying Quiksilver AND POLO RALPH LAUREN Merchandises, most are still in my wardrobe…

ENTERTAINMENT:

THE HIT Movie back then was TITANIC. A friend of mine watched the movie 20 times (a teenage girl). Hit Hong Kong Movie are "YOUNG AND DANGEROUS V" (Ku Wak Chye) starring Ekin Cheng. So hit that my INDIAN and Korean classmates also follow. Oh! Famous actress Athena Chu Yan acted in "Category III" movie.

The hit dance was MACARENA, "My oh my!" and YMCA. Hit band(s) in The UK (and Hong Kong) was Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys (Nick Carter was only 16 then), OASIS, and Hanson. Hit Cantopop singers were Sammi Cheng, Andy Lau. Nicholas Tse just released his 1st album (He's only 17 back then). Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera just started their singing career (both are only 16). Oh! Leann Rimes too just launched her 1st album at 13 yrs old! Rapper "NOTORIOUS BIG" was Shot dead, A song was written dedicated to him: "I'll be missing you" by P. Diddy and Faith Evans.

SPORTS: In tennis, Pete Sampras are world No.1 and Michael Chang world No.2, Manchester United won the 1997 English Premier League, Tiger Woods won his 1st Masters (at 21 yrs old), Our Men’s double badminton players Cheah Soon Kit/Yap Kim Hock were world no 2 (behind Rexy/Ricky), Nicole David won her 1st World Junior title at 14 yrs old…

At that year, my dad bought a USED 4 yrs old "Acura" (Honda) Legend 3.2L for about RM80,000 equivalent (Sold it in 2001 for a mere RM20,000). I learned driving at that year, though I failed 3 times before giving up eventually (Hong Kong driving instructor’s very strict). Got my license in Malaysia 2 yrs later (1999).

Also, I "witnessed" the Handover of Hong Kong from British Colony to China (though only on TV Live telecast). Lady Diana was killed in a High Speed Car Crash in Paris on 31 August 1997. It’s the month of August 1997 when RECESSION came… Currencies and Stock markets worldwide came tumbling down… In Hong Kong, Car prices also went down by up to 20% at the end of 1997. Lots of people were retrenched throughout Asia, hence the name "Asian Financial Crisis".

Malaysian currency dropped... From RM1 = HK$3 to RM1 = HK$2 or From USD1 = RM2.55 to USD1 = RM4.20 (before Tun Dr Mahathir pegged the Ringgit to USD1 = 3.8. Whole Asia stock market plunged...

Also, I MADE a LIFE GOAL PLAN BACK in 1997 and guess what? Almost NONE were met (ONLY ONE goal earlier than planned, own car at 21 - planned 23)… Only 2 are still on: 1) I’m supposed to made my 1st million by 2012, 2) Get married on 11/11/11, 11am.

Again, missed 1997 to 1998!!! I HAD forgettable and meaningless between years 2004 to 2007 - mid Millenium).

That's all folks, thanks for having the patience to read this "rambling" of mine...

FU-CKED UP Honda Showroom. Filled with RUDE...

In my previous blog entry, I checked out the NEW LAUNCHING of the HONDA CITY 1.5i-VTEC. The SHOWROOM, "Sumber Auto Edaran" in Jalan Universiti is FU-CKED UP... It's FILLED WITH UNETHICAL Service advisers and Sales Executives. Why? READ ON...

This is actually the 8th time I received a RUDE Treatment from this Showroom. Why I STILL FLOCK to the Showroom? It’s because the SHOWROOM Located ONLY 2km away from my house in Section 17, Petaling Jaya.

It all began in 2003, when the "NEW" Honda City was launched... Or rather, shortly after the showroom launched...

1st encounter in March 2003: Walked into the showroom with my dad and sister. We were treated as if we don't exist. NO ONE WELCOMED US because my dad was wearing "Shorts at that time"... Only after 10 minutes, a salesman "entertained us for a while". His name is Edwin Tan (more on him later, in 5th encounter).

2nd encounter: "NEW" ACCORD LAUNCH in November 2003. Again, walked into the showroom, again, treated as if we're invisible. Gotta approach a salesman. He's a HARD SELLING salesman who pushed us to book the car which we didn't. Salesman name forgotten. Gotta dig up the brochure to see the name card... He quit anyway... He SMSed me saying moving to Toyota about 4 mts later...

3rd encounter: NEW Civic Launch in 2006. This time, I'm alone. Again, treated as if I'm invisible, again, spent a good 10 mins exploring the car before a salesman entertain me. Was told that the waiting list was 4 months and counting, only produced 400 units a month at the moment. When ask about the unavailability of certain colour, the salesman walked away. Before that, again, hard selling tactic. Salesman Name forgotten. Again, gotta dig up the brochure.

4th encounter: NEW Stream Launch in 2007. Again, treated as if I'm invisible. Salesman got pis$ed off as I thrown in questions like why no rear aircond vents, why beige seats, why 15" rims, why so basic etc... Forgotten his name. Gotta find his name card.

5th encounter: NEW Generation Accord Launch recently (this year). Again, "treated as if I'm invisible. Again, 10 mins passed I explored the car, NO SALESMAN Entertained me. I had to approach a salesman. It's Mr.Edwin Tan again, showing his true colour. I approached him cause I've "seen" him 3 times earlier. Here's what he said: "Why don't you find another salesman as I’m very busy". I know he's busy but he should say: "Allow me to introduce another salesman, this is Mr.XXX."

6th encounter: General visit. This is NOT A RUDE Treatment, rather an ignorant salesgirl named "Grace Sam". She argued with me that new Civic 2.0IVTEC has 2 airbags instead of 4 airbags ALSO, waiting list 2 ½ months. Also, 1st impression gone as I saw here and 2 other colleagues smoking outside the showroom as we are entering the place. She now transferred to Honda USJ showroom. NOT ONLY that, she failed to “update” us on the pending NEW INTEREST RATE INCREASE. This is back in June 2008.

It takes another branch Honda dealer “GLOBAL AMITY, Sri Kembangan” salesman to tell me… Also, he has a car for me in 3 WEEKS. Of course, I bought from him, interest rate locked at 2.35%. After 4 days, it shot up to 3.5%. No point revealing the salesman name as he resigned End November to join REAL ESTATE FULL TIME (now my colleague).

7th encounter: At the Service centre. 2nd free service, 1st oil change. I asked what type of engine oil they are using. The service advisor said “MINERAL OIL”. I got disappointed and ask further, “WHY NOT SYNTHETIC”. He said “NO POINT” as after 5000km there will be another oil change. You know what? He said: “After the free service (10,000km), you are free to choose your engine oil”. Service advisor name “Cannot mention" as my dad's car in Jeopardy (yes, going back there for Service as it's the nearest to my house). I still remembered his face.


8th encounter: Happened TODAY December 19, 2.40pm. AGAIN, walked in to Showroom ALONE, STILL “INVISIBLE TREATMENT”. I spent a good 10 mins scrutinizing the car still no salesman entertain me. I HAD TO RESORT TO APPROACH A SALESMAN to ask for brochure and price list. This salesman’s name is simply “LOY”. Here’s our conversation:

Me: I’m a Honda Owner, any extra stuff if I booked a City?
LOY: This is a NEWLY LAUNCH car, sorry sir, NO DISCOUNT, but freebies only you confirm booking today.
ME: Oh! It’s not me, asking on behalf of my “Brother”.
LOY: Then BRING YOUR BROTHER HERE, we talk.
ME: My Brother is working in Vietnam at the moment.
LOY: Oh! [AT THIS POINT, he suddenly became friendly, I tested him]
ME: “Can I take some photos of the new City? Want to E-mail to my “brother”.
LOY: “SURE”, and gave me a 20 page “PRESS KIT” Brochure. “Hope you can scan and e-mail him, lots of photos here”.

To cut the long story short, he became friendly and chatty after learning that my “BROTHER” is working in Vietnam (Actually it’s my DAD, not brother). We chat for a good 30 mins before he serve other clients.

ACTUALLY, I got more than 8 encounter, between 2003 and 2006, made 4 more visits (Stream launch, CRV Launch and 2 more general visits). But sales execs who served me back then gave "OK" service. Nothing to complain though "STANDARD SHOWROOM PRACTICE" I was treated as if I'm invisible for the 1st 5-10 minutes before they "serve" me...

SUMMARY: The modus operandi of Salesmen there:
1) SALESMAN WON'T Entertain you as you walk in. As if you are invisible. Let you play around with the car AT LEAST 5 mins. AND YOU GOTTA APPROACH HIM/HER, it should be the other way round!

2) SALESMAN'S Mood depends on Economy. They treat you GOOD and gave you discounts and freebies only when Economy's tough.

3) Strange but true. ALL THEIR TEST CARS have 1 common No-plate. "328".

That's all folks. Thanks for having the patience to read this...