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    The price of fuel isn’t going to come down and if anything, as supplies decrease, pump prices will keep going up. It is therefore important to reduce fuel consumption in vehicles as quickly as possible and Delphi Automotive Systems, one of the world leaders in automotive components, has come up with just the device to save fuel.

    Known as ‘Energen 5′, the device is claimed to improve fuel economy in small vehicles used in urban conditions by more than 5%. The concept of this device is to automatically cut the engine when idling and then restarting it almost instantaneously when the accelerator is pressed. The approach is nothing new and some vehicles already have it but what makes Energen 5 different is that it is claimed to be quieter, lighter, has fewer components and requires almost no additional packaging volume in the engine bay. The compactness has been achieved by combining the starter and alternator in the conventional generator position.

    “We have already demonstrated a 5% fuel economy improvement and expect to be able to increase this significantly with further development. The elimination of the starter motor and ring gear also reduces weight, packaging, complexity and cost, while lowering noise levels at start by 3 decibels,” says Dr Jean Botti, director of the customer solutions centre for Delphi Energy & Chassis Systems in Europe.

    Energen 5 is suitable for petrol engines up to 1.6 litres and diesels up to 12 litres. Delphi, being a strong promoter of 42V systems for the future, has ensured it is compatible with such electrical systems as well as the present 12V systems. The electrical requirement is 5 kW.

    The base system is air-cooled but it is also available with liquid cooling of the stator and electronics. This can provide almost immediate heat to supplement cabin heating and will further reduce emissions by accelerating the rate of engine/catalyst warm-up.

    Delphi’s Energen devices are a family of technologies for the generation, distribution and management of electrical energy which can be tightly integrated with conventional internal combustion engines and powertrains. There are also larger sizes available and Delphi has demonstrated fuel economy improvements of up to 15% on a sport-utility vehicle (SUV).

    According to a Delphi source, Energen 5 will appear in at least one major European automaker’s vehicle in 2003. A number of other automakers are also evaluating the technology.

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    To most Malaysians, the big thing from UMW Toyota Motor is going to be the launch of the 9th generation of the Toyota Corolla, to be called the Corolla Altis. The additional name is taken from the word ‘Altitudinous’ which is intended to symbolize ‘being at the top of the world as well as to signify Toyota’s commitment to position this model at the pinnacle of passenger cars in its class.

    Much is already known about the new Corolla Altis since the company has already been distributing catalogues and providing indicative prices, as well as having a dedicated website. No official launch date has been stated although it is believed that deliveries should commence before National Day.

    “The new Toyota Corolla Altis has yet to be launched officially but we are already getting many orders daily and it is clear that many Malaysians have been waiting for this exciting new model from Toyota,” said Wong Lup Hang,
    Director of the Marketing Division. According to a source in the company, orders have already exceeded 1,000 units since booking opened in early May.

    However, while the new Corolla Altis will be the highlight of UMW Toyota Motor’s activities, the company also has a number of other big events planned. Speaking at a special media function in Kuala Lumpur tonight where there was a surprise preview of the new Corolla Altis, UMW Toyota Motor
    Managing Director Dato’ Michael Lim said that the other events would include the sponsorship of Toyota Team 2020 to New Zealand for this year’s Eco Challenge; the Toyota Classics concert and also the Asian X-Games Qualifier. The latter event will be held in the first quarter of 2002 and Toyota is the presenting sponsor.

    “Toyota’s sponsorship of the Asian X-Games Qualifier is a clear indication of our commitment to advance an active lifestyle for our youth,” said Dato’ Lim.

    He also touched on the participation of Toyota in Formula One, an activity which is being eagerly followed by everyone in the company. “From the marketing point of view, Toyota’s participation in F1 will provide us with an exciting avenue to showcase new innovations and echnologies, many of which will also benefit our customers as they become incorporated in future models,” he added.


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    In preparation for increased attention to its new franchise, Oriental-Hyundai Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of Oriental Holdings) is actively establishing a close working relationship with its principal in Korea. With this objective in mind, the company is sending delegations to visit Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) and one of the more significant ones was led by Dato’ Robert Wong, DSSA, JP, Group Managing Director of Oriental Holdings. He was accompanied by management executives from Oriental-Hyundai as well as from suppliers in Malaysia who will provide components to Oriental Assemblers in Tampoi, Johor, for Hyundai vehicles.

    On this particular visit, the purpose was to see the strength of HMC and find out more about their production technology and design capabilities. The suppliers also had a chance to explore joint-venture proposals with the Koreans with a view of doing business in the domestic and export markets.

    Among the many facilities visited was that of Apollo Company, a supplier which makes bumpers and lighting units for HMC, as well as Kwang Jin Company which makes sheet metal pressed parts and door regulators and door modules. Kwang Jin is a 28-year old company which has become the major distributor of window regulators in Korea with a market share of over 80%. The delegation also visited Halla Climate Control Corporation, the largest air-conditioning system manufacturer in Korea.

    At HMC’s giant Ulsan factory complex – the world’s largest automobile works covering 4.8 million sq metres – the Malaysian visitors saw how 1.38 million vehicles are produced annually. Part of the secret is the high level of automation – press and body lines are 95% automated while production lines are 80% automated. Most of the production from Ulsan is exported via a nearby port.

    Another factory visited was at Ahsan City. This factory is an advanced production facility for the 21st century and has a capacity of 300,000 units annually. It covers 1.8 million sq. metres and is fully automated with high-tech systems.

    Needless to say, the visit would not have been complete without going to the head office of HMC in Seoul, Korea’s capital city. There, the delegation received comprehensive briefings from various executives who revealed that HMC, already Korea’s No 1 automaker, aims to be among the top five automakers in the world by 2010. The company will achieve this by widening their product range and investing significantly in R&D.

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    DRB-Oriental-Honda Sdn Bhd (DOH), the new joint-venture company that will take over manufacturing, distribution and marketing of Honda vehicles in Malaysia from July 1st 2001, has announced that it will not be making use of an existing plant but will build a brand new plant in Malacca. Earlier, the company had been investigating the possibility of using either the AMM plant in Pekan, Pahang, or Oriental Assemblers in Tampoi, Johor. Using an existing plant would have reduced construction costs and enabled an earlier roll-out of vehicles although Honda would have virtually rebuilt the plant to its standards and installed new equipment with a higher level of automation.

    Until recently, it was rumoured that if DOH was going to build a new plant, the site would be in the Klang Valley, a logical choice given the many suppliers already established in this area. DRB-HICOM had also hoped Honda would consider Proton City, a large industrial estate near Tanjung Malim, Perak, which Proton was to have used for a mega-factory complex but has deferred for the time being.

    There are a few automotive component suppliers in Malacca but this would be the first vehicle assembly plant in the state. Though a seemingly unusual choice to set up such a plant, it should also be noted that the location is between two major ports – Pasir Gudang in Johor and Port Klang in Selangor – which is useful for logistics. Being on the west coast, transportation costs are also less to distribute vehicles to the major urban centres.

    The new plant will be at a 32-hectare site near Pagoh in an industrial estate established by a DRB-HICOM subsidiary. The total cost of the plant, including the purchase of land, is RM170 million and the installed capacity will be 20,000 units a year. Construction will begin this September and should be completed within a year, with the first units rolling out in early 2003. Until then, DOH will continue to have its vehicles assembled under contract at Oriental Assemblers, which has been assembling Hondas since the late 1970s.

    According to Mitsuru Ozaki, DOH Managing Director/CEO, the models to be assembled will be similar to what is presently available now: the Accord, CR-V, Civic and City. The entire output will be for the Malaysian market, with an initial forecast of 8,000 units a year. There was a rumour that the Odyssey MPV would be assembled but this is not going to be the case. However, Mr Ozaki revealed that Honda is also looking at some other models that customers are likely to want in coming years.

    “We think that our customers will want MPV-type models in future which can carry more people on board so we are studying the matter and will see which model in our range is suitable and perhaps we will assemble it later on,” he told AUTOWORLD.COM.MY’s Chips Yap during a recent media event in Lumut, Perak. Mr Ozaki added that wagon-type models were also being considered.

    On why Honda has decided to invest in a new plant in Malaysia even though the country has delayed opening its auto sector under AFTA till 2005 – a move which does not make it possible for exports to other ASEAN countries – Mr Ozaki said that Malaysia has the largest passenger car volume in the region. Admittedly, 85% of that volume is taken by Proton and Perodua but Honda still feels it wants to maintain and strengthen its presence in preparation for the time when the conditions are equal for all companies.

    Mr Ozaki said that Honda would definitely want to export cars from its new plant in future and would also allocate specific models to each of its plants in ASEAN so as to get economies of scale. In the meantime, the company will make use of the AICO scheme which allows for duty-free exchange of components among ASEAN countries. This scheme has been used extensively for the new Civic which is why it appeared here so fast after the launch in Japan.

    Honda’s decision to establish a new joint-venture for upstream activities is due not only to various issues it has had with Kah Motors in recent years concerning marketing strategies, particularly on the way accessories have been forced on customers, but also its need to control manufacturing more closely. By being directly involved in manufacturing, Honda can achieve even greater cost reductions and this will improve its competitive position in years to come. The new plant will have higher automation and more efficient production processes, lowering production costs which can translate into lower retail prices. Just how much lower is unknown at this time since it will also depend on the tax structure in coming years but there should be change in pricing in due course.

    Build quality is a very important thing for Honda and Mr Ozaki said that it will have the highest priority, besides attention to customer needs. “In ASEAN, we consider the vehicles produced at our own plant in Thailand as the highest quality and we want to also achieve the same quality level in our Malaysian plant,” he stated.

    On the retail side, contrary to rumours, there will be no change in the dealer network and no DRB unit is presently considered for selling Hondas. Mr Ozaki said that Honda recognises that Kah Motors has already built up a strong network around the country and this will continue to be used.

    “We have no plans to stop using Kah Motors for our sales network and won’t be creating a new network,” he emphasised. Of course, by 2005, the situation may be different and there is always the possibility that DRB may ask Honda to consider using some of its EON outlets to sell Hondas when Proton sales decrease significantly. Oriental Holdings (the parent company of Kah Motors) with its 15% stake in DOH may not be able to do much if such a proposal is made, which is why Oriental has taken on the Hyundai franchise.

    The ASEAN market gets a lot of attention from Honda these days not only because of the coming regional free trade provisions but also the fact that in this part of the world, Honda is much more competitive against Toyota.

    “Honda and Toyota compete very aggressively all over the world and in most countries, Toyota is stronger. However, in ASEAN, our positions are often close and that is why we want to strengthen our presence here and in other ASEAN countries,” Mr. Ozaki said.

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    One of the many frustrating things for a motorist in Malaysia has been to get hit by another vehicle and not be able to get compensation easily from the other party (if the other party is guilty). Either compensation can be received on the spot if it’s a small amount or, as provided by the law, you can submit a claim to the other party’s insurance company. The problem is that such an approach can take ‘forever’ unless it is a big claim or one which goes to court.

    Because of the hassles involved in making a claim to another insurance company, many motorists usually decide not to bother and spend their own money on repairs. So the insurance companies win through their lax way of responding to claims.

    It is also possible to claim for compensation from your own insurance company but that means you lose your precious NCD – the No Claims Discount that can be as high as 55% after 5 years – and for many people, maintaining the NCD is often a greater priority. So they also avoid from making a claim unless the damage is so severe that the cost is going to be very high.

    Now the insurance industry has come up with a new option that is one of the rare times when motorists get a decent compensation provision. Motorists can now claim from their own insurance company for damages cause by other parties if they themselves are not the gulity party – without losing their NCD.

    PIAM, the insurance industry association, says that this new option, which came into effect on June 1st 2001, is aimed at helping motorists expedite their claims. However, it only covers damage to the vehicle and not other types of claims concerning loss of life or damage to other properties. As with all accidents, a police report has still to be made and the findings of the police will determine whether the motorist can claim under this new option.

    This new option also reduces the risk of a motorist suddenly losing his or her NCD if someone makes a claim for damages through his insurance company. Although the motorist himself may not make a claim, any sort of claim from another party is also considered a claim and the policyholder still loses the NCD completely.

    While this move will be welcome by motorists – no more hassles trying to find out the other party’s insurance company and submitting a claim – it could also have serious implications on the insurance industry which always claims to be losing money in its automobile side of the business. Where many claims may not have been made in the past as motorists simply did not want to go through the hassles, there may now be more claims made, especially when loss of the NCD is not an issue.

    However, it should also be remembered that many policies have a clause which requires the policyholder to bear the first few hundred or thousand ringgit of a claim, so it won’t be much point making a claim for a broken headlamp!

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    Today’s car buyers have it so much easier when it comes to getting a hire-purchase loan. In decades past, buyers sometimes had difficulty getting loans but nowadays, the finance companies are eager to provide you loans and would do much to get your business (provided you qualify, of course). Generally, the application for a Hire-Purchase (H-P) loan can be handled by the company selling you the new or used car as they have their contacts with certain finance companies.

    It is also possible for you to get your own loan as you can visit any finance company and make the application. This, however, is time-consuming and many people may not have the free time to run around town for the purpose. Most therefore prefer to just ask their salesman to handle the matter for them, rather than enjoy the freedom of making their own choice.

    Recognising the limited time that consumers have and wanting to give them the best deal possible, Hong Leong Finance Berhad (HLF), a leader in H-P financing for automobiles, has come up with innovative approaches to make getting a loan easier. Besides having branches in major towns around Malaysia, the company has also set up a Call Centre with a toll-free number (1-800-18-8828) which customers can contact when they want to apply for a loan. There are also In-Store counters at Carrefour hypermarkets where applications can be made, not just for H-P loans for vehicles but also other financial services such as housing loans, unit trust investments and even credit card applications.

    The increasingly popular channel is the On-Line Loan Facility which was introduced about two years ago. The first of its kind in Malaysia and still the only one available for Internet users, HLF’s On-Line Loan facility is clearly the easiest way to get a loan. You can do it at any time of the day and any day of the week from the comfort of your desk at home or in the office – no parking hassles and facing jams. And should you be a globe-trotting executive, you can also make the application from Hawaii if you can get access to the Net!

    Reaching Out
    “The traditional method has been to visit finance companies personally to apply for a loan. But we know that people are very busy nowadays and we want to offer them more convenient ways of getting a loan,” explained Ser Wee Chua, HLF’s Senior Manager – Business Development. “It is up to us to reach out to our customers around the country and offer them facilities which are speedy and convenient, hence the availability of the three channels.”

    According to Ser, the three channels are increasing in popularity as consumers are becoming more aware of them. While they do not entirely dispense with the need to physically visit a branch at some point during the process, they eliminate a number of preliminary steps, saving time and effort.

    As the Internet age progresses, doing business on-line is becoming a way of life and it is clear from the growing number of applications that HLF’s On-Line Loan Facility is popular. Declining to reveal actual numbers, Ser said that the On-Line channel is definitely accounting for a growing number of applications received by HLF through its non-traditional channels.

    “While it is an electronic transaction, unfortunately, due to present circumstances, it is not possible to do everything without some physical interaction. This is because we still need to verify the applicant’s identity and view certain documents. Perhaps in future when there are secure electronic means of verifying identities and providing required information as well as a legalised form of digital signature, a customer will not need to go to a branch at all,” he said.

    Aiming to promote the On-Line Loan facility as much as possible, applicants using this channel can get attractive interest rates, repayment periods up to 84 months and even generous margins of financing. However, it also depends on the applicant’s income level and ability to repay the loan.

    “It helps if they are already a HLF customer as we would then have a record of them and processing can be faster. But even if they have never taken any loan or banked with Hong Leong before, we still consider all applications and make an assessment based on the applicant’s background and income,” Ser explained.

    Quick conditional approval
    If the applicant’s income is of a level that is appropriate for the loan being taken (and other criteria are met), a conditional approval can be given within 24 hours or less (unless it is a public holiday or weekend). What this means is that the applicant is informed that the loan is available, subject to HLF receiving all required documents (identity card, income tax return form, pay slip, etc) and finding them matching the information provided in the on-line application form.

    “The speed of processing is a strong point of our On-Line facility and applicants can also check the status of their application on-line, something which no one else offers at this time,” said Ser, adding that there are no extra costs to using the On-Line facility.

    “More important for the customer is the knowledge that the loan issue has already been settled and is available. This means that he or she can go to a car dealer and negotiate with a bit more ‘strength’. There need not be discussions on financing with the salesman and because HLF is a reputable finance company, there will also be no problems when saying that a loan has already been approved by the company for the customer,” he explained.

    To present the required documents and sign the application forms, you can select any HLF branch convenient to you, and there are many throughout East and West Malaysia (the whole network is listed on the website).

    “We believe that customers should not be told by us where they should go to process their application but that they should be given the freedom to choose which location is convenient to them,” said Ser.

    For loans involving new vehicles, the process is slightly easier as the HLF branch handling your application can liaise with the car company concerned. As a service to customers, both HLF and the car company will relieve the customer of having to run around and exchange all the necessary paperwork.

    However, for a used vehicle, it is necessary for an officer from HLF to view the vehicle to verify its existence, condition and engine/chassis numbers. The all-important original registration card must also be furnished to ascertain if the vehicle is still under another H-P loan.

    “We need to do this to protect our customers’ interests since they are taking a loan,” explained Ser. “As you know, there are cases of fraud and we need to be sure of the vehicle since we are giving out a loan. It helps a bit if the vehicle is still under the ownership of another finance company as it would be easier to confirm ownership.”

    He revealed that on-line applications for used cars are a bit greater than for new cars, This is perhaps due to the fact that companies selling new cars have links with finance companies and can assist with getting loans whereas used car buyers – especially those buying from private sellers rather than used car dealers – often have to find their own loans.

    In any case, whether it is for a new car or a used one, HLF’s On-Line facility also provides access to a comprehensive range of services. Once contact is made and conditional approval is given, the customer can also obtain insurance coverage.

    Money-saving scheme
    Another unique benefit of using the On-Line facility is that applicants can also choose the Hibah scheme, a scheme that is the first of its kind in Malaysia. This scheme is an Islamic hire-purchase service based on the Syariah Principle of Al-Ijarah Thumma Al-Bai (AITAB) which gives cash rewards to customers. Though provided for Muslims, the scheme is also available to non-Muslims who apply using the On-Line facility. However, it is restricted to individual customers and limited to passenger cars including MPVs, 4WDs and Vans which will be registered for private use.

    Those who take a H-P loan using this scheme will receive a 1% cash reward based on the loan amount, but they have to pay their monthly instalments promptly for the period of 12 months. They cannot incur any charges such as late payment or reminder fees during the hibah period. Also, customers are not encouraged to early settle within the hibah period. If any of these two exceptions occur, customer will not earn their “hibah“. The “hibah” that has been earned by a customer will be credited to his/her savings account after the 13th month due date. As such, customers need to open a savings account at a Hong Leong Bank branch when they apply for financing.

    “HLF has put in a lot of effort to making the process of getting a car loan as user-friendly as possible. And I believe that we offer the most comprehensive on-line facility for this purpose,” declared Ser.

    He is enthusiastic and very optimistic about the future of On-Line loan applications but does not expect to see a decline in the traditional methods happening so soon. This is because there are still many people who prefer face-to-face interaction, especially when it comes to divulging personal information. There are also some people, (mostly the older generation) who are not so comfortable using a PC, let alone getting on the Internet to do business.

    “It’s HLF’s aim to be the best in offering financial services and we can only achieve this goal if we give our customers the widest range of ways to interact with us”, he said.

    “Even if someone is not intending to buy a new or used vehicle right now, it costs nothing to make an on-line application for a loan. If nothing else, at least the person will know how much he or she can get when the time comes and the need for a loan arises,” suggested Ser.

    To go straight to the HLF On-Line Car Loan application page, click here.


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    Auto Bavaria and its authorised dealers are now offering the most powerful version of the BMW 3-Series, the 330i, which complements the locally-assembled 318i and 325i models.

    The 330i comes with a 3.0 litre variant of BMW’s latest M54 engine. The powerplant, with BMW’s legendary in-line six configuration, is boosted by ‘Double Vanos’ and delivers 170 kW (231bhp) and 300 Nm of torque. Factory performance claims show acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds.

    BMW, in recognising that power must come with control, has equipped the 330i with an integrated safety concept. Safety features such as the Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC + T) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC) keep the 330i firmly under control even in the most unexpected circumstances.

    With up to eight airbags, including BMW’s Inflatable Tubular Structure (ITS) head airbags that extend diagonally across the front side windows, occupants are assured of protection from head and spinal injuries in the event of a collision.

    Luxury fittings found in the 330i include Montana leather seats throughout, multi-function steering wheel and automatic air conditioning.

    The on-the-road price for the imported 330i from Auto Bavaria is RM352,942.50 (personal registration, excluding insurance).

    According to Auto Bavaria General Manager – Sales and Marketing, Tunku Badlishah bin Tunku Annuar, buyers of the imported model have the peace of mind of knowing that their cars are fully tropicalised and backed by full warranty and service support from Auto Bavaria.

    “Owners will also enjoy a host of value added programmes exclusive to Auto Bavaria customers that are synonymous with the unique BMW Lifestyle. These include the renowned BMW Driver Training, which no other car manufacturer or distributor in Malaysia offers,” he said.

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    With every unit of the present locally-assembled Toyota Corolla already having a customer waiting, UMW Toyota Motor is now embarking on a campaign to slowly reveal the next generation that will debut during the third quarter of 2001.

    Apart from teaser ads in the newspapers, the company is also handing out leaflets of the new model and salesmen are giving indicated prices too. When approached for more details of the new model, a senior executive of the company said that information for the media would only be made available ‘in a few months’. So for those who have not yet visited a showroom to ask questions, AUTOWORLD.COM.MY provides this report based on whatever is currently available.

    From the pictures in the leaflet, it is clear that the new Corolla being assembled in Malaysia is not the same as the one sold in Singapore, a version which is now being called the ‘Japanese version’ within the company. Apparently, the Malaysian version is a specially-styled variant called the Corolla Altis and an earlier announcement by Toyota described this version, unveiled at the Bangkok Motorshow not so long ago, as the ‘Asian Corolla’.

    The different styling – with a longer body – could well have been inspired by less-than-positive response to the Japanese version that was launched almost a year ago. The rounded Corolla, nicknamed uncomplimentarily as ‘potato’ by some customers down south, was not well accepted by Toyota’s distributors in many countries too. It is believed that the experience with the previous generation led Toyota to consider the input of their distributors more seriously and develop a variant on the same new platform.

    The styling of the Corolla Altis is certainly very attractive and from public response so far, it has a promising future ahead. In fact, a rival distributor has already said it will storm into the market and affect sales of its popular model.

    The big question is, of course, the price. And Toyota salesmen are already providing the answer: RM103,000 for the 1.6 manual; RM110,000 for the 1.6 automatic and RM122,000 for the 1.8. The indicated prices show that, contrary to rumours, the price will not be beyond RM110,000 for the Corolla 1.6 but the addition of a 1.8-litre version is interesting while there is no mention of a 1.3-litre version.

    Apart from the fresh new styling, the big thing will be the change to a brand new engine family – the new ZZ series – which will see variable valve timing in a locally-assembled Toyota model for the first time. Toyota’s version is VVT-i, for Variable Valve Timing – Intelligent. With VVT-i, the engines, both DOHC with 16 valves, put out 100 kW/136 ps (1.8) and 81 kW/110 ps (1.6) with shallower torque curves than before, suggesting fairly good flexibility in all speed ranges. For optimised sparking, there is distributorless direct ignition.

    The automatic gearboxes come in two varieties, the 1.6 getting a conventional but electronically-controlled transmission while the 1.8 has a ‘4-speed gate type with Super ECT’. Drivers will be able to choose between Power and Economy shift programs at the touch of a button. A shift lock safety device is incorporated which requires drivers to press the brake pedal before they can move the shift lever out of Park.

    Safety takes a very big leap in the new Corolla Altis. The body construction is GOA-certified, GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) being Toyota’s in-house safety standard that is tougher than what most countries demand. Airbags at the front will be standard and also whiplash-reducing seat designs.

    On all models, ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (to enhance stopping power in slippery conditions and with different loads) is standard and there is also Brake Assist, which increases brake force under certain conditions to maximise performance.

    The more expensive pricetag of the Corolla 1.8 seems justified with the inclusion of Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TC). This would be the first time that a locally-assembled model in this class has such advanced features that are usually found in much more expensive cars. VSC, developed by Toyota about six years ago, works by braking wheels that are losing traction so as to prevent the car from going out of control in a turn. The system also acts on the throttle opening for the same purpose.

    The interior of the new Corolla Altis is essentially the same as the Japanese version and has very luxurious features. Wood trim is used on the dashboard and there will be the option of leather upholstery (although a leather-wrapped steering wheel will be standard). For a high-tech look, there will also be some areas of chrome trim, like what is found in the latest Sentra. A unique feature will be the Tri-Colour Optitron meters which give drivers a chance to choose between amber, white or blue colours for meter illumination. The Optitron meters, which first appeared in the Lexus saloons, have a 3-D look and are noted for their clarity.

    While it is known that a number of other companies are planning new model launches during the third quarter of 2001, the new Toyota Corolla is clearly going to be one that is eagerly awaited by the Malaysian public.

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    As part of its program of introducing the all-new V70 Cross Country (XC) model, Volvo Car Malaysia is having a special weekend activity entitled the ‘Volvo XCapade’ at a private piece of property in Sg Buloh, Selangor. At the huge property, known as Tanamera, invited guests and their families can enjoy fishing, horse-riding, archery and radio-control planes, among other fun things as well as drive the new V70XC through a specially prepared off-road course. The course is designed to show the car’s capabilities, and includes getting through a deep mudhole which people who buy the RM260,000 All-Wheel Drive Volvo may never actually do.

    At the venue, guests also get to enjoy free food and drinks and there’s lots of entertainment especially for the young ones from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm on four weekends in May and two weekends in June (2nd and 3rd).

    Confirming that the event is costing quite a fair sum of money but not disclosing the actual amount, Volvo Car Malaysia Marketing Director Pang Cheong Yan said that it is an important investment to establish this new type of Volvo among Malaysians.

    “It is a costly exercise but we feel it is an investment as this is a new type of product we are going to sell and we want people to appreciate the concept and the sort of environment it can be used in,” he explained to AUTOWORLD.COM.MY. He revealed that direct mail invitations had been sent out to 5,000 Volvo owners as well as another 20,000 potential customers. He added that there are also special invitations to customers in other towns to attend the XCapade.

    According to a sales representative from Federal Auto Cars, the XCapade has been very helpful in promoting the car not only to existing Volvo owners but also to new ones. “I have already signed up two new customers; one has been driving a Toyota Harrier and the other, a Prado Turbodiesel,” he said happily.

    If you did not get an invitation, it doesn’t mean you can’t go to the XCapade. You can contact a Volvo showroom to get a ‘passport number’ and register yourself or log into the company’s Malaysian website to do the same registration.

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    Deborah Aronson has been named the Managing Director for Ford Malaysia Sdn Bhd, effective June 1st, 2001. Ms Aronson succeeds Richard L. Canny, who takes on a new assignment as the President of Ford Argentina. Mr Canny spent the past four years in Malaysia and was the first Ford-appointed executive to manage the company’s operations here since the mid-1980s.

    “We want to thank Richard Canny for his outstanding contribution to Ford Malaysia,” said Gerald Kania, President of Ford ASEAN Operations. “Richard successfully navigated the business and his team through the late-Nineties’ regional economic crisis and started the brand transformation process in Malaysia. Today Ford is the third leading non-national automotive brand in Malaysia, from a sixth position four years ago.”

    “We are delighted that Deborah will continue to work in the region, having done a wonderful job for us in Vietnam,” Mr Kania added. “Given her experience of working in Asia and her background, we are confident Deborah will continue the brand momentum we have in Malaysia.”

    Prior to this post, Ms Aronson was the General Director of Ford Vietnam, a position she held since April 1999. She joined Ford Motor Company in 1985 and, over the years, has held various positions in Sales and Marketing, Product Planning, Brand Development, Customer Service and Dealer Development/Market Representation in both United States and international operations including Australia, Ecuador, Chile, Venezuela, Mexico, Middle East, Japan and Taiwan.

    She has a BA in Social Work from San Diego State University and a MBA in Marketing and Management from the University of San Francisco.

    With Ms Aronson’s appointment, Ford now has two women in the topmost positions in its Malaysian units. The other is Lena Olving, who is Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, a subsidiary of Volvo Car Corporation. Volvo is part of Ford’s Premier Automotive Group that includes Land Rover, Aston Martin and Jaguar.

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