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Proton Edar Sdn Bhd, the new name for USPD which was acquired by Proton, has signed a joint-venture agreement with P.T. Ningz Multiusaha to establish a new company for the purpose of assembling and distributing Proton vehicles in Indonesia. The new company is to be called P.T. Proton Edar Indonesia and have an initial authorised share capital of the rupiah equivalent to US$10 million (about RM38 million). At the outset, the paid-up capital will be the rupiah equivalent of US$2.5 million(about RM9.5 million). The agreement is subject to regulatory and corporate approvals.

According to a source, Proton Edar will have a 70% equity while P.T. Ningz Multiusaha will hold the remainder. The top position of President-Director in the company will be from Proton Edar which will also be entitled to nominate one director while its Indonesian partner will nominate one director. Indonesian laws also require the presence of three ‘commissioners’ whose duty is to supervise the management of the company by the Board of Directors.

The new development reflects Proton’s efforts to broaden its presence in ASEAN before AFTA kicks in and in order to do this within the short time left, it decided to team up with the PT Nings Pacific Group which has readily available facilities, which also minimizes investment. The first Protons assembled in Indonesia should go on sale by the middle of this year.

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Since Monday (January 15th), a Honda Insight which has a hybrid powerplant (electric motor and petrol engine) has been driven on the road between Bangkok and Singapore. The purpose of the drive, done by 33 journalists from Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, is to establish ASEAN’s first 3-country fuel economy record.

Organised by Asian Honda Motor Co. Ltd, Honda’s Bangkok-based ASEAN regional office, the 2,000-km drive is being observed by officials from the automobile associations of the three countries who will be able to certify the fuel consumption record as international records since they are authorised representatives of the FIA.

The Insight, which went on sale in Japan in November 1999, presently holds the title as the world’s most fuel-efficient and environment-friendly production passenger car, achieving 35 kms/litre (about 95 mpg) in mixed urban-highway driving conditions as specified in Japan’s 10-15 test cycle. Last year, this Honda broke a 7-year old fuel economy record in UK by completing a 6,012-km trip around the country with an average fuel consumption of 36.36 kms/litre (about 103 mpg).

Even more impressive is the result achieved by Thai journalists who last year drove an Insight nearly 2,000 kms and averaged 43.71 kms/litre (about 123 mpg)! The figure was officially certified by the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand.

On this week’s drive, the Thai journalists who did the first stage from Bangkok to the Malaysian border – a distance of over 1,000 kms on ordinary roads – have achieved an average of 43.01 kms/litre (about 121 mpg). According to one of the officials, one driver had managed to get a fantastic 60 kms/litre (almost 170 mpg)! Considering that the Insight’s fuel tank capacity is just 40 litres, that sort of consumption could mean a range of 2,400 kms – the average monthly mileage clocked by many AUTOWORLD.COM.MY forum participants.

The secret of the Insight’s fuel-sipping character is IMA – Integrated Motor Assist. IMA is the concept of the hybrid powerplant which combines a super-efficient and super-light 1-litre VTEC lean-burn petrol engine with an ultra-thin 10 kW electric motor. But IMA is not the only thing that makes the Insight so economical; also contributing significantly are the all-aluminium body which is so slippery in the air that is generates a Cd of just 0.25 – the lowest of any car in production today.

Due to the many advanced technologies in the Insight, it is not a cheap car to produce and a Honda official admitted that, in this initial phase of sales, Honda is losing money on each unit sold. “But as production volume increases, we would naturally see that the cost would come down over time,” explained Hiroshi Mikajiri, General Manager of Corporate Communications at Asian Honda.

Mr Mikajiri said that the Insight will be introduced in Singapore in March or April this year but the price has not been confirmed yet. However, as reported in AUTOWORLD.COM.MY earlier, the Singapore government is giving special rebates to buyers of environment-friendly cars such as the Insight in a move to popularise them. In Thailand, the Insight has been available since last year but no one has actually bought one yet and the reason is probably due to the high pricetag of 2.3 million baht which is largely because of import duties. In comparison, a Honda Civic costs around 800,000 baht.

On Wednesday night, Singapore journalists drove the Insight into Kuala Lumpur after a 13-hour journey from Hatyai. The average consumption figure has not been computed although it is known that at least one driver recorded 50 kms/litre.

On Thursday morning, an 11-member team of Malaysian journalists (including AUTOWORLD.COM.MY’s Chips Yap) will set off on the 330-km drive to Johor Bahru.

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Oriental Holdings Bhd, which has been the importer and distributor of Honda vehicles for 33 years, is to enter into a joint-venture with the present Malaysian franchise holder for Hyundai vehicles, Hyumal Motor Sdn Bhd. The new joint-venture company, to be known as Oriental-Hyundai Motor Sdn Bhd, will have Oriental as the majority shareholder with a 60% stake while Hyumal will hold the remaining 40%. The new company will assemble and distribute Hyundai vehicles assembled locally.

The move suggests insecurity on Oriental’s part with regard to its continued status as a distributor and retailer of Honda vehicles through its Kah Motors network. In mid-2000, Oriental Holdings’ relationship with Honda changed as a result of a new joint-venture in which DRB-HICOM came into the picture and Oriental’s equity was only 15% in the new company known as DRB-Oriental-Honda Bhd. Although no indication was given about the role of Kah Motors in future, it was announced that Oriental’s assembly plant, Oriental Assemblers (OA), in Johor would not necessarily continue to assemble Honda vehicles and would be converted into a components factory.

While OA still has business from Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot, it is clear that its 3,000-unit monthly capacity is more than what is needed for those two European makes and in order to utilise the excess capacity when Honda assembly ceases, it needs another brand. This is where Hyundai comes in and the new j-v deal with Hyumal includes assembly of Hyundai vehicles at OA. There is also the possibility of related components being manufactured locally and if agreed by both parties, exported to other markets.

This will be the first instance of a Korean automaker establishing local assembly of its passenger car products in an ASEAN country although Kia had earlier attempted to do so in Indonesia through the aborted Timor project (which may be revived). It is likely that the move is in preparation for AFTA so as to allow Hyundais assembled in Malaysia to be exported to other ASEAN markets with no tariff penalties. Under the AFTA provision, only vehicles with a minimum of 40% content sourced from an ASEAN country are entitled to the duty-free import benefit and if Hyundai does not assemble in ASEAN, its products would not be competitively priced after 2005.

The move to assemble Hyundai vehicles locally is not a new one. In 1992, when Hyundai first began selling its vehicles here, there was an intention to assemble the Sonata at the Tan Chong assembly plant in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur. However, various issues were not resolved and the project did not proceed.

Apart from the future cessation of Honda assembly at OA, Oriental would also be concerned about the future of its Kah Motors network as Honda retail outlets. While there has been no discussion on the matter, it is not out of the question for Kah Motors’ position to be diminished in 2005 when the market opens up. This is because the Proton sales volume of EON (owned by DRB-HICOM) is certain to drop significantly and its present network would be far too large. In such a situation, DRB-HICOM may well ask for some of its EON branches to be turned into Honda retail outlets. With only 15% equity in the j-v, Oriental may not have sufficient clout to argue against such a move, hence the latest development to get another brand to market.

As to the status of the DRB-Oriental-Honda venture, a source at DRB-HICOM told AUTOWORLD.COM.MY that the study concerning the location of the factory has not concluded yet. DRB-HICOM is believed to be urging Honda to consider the AMM plant in Pekan, Pahang, which used to assembled the Proton Tiara, Citroen ZX/Xantia and continues to assemble Proton Satrias. However, Honda, which has a 49% equity in the joint-venture company, is said to be looking at a broad range of factors and has not come to any decision yet. During the press conference last year, it was announced that if an existing plant was taken over, assembly of Honda vehicles under the new company could commence in 2001. However, if a new factory had to be built, then it could take as long as two years before production started.

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T.H. Chong has been appointed as Marketing Manager for Ford Malaysia Sdn Bhd, with effect from January 1 2001. He has taken over the position from Steven Tan who has moved on in the Ford world as the Communications Manager for the company’s ASEAN Operations based in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mr Chong, 38, brings with him a wealth of marketing and brand communications expertise from his previous experience in the brewery and tobacco industries as well as a long stint with an international advertising agency. In his new position, he will continue to focus on managing Ford’s marketing programmes and strategies, working closely with the company’s sales and product planning departments as well as its communications agencies.

In his new role, Steven Tan will be responsible for Ford’s regional communications and public affairs strategy and implementation. The Ford Motor Company ASEAN Operations includes the Malaysian, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesian markets.

In the three years that Mr Tan was Marketing Manager at Ford Malaysia, the Ford brand has moved from a market share ranking of 6th position in 1997 to the current 3rd position in the non-national automotive segment in Malaysia.

Commenting on Mr Tan’s move, Ford Malaysia’s Managing Director Richard Canny said that it is ‘inspirational’ for the staff at Ford Malaysia because it shows that there are many opportunities to further one’s career in Ford Motor Company. This is believed to be the first time that a Malaysian has moved to a significant regional position within Ford Motor Company in more than a decade although Mr Canny says that there are many Malaysian citizens working for Ford around the world.

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    At the Geneva Auto Salon next month, Rinspeed will show a concept car it claims is the world’s lowest sportscar in the world with an overall height of just 97 cm (39 inches). The ‘car’ is a single-seater with a ‘Dynamic Cockpit Control Concept’ in which the driver’s position is adjustable in ride height and can also swing laterally during cornering, like a motorcycle function.

    With an eye towards environmental-friendliness, the Rinspeed Advantige R one, as the concept car is called, will have a bi-fuel engine with a ‘CO2 neutral cycle’ and can run on renewable energy sources. It will also roll on the latest high-tech tyres from Continental.

    At this time, pictures of the actual car are not available but AUTOWORLD.COM.MY has obtained studio drawings which give an idea of what the concept car will look like.

    Rinspeed is 23-year old company in Switzerland which began business as the Rinspeed Garage (Rinspeed = Founder Frank M. RINderknecht) and imported sunroofs from the U.S. and did conversions of cars for handicapped drivers. Today, it is a designer and manufacturer of exclusive automotive accessories, customized cars, conversions, custom fabrication and prototypes for individual customers, dealers and the industry.

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      Each type of vehicle design has good points as well as bad ones; the sedan is fine for use on good roads but lacks space if you have a lot of things to carry and also has limited ground clearance, while the 4WD SUV is spacious but its height affects its handling. As for the sportscar, the designs are usually compact and low-slung which is great for handling but you may have problems over speedbumps and bad roads.

      Mitsubishi Motor’s latest concept car, the RPM 7000, aims to show that a sportscar can be practical enough for daily use. It achieves this through innovative packaging and a high-performance powertrain, and Mitsubishi Motors believes that such a concept can satisfy consumers who want unparalleled on-road performance combined with uncompromising passenger and cargo versatility as well as superior off-road prowess.

      “The RPM 7000 challenges all convention though its incredible performance and real-world usability. While redefining the term ‘sportscar’ and contemplating how we can take such a concept to the retail market one day in the future, the RPM 7000 creates a segment all its own,” said Pierre Gagnon, Executive V-P and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. “Our racing heritage in Paris-Dakar as well as our success in World Rally Championships have made us a leader in this kind of motorsports competition, and the RPM 7000 is our most recent reflection of this racing expertise.”

      The overall design takes on an aggressive look, with a F1 car-inspired nose-cone and large air ducts for effective engine cooling. Lens-covered, multiple projection-beam headlights blend into the voluptuous fenders while a wedged beltline and a ‘Geo-Mechanical’ break at the hip point accents the overall style. The traditional high-back wagon-look is replaced by a gracefully sloping roofline that features a rear window that retracts into the body and a rear deck-lid that disappears like the cover on a roll-top desk. The rear passenger seats can then be folded to make a pickup-like rear cargo area, generously-sized to fit two mountain bikes.

      The driver’s side features the familiar coupe design, with a long, single door. But the passenger’s side is rather different: two “suicide style” center-opening doors are provided for easy kerbside access into the 4-passenger cabin.

      The metallic dayglo, anodized orange paint scheme was inspired by the red-hot exhaust manifolds on racing engines and the aggressive style is further accented through high ground clearance and large-diameter, 19-inch, six-spoke aluminium alloy wheels shod with 245/60VR19 Goodyears with F1 rain tyre patterns.

      “Style and design are nothing if a car can’t live up to the expected power and performance,” said Mike Desmond, designer of the RPM 7000 at the Mitsubishi Research and Design America studio in California. “We made sure the RPM 7000 had the raw power that could cash the race car ‘cheques’ its body design was signing.” In other words, it could deliver the sort of performance the looks suggested.

      Rally-inspired performance goals called for rally-proven power and technology in the RPM 7000. The renowned engine from the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo-4 car was re-engineered specifically for this vehicle. In its modified form, it develops a claimed 232kW/315 bhp at 6500 rpm. The 2.0-litre, DOHC 4-cylinder engine gains its strength through a large-diameter, twin-intercooled, twin-scroll turbocharger and transfers its power to all four wheels through a variable-torque Active Control Transfer system which has a viscous coupling centre differential.

      A close ratio, 5-speed manual transmission utilizes an all-carbon, three-plate competition clutch, allowing for high-rpm, rally style acceleration launches. To stop quickly, the RPM 7000 incorporates large-diameter, ventilated brake rotors featuring eight-piston brake calipers up front with a four-piston design used in the rear.

      Just as serious as the exterior design and powertrain engineering is the RPM 7000’s interior architecture. The “down-to-business” rallycar-inspired cockpit has a built-in roll-cage that is integrated into the internal support structure. Purposeful and functional, the layout features extensive use of carbon-fibre while exposed interior door frames integrate with the metal structure as part of the interior design theme.

      Mimicking a rallycar, the RPM 7000’s shifter, ignition and switches have all been purposefully designed to be utilized by the driver while wearing thick racing gloves, demonstrating the true racing philosophy behind this unique vehicle. The centre console represents a marriage of function with convenience, featuring a touch-screen monitor incorporating the vehicle’s climate control system, on-board navigation, audio system with CD, satellite feed and MP3 capability, as well as competition gear like a SS timer and engine management control display.

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        “No Boundaries” is the theme Ford uses to promote its 4WD sport-utility vehicles (SUV) in North America and at the North America Auto Show this month, the company displaying the EX Concept vehicle stakes its claim in the extreme domain of the “No Boundaries” SUV line-up, promising’ a unique, no-compromise driving experience for the off-road enthusiast and extreme sports authority’. It was built to explore a unique lifestyle and cohort group.

        This two-seat concept vehicle is purpose-built and features high-quality, detailed composite body sections on a chrome-moly steel frame. The frame is tough, durable, resistant to corrosion and ready to take on any off-road adventure. The exposed front frame structure is accentuated by a honeycomb texture front grille and four round high-intensity driving lamps, which gives the overall appearance a tough, solid stance.

        The mechanicals, such as the transfer case and aluminium radiator with dual fans, are moved rearward to achieve a 50:50 weight distribution, providing optimal traction in rugged terrain. An ecto-skeletal design allows the components to be visible, and removable side body panels are secured to the frame by lightweight aluminium fasteners.

        The windscreen, tinted in a bronze colour, folds down and clips to the top of the bonnet, giving the occupants the feeling of freedom that comes from open-air driving. In lieu of door handles, padded grip areas on the top and side frame ease access when climbing in and out of the vehicle. Other features include dual stainless steel side exiting exhausts, five-spoke, large 17-inch cast aluminium wheels, and a spare wheel/tyre cradled behind the seating area.

        The interior features a full roll-cage and the seats are wrapped in a black and tan all-weather material that is claimed to resist damage from the sun, ozone and weather and displays outstanding physical toughness. The steering wheel and instruments are mounted on a steering mechanism that glides from side to side to allow for easier entry and exit. Occupants strap into their seats with 4-point safety belts and dual airbags are located in the centre of the wheel and the instrument panel.

        A removable central storage bin bridges the rear suspension while an additional storage bin is positioned on a bar located under the instrument panel. Map pockets are placed on the side panels to store smaller equipment. The floor is washable and features integrated molded rubber non-skid pads and floor drain plugs.

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        Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad (EON) closed its sales in 2000 with a total of 125,860 Proton cars sold, up 11.48% against the previous year of 112,898 units. The achievement, according to EON Managing Director Datuk Adzmi Abdul Wahab, was recorded on the back of positive measures in economic recovery enacted by the Malaysian government and the innovative marketing strategies the company took during the difficult period.

        The Proton Iswara was the company’s best-seller – and therefore the most popular car in Malaysia – with 57,766 units sold. It was followed closely by the Proton Wira Sedan which saw 50,790 units sold (the Wira Aeroback is sold by USPD). The new Proton Waja, which went on sale from September 2000, provided a boost to the sales with 5,717 units sold, while the flagship Proton Perdana recorded 11,587 units sold.

        Compared against 1999 figures, the Iswara saw a decrease of 12.07% while the Wira Sedan had an increase of 17.86%. As a result of increased output, Perdana sales jumped by 333.45%.

        To date, the company has sold 1,303,719 Proton cars in 16 years, the volume brining in approximately RM41.6 billion in sales.

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        After some eight years, an entirely new model joins the Jeep line-up. It combines the traditional Jeep attributes with new ones which the modern generation of SUV (4WD sport-utility vehicles) buyers expect. The design takes themes previously seen in the Dakar and Jeepster concept vehicles and thus has short front and rear overhangs and a very upright profile to deliver efficient space-utilization, high seating position and prominent road presence.

        In developing the Liberty’s style, the designers and engineers executed the design with great finesse and attention to detail. One place this can be seen is in the jeweled lamp lenses. The panel fits of the flares to the fenders and fascias were carefully designed using CATIA (Computer Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application) to ensure the execution looks like one continuous piece.

        “This new Jeep stands apart from the new generation of less capable compact SUVs”, claims Rich Schaum, Executive Vice President – Product Development and Quality & General Manager Passenger Car Operations, DaimlerChrysler Corporation which owns the Jeep brand through its merger with Chrysler two years ago. “The all-new Liberty stands alone in the world market because it combines legendary Jeep capability that our customers have come to expect with superior on-road refinement to broaden our buyer base even further.”

        PETROL AND DIESEL ENGINES
        The new Liberty was engineered with a wide array of new features that are said to make it equally capable on virtually any terrain. Under the bonnet is a newly-developed SOHC 3.7-litre V6 which is based on the 4.7-litre V8 which powers the Grand Cherokee. This new engine features a 90-degree even-firing V-6, cast iron block and bedplate, aluminium cylinder heads and a balance shaft. Its output is 157 kW/210 bhp at 5200 rpm with maximum torque of 305 Nm at 4000 rpm. Manual or automatic transmissions are available.

        To broaden its appeal globally, the Liberty will also be available with a new 2.5-litre Direct Injection 4-cylinder Turbodiesel which has a cast-iron cylinder block and a one-piece aluminum cylinder head with 16-valves. The output for this engine is 105 kW/140 bhp at 4000 rpm and torque is 343 Nm at 1800 rpm. For improved performance and fuel efficiency, the engine uses belt-driven overhead cams, direct fuel injection and counter-rotating balance shafts. Vehicles equipped with this engine also have a viscous heater system to supplement passenger compartment heat.

        INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
        An all-new Jeep-engineered coil sprung independent front suspension has been developed for the Liberty which offers generous 203 mm travel. Sturdy, cast iron lower and forged steel upper control arms coupled to a cast iron steering knuckle with permanently lubricated ball joints provide a stable base for the front suspension. Such a design not only enhances robustness and durability but also improves the ride over rough surfaces due to reduced unsprung vehicle weight.

        GRAND CHEROKEE REAR SUSPENSION
        Forsaking the more traditional leafspring rear suspension of earlier Jeeps, the Liberty uses a link-coil rear suspension similar to that found under the Grand Cherokee. Apart from the coil springs having less static and dynamic friction, the rear configuration also has a roll centre closer to the vehicle’s centre of gravity to reduce body lean during cornering. The trailing A-shaped upper arm’s sturdy, box section construction, tuned to provide extremely high stiffness, helps isolate axle and road noise. Box section lower control arms provide exceptional durability. Progressive rate springs in the standard suspension system provide a consistently comfortable ride and help maintain controlled handling under varying load conditions.

        INNOVATIVE REAR DOOR
        For quick and easy access to the cargo area, the Liberty features a patented single-action swing rear door/flipper glass system. The rear door opens from the kerbside of the vehicle for safety and a unique pull-type latch mechanism makes the opening of the glass section and swing door an intuitive, one-motion operation. Jeep says that this is an easier operation than other SUVs which require multiple steps because pulling the release handle performs both operations, as the latch includes a detent to separate the functions. Pressing the cargo door button on the keyless entry transmitter or turning the key in the swing door lock also opens the glass window.

        ’REFINED’ SAFETY
        Well aware that today’s buyers are demanding greater safety in their vehicles, Jeep engineers have given greater attention to this aspect. Its sturdy construction uses high-strength alloy steel for a network of steel beams, rails and pillars that create a “safety cage” for the occupants. Underbody rails that run the length of the vehicle are built with high-strength alloy steel and work with other structural components to reduce intrusion into the passenger compartment and help preserve the fuel system in a collision.

        New-generation multi-stage driver and front passenger airbags are designed to deploy at different levels, depending on the severity of the crash and whether the occupant is using a seatbelt. This way, low-speed crashes generate less forceful airbag deployment, while high-speed crashes or an unbelted occupant will trigger the airbag’s maximum force.

        Side curtain airbags are also available for additional head protection for both front and rear occupants seated next to the doors. This is the first Jeep to have side curtain airbags.

        For active safety, the Liberty uses larger, thicker, full-cast brake discs with greater heat capacity and larger, stiffer calipers in front combined with a new integrated ABS that includes electronic brake distribution for optimal braking performance. An interesting feature is the way the ABS activates when the vehicle is in the 4WD low-range mode and allows for limited wheel lockup as needed, such as when the vehicle is descending steep sand or gravel hills. Special programming ensures that the ABS will not react to sudden wheel lock-up that occurs on bumpy surfaces, such as at railway crossings and on the rough “washboard” surfaces of gravel roads.

        RUGGED CABIN THEMES
        The design of the Liberty’s interior is also derived from Jeepster and complements the exterior theme. The interior features a bold, round-dialed cluster with large gauges and black-on-beige graphics. Round a.c outlets and a round motif applied to the interior door handles add to the functional design aesthetic. Deep-sculpted doors with generous map pockets in the front and bottle holders in the rear continue the theme of providing substance with excellent space utilization.

        The interesting textures and finishes seen throughout the interior further exemplify attention to detail. The centre and side accents on the instrument panel, gearshift lever and handbrake feature a ‘mechanical grain. This contrasts with the more traditional animal grain found on the top of the instrument panel, the glovebox door and door trim panels. Satin chrome finish is found on cruise control bezels, the centre of the instrument panel, gearlever surround, switch plate bezel on door, door remote handles and lock plungers on premium models. There is also a bright Jeep logo on the round, natural grained steering wheel horn pad.

        The cloth seat fabric is made of a flat, woven material that gives a sense of ruggedness in a smooth, sophisticated way. An optional premium leather package uses dramatic colour differences of Dark Slate complemented by Light Taupe on the seats and door trim panel inserts.

        The Liberty’s interior packaging provides superior versatility and comfort. Headroom is exceptionally good with the vertical rear end while the 65/35-split rear seat with one-handed folding operation maximizes passenger and cargo flexibility. The boot area features cargo tie-downs and grocery bag hooks.

        END OF THE CHEROKEE
        With the arrival of the Liberty, it is believed that the Cherokee, which was originally introduced in 1984, will be retired. The Cherokee has served Jeep well, having been the company’s most significant export model. It was also the model which Jeep used for its factory in China, the first model to be built there by an American manufacturer.

        Whether the Liberty comes to Malaysia remains to be seen since there is no longer a distributor here. MBf-Peugeot, which held the franchise for some years in the 1990s, has been clearing remaining stocks (but continues to offer after-sales support to its customers) and no new party has taken over the franchise and a C&C Bintang source said that so far, there have been no discussions with DaimlerChrysler about the company handling Jeep sales in Malaysia in future.

        LIBERTY DIMENSIONS
        Wheelbase: 2650 mm
        Length: 4437 mm
        Width: 1819 mm
        Height: 1796 mm
        Tracks (front/rear): 1524/1516 mm
        Ground clearance: 257 mm
        Kerb weight : 1592 kgs ~ 1751 kgs

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        The WiLL-Vi (which went on sale in January 2000 in Japan) is a 4-door compact runabout which uses the same platform as the Toyota Yaris/Vitz. Its distinctive yet simple styling combines a modernity with several nostalgic features.

        The initiative to create such a model began in 1997 when Hiroshi Okuda, then the President of Toyota Motor Corporation, established a venture start-up within the company to develop and market new vehicle concepts aimed at the Japanese youth market – specifically the ‘Dankai Jr.’ Generation which is made up of young consumers in their 20s and 30s who are ‘extremely difficult’ and ‘particular’ about many things in life. Their criterion in deciding on something is usually ‘Will it please me?’, hence the brand name of ‘WiLL’.

        This ‘firm within a firm’ took a radically different approach. In addition to developing its own sales and distribution channels separate from the Toyota dealer network, the Virtual Venture Company (VVC), as it is called, teamed up with several other major Japanese manufacturers to create the new consumer lifestyle concept and brand. The goal was not to have specific brand names appear but to highlight the brand name on products that would appeal to the targeted consumers. Ultimately, with the brand drawing consumers, there would be a ‘mushroom effect’ which would benefit all the participants.

        MULTI-INDUSTRY PARTICIPANTS
        In August 1999, Toyota and a number of other major Japanese manufacturers – all from different sectors of industry – agreed to cooperate on a joint consumer lifestyle marketing project in Japan. Designed to generate radically fresh ideas and develop novel sales, marketing and distribution methods, this project centred around the ‘WiLL’ concept. Under this concept, each manufacturer would develop and market a series of products, the common theme being that they should all resonate with modern Japanese youth consumer lifestyles. In specific terms, products should appeal to the young spirit with its love of fun and desire for the real thing.

        WiLL-branded products include a computer, microwave oven and refrigerator specially developed by Matsushita Electric and a new beer from Asahi Breweries. Kao, the cosmetics company, also offers a WiLL deodorizing spray claimed to kill cigarette smoke, while a leading travel agency has created a range of customized tours oriented towards younger Japanese who prefer the less rigid programs which older Japanese typically appreciate when travelling.

        INDIVIDUALITY IN DESIGN
        VVC developed the WiLL-Vi based on this philosophy. The WiLL-Vi is an example of VVC’s insistence on creating a vehicle feel in line with the WiLL concept. Once the results of the consumer design testing had established which steering wheels, external designs, internal fittings, and alternative colour schemes potential users preferred, no compromises were made on the quality.

        By focussing on the owner and exuding a strong sense of stylish individuality, the WiLL-Vi’s design in intended to appeal to those who are confident about who they are and what they like. Compact, yet spacious enough inside to accommodate up to five people, its interior has been designed to be relaxing for just the driver alone or a whole group of occupants.

        SIMPLICITY IS THE THEME
        The car’s design was guided by a “Simplicity is Beauty” philosophy, and Toyota’s designers and engineers adhered closely to this in their approach. Rather than create a large number of possible variations and options, they set out determinedly to make the WiLL-Vi a single unisex package, by applying the principle of keeping what was good and eliminating anything extraneous from the design.

        “Everything a driver would want is already standard,” explained Jun Yasumatsu, who led the development team. “The beauty of the vehicle is in its simplicity.” In fact, the only available options are for the audio system or the roof-type (conventional hardtop or canvas convertible).

        PLAYING THE ANGLES
        Several elements stand out within the overall body design. First, compared with the smooth monoform bodies of most modern vehicles, the WiLL-Vi is a three-dimensional wonder. It almost looks like it has been teleported in from a past age when cars were a group of molded plates bolted together. Formed by the piecing together of several planes to create expressive angles, the vehicle’s exterior has a solid, relief-like feel.

        The most striking aspect of the exterior design is the rear passenger door, which forms an acute angle with the roof. The wrap-around rear doors, hidden C-pillar and distinctive cut-in effect created by this design are what give the car its appearance of a carriage.

        The carriage motif extends to the four corners of the vehicle as well. The wheels, placed as close to the vehicle’s corners as possible, combined with the prominent blister fenders, emphasize the vehicle’s stability and create an aura of solidity.

        HITTING A FUNKY GROOVE
        To add yet another dimension to the exterior’s distinct planes, sets of parallel grooves were embossed on the side panels, front hood and bootlid. The hubcaps, steering wheel and instrument panel continue the motif, adding to the vehicle’s overall funkiness.

        While indisputably funky, the WiLL-Vi still manages to embrace the ideals of symmetry and simplicity throughout. The car’s front face and rear face, for example, are nearly identical. The interior is purposely plain and symmetrical. This sparseness is also somewhat reminiscent of vehicles at the turn of the century. The externally-hinged boot, for example, subtly compliments the car’s simple retro feel.

        HANGING’ OUT ON THE SOFA
        The emphasis in the interior design of the WiLL-Vi was very much on choosing materials that would be reassuring to the touch. Overall, the designers sought to create a calming, friendly, graceful atmosphere for the interior that anybody riding in the car would find instantly relaxing. The interior colour choices reflect this philosophy completely; various earth tones help to create a comfortable, natural ambience.

        Much like you would never place furniture wall-to-wall in your home, the designers of WiLL-Vi wanted to balance the car’s “furniture” (its instrument panel, seats, trim, etc) with its “walls” (the cabin sides). For this reason, rather than feeling encapsulated by a conventional interior, the occupants feel as if they are hanging out in their home – or maybe even as if wearing a favourite jacket.

        The optional canvas roof is designed to appeal to those with a love of freedom and old-style, simple technology. Manually operated, it folds up and back. The space above the car thus created is expansive, substantially enhancing the sense of personal freedom.

        A ZIPPY POWERTRAIN
        The WiLL-Vi’s 1.3-litre 2NZ-FE engine (same power unit as in the Yaris/Vitz) has an all-aluminium cylinder block and plastic intake manifold to keep the weight down. A VVT-i (Toyota’s variable valve timing mechanism) system on the intake side increases fuel economy. In addition, a number of other features, such as an offset crankshaft, have been added to boost fuel economy. An aluminium oil pan with improved sealing characteristics reduces noise and vibration. The 1,290 kg WiLL-Vi also boasts one of the world’s lightest automatic transmissions operated by a column-shift gearlever.

        Uncertain of how the WiLL-Vi would be received outside Japan, Toyota has not made plans to export the ¥1.3 million (about RM45,500 before tax) car which has been selling well in the domestic market.


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