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Caltex’s “Senang Menang” Returns with a Ford
to Reward Customers

December marks the beginning of an exciting three month period of prizes, travel and fun for Caltex customers with Caltex Oil Malaysia Limited (COML) bringing back its easy to win “Senang Menang” Contest loaded with even bigger and more exciting prizes.

For the latest round of the tremendously popular “Senang Menang” contest, COML has teamed up with Ford Malaysia to offer a pulse racing red 2.0L Ford RS Lynx, worth RM113,888.00 as the Grand Prize, as well as loads of other exciting prizes including electronic products, cash, the chance to travel and Caltex Vortex petrol vouchers.

“The Senang Menang Contest is our way of rewarding our customers while making each stop at our stations and Star Marts an exciting one as almost every purchase gives them the opportunity to participate and win one of the attractive prizes offered,” said brand manager for Caltex, Razaleigh Zainal

“It’s all about adding value for our customers when they come to Caltex as we want to be number one in their hearts and minds,” added Razaleigh.

Anyone who makes a minimum RM5 purchase from Caltex’s Star Marts with at least RM30 of Caltex fuel is eligible to enter the “Senang Menang” Contest and the opportunity to win one of the many prizes.

All they have to do is spot the differences between two images on the contest form and complete a tagline as the tiebreaker.

“The idea is to make it simple and fun, so that anyone who walks into a Caltex station has the chance to win a great prize,” said Razaleigh.

The “Senang Menang” contest also marks the first time that two of the most well known consumer brands in Malaysia, Caltex and Ford, have teamed up for a consumer promotion in a combination of their respective strong brand values and heritage on Malaysian roads.

“Generations of Malaysians have grown up with both Caltex and Ford serving their driving needs and recognize them for their quality and performance,” said Razaleigh.

“The 2.0L Ford RS Lynx is a performance vehicle that is recognized for its superior ride and handling and we are happy that one of the lucky contestants will be able to drive away with this vehicle,” said Spencer Lee, Brand Manager Truck & Car, for Ford Malaysia.

Offering more than RM200,000.00 worth of prizes, the “Senang Menang” contest will begin on 22nd of December 2004 and will run until the end of February 2005. More details of the contest are available in major newspapers as well as at all Caltex stations and Ford dealerships.

“The first Senang Menang contest was a tremendous success and we’ve made the second one even more exciting, so we hope everyone will join in the fun. You never know what you could win with Caltex until you try,” added Razaleigh.

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A Classical Exposé of the Shining Silver Stars

Kuala Lumpur, 17 December 2004: The magnificent and awe-inspiring exhibits of the Mercedes-Benz Shining Silver Star exhibition have finally landed on Malaysian shores after touring four countries in the Asia Pacific region. The much awaited exposition, which made its debut in Asia in May this year, features vintage models of one of the world’s most successful premium automobile brands. It also offers a rare glimpse into the history of its founding inventors’ contribution to modern motorised road transportation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition, Frank Steinleitner, President and Chief Executive Officer of DaimlerChrysler Malaysia said: “At Mercedes-Benz, we believe the future of the automobile does not begin with the latest models, but with a history of more than 100 years. Seen in this light, we have always been working in the business called future”.

Keeping the brand’s unique heritage and history alive is the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, which houses numerous classic gems from the world-renown automotive brand, including those featured in the Shining Silver Star exhibition.

A special guided tour of the exhibition was given beginning with fascinating stories and facts of the world’s first motor vehicle – the Benz Patent Motorcar. It was revealed that Bertha Benz, the wife of one of the founding inventors, Karl Benz, was the first woman driver who secretly took the vehicle for a test drive for 92 miles, proving the actual performance of the motor car.

The next exhibit was the Mercedes 37/70 hp Simplex, the breakthrough “modern automobile” which belonged to the 1907 model generation – a car that was associated with its legendary racing success and brought about the birth of the Mercedes brand name.

Invited guests and members of the media were then shown the Benz 8/20 hp convertible touring car, which made its début in 1912. The improved version of this car was actually advertised as the “silent Benz” due to its smooth running engine. This appealing and creatively styled model was nicknamed the “snake car”, derived from its car’s horn.

The following exhibit was the Mercedes 28/95 hp, the first of a series of “grand” Mercedes automobiles that ranked among the leading automobiles during the years before and after World War I. This model initiated the car’s association with power and exclusivity and credited to its innovative engine technology, it became a wining car in motor racing.

The next car on display was the Mercedes-Benz 320 Streamliner saloon with fastback and rear-wheel coverings – one of the first cars with aerodynamically efficient bodywork. This “Motorway Courier” was fitted with an additional transmission for high cruising speeds in the 1930s, in response to the growing use of the motorways during that time.

The last model on show was the Mercedes-Benz 300, the largest and fastest German produced car. History has it that the German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer insisted on being chauffeured in the Mercedes-Benz 300 for years, which resulted in the car becoming popularly known as the “Adenauer Mercedes”.

Guests and the media were then offered a ride in the 118-year-old three-wheeler Benz Patent Motor Car. Tipping the scales at just under 300kg, the engine alone accounted for more than 100kg, making the Benz Patent Motor Car an extremely light and filigree vehicle.

The Shining Silver Star exhibition, which is opened to the public from 18 – 24 December, will feature exciting contests throughout the exhibition period and the crowd can also get to enjoy live crossovers with both, Mix.fm and Light and Easy. In addition, there are classic activities installed for Mercedes-Benz’s customers such as the live solo Jazz performances by Claressa Monteiro from Singapore and Anne Weerapass, violin performances by Joanne Yeoh, and a Elvis Presley impersonator.

As a finale to the event, there will be a Christmas Eve surprise for kids on the last day of the exhibition. Be sure to bring your family to meet Santa Claus and sing along to familiar Christmas carols.

Admission to the classic car exhibition is free and will take place from 12noon until 7pm on weekdays, and from 12noon until 9pm on weekends.


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Peugeot 407 – Great Shape, Nice Body, Latest French Lady in Town

I am not very good at descriptions, especially shapes and lines of cars. To me, the mechanicals, the engineering, the technology and the handling of any car are the main points for concern. Looks are a bonus! Some of the best performing cars on the road over the years look really ugly, but because they can go like stink, they come out smelling like roses.

It takes quite a lot to move me, but the moment I set eyes on the new Peugeot 407, I was impressed. For a family sedan, it certainly has a very ‘fierce’ front face, especially that large and wide shark’s jaw of a grille. The 407, is, in my opinion, Peugeot’s best looking medium sized sedan ever. The sporty looking front end is proudly stamped with a large Peugeot lion in the centre between the ‘slant eyed’ triple combination headlamps; the long aluminum bonnet (for weight saving) slopes gently up from the bumper cum air dam, and is followed by a sharply raked windscreen in an arc that continues up into the roof, and flows down gently into the rear boot area. A ‘duck’ tail accentuates the rear end, and the drop to the rear bumper from the top of the boot lid is tapered inwards for an aerodynamic effect. A black body stripe protects the 407 against minor dinks and car park incidents and at the same time makes the car look sleek. Blacked out ‘B’ pillars give the illusion that the car is a coupe. From any angle, the 407 is a beautiful piece of art. In a nutshell, without any disrespect for the designer, it does remind me of another one of my favourites, the Maserati. Its best angle is the front three quarter view.

In the performance department, however, the Peugeot 407 falls a little short of my expectations. Such a great looking car deserves much more grunt than the 137 horses that the 2.0 litre 4-cylinder aluminum engine produces, but I suppose that cost considerations take precedence over a lot of other things. (Yes, there is a 3.0 litre model, but that’s another story.) To transfer power to the ground, a 4-speed automatic transmission is used, yet another disappointment in an era when just about everybody else in this category is on to five or even six-speed boxes. There is however, some saving grace in the Tiptronic system that comes with the transmission.

Perhaps the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) that works in conjunction with the ABS (Antilock Braking System) does make up for it a little more, on top of the Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Emergency Braking Assistance that comes as part of the package. And yes, the brakes are ventilated discs at the front, and solid discs at the rear. Add on the seatbelts with pre-tensioners, hazard lights that come on automatically when you apply emergency brakes, or the automatic unlocking of the doors in the event of an impact, and you begin to see that much more value for your money. Also add to this list, anti-whiplash seats, and cruise control, and you have in hand a well thought of vehicle, with features built-in to make your life better, or to keep you safe.

I was part of a group of journalists who were invited to go for a long test drive that started in Petaling Jaya, went to Penang, and came back the next day, a drive that covered approximately 700 kilometres.

In the driver’s seat, everything is fine. The 407 is built to pamper the driver. If you happen to be a rear passenger, it is okay if you are short. Legroom is a little limited, because in pampering the driver and front passenger, the front seats are built (in the French tradition of being very comfortable) very thick, and takes up quite a bit of the available space. The 137 horses are tamed quite well, with the gear ratios on a short leash to maximize whatever acceleration there is. At 110 km/hour in top gear, the engine is turning at approximately 3000 rpm, and the gearbox kicks down to 3rd and stays there as long as you have your foot down. For fast cruising, the 407 is comfortable at between 150 to 170 km/hr, but on a long and empty downhill stretch, one of our guys managed 208 km/hr.

For the passengers, the ride is comfortable, but for the driver, it may appear to be a little on the soft side of firm. As a family car, I would have no hesitation in recommending it. For the engineering savvy readers, the Peugeot runs on double wishbones and coil springs for front and rear suspensions. Overall handling is very good; pushed hard into corners, the 407 is extremely well behaved, lane change characteristics are excellent, and cross winds are not an issue. Fuel economy? We did not have a chance to check it out; even if we did, it would not have been a true indication of what the car would really give under normal usage. Anyway, our tank of fuel took us to Penang without any problem.

Would I buy the car? It depends. If I were a family type of person, who wants good value for what I pay, don’t normally drive very fast, but would like to do some high speed driving once in a long while, want to arrive looking good, turn some heads and make some people wonder makes me tick, and accept that I am an individual who does not go by convention, then the answer is yes!


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Amazing Deals on Volvo Cars

2 month-old demonstration models of the new Volvo S40 will be on offer at the Federal Auto – Auto Fair this weekend.

Federal Auto will clear its Volvo demonstration cars, corporate cars and authorized used cars during the nationwide Fair which will run from 10th to 13th December.

“The new Volvo S40 was only launched in October this year, so it is quite a buy,” said Managing Director, Mohamed Ashraf Iqbal. “All the cars are in very good condition and it is worth coming to see and test drive what we have on offer.”

Other Volvo models that will be available at the Auto Fair include the V40, S60, S80 and XC90.

A bi-annual event, the Auto Fair is held at Federal Auto Branches located in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Penang, Malacca and Johor Bahru.

All cars for sale have been well maintained and serviced at Federal Auto Service Centres. Of course, the demonstration models have extremely low mileage, which makes them a very smart purchase.

The Auto Fair will run from 9am – 6pm (Monday and Friday) and 9am – 5pm (Saturday and Sunday). Bring along the family as Federal Auto has organised fun activities for the kids too.

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-27th – 28th Nov 2004-
A total of 50 cars carrying the words “Follow Me To Singapore” rolled out of the SHELL co-op petrol station located at km15.8 along the northbound North Klang Valley Expressway. Proudly flagged off by Mr. Nicholas Kao, area director for the Singapore Tourism Board, and SHELL senior retail regional manager, Mr. Fong Lai Pong.

The Perdana V6 Club, Kenari & Kelisa Owners Club (K2OC), and the MR2 Club Malaysia, coupled with the assistance of automobile events specialist AutoFX Concepts Sdn Bhd, jointly organized a tri-club convoy down south across the border to Singapore. The Singapore Tourism Board, Sentosa Island, and SHELL proudly supported this mega car club event. “The event was planned for the month of November as it gives convoy participants the opportunity to experience the infamous Orchard Road Christmas decorations and lights.” Said Mr. Eu Jin, President of the V-Sixers (Perdana V6 Club). “I particularly enjoyed shopping along Orchard Road, and checking out the wonderful Christmas decorations, including the 100-foot Christmas tree!” added Mr. Hans Chang, Vice President and acting president of the Kenari & Kelisa Owners Club (K2OC).

A special cheerleading performance by the CHARM ALL-STARS signaled the flag-off, and the warmed up drivers headed for their cars.
The extremely long convoy departed from Selangor at about 10.30am, attracting jaw-dropping stares and cheerful waves from other highway users throughout the journey. Heading straight to Sentosa Island, participants got a bird’s eye view of the island from the Carlsberg Sky Tower, and were treated to spectacular visual entertainment at the Musical Fountain. Escorted by the Singapore Police, the 50-car convoy then made an impressive parade through Orchard Road and Marina Bay. “I enjoyed the night life most, partying at Chijmes and Mohamed Sultan Road was fun.” said Mr. Allan Khoo, President of the MR2 Club Malaysia. “It was a truly memorable parade and convoy for all who participated. Based on the response, we will be planning a second trip aptly themed “Follow Me To Singapore Too!” Added Chief event organizer Mr. Jwan Heah from AutoFX.


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Ford Malaysia flagged off its outrider campaign last week from Shah Alam by its Managing Director, Mike Pease to showcase its latest offering, the Escape 3.0L V6 to city folk and reinforce its profile as a prestigious, fun and trustworthy SUV.

The campaign will see traffic police outriders escorting four Escape 3.0L V6 around the Klang Valley, while making stops along the way to allow the public to see and get to know more about this vehicle.

In addition to this, MixFM and the Ford Ranger Extreme road-runners will be supporting this campaign at strategic locations with live radio announcements and interactive games. Make sure to tune in to find out their location and you may stand a chance to win an instant prize.

“The Ford Escape is a lifestyle vehicle and has built a global reputation as a sporty, agile and fun to own vehicle. It fully captures Ford’s “No Boundaries” positioning and gives its owners the freedom to live life to the max,” said Pease.

The Escape offers power, driving dynamics and style rolled into one and is powered by a Duratec 3.0L V6 engine, which leads the power stakes in the compact SUV segment.

Priced attractively at RM156,888.00 on the road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia, the Escape 3.0L V6 is the only SUV that comes packaged with standard leather seats, sunroof and side airbags plus Ford’s 3 years/100,000 km warranty, making it the ideal choice of customers who will not compromise on power, style and safety.

For more information or to arrange for a test drive, call 1-800-88-3181.

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The feast of Santa Lucia on December 13 signals the beginning of Christmas celebrations in Sweden where for generations, the Swedish people mark the evening throughout the country with processions of children dressed in traditional costumes singing traditional Christmas songs. The children bring with them warm beverages and buns on a cold winter night in celebration of the life of this young saint who was known for her kindness and dedication towards the poor.

As part of its quest to bring new and delightfully different experiences to its customers, Swedish Marque the new Volvo dealer in Kuala Lumpur today recreated the Santa Lucia feast day celebrations in its showroom in Sungai Besi. The evening was complete with the procession of young children dressed in traditional costumes making their way through the car showroom singing Swedish Christmas songs.

His Excellency the Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia Mr Bruno Beijer who graced the event, gave the 250 guests made up of Swedish Marque customers, business associates, the regional management team from the Premier Automotive Group (PAG) Asia and staff of Volvo Car Malaysia a fascinating insight to the celebration of this special evening that has been celebrated throughout Sweden for over a thousand years.

Apart from the heart-warming renditions of Christmas songs by the children led by Linda Goransson who took on the role of Lucia, guests were treated to very traditional Swedish Christmas fare including Lucia buns or Lussekatter, smoked salmon and Glogg or mulled wine. The evening was then punctuated with the lighting of the Christmas candles and the Christmas trees giving the car showroom a special warm glow.

In his welcoming address earlier in the evening, Swedish Marque General Manager Pang Cheong Yan said that the Santa Lucia celebrations were as much about bringing an integral part of the Swedish tradition to Malaysians as it was about sharing with the less fortunate.

“Being purveyors of one of Sweden’s finest exports, it is appropriate that we bring a delightful celebration that is an integral part of the Swedish tradition to Malaysians as a foretaste of the celebrations of the season,” said Pang.

Equally important he added was that the programme benefited over 150 children in four children’s homes who would receive a gift from invited guests.

“Santa Lucia was probably best remembered for her generosity towards those who were less fortunate and tonight it is indeed heartwarming to note that there will be some children who will have a delightful Christmas thanks to our guests,” he added.

The children from four homes namely Rumah Keluarga Kami, Shelter Home, Trinity Children’s Home and WAO will be feted to a tea party at Swedish Marque next week where the gifts will be distributed to the children.

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30 November 2004 – AutoPraha Sdn Bhd, the official importers and distributors of the Skoda range of cars launched their flagship model, the Skoda Superb at a simple unveiling ceremony at the Hyatt Saujana, Subang today.

The Skoda Superb is available with two engine options. Top of the range is a 2.8 litre V6, 30-Valve (5-valves per cylinder) DOHC per bank engine that delivers 194 bhp at 6000 rpm, and 280 Nm of torque at 3200 rpm. The bread and butter model, based on the same body, is a turbocharged 1.8 litre, 4-cylinder DOHC engine, also with 5-valves per cylinder, that delivers a respectable 150 bhp at 5700 rpm, and 210 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm.

Both models are front wheel drive, with the engines mounted longitudinally (as opposed to the norm of being transversely mounted) in the style of Audi and Volkswagen. You would have guessed correctly if you thought that the base platform was either an Audi or Volkswagen based. The Superb is indeed based on a Volkswagen Passat platform, except that Skoda are very proud to announce that they have extended the platform by 100mm (about 4 inches), with the most benefit going to the rear passenger in the form of more legroom.

Transmission is a 5-speed automatic with Tiptronic (manual shift) function for both models. The 1.8 Turbo shares the same gearbox as the 2.8 litre V6, but final drive ratios are different; the 1.8 turbo has a 3.292 final drive while the 2.8 litre has a 3.091 final drive. Overall drive ratios are also varied by the fact that the 2.8 comes with 17-inch wheels, compared to the 1.8 Turbo’s 16-inch treads. Both models are on alloy wheels. Top speed on the 2.8 litre V6 is claimed at 232 km/hr, while the 1.8 Turbo is claimed at 212 km/hr, both of which are respectable figures. Zero to 100 km/hr for the 2.8 V6 is claimed at 9.4 seconds, while the 1.8 Turbo is at 10.9 seconds. Fuel consumption in combined cycle is 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres for the V6, and 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres for the 1.8 Turbo. The 1.8 Turbo tips the scales at 1492 kg, while the 2.8 V6 is 1551 kg.

Brakes are ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS is standard for both models, but the 2.8 V6 has ESP (Electronic Stability Program) as standard equipment. Both come with driver, passenger and side airbags, and pre-tensioners on all seatbelts. In the case of a crash, and additional safety feature is a shut-off valve for the fuel supply.

In terms of creature comforts, the Skodas come with electronically controlled Climatronic air conditioning system, height adjustable driver and front passenger seats and electronic controls with memory, double lumbar supports, tinted windows, auto-dimming rear view mirrors, cruise control and a host of other details.
Seats are in velour for the 1.8 Turbo, while the 2.8 V6 comes in leather and wood trim.
Visually, the Skoda Superb is, for the lack of a better word, superb. The Volkswagen DNA is quite apparent (whether deliberately or accidentally retained), and the lines are very European (could it be otherwise?). Tall persons will appreciate the extended wheelbase and the resultant extra legroom. It looks quite appealing to the eye, being not too flashy or too staid.

Retail price for the 1.8 Turbo is RM165k, while the 2.8 V6 is RM257k. We will give you a further lowdown on these newbies if and when we get our hands on them.


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1 December 2004, Petaling Jaya – Chevrolet SPARK brightens Chevrolet Range.
Hicomobil Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian importers and distributors of the Chevrolet brand made it brighter for its customers today with the unveiling of its minicar, the Chevrolet Spark. With this car, Hicomobil officially moves into the very competitive minicar market, currently dominated by the Perodua models. To be priced around RM 40,000, the Chevrolet Spark is going head-on with the Kancil and Kelisa models.

Bookings are now open for the first batch of cars to be delivered in February 2005. Also present at the simple unveiling ceremony, held at the DRB-Hicom headquarters in Glenmarie, was Mr. Ali Pandir, managing director of GM Overseas Distribution Corporation. He said, “ Adding a minicar to Malaysia’s growing Chevrolet portfolio will give our customers a wider range of products from which to choose. The Spark will raise the bar in the mini segment in many aspects; from comfort, safety to fuel economy.”

Hicomobil Sdn Bhd’s Chief Executive Officer, En. Norzahid Mohd Zahudi gave the Chevrolet Spark the ‘thumbs up’ when he tried it out for size. “With its range of outstanding qualities such as a spacious interior, five-door functionality and a favourable price, the Chevrolet Spark will appeal to young professionals and young couples who are seeking a fun car that offers superb value for money,” he said.

Designed by world famous Italian designer Giorgetto Guigiaro, the Spark features Euro-Italian styling touches, including ‘button’ headlamps, and a fun personality with lines that look like a smiley face at the front. Complementing Chevrolet’s line-up that currently consists of the Aveo, Optra, Nabira and the flagship Lumina, the Spark looks set to be a volume model.

The Spark is powered by a 3-cylinder, 796 cc, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) fuel injected engine that develops 52 ps at 5900 rpm, and 69 Nm of torque at 4600 rpm. Mated to this engine is a 5-speed manual gearbox with a cable operated clutch and a final drive of 4.444. Top speed is claimed at 144 kilometres per hour with the 155/65 x 13 tyres. Fuel consumption is claimed to be four litres per 100 kilometres, which works out to be 5.68 sen a kilometre in fuel costs. We will verify this when we get a test car later on.

Suspension is McPherson struts at the front, with trailing link suspension at the rear. Brakes are discs in front and drums at the rear. ABS is an optional extra. There is no mention of airbags, but there are side impact beams, front and rear crumple zones, and a 2-way collapsible steering.

In terms of creature comforts, air-conditioning is standard equipment, as are reclining and folding rear seats. Front headrests are height-adjustable, and the ever-important cup holders are in place. The seats look comfortable, and there is as much room as there can be in a minicar. Of course, the fact that the designers have planted the four wheels as close to the corners of the car as possible means that the cabin space has been maximized, and the wheelbase of 2340mm is quite respectable for this size of car. Overall height is 1485mm, overall width is 1495mm, and overall length is 3495mm.

With the introduction of the Spark, Malaysian buyers will now have a much wider choice. This is good for the consumer, because with fiercer competition, car makers will start looking for competitive advantage in product, and service backup.

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Proton Track Carnival – 3-5 December 2004

If you are interested in Motorsports, keep yourself free on the 3-5 December 2004. Spend the weekend at the Sepang F1 circuit and be a part of the Proton Sports Carnival. There will be many racing cars galore, and of course, where there are racing cars, there will be unmbrella girls and race queens. Most of the action is gong to take place on the 4th and 5th, but there will be lots of revving engines on the 3rd, as teams fight each other to clock the fastest times in order to start at the head of the pack.

The highlight of the event will be the Enduro, a 300 km race to find the champion team. Each team shall consist of 2 drivers, and one of them must be a novice. This is a revival of the first ever Merdeka Millenium race organized some years ago.

The Proton Sports carnival is sponsored by Proton, who believe that motorsports at grassroots level is the way to go, and we are in agreement with that.

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