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For years, motorists have sprayed Scotchgard fabric protector and water-repellant on the fabrics inside their vehicles to avoid stains. The highly effective product, made by US-based 3M, has been available for more than 40 years and is sold worldwide. It is not only for automotive purposes but also a broad range of soil, oil and water-repellent products; coatings used for oil and grease resistance on paper packaging; fire-fighting foams; and specialty components for other products. Housewives in America often spray it on clothes and household fabrics.

However, since the late 1970s, the company has been keeping track of the levels of an organic fluorine in its workers and the general population and has been concerned as this chemical originates from its products. Sophisticated testing capabilities – some developed in only the last few years – show that this persistent compound, like other materials in the environment, can be detected broadly at extremely low levels in the environment and in people. It has been detected in the tissues of birds found in the Pacific Ocean as well as in Scandinavia, suggesting a global presence.

The chemical, which was formulated in the 1950s, is perfluorooctane sulfonate (POSF) and is the main component in most of 3M’s Scotchgard products. POSF can turn into a second type of fluorine (PFOS) when it enters the cells of living creatures and laboratory tests have shown that extremely high amounts (10,000 – 100,000 times what humans would be exposed to) introduced daily have killed monkeys and newborn rats. Like many chemical pollutants, PFOS will remain in the environment for decades before it becomes harmless.

However, 3M states that “all existing scientific knowledge indicates that the presence of these materials at these very low levels does not pose a human health or environmental risk”.

But while the health risks remain inconclusive, 3M has taken the major step of phasing out its products which have the perfluorooctanyl chemistry. As the affected products represent about 2% of 3M’s nearly US$16 billion in annual sales, the move is commendable. Additionally, 3M has initiated a program to keep track of the chemical’s spread since the products are all over the world – including the hardware shops and pasar malam stalls of Malaysia.

“Our decision anticipates increasing attention to the appropriate use and management of persistent materials,” said Dr. Charles Reich, executive vice president, Specialty Material Markets. “While this chemistry has been used effectively for more than 40 years and our products are safe, our decision to phase out production is based on our principles of responsible environmental management.”

So if you have a Scotchgard product in your household, it’s best to stop using it altogether to be on the safe side. No procedures have been suggested by 3M concerning disposal but it might be a good idea to seal it in a plastic bag before throwing it into the dustbin.

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Membership has its advantages, as some 100 members of the Kelab Automotif Perodua Malaysia (KAPMA) found out when they had a chance to not only see the new Perodua Kenari before its official launch but also had a chance to drive it.

The KAPMA members were specially invited to attend a sneak preview held at the Batu Tiga Speedway in Shah Alam, Selangor, last Saturday. According to a Perodua source, the feedback from the owners was enthusiastic and positive with many wanting to place their orders.

Earlier, during the preview for the Malaysian media, Perodua MD Datuk Abdul Rahman Omar said that over 300 orders were received in the first week the company started taking orders. He declined to forecast the number of orders by the time the car is launched but said that at least 1,300 units would be ready for delivery.

“Those who want to see the new Kenari will be able to do so on the evening of June 14th at all our showrooms and on the 15th, we expect to start registering the first units,” he said. So by this weekend, there should be many proud owners showing off the latest model in Malaysia.

According to Datuk Abdul Rahman, the company expects about 10% to 15% of existing Perodua owners (mainly those with Kancils) switching to the Kenari while the majority are likely to be new customers. Some of these new customers would be first-time car buyers while some would be from other makes.

The Perodua Kenari will be officially launched by the Prime Minister at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur at about 5 pm this Wednesday, June 14th. During the event, Perodua will present to BAKTI a cheque for the total amount raised from the on-line auction of the first Kenari as well as the sale of three units of the Kenari donated by the carmaker and ‘bought’ by the Perodua Vendors Club, Perodua Dealers’ Group and Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd of Japan.

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Proton’s flagship model, the Perdana V6, is now available within 3 weeks (depending on the colour availability). Until this month, customers had been told that they would need to wait up to 3 months for the model.

According to EON managing director Datuk Adzmi Abdul Wahab, the Proton plant is increasing production numbers to meet the escalating demand for the car in recent months (in May, EON sold 770 units of the 2.0-litre Perdana V6).

According to data compiled by the Malaysian Automotive Association, the Perdana V6, which has a 24-valve engine, remains the most competitively-priced car in the 2.0-litre class. With prices starting from RM99,498, it is even cheaper than 1.6-litre models of other makes so the increased popularity this year is not surprising.

“All our EON outlets accept trade-ins of used Proton models and offer the best prices,” promised Datuk Adzmi.

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At long last, after listening to the views of various parties, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has decided that the amount of commission payable to car dealers by finance companies is to be no more than RM600 per hire-purchase application. Previously, commissions paid by finance companies were based on the amount loaned and the term, causing an unnecessary burden to buyers. The decision comes into effect on July 13th 2000.

BNM has declared that the payment will be for the services rendered by car dealers in processing applications by customers for loans. The services include filling and submitting of application forms, liaising with the JPJ, and ensuring that vehicles meets legal requirements. Additionally, the dealers are expected to explain to customers the various aspects of the loan applied for and arrange insurance coverage for the vehicles sold.

BNM has made it clear that the handling fees are to be borne entirely by the finance companies and should not be passed on to consumers. On their part, the finance companies have given assurance that the payment would not have an effct on prevailing interest rates which have falled significantly since BNM stopped the practice of commissions being paid to car dealers for H-P loans.

In an effort to prevent any covert arrangements, BNM has made it clear that the finance companies are not to make any other form of payment to car dealers other than the prescribed handling fee. This is to avoid the unhealthy situation whereby dealers will be ‘persuaded’ to direct customers to use certain finance companies that pay additional commissions.

Car buyers are not obliged to accept financing offered by specific finance companies or recommended by car dealers. They have the right to choose their own finance company and to deal directly with the finance company if they wish.

And to put an end to a well known problem faced by some buyers, BNM added car dealers must not discriminate against car buyers who wish to pay in cash (ie not take any loan) or those who could get financing through their employers. In the past, there were complaints about this issue which was due to dealers not wanting to lose their precious commissions.

BNM warned car dealers that they should not impose hidden charges on any other services and must not impose any other form of additional payment without the knowledge and consent of the car buyer. Its statement noted that the handling fee for H-P loans is based on the services provided, and is more transparent and fair to all parties, namely the car dealers/representatives, consumers and finance companies.

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Leading Japanese tyremaker Bridgestone has decided that the growing Malaysian market warrants direct involvement in the marketing and sales of its products and has established its own sales office locally. Previously, Bridgestone tyres were imported and distributed by UMW Industries (1985) Sdn Bhd.

The office, Bridgestone Tyre Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd, (BTSM) is located in Subang Jaya, Selangor. BTSM is headed by Managing Director Keisuke Goto and its job is to increase sales of Bridgestone tyres as well as enhance customer service. The office, which was officially opened by Bridgestone President, Chairman and Chief Executive Yoichiro Kaizaki, has a present staff level of 25.

“The marked increase in car sales in Malaysia prompted our company to start its own sales office here,” Mr Goto explained, adding that the local market has matured over the last few years and more motorists have become both demanding and discerning with regards to their choice of tyres.

“We are confident that, with the current buoyant economy, demand for high performance street tyres should also increase,” he forecast. “We are targeting an increase in our market share of 15% within two years, and to a further 20% within the next four years.”

To achieve this target, BTSM plans to appoint up to 200 dealers nationwide to provide sales and after-sales services.

“The hosting of the Formula 1 race in Malaysia is also timely for Bridgestone as we are the exclusive worldwide supplier of tyres for F1 cars,” added Mr Goto. “It places us at the pole position as the world’s leading performance tyre designer and manufacturer.”

In conjunction with the significant development of establishing a Malaysian sales office, the company also introduced its latest high-performance tyre, the Potenza RE711. This tyre, available in aspect ratios from 55-series to as low as 30-series, uses advanced manufacturing technology and also has a patented ‘LL Carbon Compound’ claimed to reinforce and stabilize the rubber for extended service life and better resistance to damage from stones.

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In the automotive world, the cost of R&D is extremely expensive and with the business environment becoming increasingly competitive, pooling of resources is the way to go. That’s why you see all the mergers taking place;
two large companies joining forces can share R&D facilities, platforms and even use common components to lower production costs.

Goodyear, the tyre giant, also uses the same strategy but within its own group. The latest move is to draw on the combined strengths of its three development and technical centres and develop superior common technologies that can be applied to products sold worldwide.

“This move will create what we call ‘Trinuum Tyre Technology’ and the name ‘Trinuum’ is derived from ‘Tri’ which means the ‘power of three’ while ‘nuum’ comes from ‘continuum’, which represents a continuum of tyre technology,” explained Hugh Pace, President of Goodyear Asia during the launch event in Malaysia recently.

“Trinuum combines the respective strengths from Goodyear’s three global development and technical centres in Japan, Europe and America to design the perfect tyre for every application, every terrain and every drive,” he said.

In the past, each of these centres had concentrated on developing tyres only for their own areas, leading to unnecessary duplication of functions. Now, the Japanese centre will contribute technology that incorporates aesthetics and sensitivity in tyre design while the European centre in Luxembourg will work on engineering aspects with orientation towards high performance. The American centre in Goodyear’s home city of Akron, Ohio, will provide the innovative impetus for the 102-year old company to stay ahead technologically. In total, Goodyear expects to spend between RM 0.5 billion to RM 2 billion on R&D annually.

Trinuum tyre technology, which will appear in the Goodyear Eagle F1 and new future tyres (soon to be introduced in Malaysia) called the Eagle Ventura and Eagle NCT5, will bring superiority in three distinct areas: chemistry, design and engineering. Tyres with this technology will feature unique chemical polymers which are produced and patented by Goodyear. These polymers will provide drivers with enhanced traction on wet roads,
claims Goodyear.

Design studios worldwide will create advanced Goodyear products by utilizing computer aids and 3D prototyping tools, while engineering concept development and optimization with computer modeling will see tyre construction that lengthens tread life, reduces noise, improves comfort and sharpens handling.

Commenting on the implications of AFTA and the removal of trade barriers, Goodyear Malaysia Managing Director Harish Khosla said the company is confident of maintaining market leadership in the region.

“The entire ASEAN market will become increasingly competitive as many more choices become available to customers. But Goodyear will be able to stay ahead and we will continue to grow profitably with the help of our
strong and sustainable competitive advantages, now strengthened with Trinuum Tyre Technology,” said Mr Khosla.

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As AUTOWORLD.COM.MY reported earlier, UMW Toyota Motor is adding a third variant of the Toyota Unser to the range, the addition having automatic transmission. The new variant is now officially available at all Toyota showrooms with an on-the-road price of RM82,000, inclusive of insurance premium.

The addition of this variant, says the company, is in response to customer feedback and also the ever-improving state of the car market. “When we launched the Toyota Unser in mid-1998, Malaysia had a severe economic crisis and although customers asked for an automatic transmission variant, we deferred its introduction due to unfavourable market conditions,” said Wong Lup Hang, General Manager of the Marketing Division.

“In the first quarter of this year, the total industry volume is about 20% higher than for the same period in 1999, and Toyota’s volume has also improved by some 71%. So we feel the time is right to introduce this latest variant of the Toyota Unser,” he said.

“Given today’s congested traffic conditions in many towns and cities, more and more motorists, especially women, prefer the convenience of automatic transmission, so we expect that this variant will account for a significant proportion of Unser sales,” he added.

The automatic transmission fitted to the new Toyota Unser 1.8 GLi Automatic is a 4-speed unit which is specially designed for the well-proven and reliable 1.8-litre Toyota 7K-E petrol engine. Electronic controls in the automatic transmission make shifting smoother and more efficient through the spread of four gear ratios. An overdrive ratio for the top gear brings the engine speed down when cruising to reduce fuel consumption and noise.

The 7K-E engine has advanced features that enable it to produce a high output for this type of engine. Notable among these is the use of EFI with an integrated timing control valve for more precise delivery of fuel. With EFI, which is computer-managed, the fuel is well mixed with the air for better combustion which makes for better fuel economy, stable performance and low toxic exhaust emissions.

The engine also has, as part of its maintenance-free electronic ignition system, Electronic Spark Advance (EAS). This ensures that the most appropriate ignition timing is used not only to maximise output and promote combustion efficiency but also to reduce the chances of damage to the engine due to poor fuel quality causing knocking. Contributing to fuel economy is the inclusion of an Idle Speed Control (ISC) system which automatically sets the idling speed to the lowest rpm possible. This is determined by various operating conditions.

The air intake entry point is positioned higher than normal to avoid problems of water entering the engine. With the higher position, the driver can more confidently drive across stretches of road that are moderately flooded.

Besides having a 3-way catalytic converter to convert the toxic elements in the exhaust gases before release into the atmosphere, the engine is also fitted with an Oxygen Sensor Heater Control. The sensor provides the engine management computer with real-time data on the oxygen content in the exhaust gases so that the best air-fuel ratio can be chosen, optimising output and fuel efficiency while minimising generation of toxic gases.

STYLE WITH SAFETY
The new Unser Automatic retains the familar functional bodystyle which offers lots of seating space and versatility in cabin layout. Its sturdy looks and bright colours reflect one of its popular roles as a ‘lifestyle vehicle’ while generous glass areas all round provide a bright ambience within.

With safety being a top priority in Toyota’s design and engineering philosophy, the new Unser Automatic, like the other Unser variants, offers high levels of protection for the 8 occupants. Structurally, it has a very strong steel bodyshell with a tough reinforced steel chassis.

Unlike a conventional van, the engine bay is mounted ahead of the cabin rather than under the front seats. This provides an extra length of “crumple space” during a frontal collision. Additionally, the front and rear ends of the chassis have extra reinforcement to withstand the brunt of a collision, while pipe-type beams in each side door minimise intrusion during a collision at the side.

Laminated glass is also used for the windscreen (which has an anti-glare strip on the top) and this more expensive type of glass does not shatter into little pieces when hit by a stone. Instead a crack will form (if the impact is very great), reducing the dangers of obscured vision and injuries from broken glass.

Other important Passive Safety features include an energy-absorbing steering wheel pad and seatbelts for every occupant. Those in front and on the sides of each row of seats get easy-to-use 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts while those in the middle have 2-point seatbelts.

Active Safety – which helps the driver avoid accidents – is also of a high standard. The brake system consists of large ventilated front disc brakes (for fade-free performance) and generously-sized rear drum brakes. The rear drum brakes have a Load-Sensing Proportioning Valve which is a “smart device” that adjusts braking pressure at the rear according to the load on board. A lighter load will result in less pressure on the rear brakes so as to prevent wheel lock-up and skidding, especially if the road is wet.

Sharp and responsive steering control is provided by a power-assisted rack and pinion steering system. The amount of assistance provided varies according to the engine speed. At low speeds (eg during parking), maximum assistance is provided for ease of manoeuvring while at cruising speeds, the assistance is less to give the driver a better “feel” of the road.

VERSATILE CABIN
The versatility of the Unser’s spacious cabin has been among its more impressive features which owners greatly appreciate. The second and third rows of seats can be folded to lengthen the luggage floor while the third row can be completely removed, if necessary, by simply unscrewing the bolts holding it to the floor.

Loading through the large rear door is convenient with its low floor. The door gently swings upwards to a height of 1.94 metres so there will be no bumping of heads. The rear door lock is linked to the central locking system for convenience.

Entry and exit can be done with ease as the seat heights are just right to slip in. For access to the third row, a section of the second row seat can be flipped forward to provide plenty of space for movement while side steps on either side also contribute to the ease of getting in and out.

COMPREHENSIVE EQUIPMENT
Because of the stringent quality standards demanded by Toyota, every accessory must be tested and approved in Japan before it can be included in a locally-assembled model. With all Unsers, there’s a generous range of accessories that include a sturdy K-bar in front, dual air-conditioning system (custom-designed for the Unser) and audio system with the new Unser Automatic also having alloy rims and an original Toyota Multi-DIN storage compartment section on the dashboard (with a combination lock).

“From our customer surveys, we have found the Unser being used for many different purposes by both male and female owners. Generally, most have found it ideal for outings with bigger groups of friends and those with many children appreciate the extra space too,” said Mr Wong. “And of course, there are those who buy the Unser for private use and find it also serves them well for business.”

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Although most Malaysians would not be aware of it, the predecessor of the 206, the 205, was an enormously successful model for Peugeot. After its introduction in the mid-1980s, it was practically the ‘saviour’ of Peugeot’s fortunes and remained as the company’s bestseller for ten years. With such a legendary success, it was understandable that the team working on a successor was very apprehensive: the 205 was a hard act to follow up on.

But they had a budget of 6.3 billion French francs (including funding for factory upgrading and new equipment) and a lot of new technology to use which was not available back in the early 1980s when the 205 was developed. Departing from the usual practice of using their long-standing associate, Pininfarina of Italy, the 206 was one of the few Peugeots styled in-house. Apparently, the proposal by a team led by an ex-Mercedes stylist, Murat Gunak, appealed to Peugeot management far more than the one presented by Pininfarina as well as another by ItalDesign. But Peugeot executives stress that the Italian studio provided some ‘valuable input’ nevertheless and that it is not an indication of the association ending.

The 206 is dimensionally bigger than the 205 but still smaller than the 306. Its wheelbase is longer and it is also taller. One of the highlights of the somewhat bulbous design is what Peugeot claims to be the largest glazed area in its class – 2.96 square metres, of which 1.2 sq. metres alone is the laminated windscreen.

So large is the glass area (as much as a bigger MPV) that special heat-absorbing glass is fitted. Compared to conventional glass, this glass is said to prevent 24% of light transmission and 43% of energy (heat) transmission.

The 206 is the first car in the PSA Peugeot Citroen Group to have been developed and designed entirely with the use of digital modelling. The whole process allowed some 4,000 team members to be networked so that their individual areas of work done would be integrated in a “master” design which would be available to all other designers. Even the production engineers who figured out the most efficient way of assembling the 206 were on the network.

The French have been well known for their skill in engineering cars with a refined ride and for this new Peugeot, the engineers aimed for a level of comfort comparable to a model a notch higher. Tol do this, they provided longer suspension travel in the inverted pseudo-MacPherson front strut layout and a trailing arm arrangement at the rear. The rear suspension looks simple but is actually an ingenious arrangement of torsion bars, cast iron trailing arms and telescopic dampers (the latter set at a sharp angle to reduce intrusion into the boot space). At the point where the axle and body structure meet are four flexible blocks with different degrees of hardness. These blocks minimise wheel plane movements for more precise wheel location under heavy loading.

There is a wide range of engines for the 206, ranging from 1124 cc to 1868 cc and for the Malaysian market, the 206 with the 1.4-litre petrol engine is the one being imported. This multipoint EFI 8-valve engine develops a healthy 55 kW/75 bhp at 5500 rpm and 111 Nm of torque is claimed to be able to bring the car up to a top speed of 160 km/h. Like all the other petrol engines, maintenance intervals are extended from 15,000 kms to 30,000 kms, the first Peugeot to have this extra-long interval.

Also standard for the cars imported by MBf-Peugeot is automatic transmission. The French now realise that more motorists prefer the convenience and Peugeot, in conjunction with ZF, has developed a superb adaptive 4-speed automatic transmission for the 206. This is adapted from the one used in the 406.

The interior designers made full use of the larger body to maximise cabin space. Included in the main development focus was the provision of plenty of storage space and in achieving this, some clever ideas have been used. For instance, the front passenger’s seat also has a stowage compartment under the cushion. The useful volume of the glovebox (able to accommodate a shoebox!) is not reduced even when air-conditioning ducting is installed inside.

The seating layout is quite versatile allowing either more cargo or more people to be carried. The rear backrests, divided in a 70:30 ratio, can be folded flat to extend boot length. As with most European cars, the rear seats flip up and forward so that the backrests lie perfectly flat. The seat cushions can also be removed if desired.

The dashboard is typically French with many curves. In the middle, just below the windscreen, is a recess which houses the display for the optional On-Board Navigation system(not available for Malaysia). The space also has the pushbutton for the hazard warning lights, a prominent location.

Though small in size, the 206 offers high levels of protection for its occupants with its well designed bodyshell with substantial deformation areas front and rear. At the sides, ‘omega-shaped’ members in the doors prevent intrusion during impact. To reduce the severity of a frontal collision, dual front airbags are available in the 206 and those sold in Malaysia have them as standard, an important safety feature which you don’t normally find in cars in this class sold locally.

AUTOWORLD.COM.MY will be testing this new Peugeot ‘prince’ in May so keep an eye out for our test report.

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Isuzu Motors has confirmed that it will turn the ZXS concept shown at the 1999 Tokyo Motorshow into a production model which will go on sale from early next year. The new SUV (sport utility vehicle), to be known as the Axiom – a name which was selected from over 35,000 names suggested by consumers via the Internet – will be manufactured at Isuzu’s factory in the USA. The initial production of 24,000 units a year will be sold in North America only.

“The Axiom Sportwagon was designed as a ‘hybrid vehicle’,” said Scott Hyde, Executive Manager, Product Planning, SUV, at Isuzu’s US subsidiary, “combining two uniquely American vehicle types: the SUV and the stationwagon, hence the name ‘Sportwagon'”.

The Axiom Sportwagon is to mirror the ZXS concept vehicle (pictured) in appearance and technical abilities and follows in the concept’s intent to be an elegant extension and refinement of the SUV category. But don’t let the ‘street looks’ fool you: the Axiom Sportwagon is more SUV than car, and is claimed to be fully capable of operating proficiently in severe weather and challenging terrain. But in contrast to typical SUV ride and handling, the Axiom Sportwagon’s sophisticated suspension is also tuned to accentuate spirited on-road handling and performance while yielding a supremely smooth and comfortable ride.

These performance goals have been accomplished with a moderate reduction in ride height, a sturdy chassis-frame supporting an independent double-wishbone, torsion bar front suspension and a 5-link live rear axle with coil spring suspension. This advanced suspension layout is augmented with “Intelligent Suspension Control” (ISC) which incorporates a dedicated CPU that monitors inputs for terrain and continuously adjusts shock valving to provide the best level of ride and handling for the given terrain.

The Axiom is the first Isuzu product to combine the ride and handling benefits of ISC’s computer-guided, real-time, shock-valving adjustment with the traction and handling benefits of the Torque-on-Demand 4WD system. This system, co-patented with Borg-Warner Automotive, is designed to provide optimal traction by selecting the most suitable torque distribution between each of the large 17-inch wheels automatically.

Powering the Axiom Sportwagon is a high-performance 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 petrol engine producing 158 kW/215 bhp at 5400 rpm. This all-aluminium engine has sequential multi-point EFI, a direct ignition system, variable intake, drive-by-wire electronic throttle, and is managed by a super-fast 32-bit PCM. Isuzu claims it is one of the more advanced engines available in an SUV. The transmission is an electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic.

For the US market, the Axiom’s powertrain (like all Isuzu SUVs sold there) will have a 10-year/120,000 mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, the longest offered by any manufacturer in North America.

The interior design features ergonomically designed controls with upscale amenities more commonly found in performance vehicles yet with the room and luxury usually restricted to luxury coupes. In addition, this Isuzu introduces the company’s first Multi-Information Display which allows occupants to control the sound system, automatic climate control and tripcomputer as well as keep time with an on-board clock synchronised to the US atomic clock, and also to monitor vehicle heading via a digital compass.

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    To Malaysian, the American car brand Cadillac would bring to mind those large, super-long limousines with darkened windows used by American presidents and also Mafia bosses. Indeed, at one time, Cadillac cars were highly respected but when the world became more aware of the limited fuel resources on the planet, Cadillacs were seen as being the greatest fuel-guzzlers.

    Over the past two decades, however, the company (which is part of General Motors) has revised almost its entire range and some fine, reasonably fuel-efficient models are now being sold. But Cadillac still wants to retain its historical image as a maker of upscale sedans with class and has been working on ‘brand character development’ during the past few years.

    One way has been through the creation of emotive concept cars like the Evox luxury roadster which was shown at many 1999 motorshows. This year, the company unveiled the Imaj (pronounced “e-maaj”) which is said to blend the luxury of traditional coachbuilders with 21st century technology.

    Intended as a refined sedan for the world market, the Imaj was designed with much support from GM’s British concept studio. It has styling which would be recognisable by Cadillac loyalists, with sharp lines and crisp intersections that give a diamond-like quality.

    “Much like the fashion industry’s ‘signature label’ products, Imaj would be very exclusive and limited,” says Wayne Cherry, GM’s vice-president and director of GM Design and Portfolio Centres. “It’s designed to be a high-end flagship, chauffeur-driver on weekdays and personally-driven on weekends, for both Cadillac and GM, pushing the limits of performance, comfort and communications technology.”

    To further enhance the concept car’s opulent luxury, Cadillac teamed up with famous Italian jeweler Bvlgari to have custom-made aluminium baggage and an exclusive fine clock and distinctive instrumentation.

    The Imaj can switch from rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive whenever the driver needs it and available on demand are 312 kW/425 bhp from its supercharged V8 engine. Performance is further enhanced with the lightweight aluminium spaceframe construction and liberal use of aluminium in suspension components.

    Those who love high-tech will find lots to drool over as the Imaj showcases some of GM’s finsest communications and safety technology. On the dashboard is a state-of-the-art Delphi infotainment system with :LCD screens from IBM for all passengers; the top-class audio system has nothing less than a DVD and there’s also internet access. Rearview video cameras replace mirrors while Night Vision and radar parking obstacle alert systems make driving safer. There’s also active suspension with a next-generation StabiliTrak system, Goodyear EMT run-flat tyres, Brembo brakes and cardkey access.

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