Kosmo to Unveils Prototype CNG Bus Chassis and Loremo L22 Concept Car
Kuala Lumpur, 17 March 2006 – Kosmo Motor Company Sdn Bhd (Kosmo Motor), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kosmo Technology Industrial Berhad (Kosmo), was established in July 2005 with the aim of providing reputable and compatible commercial vehicles to the Malaysian market and the world.
Since its inception, the company has aggressively been pursuing various projects which would strategically position the Kosmo group as a leading Malaysian corporate which lives up to its tagline, “Fuelled by R&D, Driven by Technology, Providing for the Global Community”. At the upcoming KLIMS, the company will showcase the first prototype city bus chassis to be powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). Carrying the Kosmo brand, this innovative concept is made possible through a collaboration of Kosmo Motor and Yangzhou Yaxing of China.
Another ‘first’ for Kosmo Motor is its appointment as the exclusive partner for Beiqi Foton of China to import, assemble and distribute a range of Light Commercial Vehicles to Malaysia. Recognizing Kosmo’s existing strengths in the local business sector, the latter is currently considering the potential to establish its first overseas manufacturing base in Malaysia. In addition to distributing commercial vehicles produced in the East, Kosmo Motor was also recently appointed by Fiat Auto SpA to become the sole distributor for its light commercial vehicles; Doblo (small van) and Ducato (light duty van). This latest development will ensure that Kosmo Motor is able to cater to different client needs and preferences.
Kosmo has also been making headlines in the news lately with their extensive international expansion projects. Kosmo’s recently announced plans to acquire a 26 per cent stake in Loremo AG, a German carmaker and automotive research and Development Company devoted to produce economically and ecologically friendly cars. This new relationship has presented Kosmo Motor the opportunity to unveil the Loremo L22, a four seater with a fuel efficiency rate of 1.5 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers, at the upcoming Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow 2006 (KLIMS 2006).
Loremo’s unique strengths are evidenced in the car’s bodywork and chassis concept. Its 95kg light weight steel chassis, which is a patented linear cell structure, low centre of gravity and torsional rigidity enable the car to perform well above average in crash simulations and provide excellent handling characteristics. The 20 PS (15kw) two-cylinder turbo-diesel motor powers the 450 Kg light Loremo LS up to 160 km/h. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 20 second and its aerodynamic form achieves a Cw value of 0.20. The L22 will be commercially produced beginning 2008 and expected to be available around the world at the turn of the decade.
With such exciting prospects and more in the pipeline, Kosmo Motor aims to be able to contribute towards the Government’s effort in turning Malaysia into the regional hub for manufacturing, assembly and distribution of auto vehicles. Visitors to the Kosmo marquee at KLIMS 2006 will not only be able to view the prototype CNG bus chassis and the Loremo L22 concept car but also the Foton Alpha View vans and Foton Forland trucks, which are exciting, new entrants to the Malaysian market.
