The new Honda City : Leaked from the dealer shop

The front is inspired of Honda FCX Clarity with the adapted headlight from Civic.

This morning the surprise leaked photo set of the new honda city has posted on the internet. No original source of these photos set.

Honda City is the compact sedan of Honda's ASEAN, China and India market. The new generation of City is the secret for Honda's fan. The first spyshot set is from India, second's from China. Finally, the clarest photo set including interior shot is pointed out to the internet.

The back looks like Civic with BMW Serie 3 taillight.

The new designed of front grill and headlight in the left front shot.

The wind tunnel for directly air intake to passenger room, isn't it?

The simple interior featuring integrated audio and the new steering wheel instead.

The paddle shifts installed behind the wheel steering.

The contrast : dark interion with light seat.

The rear disk brake shown behind the new design alloy wheel

The engine looks like the120 PS 1.5 liter 4-cylinder i-VTEC from the new Jazz.

[Source : Paultan ]

Nissan presents "Nissan Technologies Square" in Indonesia

- Exhibition Scheduled to Tour Throughout Asia -

Nissan Technologies square logo

TOKYO : August. 19, 2008 - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and PT. Nissan Motor Indonesia will present the "NISSAN TECHNOLOGY SQUARE" event at the Kelapa Gading Mall in Jakarta, Indonesia. The public automotive technologies showcase opens today and runs through August 25


Indonesia is the second market where we hold this event. After completing its run in Indonesia, the Nissan Technology Square will visit several cities in multiple markets, including Singapore, Malaysia and India, etc.

At the Nissan Technology Square, Nissan will showcase how the company's automotive technologies address the environment, safety and innovation. Visitors can experience examples of Nissan's innovation and the future of automobiles through the exhibition, interactive displays and demonstrations.

Nissan chose PIVO2, an environmentally focused, electric urban commuter, as a key communications character for the event. First presented as one of the key concept vehicles at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, the vehicle embodies "friendly innovation" to create a new car-driver relationship. As such, PIVO2 serves as an ideal focal point for the Nissan Technology Square, where a quarter scale model of the vehicle will be displayed.

"All of our technologies promise consumers the pleasure of driving based on trust in our environmental, safety and quality technologies --- what we call "Trusted Driving Pleasure," said Mitsuhiko Yamashita, Nissan Executive Vice President. "We hope to deliver our passion for products through the real-world technologies and innovations we build into every Nissan vehicle."

As part of Nissan's commitment to supporting education, the event will be held in collaboration with local schools. Hideyuki Sakamoto, Nissan Corporate Vice President, will visit and talk with students about automotive technology, Nissan's technical development activities and the latest technologies.

The Nissan Technology Square is part of the company's ongoing communications outreach across Asia, which started with the successful Design Forum in 2007.

[Source : NISSAN]

Toyota Philippines faces Chinese, Korean competition

MANILA : August 14, 2008 - Strong competition from Chinese and Korean-made cars are expected to take its toll starting next year on industry leader Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMPC), which sees slower growth of 3-5 percent in 2009 from this year’s growth target of close to 10 percent.



TMPC vice-president Danny Isla has admitted that China and Korea are making their presence felt in the local automotive market.

"We always welcome competition because it makes us work harder," Isla said.

The cheaper and smaller Chinese and Korean-made cars are becoming popular especially with the high cost of fuel.

"The market is shifting to low displacement engines and big sports utility vehicles now are affected," Isla said.

Hyundai Asia Resources, distributor of Korean vehicles, is already the fifth biggest car dealer in the country dislodging more established Japanese carmakers. Kia is another Korean car brand already in the country.

Chery, China’s biggest homegrown carmaker, is also making inroads with its more affordable and smaller car models.

Other Chinese cars to be introduced here are Lifan, Foton, Chana, Kama, Jac and Chang An.

While TMPC is sticking to its original 10 percent growth target or 48,000 units for this year, Isla said the company is targeting a modest growth of between 3 to 5 percent in 2009. In 2007, TMPC’s sales grew by 18 percent or 45,091 units from 38,258 units sold in 2006.

TMPC is not also expected to make major model launch this year except for Altis, which it launched earlier this year.

It will, however, launch upgrades of its three most popular models – Vios, Hi-Lux and Land Cruiser – during next week’s 2nd Philippine International Motorshow where it will also feature two concept vehicles -- A-BAT Concept Pick-up displayed at the 2008 North American Motorshow, and the Interactive Hybrid Synergy Drive.

A soft launch for its luxury model Lexus is scheduled in December this year, a prelude to a full launch in January, the following year.

But with a growing market, TMPC is still confident of maintaining its dominance locally. For the first half this year, the company’s sales hit 26,414 units or 10 percent higher than last year. TMPC also accounts for 36 percent of the local automotive market.

[Source : GASGOO]

Isuzu Achieves Highest Ranking in Philippines Sales Satisfaction Study

Philippines's Isuzu Alterra

SINGAPORE — Isuzu ranks highest in overall new-vehicle sales satisfaction in the Philippines, according to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2008 Philippines Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study released today.



Now in its eighth year, the study has been redesigned for 2008 and examines seven factors that contribute to overall satisfaction with sales experience. In order of importance, these factors are: delivery process; delivery timing; salesperson; paperwork; deal; sales initiation; and dealer facility.

Isuzu ranks highest in 2008, achieving an overall satisfaction index score of 853 on a 1,000-point scale. Isuzu performs particularly well in the areas of delivery timing and paperwork. Kia, included in the study for the first time in 2008, follows Isuzu in ranking with a score of 849. Also ranking above the industry average are Mitsubishi, Toyota and Mazda, respectively.

The study finds that while 85 percent of customers say they experienced no pressure during the purchase process, when customers report experiencing pressure, SSI scores are 37 points below the industry average. The types of pressure that have the greatest negative effect on customer satisfaction include: pressure to purchase a vehicle without the exact options desired by the customer; pressure to buy within the same day; and pressure to accept an inconvenient delivery time. By contrast, when customers experience no pressure during the sales process, satisfaction scores are 7 points higher than the industry average.

“In a pressure-free environment, vehicle buyers are able to make purchase decisions that will ultimately translate into higher levels of satisfaction,” said Taku Kimoto, general manager for the Philippines at J.D. Power Asia Pacific, Singapore. “For example, they are not hastened or pushed to accept vehicles that don’t meet their needs or expectations. In addition, when customers are able to discuss options with the salesperson, they are less likely to regret their decisions post-purchase.”

The study also finds that customers expect their vehicles to be delivered with all promised features, and that failure to do so can result in a considerable decline in satisfaction. Among customers whose vehicles do not contain the features they were promised satisfaction scores are 74 points below the industry average. Currently, 3 percent of customers report not receiving their vehicles with the promised features.

“The service standards that most vehicle manufacturers already provide set the stage for customer expectations regarding delivery of their new vehicle,” said Kimoto. “Customers not only expect to receive their new vehicle quickly and without hassle, but also, receiving their vehicles with the promised features is a ‘given.’ It is paramount that manufacturers ensure the fulfillment of their commitment to the customer. ”

In addition, customer satisfaction with the overall purchase experience has a strong impact on dealer advocacy. Approximately 75 percent of customers who report that they are highly satisfied with their overall experience say they ‘definitely would’ recommend the dealer where they purchased their vehicle to friends and relatives, compared with the industry average of 58 percent. Likewise, 71 percent of highly satisfied customers say they “definitely would” recommend their vehicle make, compared with the industry average (58%).

The 2008 Philippines Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study is based on the responses of more than 1,400 new-vehicle owners who purchased their vehicles between August 2007 and February 2008. The study was fielded between February and April 2008. The SSI study is one of two consumer-based studies conducted annually in the Philippines by J.D. Power Asia Pacific. The Philippines Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Study, which measures new-vehicle owner satisfaction with after-sales dealership service, will be released in late August 2008.

[Source : JD Power]

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV to be unveiled at 2008 Moscow Motor Show

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport ..click to enlarge

TOKYO, July 17 2008 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil its new Pajero Sport*1 SUV model at the Moscow Auto Salon 2008 (The Moscow Motor Show) to be held at the Crocus Expo in Moscow between August 26 and September 7 (opens to the public on August 29). The new Pajero Sport will be phased in selected regions*2 such as Russia, the ASEAN area, the Middle East, Latin America and Oceania starting in the fall this year.

*1 The model will carry a different name in different markets: Montero Sport in South America, Nativa in Latin America and Challenger in Australia.
*2 The new Pajero Sport will neither be sold in Central & Western Europe nor in North America, where other types of SUVs are favored.

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport .. click to enlarge

The new Pajero Sport features dynamic and sporty exterior lines, complemented by a stylish and vast interior space that engenders a sense of comfort, purpose and safety. This cabin, available in either a 2-row (5-passenger) or 3-row (7-passenger) seating configuration is also very practical with water-repellent seats and a waterproof luggage compartment floor, ideal for leisure use.

Mitsubishi's latest SUV will be powered by a choice of three engines which all deliver outstanding motive performance and fuel economy: 2.5-liter and 3.2-liter common rail direct injection diesel units and a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline unit*3.

In terms of architecture, the body of the Pajero Sport is mounted on a new ladder frame to realize high levels of durability and reliability, consistent with the needs of its target markets.

Mitsubishi's All Wheel Control philosophy, forged through its participation in the Dakar Rally and other contests, informs all of the company's 4WD systems. The new model will use the Super Select 4WD system, also used in the Pajero*4 SUV, which transmits drive torque effectively to all four wheels on all types of surface. The body, frame and driveline not only give Pajero Sport outstanding off-road performance but allow it to deliver excellent drive dynamics over all surfaces.

The choice of the Moscow Motor Show to unveil the new Pajero Sport is a clear indication of Russia's eminent position within Mitsubishi Motors. In fiscal 2007 Mitsubishi Motors sold some 100,000 vehicles on the Russian market, boosted by the ever successful Lancer line-up and a popular range of SUVs.

MMC is confident that the new Pajero Sport SUV will make a strong addition to its SUV range, which also includes the Pajero and Outlander. Coming on the heels of the introduction of the Lancer*5 sports sedan last year, this will allow MMC to expand SUV sales and hit a total sales volume of 140,000 units on the Russian market in fiscal 2008.
*3 Russian-spec vehicle will only be available with the 3.2-liter diesel engine and 2-row, 5-passenger capacity seating arrangement.
*4 "Montero" in Spanish-speaking countries and "Shogun' in the UK.
*5 Galant Fortis in Japan.


[Source : Mitsubishi Motors, Japan]

Indonesia aims to make ASEAN regional a car industry hub

.
JAKARTA, July 14 - Indonesia aims to lead the charge in making the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) an automotive industry production house, the Jakarta Post daily quoted Edy Putra Irawady, a deputy to the coordinating minister for industry and trade, as saying Monday.

"Now that we are the leader of the ASEAN automotive cooperative, we have the chance to shape the industry in the
region," he said.

The cooperative set up in 2002 is hoped to make the ASEAN region a unified automotive industry production hub to strengthen the competitiveness of regional auto suppliers and build the ASEAN- made brand and automotive parts.

Four main supplying countries are the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Only Malaysia has its own national car, while others produce for overseas brand.

[Source : Antara News]

Indonesia speeds up oil-to-gas conversion in land transportation

Jakarta, Indonesia - The Indonesian government is to speed up implementation of its program to substitute gas for fuel oil in motor vehicles, Vice President Jusuf Kalla said.

Speaking at the commissioning of Indonesia`s first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling station at Cikarang, east of Jakarta, on Saturday, he said the government would take concrete steps, including issuance of regulations, to accelerate the oil-to-gas conversion process for automotive transport.



"Speeding up the program is very important because the use of gas will economically be more advantageous as it is more efficient, more friendly to the environment, and reduce our need for fuel oils," he said.

He said the oil-to-gas converson program for motor vehicles would be carried out in the same way as the current drive to replace kerosene by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for households.

Provincial governors would be asked to obligate all public transports in their respective regions such as city buses, taxis and mototized pedicabs to use gas instead of petrol.

The government would also encourage the switch by providing incentives to the transport companies concerned and carry out the program with a clearly defined timeframe.

About the availabiiity of gas, Kalla said Indonesia`s natural gas production was three times its oil production and expected to increase with the development of new gas producing blocks such as Natuna B Alpha, Cepu and a few others in the Makassar Strait.

[Source : Antara]

SE Asian and China sales report

THAILAND: Pick-up sales plunge in June

The Thai pick-up truck market declined 23.2% to 25,260 units in June compared with 32,904 units a year earlier, according to data released by Toyota Motor Thailand - the country's dominant automotive company.

The sharp drop in June eroded gains made earlier in the year, with first-half sales declining by 0.73% to 181,191 units - including pick-up truck-derived passenger vehicles (PPVs). On average, pick-up trucks account for roughly two thirds of total vehicle sales in Thailand.

Toyota cited a sharp rise in fuel prices, particularly diesel which now costs around THB45 per litre (US$1.34), as one of the main reasons for declining pick-up truck purchases. The company suggests that buyers are turning increasingly towards more fuel-efficient vehicles, including the growing range of biofuel-compatible models.

Toyota sold 11,589 pick-up trucks in June, down by 25.9% compared with 15,643 units sold a year earlier. Isuzu sales fell by 4.3% to 9,669 units, from 10,096 units; and Mitsubishi by 34% to 1,333 units, from 2,021 units a year earlier.

In the first six months of the year, Toyota sold 74,569 pick-up-based vehicles, followed by Isuzu with 67,445 units; Nissan 13,856; Mitsubishi 11,908; Chevrolet 5,379; Mazda 4,422; and Ford with 4,270 units. India's Tata Motors, which began selling pickup trucks in May, has sold 42 units year-to-date.


PHILIPPINES: Sales up 10% in June

The Philippine vehicle market continued its recovery in June with sales rising by 10.6% to 10,772 units compared with 9,736 units a year earlier, according to data released by The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (Campi).

The growth trend is seen as weakening, however, with month-on-month sales dropping 1.2%, from 10,900 units in May.

In the first six months of 2008, sales rose 13.6% to 61,654 vehicles, compared with 54,257 units a year earlier.

Passenger car sales have under-performed during in this period, with sales rising 10.9% to 21,003 units despite the introduction of new models and a shift towards more fuel-efficient vehicles.

First half commercial_vehicle sales rose by 15.1% year-on-year to 40,651 units, although month-on-month volumes fell by 4.2% as rising fuel prices began to take their toll. Sales of SUVs and light commercial vehicles dropped particularly sharply month-on-month.

The recent typhoon is also said to have disrupted sales operations in the central provinces in June, with a significant number of purchases delayed - particularly of large trucks and buses.

In the six months, Toyota Motor sold 22,209 vehicles, followed by Mitsubishi with 8,365 units, and Honda with 7,759 units.

VIETNAM: Vehicle sales up 141% in H1

Vehicle sales in Vietnam rose 141% year-on-year in the first half of 2008 according to industry group the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers' Association (VAMA).

VAMA said from January to June its members sold 68,609 vehicles, including cars, trucks and buses, compared with 28,522 in the first six months of 2007.

Japan's Toyota topped the list with 12,510 units sold, followed by domestic companies Vinamotor with 14,594 units and Truong Hai with 11,295.

In June alone, car sales were up by 60 percent year-on-year at 9,749 units, the association said.

However, auto sales were down 15 percent from May to June after the government raised some taxes in a bid to curb imports.

CHINA: Passenger car sales up 14.2% in H1

China's domestic car market reached sales of 3.3m passenger vehicles from January to June, up 14.2% from the corresponding period of last year but lower than earlier expectations of growth of 20%, according to statement by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).

Tighter government monetary policies, as well as record high oil prices are reportedly the contributing factors to the slower growth.

Rao Da, secretary general of CPCA, also attributed the slowdown to floods in South China that hindered production of some carmakers and resulted in suspension of vehicle shipments.

China raised prices of gasoline and diesel by 18% at the end of June.

[Source : Just-Auto]

Ford launches DSFL in Asia

BANGKOK, Thailand, July 8, 2008 - Ford Motor Company is launching its successful "Driving Skills for Life" program this year in select Asia markets, including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines. In cooperation with the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation and government agencies in the four ASEAN countries, the program will teach practical skills and training for safe and fuel-efficient driving.


Driving Skills for Life is a free course that mixes classroom learning and practical training to help increase awareness of driving techniques that save fuel. The training is customized in each participating market to reflect the local driving environment and road conditions.

A grant from Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services' Ford GlobalGiving Campaign is helping to finance the introduction of the Driving Skills for Life program in Southeast Asia. This is the first Asian initiative being supported by the Fund.

"Road safety is a very serious issue in our markets," said Neal McCarthy, corporate communications director for Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. "Driver safety is highly relevant to our business, and Driving Skills for Life is an ideal way for Ford to leverage our global expertise to make a difference."

Reducing the toll of road traffic accidents across the region is a key objective of Driving Skills for Life. World Health Organization forecasts indicate that road traffic accidents will become the third-leading cause of premature death for all ages by 2020, accounting for a staggering 1.2 million deaths every year.

According to Greig Craft, president of the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation (AIPF), programs like Driving Skills for Life are critical to address growing concerns about road safety in the emerging markets of Asia and Africa. The organization, a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, is dedicated to public awareness and education programs on road safety.

"This is a huge step in the right direction," Craft said. "In developing countries, motorization is happening so quickly that road traffic injuries and deaths have reached an epidemic proportion. People are taking to the road in ever-greater numbers, usually without the training to drive properly or the fundamental understanding of driving skills. Driver training, education and public awareness are imperative to making a difference. That's what Driving Skills for Life is all about."

Participating Markets

Driving Skills for Life will launch in four ASEAN markets:

• Vietnam - In partnership with the Vietnam National Road Safety Committee, Driving Skills for Life will partner with driving schools in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, launching in mid-July. Training will be offered to Ford retail customers, fleet customers, government ministries and college students.
• Thailand - Kicking off in mid-July, Driving Skills for Life will be promoted nationally by Ford dealers. The program is being conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Land Transport and Jor Sor 100, which will offer listeners the opportunity for training focused on safety, economy, environmental awareness and fun.
• Indonesia - In cooperation with the National Police and Asian Development Bank, Driving Skills for Life will be incorporated into Ford's fleet training program and offered to retail customers, existing customers, university students and the public in Ford communities.
• Philippines - Driving Skills for Life will be incorporated into Ford Philippines' successful RIDE road safety program. Introduced in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of IT and Communication, a Road Safety Council will act as ambassadors for Driving Skills for Life. Fleet customers, Ford employees dealers, Ford and Mazda clubs and students will be offered training.

Making Serious Learning Engaging

Experts from Ford and its DSFL partners have crafted the Driving Skills for Life program to be an engaging mix of skill training and spirited sessions to build practical experience. Key focal points of the training include awareness of road and traffic conditions, safe driving techniques and methods to drive more economically with reduced environmental impact.

"The techniques used for safe driving are essentially the same for economical, fuel-efficient motoring," said McCarthy. "So, driving steadily at a reasonable engine speed is not only safer, but can also help drivers improve fuel efficiency by up to 25 percent as well as reduce CO2 emissions."

Economical driving training includes anticipating road conditions, applying fuel-efficient driving techniques, avoiding speeding and keeping a vehicle properly maintained for optimal fuel economy. Safe driving skills focus on the use of safety belts, recognizing and anticipating changing traffic conditions, avoiding distraction and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles in traffic.

"Inspiring safe driving is the biggest single step we can make to reducing road traffic accidents," Craft said. "Driving Skills for Life will make drivers to be more aware of the conditions around them and how important their actions to road safety."

In launching the program in the ASEAN markets, Ford is leveraging experience from the success of Driving Skills for Life in North America, where it targeted teens who are new to driving. Ford hopes to continue building momentum for the initiative across Asia Pacific markets, and plans to extend the program to additional markets next year.

Driving Skills for Life partner AIPF supports the program as a best practice for the region, according to Craft.

"It is great to see Ford, a leader in safety, doing something about this critical issue," Craft said. "Driving Skills for Life is a public-private partnership that effectively involves government and non-government organizations. We believe it will be the catalyst for further action to improve road safety as nations across this region deal with rapid changes on their roads."

[Source : Ford]

Proton plans MPV

Proton MPV - Spy shot

Proton is pushing ahead with plans to roll out its first multi-purpose vehicle (MPV or minivan).

Managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir has set March 2009 for the MPV's debut. It will be produced at Proton's MVF (medium volume factory) in Shah Alam, Selangor, according to a report in Malaysia's Business Times newspaper.

Syed Zainal believes the MPV will be popular despite the changing mood over energy consumption.

"Proton needs the MPV model. The price will be affordable. The MPV will be value-for-money," he said at the Shah Alam factory.

Proton is also instituting a campaign to improve quality.

Addressing some 5,000 employees, Syed Zainal urged them to take ownership of quality, which is critical to profitability and overseas exports.

"If we produce cars with defects, consumers will get fed up with us," he said.

"Let's unite. Let's work together in a sincere manner so that we can achieve profit for the company," he told the workers.

Syed Zainal said some 60 per cent of defects in Proton cars were due to poor quality components from vendors.

He, nevertheless, admitted that the rest of the blame fell on the firm's workforce, the report added.

[Source : Just-Auto .. Sub. required / Image courtesy of Malaysia KINI]