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Proton is offering exclusive WAJA numberplates to the public at bidding prices starting from RM1,000. The exclusive registration plate will have numbers ranging from 21 to 2019. Applications for WAJA numberplates are open not only to those Proton Waja buyers who have yet to receive the car but also those who already own one.

The news confirms what participants in the Waja forum at AUTOWORLD.COM.MY have been talking about since late March. Some of the participants said that they had seen cars bearing WAJA numberplates and one even reported seeing a car with WAJA 1. At that time, Proton did not provide any confirmation when a query was made.

In order to submit a bid for a specific number, a deposit amounting to 10% of the bid or RM200 (whichever is higher) must be included. The successful bid for each number will be based on the highest amount offered for that number. Successful applicants will be notified by post, while the deposits of all unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them by post.

Certain unique numbers carry higher starting prices for bids. They are as follow:

WAJA 88 – starting at RM8,000
WAJA 22, 33, 44, 55, 77, 99 – starting at RM5,000
WAJA 111, 222, 333, 444, 555, 666, 777, 888, 999 – starting at RM3,000
WAJA 1188, 1199 - starting at RM2,000

Applications forms can be obtained from all EON branches and dealers as well as Proton Edar branches nationwide from 27th April 2001. The closing date for this once-in-a-lifetime offer is 31st May 2001. For further information, contact Alpiah Harun, Salina Md. Zain or Salmah Khalid at Proton’s head office (tel: 03 – 515 2344, fax: 03 – 511 1453)

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Admission for all the workshops and lectures is free but participation for some of the activities is limited because they are designed for one-on-one interaction with the artists. Participation for these sessions will be on a first come-first served basis. Parents who bring their children need not worry about being distracted by cries of boredom as there will be a Fun Corner with creative activities for the little ones!

APRIL 29:
Techniques of Sketching and Painting for Adults (2.00 pm ~ 3.15 pm)

Conducted by Dorothy Thomas, this will be an interactive discussion during which she will exhibit several of her sketchbooks and discuss her interest in the subjects. She will also discuss the basics of good sketching and its importance as the framework for painting. During the discussion, participants will be able to see her produce a quick but effective sketch, learn what the rudiments of a good sketch box and what materials to include.

Demonstration and Interactive Lesson on Sketching & Painting (3.45 pm ~ 5.00 pm)

Also conducted by Ms Thomas, this session will reveal how she creates a painting using tone and colour first and then sequential addition of details.

The maximum number of participants per session is 15.

MAY 6:
Framing Fabulous Art (2.00 pm ~ 3.15 pm)

This session will be conducted by Dr Juhari Murros who personally restored and framed each painting done by the late Van Den of Vietnam. Dr Murros will demonstrate the process of framing and discuss materials that are appropriate for each work of art.

Lecture on Parallels of Vietnamese History and Van Den (4.15 pm ~ 5.00 pm)
As the owner and curator of the late Van Den’s work, Dr Murros has intimate knowledge of all the artist’s works. He will discuss them and also share a manuscript of the artist that he has been working on along with 77 other photographs of all the surviving Van Den works.

Maximum number of participants per session is 30.

MAY 13:
Interactive Demo and Talk on Knife Pallette Painting (2.00 pm ~ 3.15 pm, 4.15 pm ~ 5.00 pm)

Malaysian Yap Kim Boon will demonstrate the use of oil painting with a knife palette, showing how a three-dimensional effect can be achieved with such a technique. He will also offer an insight into the difference this technique makes to the visual experience.

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Life is a canvas. Art, like music, is intrinsically part of one’s celebration of life. Across diverse cultures and continents, the experiences of these four talented artists now culminate in the inaugural exhibition assembled by Volvo called ‘Art for Life’.

Dorothy Thomas exhibits eight paintings of different water scenes for this exhibition. For her, water forms the basis of all life. “Without water, there would be no life!” She exhibits the theme splendidly through diverse scenes showing water as a life-force that shapes and feeds the earth, tranquillity that sets the stage for many delightful locations allowing us to celebrate in its beauty and as a backdrop to many riveting landscapes.

Helene Lamoureux, a native of France, offers eight paintings showing different impressions and figures of the Buddha. “Buddhism is a way of life, a way of being, of behavior. It takes a very important place in the people’s everyday life.”

Yap Kim Boon, a Malaysian, has nature as his primary subject matter and inspiration, particularly the lush forest of the tropics. He believes that the forest is where life begins, takes root and flourishes. It is an oasis nourished by Mother Nature, a kaleidoscope of life. Birth…death…rebirth – in a never-ending cycle that is truly a celebration of life. Through the use of emotive colours, Yap transfuses his paintings with a poetic and ethereal feeling.

The late Van Den, the fourth artist to be featured, was the foremost artist of 20th century Vietnam. He was very unassuming and an extremely modest man who best articulated himself and his deeply-held thoughts and views through painting. The parallels of his tempestuous career and the corresponding turbulent history of his beloved homeland are clearly evident in the work. His paintings really are a biography of his life.

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In your father’s day, the car showroom was essentially a place where a new car was viewed and an order made. The environment was usually basic and other than posters of products on the walls, there was little else that gave a customer reason to stay longer than necessary. Back then, most showrooms were not even air-conditioned…

Since the 1990s, things have changed and not only are the showrooms air-conditioned but you can even get a decent beverage in some of them. The companies have spent lots to add a touch of class to their showrooms and visitors are often surprised by the ambience. With some showrooms, the upmarket image has been carried even further by having other facilities. At the Volvo showroom near MegaMall in Kuala Lumpur, for example, there is a lounge which looks like it came out of an IKEA catalogue, complete with a waitress to bring you a drink (freshly brewed coffee, if you like that!). The idea is that customers can discuss their purchase in a more informal atmosphere rather than a hard and impersonal table. There’s also a theatrette in this prominent showroom which is one of the few that has remained in the same place for three decades.

An Art Gallery was also included as part of the new showroom concept and its inaugural exhibition was recently opened. The exhibition, titled ‘Art for Life’, showcases 32 vibrant paintings from four versatile artists expressing their personal life impressions on canvas in different techniques and applications.

“Celebrating life is an integral part of the Volvo philosophy and Art – in many instances -celebrates life,” said Pang Cheong Yan, Marketing Director for Volvo Car Malaysia Sdn Bhd (VCM). “It is a recurring theme that is captured and interpreted by artists in different mediums and applications. Art itself can also be a source of inspiration. It stimulates the senses, encourages dialogue and reflection and nurtures creativity. In essence, it enriches our lives, giving us a greater appreciation of ourselves and the world around us.”

“Several paintings in the ‘Art for Life‘ exhibition are an excellent representation of the ‘Volvo. For life’ philosophy, particularly the ones with nature as a central theme. Nature has its own intrinsic balance that allows life to grow and flourish. It reminds us of the importance of preserving and caring for our environment. And to have respect for all living beings. These central themes form the basic value systems that are the foundation of Volvo’s philosophy. And we believe that by embracing these values, they allow us to enjoy a quality life that is rich and rewarding,” explained Mr Pang.

“The Art Gallery is also an excellent customer relationship building platform for us,” added Jamal Surani, Managing Director of Federal Auto Cars Sdn Bhd (FAC), the authorised dealer operating Volvo showrooms in Malaysia. “We will be organizing a number of art workshops and lectures at the gallery as many of our customers have an interest in the arts. Conducting such activities is our way of showing our customers that we value them and will provide us with an opportunity to interact with them on a regular basis.”

FAC worked closely with VCM to develop and implement the concept of the Art Gallery. “We plan to organize regular exhibitions on a broad range of art mediums throughout the year. It will ensure that the gallery becomes a living and active part of the showroom experience,” promised Encik Jamal.

The ‘Art for Life‘ exhibition will be on until May 27th 2001 and admission is free. The showroom, situated near MidValley City/MegaMall along Jalan Klang, Kuala Lumpur, is open from Monday to Friday between 9.00 am ~ 6.30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday between 10.00 am ~ 5.30 pm. For more information, call 03-22746602.

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Peugeot’s importer and distributor in Malaysia, MBf-Peugeot Sdn Bhd, has revamped its website and even changed the URL to www.peugeotcars.com.my . The original website in Malaysia was among the first by local companies and from the experience gained with that website, much has gone into the new one to make it even more appealing and user-friendly.

The new website features more comprehensive information about the French marque, with emphasis on the models available in Malaysia. There are also regular updates on Peugeot activities around the world, particularly in the field of motorsports where the 206 rallycar has been successful in the World Rally Championship. Needless to say, local activities organised by MBf-Peugeot are also highlighted.

“It’s a website that provides visitors with all they want to know about Peugeot and Peugeot in Malaysia,” said Geetha Menon, Marketing Manager of MBf-Peugeot. “In future, we will enhance the website even more with features like advertisements from Peugeot owners wishing to sell their cars and making appointments with service centres.”

“The website will complement our showrooms in giving customers all the information they need and we feel it would be really useful to those who live in areas outside the major towns and cities,” she added.

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Despite growing concerns of an economic downturn resulting from the US economic situation, the Malaysian car industry seems to be unaffected so far. This is the picture one would get from looking at the first quarter (Q1) new vehicle registration figures released by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), following its annual general meeting today.

According to statistics compiled by the MAA, there was a 16% increase in sales compared to the same period in Q1 2000. National makes (Proton, Perodua, Inokom, HICOM-MTB) recorded a total volume of 70,898 units, 16% more than in 2000. Non-national makes also saw an increase of 14% to 16,726 units, which was 2,071 units more than a year ago.

“The increases are within what we forecast,” said MAA President, Aishah Ahmad, adding that the association’s forecast had been done as the recessionary trend in the US was becoming very clear.

In the passenger car segment, the non-national makes did not achieve substantial increase – only 5% over 2000 – and this can be attributed to the wider gap with the national makes ever since the ringgit depreciated during the economic recession. Though detailed numbers were not provided, it is known that in the popular 1.6-litre and even 2.0 litre segments, the volumes for non-national makes have shrunken significantly.

“The 1.6-litre segment, in particular, is so small for non-national makes these days that it really makes no business sense to assemble locally,” Richard Canny, Managing Director of Ford Malaysia, told AUTOWORLD.COM.MY some months ago when he was introducing the new Ford Lynx S. He repeated the same thing recently when he discussed the 2-litre segment, which he said had also declined by half [for non-national makes] since 1997. Last year, non-national makes accounted for only 3,879 units in the 2-litre segment, a 25% share whereas in 1997, they managed to take up to 54%.

Of the national makes, Proton Edar (formerly USPD), registered the most significant increase of 32%; in Q1 2001, it sold 15,764 units compared to 11,898 units in 2000. Undoubtedly, this was due to the Proton Waja which also boosted sales for EON by 12% to 31,378 units. Perodua recorded a 19% increase to 19,763 units.

For commercial vehicles, all the national makes – HICOM-MTB, Perodua and Inokom – showed declines ranging from 67% for Inokom to 4% for HICOM-MTB. While Inokom’s decline was not anything really substantial because it was from 12 units in 200 to 4 units in 2001, the decline in sales of the Perodua Rusa – from 498 units to 329 units – was a surprise. It is possible that the age of this van is catching up and consumers are finding newer alternatives.

Non-national makes showed a small increase of 7% and sold about 6 times the number of registered by national makes – 6,483 units versus 1,009 units. The small 3% increase in commercial vehicle sales in total was regarded as seasonal and not necessarily a reflection of a slowdown in the segment.

“It is normal during the Chinese New Year period that the body-building companies are on holiday so not many vehicles are done and registered,” explained Cik Aishah.

In the 4WD segment, the sole national representative is the Perodua Kembara which saw an 8% decline in sales to 2,984 units. Non-national makes had a substantial increase of 47% to 4,291 units and overall, this segment also recorded the highest increase of 18% albeit just 1% more than for the passenger car segment.

The Q1 production figures generally mirrored the sales figures with a 19% increase in output for national makes and a 22% increase for non-national makes for an overall 20% increase.

The figures therefore suggest that there is no recession taking place and in the view of one MAA vice-president, it is still ‘perception’ rather than reality. “In the market today, there is a lot of talk of a slowdown in Malaysia but in reality, it is not happening and a lot has to simply to do with consumer confidence,” said Tan Hoe Pin, MAA Vice-President (policy & regulations).

Mr Tan noted that the government’s efforts to keep consumer confidence up is important to the auto industry and believes that things are still okay. He added that an important factor helping the industry is the support of the finance companies which enables people to buy cars.

“Unlike 1998, the finance companies are offering good schemes with long repayment periods and low interest rates, so people can afford to buy vehicles. That’s very important to our industry,” he said. “Furthermore, we still have relatively low unemployment and that is another helpful factor.”

Cik Aishah revealed that MAA member companies had reported that they have long waiting lists so the numbers in the short term will still show positive growth. She is optimistic that the MAA’s forecast will remain valid in the coming months.

Prior to the press conference, the MAA Annual General Meeting saw Cik Aishah elected as the association’s president for a tenth term. K.C. Khoo of Swedish Motor Assemblies was elected vice-president (manufacturing) while Dato’ Michael H.P. Lim was elected vice-president (trade), and Tan Hoe Pin was elected vice-president (policy & regulations). Belinda Lim of Daihatsu (M) Sdn Bhd was elected honorary secretary/treasurer. Six members of the management committee were also elected and they were representatives from C&C Bintang Bhd, Hino Motors (M), ACM, Kah Motor, MTB and Tan Chong Industrial Equipment.

At the same event, the MAA also presented a donation of RM50,000 to five selected charities. The amount was part of the proceeds collected during the KL International Motorshow last year.

“This presentation fulfills our Charity Pledge which we made at last year’s motorshow and underscores our association’s commitment and contribution to society and towards building a more caring community” said Cik Aishah.

She added that due to the enthusiasm of the public and the industry, the next motorshow will not be so far away and has been brought forward to the middle of 2003. Incidentally, last year’s 10-day event was recognised in the Malaysian Book of Records as the largest international motorshow held in the country.

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Claiming to introduce the first all-new tyre pattern in Malaysia in 2001, Exnova Sdn Bhd yesterday launched the Falken Azenis ST115 just two months after its debut in Japan. The new tyre, made by Osaka-based Ohtsu Tire & Rubber Co., was launched earlier this month in Singapore as well and the ASEAN region is the first area to get the new Falken.

Described as a high-performance sports radial tyre, the ST115 incorporates an innovation in tyre technology which Ohtsu calls the “Noise-Cut Sports Compound’. With this new technology, it is claimed that lower noise levels and comfort are now possible while maintaining a high performance capability.

The unique technology of the new compound makes use of silica micro-vacuum capsules – up to 60 million of them in a 225/50R16 ST115 – which are embedded in the base tread. As sound cannot travel through a vacuum (that’s why outer space is so silent), noise emissions from the road surfaces are greatly minimized.

Ohtsu claims that this new tyre is significantly quieter than other comparable high-performance tyres and using its GRß Rstune II tyre as a basis, there is claimed to be a 28% reduction – from 55.3 dBa to 53.9 dBA – in noise (measured inside the cabin at 40 km/h).

The tiny capsules not only reduce noise but also increase the stiffness on the base tread, reducing flex, thereby maintaining handling stability at high cornering speeds. To employ the micro-vacuum capsules required the development of a new polymer as well as a new type of carbon black (an essential element in tyres) with enhanced affinity for silica. In this way, performance could be balanced in both wet and dry conditions.

The visual aspects of the new unidirectional Falken tyre will also excite enthusiasts. There’s an aggressive V-shaped tread pattern with two straight grooves. The grooves, which feature the Azenis logo in them and also have a serrated design along their walls, are wide for good water evacuation to reduce aquaplaning. Again, comparing to the reference Falken tyre, a higher speed is claimed for the ST115 before aquaplaning starts.

The wide steel belts and jointless nylon cap ply are stretched right across and pulled over the sidewall, creating a more rounded shoulder profile. This will be welcome by motorists who dress up their cars as the tyre will be less likely to come into contact with the suspension components or outer fender.

The ST115 also has a very low-slung look by a clever design of the sidewall. The upper circumference is prominently extended so that it looks like a low profile than it really is, and the looks are enhanced by the bold and large Azenis logo.

With prices starting from RM235 a piece, the ST115 comes in a very broad range of sizes to suit many different cars. The sizes range from 185/60R14 to as low as 275/30ZR19.

Falken tyres are distributed in Malaysia by Exnova Sdn Bhd which is a subsidiary of Stamford Tyres, a Singapore-based corporation which has been in the tyre and wheel business since the 1930s. Stamford Tyres also distributes Falken tyres throughout ASEAN as well as many other countries around the world.

“We have been distributors for Falken since 1975 and have seen the brand grow in popularity over the years,” said Wee Kok Wah, President of Stamford Tyres Corporation Ltd. According to Mr Wee, Ohtsu’s change of strategy during the 1990s propelled Falken tyres to greater popularity.

“When they decided to stop following the approach of competitors and focussed on the high performance niche, their business started to grow rapidly. This was especially so because Falken tyres were affordably priced and yet gave high performance. I believe that many enthusiasts recognise
this fact today and in Singapore, we also find many car companies replacing the standard tyres that come with some of their models with Falkens,” he said.

Stamford tyres expects to sell about a million Falken tyres throughout ASEAN this year and Mr Wee is optimistic that the new ST115 will be so well received that it could account for at least 25% of total Falken sales.

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Claiming to introduce the first all-new tyre pattern in Malaysia in 2001, Exnova Sdn Bhd yesterday launched the Falken Azenis ST115 just two months after its debut in Japan. The new tyre, made by Osaka-based Ohtsu Tire & Rubber Co. (Ohtsu is part of the huge Sumitomo Rubber Industries group) was launched earlier this month in Singapore as well and the ASEAN region is the first area to get the new Falken.

Described as a high-performance sports radial tyre, the ST115 incorporates an innovation in tyre technology which Ohtsu calls the “Noise-Cut Sports Compound’. With this new technology, it is claimed that lower noise levels and comfort are now possible while maintaining a high performance capability.

The unique technology of the new compound makes use of silica micro-vacuum capsules – up to 60 million of them in a 225/50R16 ST115 – which are embedded in the base tread. As sound cannot travel through a vacuum (that’s why outer space is so silent), noise emissions from the road surfaces are greatly minimized.

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To strengthen its relationship with Audi owners, Auto Dunia – the distributor of Audi cars in Malaysia – has introduced an exclusive program known as Audience. Membership is free and open to owners of any Audi vehicle. Once they join, Audience members will enjoy a wide range of benefits.

The benefits include a free quarterly newsletter, invitations to exclusive events and activities, free selected lifestyle magazines, and special discounts on Audi after-sales services and parts at Auto Dunia service centres. Audience members will also have emergency assistance services and the convenience of a call centre to support them.

“It is one of the ways we plan to communicate more effectively with our valued customers,” said Tan Chee Keong, Executive Director of Auto Dunia. “With Audience, we can get to know our customers better and strengthen the relationship with them.”

Auto Dunia announced the loyalty program during a special Car Clinic held at a hotel in Shah Alam, Selangor, on Sunday. The clinic, for Audi owners, provided them with useful information on looking after their car and also tips about getting the best out of it. Participants also got tips on how to handle emergencies. Additionally, a representative from Goodyear Malaysia offered advice on tyre care and safety while another representative from a window glass coating company spoke on its product.

“We were delighted at the response to this inaugural event,” said Ronald Ng Chee Kong, head of the Audi division at Auto Dunia. “It is the type of event that Audience members can expect in future and we are planning at least two more this year.”

For further information, contact any Auto Dunia branch or send e-mail to autodunia@autodunia.com.my .

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Claiming to introduce the first all-new tyre pattern in Malaysia in 2001,
Exnova Sdn Bhd yesterday launched the Falken Azenis ST115 just two months
after its debut in Japan. The new tyre, made by Osaka-based Ohtsu Tire &
Rubber Co. (Ohtsu is part of the huge Sumitomo Rubber Industries group) was
launched earlier this month in Singapore as well and the ASEAN region is the
first area to get the new Falken.

Described as a high-performance sports radial tyre, the ST115 incorporates
an innovation in tyre technology which Ohtsu calls the “Noise-Cut Sports
Compound’. With this new technology, it is claimed that lower noise levels
and comfort are now possible while maintaining a high performance
capability.

The unique technology of the new compound makes use of silica micro-vacuum
capsules – up to 60 million of them in a 225/50R16 ST115 – which are
embedded in the base tread. As sound cannot travel through a vacuum (that’s
why outer space is so silent), noise emissions from the road surfaces are
greatly minimized.

Ohtsu claims that this new tyre is significantly quieter than other
comparable high-performance tyres and using its GRß Rstune II tyre as a
basis, there is claimed to be a 28% reduction – from 55.3 dBa to 53.9 dBA –
in noise (measured inside the cabin at 40 km/h).

The tiny capsules not only reduce noise but also increase the stiffness on
the base tread, reducing flex, thereby maintaining handling stability at
high cornering speeds. To employ the micro-vacuum capsules required the
development of a new polymer as well as a new type of carbon black (an
essential element in tyres) with enhanced affinity for silica. In this way,
performance could be balanced in both wet and dry conditions.

The visual aspects of the new unidirectional Falken tyre will also excite
enthusiasts. There’s an aggressive V-shaped tread pattern with two straight
grooves. The grooves, which feature the Azenis logo in them and also have a
serrated design along their walls, are wide for good water evacuation to
reduce aquaplaning. Again, comparing to the reference Falken tyre, a higher
speed is claimed for the ST115 before aquaplaning starts.

The wide steel belts and jointless nylon cap ply are stretched right across
and pulled over the sidewall, creating a more rounded shoulder profile. This
will be welcome by motorists who dress up their cars as the tyre will be
less likely to come into contact with the suspension components or outer
fender.

The ST115 also has a very low-slung look by a clever design of the sidewall.
The upper circumference is prominently extended so that it looks like a low
profile than it really is, and the looks are enhanced by the bold and large
Azenis logo.

With prices starting from RM180 a piece, the ST115 comes in a very broad
range of sizes to suit many different cars. The sizes range from 195/60R14
to as low as 275/30ZR19.

Falken tyres are distributed in Malaysia by Exnova Sdn Bhd which is a
subsidiary of Stamford Tyres, a Singapore-based corporation which has been
in the tyre and wheel business since the 1930s. Stamford Tyres also
distributes Falken tyres throughout ASEAN as well as many other countries
around the world.

“We have been distributors for Falken since 1975 and have seen the brand
grow in popularity over the years,” said Wee Kok Wah, President of Stamford
Tyres Corporation Ltd. According to Mr Wee, Ohtsu’s change of strategy
during the 1990s propelled Falken tyres to greater popularity.

“When they decided to stop following the approach of competitors and
focussed on the high performance niche, their business started to grow
rapidly. This was especially so because Falken tyres were affordably priced
and yet gave high performance. I believe that many enthusiasts recognise
this fact today and in Singapore, we also find many car companies replacing
the standard tyres that come with some of their models with Falkens,” he
said.

Stamford tyres expects to sell about a million Falken tyres throughout ASEAN
this year and Mr Wee is optimistic that the new ST115 will be so well
received that it could account for at least 25% of total Falken sales.

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