Nissan wins RJC Car of the Year and Tech of the Year awards

YOKOHAMA, Japan – The new Nissan Serena has been named Car of the Year for 2016/2017 by the Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference of Japan (RJC).

Additionally, RJC’s Technology of the Year award went to ProPILOT, the all-new autonomous driving technology which debuted in the Serena.

The final round of voting for the RJC Car of the Year awards took place on November 15.

Explaining the decision to give both awards to Nissan, the RJC committee noted: “The Serena comes with a host of new features that significantly improve ease-of-use. It boasts a hands-free door that can be activated simply by sliding your foot under the vehicle, a dual-stage rear door that lets you load and unload bags even in tight spaces, and side-sliding second row seats, which make it a lot easier to get into and out of the third row.”

On the ProPILOT system, RJC commented: ”ProPILOT, a single-lane autonomous driving technology that automatically controls the accelerator, brakes and steering wheel, significantly reduces driver workload during traffic jams and long drives on highways. We feel that this system represents a vital technological stepping stone towards achieving full-scale autonomous driving in the future.”

Since its launch in August, the fully redesigned Serena has been well-received by customers, with more than 30,000 orders received.


Original press release for the new Serena:
https://newsroom.nissan-global.com/releases/160824-01-e

Ford Delivers Record Sales in ASEAN Region in 2015

BANGKOK, Thailand — Ford Motor Company recently announced its overall retail sales for the ASEAN region in 2015 rose 3.3 percent over the previous year to a record 103,975 units.

Leading Ford’s ASEAN sales was the Ford Ranger, which enjoyed an 8 percent sales increase year-over-year

Ford’s record ASEAN sales were driven by record full-year performances in the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as full-year market share gains in Thailand despite a challenging domestic industry that saw sales decline for the third consecutive year.

"The successful introduction of more global Ford vehicles across ASEAN in 2015 – including the new Ranger pickup and new Everest SUV – helped an even more diverse range of customers connect with the Ford brand,” said Mark Kaufman, president, Ford ASEAN.

“Additionally, we continued to enhance our customer and ownership experience, as well as expand our Ford dealer network in markets across the region,” added Kaufman.

Leading Ford’s ASEAN sales was the segment-defining and Thai-built Ford Ranger. The vehicle was the best-selling pickup truck in Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar for second consecutive year, as well as the second-best seller in the Philippines and Malaysia.

Ranger sales across the ASEAN region increased nearly eight percent over the previous year to an all-time record 54,114 units.

“The new Ranger sets the industry benchmark in the pickup segment with an array of smart technologies, unmatched capability, fuel efficiency, design, and comfort – all without compromising on its rugged, ‘Built Ford Tough’ heritage,” said Kaufman.

Additionally in 2015, Ranger earned a maximum five-star safety rating by the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program, including the highest Adult Occupant Protection score of any pickup truck tested.

Ford’s ASEAN performance was also given a boost thanks to continued demand for the popular EcoSport. The compact SUV became Ford’s second best-selling vehicle in the region, delivering overall sales that rose 13 percent year-over-year to 20,518 units.

Exceptional demand for the new Everest – which began launching across ASEAN markets in the third quarter of 2015 – helped drive the overall ASEAN performance with sales rising 98 percent year-over-year to 11,233 units.

The next-generation Everest redefines consumer expectations for a medium SUV, with its stunning off-road capability, on-road comfort, advanced technologies, bold design and refined interior.

As one of the smartest vehicles in its segment, the new Everest features Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system, Curve Control, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, Roll Stability Control, Electronic Stability Program and Active Park Assist.

The sporty Fiesta also contributed to the record ASEAN performance with retail sales across the region of 7,634 units.

Market Share Gains, Record Sales

Thailand continued to lead Ford’s overall performance in ASEAN with 36,463 units sold in 2015. Amidst a protracted domestic industry slowdown – causing sales decline for the third consecutive year – Ford continued to outpace the industry and drive its full-year market share up 0.3 percentage points to 4.6 percent.

Ford's Thailand sales were driven by the Ranger pickup which finished the year delivering its best-ever December, increasing sales 24 percent year-over-year to 3,025 units. Ranger full-year sales of 23,846 units helped its segment share increase 0.8 percentage points to 7.3 percent.

In the Philippines, Ford delivered record full-year sales that rose 25 percent to 25,372 units, helping it become the number three-selling automotive brand.

The EcoSport became Ford’s best-selling nameplate in the Philippines with full-year sales up 67 percent to 8,702 units. Ranger was the second best-selling pickup truck overall in the Philippines with sales that increased six percent year-over-year to a record 8,445 units. Everest also delivered all-time record sales in 2015 that climbed 58 percent to 4,945 units.

Ford delivered record full-year sales in Vietnam with total 2015 sales rising 48 percent to 20,740 units. Ranger remained Vietnam’s best-selling pickup truck for the second consecutive year with sales jumping 81 percent to a record 8,685 units.

EcoSport also achieved record Vietnam sales in 2015 with overall sales climbing 145 percent to 3,977 units. Transit remained the best-selling vehicle in Vietnam’s commercial bus and van segment for the second consecutive year with sales jumping 56 percent to 5,600 units.

Ranger remained the second-best selling pickup in Malaysia in 2015 with sales rising almost eight percent to 9,231 units, helping contribute to Ford’s overall full-year sales of 12,130 units in the country.

Ford’s ASEAN performance was also supported by continued growth in emerging markets, led by strong demand for the Ranger.

In Cambodia, Ford finished 2015 with its best-ever full-year performance and sales increasing 41 percent over the previous year to 1,266 units. Ford’s full-year new vehicle sales in Myanmar rose six percent to 679 units.

In Laos, Ford sales increased five percent to 653 units. And in Singapore, Ford saw its sales rise 83 percent from the previous year to 422 units.

“In 2015, we continued to welcome and serve so many new-to-Ford customers across the ASEAN markets,” said Kaufman. “As our customer base expands across the region, our efforts to further enhance our Ford customer and ownership experience will also continue.”

Notably absent from Ford’s spectacular 2015 record is Indonesia. 2015 saw just 6,100 Fords sold in a challenging market which also saw the recent closure of General Motors’ manufacturing facility. According to reports, Ford will be pulling out from Indonesia; this is the bitter bit. A little bit further from ASEAN is Japan, which Ford is also planning an exit. Ford sold 5,000 units there last year.

Perodua 2015 Performance Review – Sales Surpasses 200,000 Units

Article Sourced: Autoworld.com.my by Zachary Ho

Local automaker, Perodua, has achieved another milestone with over 213,300 vehicles sold in 2015 backed by the continued strong demand for its Axia, Myvi and Alza models.

“2015 was a very challenging year for us with the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax, the weakening Ringgit as well as the slump in oil prices having a big impact to the country’s economy,” Perodua President & CEO, Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh said.

“Because of these challenges, many consumers have decided to ‘buy down’ to a more affordable alternative such as the Axia, which accounted for 99,700 units or 46.7% of Perodua’s entire sales for 2015,” Aminar added. He further said that Perodua was fortunate as its products and services which include Myvi, Alza and Axia, offer the best value for the money for its customers.

“Based on our estimation of the total industry volume of 667,000 in 2015, we believe that our market share is around 32% and we would like to maintain that level of 32% this year with a sales target of 216,000,” Aminar said. However, it looks like cumulative market share for the 2 local car brands will still be below 50% this year as they face stiff competition from the foreign marques. It may bode well for consumers who have more choices but it will be challenging for local automakers like Perodua to keep up.

Nevertheless, Aminar sees the demand momentum for Perodua models to grow this year, assisted by strong sales and marketing efforts as well as further improving its customer experience through all its sales and service network. As factors such as rising living costs and lower consumer sentiments are expected to be prevalent in 2016, Perodua is still in a good market position due to the affordability of its product range.

Based on Perodua’s internal estimates, the total industry volume for 2016 would grow slightly to 670,000 with new product launches taken into account.

“As a result of the higher sales in 2015, Perodua has also seen the largest production of vehicles in our history with 228,500 produced, an increase of 16.3% from 196,400 produced in 2014,” he said. “We are very thankful for all the support that Malaysians have shown us despite the challenging economic situation and we will strive to serve you better in all of our touch-points,” Aminar added.

With the strengthening US Dollar and Japanese Yen (which Perodua pays its purchase of components in), profit margins continue to be stressed. However, this is partly mitigated by buying forward in anticipation of the strengthening foreign currencies. As a result, Perodua is able to maintain the selling price for now. Its increase in local vendor purchases will also mitigate any foreign exchange risks as well as contribute to lower vendor production costs which in turn will benefit Perodua.

Additionally, with the completion of the new PGMSB manufacturing facility, where the bulk of funds were spent (2013-2015: RM 2.8 billion), Perodua forecasts lower capital expenditures of RM370 million in 2016, likely for maintenance and upgrades.

Aminar also shared with us Perodua’s intention to better its JD Powers Customer Satisfaction Index ranking of 9th spot by improving its sales and after-sales services. Perodua’s after-sales business has broken new records with 1.96 million intakes for 2015, an increase of 2.3% from 1.92 million in 2014. “The increase is mainly due to further upgrading of existing service facilities for the comfort of our customers,” Aminar said. As of December 2015, Perodua has 181 sales and 190 service centres nationwide.

Parts and accessories revenue has also created history with revenue sales of RM 248 million for 2015, a 2% increase over 2014’s RM 244 million. To attract more existing Perodua owners whose cars are out of warranty to return to Perodua for genuine parts, Perodua is planning to introduce special deals and budget options.

As such, they expect a higher intake this year with 2 million vehicles patronising its service centres nationwide, while revenue from parts and accessories is expected to grow by 5% to RM 260.2 million. In a further development, Aminar announced that Perodua is planning a retail outlet for pre-owned Perodua vehicles.

“While we are thankful and happy for the results in 2015, Perodua needs to focus on our next transformation phase in order to be ready for the stiffer competition and market liberalisation,” he added.

With that, Aminar announced a reshuffling of key management staff in an effort to boost efficiency. Some of the notable moves include:

• Datuk Dr Nik Nazrul Thani as non-executive Chairman of Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd
• Dr Zahari Husin as Managing Director of Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd
• Mr Zainal Abidin Ahmad as Vice President of Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd
• Datuk Ahmad Suhaimi Hashim as President of Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PGMSB)
• Mr T. Izutani as Vice President of PGMSB
• Mr Rozunan Che Pa as Director of Manufacturing for Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and Perodua Engine Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, 
• Mr T. Kurinami as Executive Director of Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd
• Mr Mohd Azman Hj Abdul Rashid as Chief Information Officer of Group Information and Communications Technology, Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd
• Mr Noor Azarul Amir Ishak as General Manager, Service Operations at Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd

Again Article source: http://autoworld.com.my/news/2016/01/19/perodua-2015-performance-review-sales-surpasses-200000-units/

Mazda and Toyota formally announce plans to 'make cars better'

Not my work:  Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2015/05/13/mazda-toyota-partnership-official/

Following Monday's report that Toyota and Mazda could be expanding their cooperation, the two Japanese automakers have made it official, issuing a joint press release announcing a "mutually beneficial long-term partnership" that will "make cars better."

The two companies will set up a joint committee to figure out the strengths and weaknesses of each party. As we explained yesterday, that likely means Mazda will benefit from Toyota's plug-in-hybrid and fuel-cell tech, while the world's largest automaker can take advantage of the Zoom-Zoom automaker's line of efficient Skyactiv engines.

"I am delighted that our two companies can share the same vision and work together to make cars better. I can think of nothing more wonderful than showing the world – together – that the next 100 years of cars will be just as fun as the first," Toyota President Akio Toyoda said in the attached joint statement.

Mazda President and CEO Masamichi Kogai echoed that sentiment, saying: "I hope that by working together to make cars better, we can raise the value of cars in the eyes of consumers while also enhancing the manufacturing capabilities of our home, Hiroshima, and all the communities we are involved in as well."

Scroll down for the official joint press release.

Toyota and Mazda Team Up to Make Cars Better

Tokyo, Japan, May 13, 2015―Toyota Motor Corporation and Mazda Motor Corporation today entered an agreement to build a mutually beneficial long term partnership. By leveraging the resources of both companies to complement and enhance each other's products and technologies, the partnership will result in more appealing cars that meet the diverse needs and tastes of customers all over the world.

A joint committee will now be set up to evaluate how best to utilize each company's respective strengths. The committee will encourage broad and meaningful collaboration across a range of fields, including environmental and advanced safety technologies.

Marking the agreement, Toyota President Akio Toyoda said: "As evidenced by their SKYACTIV Technologies and KODO-Soul of Motion design, Mazda has proven that it always thinks of what is coming next for vehicles and technology, while still managing to stay true to its basic carmaking roots. In this way, Mazda very much practices what Toyota holds dear: making ever-better cars. I am delighted that our two companies can share the same vision and work together to make cars better. I can think of nothing more wonderful than showing the world-together-that the next 100 years of cars will be just as fun as the first."

Representing Mazda, President and CEO Masamichi Kogai said: "Toyota is a company that has shown steadfast resolve in acting responsibly on global environmental issues and the future of manufacturing as a whole. I also have tremendous respect for Toyota's dedication in its pursuit of ever-better cars through ongoing innovation. Furthermore, Mazda identifies with the way Toyota cherishes its roots and all of the communities it is involved in. It is no wonder they are held in great esteem in return. I hope that by working together to make cars better, we can raise the value of cars in the eyes of consumers while also enhancing the manufacturing capabilities of our home, Hiroshima, and all the communities we are involved in as well."

Previous collaboration between Toyota and Mazda has included the licensing of Toyota's hybrid technologies to Mazda and the production of compact cars for Toyota at Mazda's plant in Mexico.

Toyota and Mazda recognize that there is considerable overlap between Mazda's corporate philosophy of bringing joy to people through vehicles and Toyota's commitment to making ever-better cars, as well as its dedication to company-wide structural reforms to realize true competiveness and sustainable growth. This latest agreement will go beyond the traditional framework of cooperation, aiming instead to create a whole new set of values for cars through wide-ranging medium to long term collaboration.

Press Release Source: Toyota, Mazda.  Image Credit: Shizuo Kambayashi / AP

Certain Carmakers lower prices after GST

Carmakers lower prices after GST

Source: Malaysian Insider. Published: 1 April 2015 10:28 AM

Proton says its cars are cheaper today after the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST). – The Malaysian Insider file pic, April 1, 2015.

Several carmakers, including Proton Holdings Berhad, have announced lower prices following the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST), The Star reported today.

The reduction, according to the report, ranges between 2% and 3.25% depending on the models and variants.

For Proton, its chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah reportedly said that there would be a reduction of up to RM1,475 or 3.25% per unit on selected variants.



"The new on-the-road prices include all models under the Proton marque, comprising Saga, Persona, Inspira, Staria Neo, Exora, Prevé, Suprima S, and Iriz," he was quoted as saying.
As an example, he said customers could get a Saga from as low as RM33,242.40 or a Prevé 1.6L Turbo at RM61,023.46.

"All these prices have taken into account the 6% GST and are the on-the-road prices," he said in the English daily.

It was also reported that locally assembled Honda models (Jazz, City, Civic, CR-V, Accord and HR-V) will be cheaper by between RM500 and RM2,500. But the fully imported model, such as the Odyssey would go up by between RM500 and RM1,000.

Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Yoichiro Ueno in the same report said the City 1.5L V would now be priced at RM89,467 compared with the pre-GST price of RM90,813.

"The HR-V 1.8L V, meanwhile, will be at RM118,229, down from RM118,815," he said, adding that spare parts would also be lower on an average of 3.7%.

Labour costs, he added, would be more expensive.

UMW Toyota Motor president Datuk Ismet Suki said there would be a price reduction of up to RM4,000 or 2% for Toyota and Lexus models.

It was reported last year that the Malaysian Automotive Institute (MAI) had predicted car prices to drop between 1% and 3% after GST.

MAI chief executive officer Madani Sahari said, at the same time, car prices were expected to be more competitive this year, with a projected total industry volume hitting 700,000 units. – April 1, 2015.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/carmakers-lower-prices-after-gst#sthash.wWq2b6e8.dpuf

END OF SOURCE...

Jefferson Lim's additional notes:

BMW, Citroen and Peugeot announced Price Unchanged.  As for Hyundai, See picture below:

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.

VW Passat named European Car of the Year 2015

VW Passat named European Car of the Year

SOURCE: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/news/vw-passat-car-of-the-year/

The Volkswagen Passat has taken the European Car of the Year crown, beating rivals from Citroen, Ford and Renault

2015 VW Passat driving, front view

The Volkswagen Passat has been named European Car of the Year 2015

2 March 2015 • 5:12pm
Andrew English
Motoring Correspondent, Telegraph Cars

Volkswagen has scooped the 2015 European Car of the Year award for its Passat model, with a huge margin of votes over the other six shortlisted cars.

The Passat’s 340-vote victory was 92 points ahead of the second-placed Citroen C4 Cactus and is one of the largest margins in 51 years of European Coty history. Mercedes-Benz’s C-class came in third place.  

Announced on the eve of the Geneva motor show, the Coty award was judged by 58 judges across 22 different European countries. Whittled down from an initial list of 31, the seven-strong shortlist of cars was said by the President Hakan Matson to be one of the hardest ever to judge.
The Passat, though came through a clear favourite in spite of the British judges (including yours truly from The Telegraph), rating the Citroën as the better car and putting BMW’s 2-series Active Tourer in second place, with the Passat in third.

This is Volkswagen’s third Coty award in five years, the Polo winning it in 2010 and the Golf (on which the Passat is heavily based) in 2013.

The full list of votes is: Volkswagen Passat, 340 points; Citoren C4 Cactus, 248 points; Mercedes-Benz C-Class, 221 points; Ford Mondeo, 203 points; Nissan Qashqai, 160 points; BMW 2-Series Active Tourer, 154 points and Renault Twingo, 124 points.

HAPPY 7th anniversary OTOREVIEW.MY!

On this day, Exactly 84 months ago, back in 2006, I Jefferson Lim started this Blog you are reading.  It started off as Used car reviews and accessories reviews. 

 I gradually added News and Announcements, New car launching and reviews, Automotive Industry stuff, Classifieds, Gadget reviews, Magazine scans, VIDEOS++ review, COMPREHENSIVE TESTS and the lists goes on...

I would like to Thank my 2 MAJOR Advertisers, Google Adsense and Nuffnang Malaysia Aka. "Imotiv" for their quality ads tailored to my Blog posts.  A MILLION Thanks also to Google.com.my search engine for their SUPPORT by constantly placed my Blog posts/topic, blog photos on the FRONT or SECOND Page of Google Malaysia Search engine.  

Lastly, I'd like to thank you READERS and SUBSCRIBERS of this blog for your visits.  From today onwards, I decided to Make this BLOG Active like 2011 and 2012 again.  I now pass part of my hard work to my Relative Wei Lim.  Relax, I am still contributing but only the following subjects:

1) Hyundai and Mazda Related topics

2) LONGTERMERS.  Left the Waja and i10 1.25 Kappa

3) Used car reviews

4) Classifieds (Eg. Cars for sale/WANTED/Car Accessories for sale/Wanted)

5) Gadgets and Apps review

6) News and Announcements

The REST like NEW Launching, Non-Hyundai and Mazda NEW Car Review, Automobile Industry stuff,  Automotive events and Car Roadshows/Motorshow I SHALL leave to my Cousin, Wei Lim.  Wei Lim can be contacted at 012-6852-760. 

WHY is it so?

It's because my Manager don't like me Reviewing and PRAISING other Brands and also in order to ensure NON-BIASED, Fair reviews.  Ie. to please everybody.

SO SIT BACK, Relax and Enjoy the Ride.  Once again, Million thanks.

This blog is SEMI-ACTIVE due to CLONES & CONFLICT...

DUE TO CONFLICT OF INTEREST.  Regular readers/subscribers to this blog might realized I blog less (ONLY 2-3 in April!) frequent.  WHY?

My Manager discovered I'm running this blog.  Got annoyed that I show PRAISES and giving HIGH MARKS to my Competitors!  You see, I'm Hyundai Salesman.  SO unbiased review (which I've been practicing religiously) is NOT ALLOWED by my Assistant Manager. 

So, the Stubborn me decided to Just Maintain my Longtermer/s (Left Waja 4G18 and Hyundai i10), resort to Reviewing Used/older cars (Perodua Viva Review coming up) AND Did a brief cover on product Launching.  After my "PRAISES" to the Mazda 6 Skyactiv (Ironically I sell it's Competitor, Sonata), and kena "Shooting", I decided to maintain or KEEP ON RUNNING this Blog but Semi-Active mode.

Thanks guys/girls for your continuous support.  I will be back STRONGER ELSE, I need to hire another person/someone else to run this blog.  OR better still, sell off this BLOG!  Any takers?  Very cheap!

Oh! 1 more reason, my hard WORK WAS plagiarized by AT LEAST 2 other BLOGSPOT Websites.  Apparently, they "CLONED" my blog.  But their adverts by Nuffnang exposed them.  Mine got REAL TIME Ads from Nuffnang.  Their's shows this:

Here's one screenshot sample of my "CLONES"/COPYCAT:
http://garminnivu.blogspot.com/2012/11/test-driveclose-up-hyundai-i10-125-kappa.html

It's IDENTICAL POST, At IDENTICAL DATE but 1-5 minutes behind.  CLONE!!!
Hence, I LOST INTEREST, to update my blog only to have it COPIED by others!!!

66th month and reaching 800th posts! Thanks...

This blog you are reading OR subscribing now's Reached it's Milestone.  It's MADE FAMOUS By my Main Advertisers, GOOGLE and Nuffnang!  They were a good helper to Promote my Otoreview blog which started off Slowly in September 2006.  Back then, it was a Pathetic OR sad blog with merely 100 hits daily.  Today, I'm proud to announce that we have a consistent 2500 hits DAILY and our TOTAL Hit's Breached the Magical 1,000,000 (1 million mark) without me noticing (I think the 1,000,000th visitors/ blog-walkers came in Mid-January this year since it's now breacing 1,200,000 hits (OR 1.2 millions).

Thanks for all your support dear readers and subscribers to this COMPREHENSIVE no Cutting corners, Straight-to-the-point, HONEST and lastly EFFICIENT Blog Editor OR Owner, Ie. Jefferson Lim Wei Huai (yours truly)!

Please feel free to browse through OR take your own pace to read ALL my 796 BLOG Entry/Articles/Posts (whichever you called it comfortable as It's all same meaning).  Enjoy your stay OR ride here.

Jefferson Lim signing off!  ADIOS!  See You and please support me by "DONATING to my PAYPAL" account on the middle-right corner of the Sidebar.  Finger's crossed, Minimum I request's USD10 only and it's a FREE WILL Offering (ie. Up to your kind Heart), up to you to feel How much I deserved to Keep this OLD blog Up and running since September 2006 (ie. I was only 26 back then and fast forward, 65 months later, here I am!  A BALDING, 33 yrs old, Overweight (88kg), 5 feet 9 guy who's still single and available and NEVER "Pak Thor" (Cantonese for "In a Relationship") before with Any Girl.

 Sad right!  But I have a hinch my Future wife'll appear (revealed by God) in 6 months time (ie. when I'm financially stable and keeping up the good work and my goal TOP 3 Hyundai Salesman by End of the year.  Wish me luck OR for Christians, may God's blessings be upon me to approach Or express my interest to her when the right time comes...  

I know exactly who the Girl is because I dreamed of her shadow 2 nights ago.  She's standing on the edge of an opened door with "BLINDING backlights surrounding the door hence I cannot see who she really is.  But I can see her Hair Length (short - barely cover shoulder), Height (slightly over 5 feet tall) and VOLUPTUOUS Body shape (not Sexy but with "FRONT AND BACK BUMPERS" (Lame Jokes I know, but being a car freak (or enthusiasts) who loved to write about them it's pretty GOOD right?

 It is revealed that it's her, my Church Student group leader.  Name to be revealed in 6 months time (ie. on my Birthday on 13 August 2013!).  Watch this space!  Jefferson Lim signing off!  My Original Work...

This blog is OPTIMISED for IPhone 5 viewing!

In this blog entry, I'm proudly announcing that this Blog is OPTIMISED for IPhone 5 viewing from 1 February onwards.  Yes, I'm a proud owner of IPhone 5 since 27 December 2012.  Bought for RM999 under Maxis Once Club (MOC) but tied to 2 years contract RM155 monthly commitment.  I shall review my IPhone 5 on March 27 (ie. after 3 months using the phone).

So far battery life's impressive.  Best usage time 9 hrs and 30 mins and best Standby time 1 day 16 hours.  Average usage time 7 hours and average standby time 20 hours. THIS MEANS I Don't need POWER-BANK as I charge before I sleep and it lasts till 11pm the next day.

Note that My iPhone 5 is running on iOS 6.0.2! 

 This is the BEST Battery life among the IPhone family but still LOSE to my Previous Symbian Belle Phone, the Mighty Nokia N8 (still got good resale value, I sold for RM400) with up to 18 hours usage time and 60 hours standby time.  Still the undisputed KING of battery life among the Smartphones.

Here's some screenshots of this Blog surfing on SAFARI web browser with IPhone 5:

On 15 February, I discover this new apps called ILoaderPlus.  Here's some screenshots. 

I bought the full version for USD1.99 (RM6.20) and am enjoying the features.  It allows up to 100 photos upload in 1 go, automatic resize to 800x600 pixels and lastly automatically uploads to my Picasa album (which supports my Blogger.  In short, I don't need to waste time resizing 1 by 1 photo like last time, no need to upload 5 by 5 like previously and up to 1 Mbps upload per 5 files (using my 10 Mbps MAXIS HOME Fibre).

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.

Sorry for 2 weeks absence got new job

I, Jeff Lim would like to apologise for not posting for almost 2 weeks.  You might ask why? 

It's because I got a new job selling new Hyundai and Mazda cars in Petaling Jaya starting 15 October 2012.  Rest assured, I will still post new and used car reviews/auto industry stuff but less often.

Coming up.  Test drive review of Hyundai i10 1.25 Kappa and My sister's ride Myvi 1.5 Lagi Power Lagi Best 1st anniversary Farewell report.  As  I got a New Job.  "Jeff's personal auto consultation service" is Cancelled OR OFF.  

Lastly, thanks all readers, subscribers and fans for your continuous support.  I feel grateful and I Appreciate it very much.

ANNOUNCING NEW Forum to this blog...

Thanks everyone for your continuous support. This blog's been having consistent 800 unique visitors daily. To celebrate this, I, Jeff Lim, is please to announcing new Forum to supplement this blog. I just created a NEW Forum on 19 November 2011, 1911hrs. The Forum website address is:

http://otoreview.forumup.com.

OR

http://otoreview.forumup.com/index.php?mforum=otoreview

Feel free to explore and enjoy this forum. Do give feedbacks/suggestions.

NEXT STEP: Facebook page... I'm working on this... Launching By January 2012.

Three Honda models due for 'product update'

Monday, September 05, 2011

Three Honda models due for 'product update'

PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia today announced a "product update campaign" on the Civic, City and Jazz.

The vehicles involved in the campaign are Civic 2006 year-model (YM) - 2008YM, City 2006YM-2007YM and Jazz 2005YM-2007YM.

The affected cars are (from bottom to top) Jazz, City and Civic.

Honda Malaysia said all current selling models are not affected.

“Honda Malaysia would like to apologise to all customers for the inconvenience caused," said Honda Malaysia managing director and CEO Yoichiro Ueno.

"The campaign aims to implement a few preventive measures against technical failure. This is an early call for inspection and replacement, of which we believe could sustain the best product performance for customers in spite of the technical irregularities.”

For Civic 2006YM-2008YM, the power steering feed hose may leak oil when the hose deteriorates after running in hot and humid weather. Though the affected units may not cause serious safety issues, the possibility of a technical breakdown might show in the future.

Honda Malaysia will change the rubber material for the power steering feed hose to improve its heat resistance. The campaign is expected to involve 16,537 units of Civic 2006YM-2008YM.

Meanwhile, City 2006YM-2007YM and Jazz 2005YM-2007YM are prone to possible failure of the power window master switch, which under certain conditions, could cause a minor short-circuit resulting in a burnt smell.

Honda Malaysia undertakes to change all the affected units with a counter measure power window switch. The product update campaign will involve 20,949 units of City 2006YM-2007YM and 2,970 units of Jazz 2005YM-2007YM.

The company said necessary replacement would be carried out when the parts are ready and it would bear all costs incurred.

All owners of affected units involved are to send their vehicle to an authorised dealer as soon as they receive notification from the company.

For more information, call Honda’s toll-free number at 1-800-88-2020 or visit any authorised Honda dealer. Customers are advised to call for an appointment to avoid long waiting hours.

SOURCE

Ministry to meet car industry reps on HP Act

The Star: Friday, June 24, 2011

SOURCE: 

KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry will be meeting financial institutions and used car industry representatives to discuss issues on vehicle sales, resulting from the recently amended Hire-Purchase Act 1967.

Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said he had instructed the ministry's legal and enforcement departments to do so.

Ismail

Regarding complaints of a slowdown in car sales since the amended Act took effect on June 15, Ismail said, “We will need to look at the causes of the problem.”

He reiterated that the Act was amended to protect the interests of consumers.

“Of course, with the amended Act, the documentation process (by financial institutions and vehicle dealerships) is more troublesome and takes more time,” Ismail said yesterday after officiating at a function concerning the Government's Tukar (transform) initiative, aimed at helping traditional sundry shops stay competitive.

To recap, car marque franchise holders and dealers contacted by StarBiz recently said they were worried about the possibility of trickling cashflow, a rise in booking cancellations and longer lead-time for completion of sales resulting from the amended Act.

Malaysian Automotive Association president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said on Wednesday that the amended Act had definitely impacted car sales and there were “teething” problems in the vehicle retail trade.

The Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia and Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Association of Malaysia have urged the Government to defer and review the amendments to the Act.

Govt suspends plans to scrap old cars

 KUALA LUMPUR: The government does not plan to dispose of all vehicles over 15 years old because it does not yet have a suitable mechanism for doing so, Deputy Transport Minister Jelaing Mersat said.

The government would also have to get the views of non-governmental organisations and the public before disposal of all old vehicles could be enforced, he told the Dewan Negara.

Although use of these old vehicles was allowed, the road transport department and police were ensuring that they were road-worthy, he said when winding the debate on the motion to thank Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin for his royal address on Tuesday.


 -Bernama

World's biggest Rolls-Royce showroom opens

World's biggest Rolls-Royce showroom opens

ABU DHABI: The largest Rolls-Royce showroom in the world has opened in the Umm Al Nar area of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The new 900 square metre showroom provides space for displaying five Rolls-Royce motor cars, a coffee bar and a customer configuration lounge including colour and trim samples. The showroom is also directly linked to a Rolls-Royce service facility.

“The showroom opening in Abu Dhabi represents one of a line of new and expanded Rolls‑Royce showrooms which have been unveiled throughout the Gulf region in the last 18 months," said Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös.

“The Middle East continues to be an important driver in the global growth of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Last year the region contributed over 15% of our global sales."

The occasion was marked by the unveiling of a Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection Phantom Drophead Coupé.

One of a collection of 100 customised Phantom models, the cars were built to mark the Centenary of the Spirit of Ecstasy, 100 years since the world’s most instantly recognisable bonnet figurine was first fitted to Rolls-Royce cars.

END OF ARTICLE...

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry...

Tata keen to work with Proton, says DPM Muhyiddin

Tata keen to work with Proton, says DPM Muhyiddin

March 10, 2011, By Danny Tan  

SOURCE: PAULTAN.ORG (Click on the Title - in Blue, underlined for the link to source).

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is on an official visit to India, has revealed that Indian carmaker Tata Motors has expressed interest to enter the Malaysian market. The maker of the world’s cheapest car plans to do this by working with national carmaker Proton.

“Mr Tata (Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata Group) is keen to work with Proton again. About seven or eight years ago there were some joint discussions to manufacture cars but nothing came out of it. Now our automotive policy is more liberal and there are new opportunities,” Muhyiddin said.

“It’s now up to the Proton management to study this proposal and whether a car like the Nano can be brought into Malaysia. Perhaps we can also come up with a kereta rakyat costing about RM20,000, modelled after the Nano,” the DPM suggested to Malaysian journalists in Mumbai.

“He felt there should be some synergy because they had been in the automotive industry for a long time. He can bring his technical team to discuss with Proton or Perodua,” added Muhyiddin, although we’re not sure if Perodua, which is part owned by Daihatsu and has its own compact car plans, will be interested in such a development.

A cheap Tata Nano based kereta rakyat, anyone?

 

GM Korea says goodbye to Daewoo, hello to Chevrolet

GM Korea says goodbye to Daewoo, hello to Chevrolet


SEOUL: GM Korea Co, the South Korean unit of US automaker General Motors Co, will officially launch the Chevrolet brand in South Korea this week, saying goodbye to Daewoo, a name that has endured in South Korea for the past 28 years, Yonhap News Agency reported the company as saying Monday.



The name of the company will officially be changed to GM Korea from GM Daewoo also from Tuesday, it added.


"The change of the company name is an evolution from a company that does export sales and also domestic sales. We are a global company that works in Korea. This is a revolutionary pivot for us and an imperative decision," GM Korea president and CEO Mike Arcamone had said, introducing the new company name and the Chevrolet brand for the first time in January.

GM Korea has already introduced three Chevrolet vehicles in South Korea - the multi-purpose vehicle Orlando, small passenger car Aveo and Chevrolet's iconic sports car the Camaro - with their deliveries scheduled to begin late next month.

The company plans to introduce an additional five Chevrolet vehicles here this year under what Arcamone has called an "unprecedentedly aggressive launch programme" designed to boost the company's domestic sales.

"This is a good change. It is in the best interest of customers, our company, its employees, shareholders, dealers, suppliers and indeed the people of Korea," he had said.

All new makeovers of former GM Daewoo cars will also come with the Chevrolet brand.
The only immediate concern for GM Korea and its officials is that many local customers, unfamiliar with the Chevrolet brand, may mistake their new vehicles as products by an entirely different or smaller manufacturer as, in South Korea, the name of a vehicle brand is almost without fail the name of its maker, a GM Korea official noted.


To prevent such confusion, the company is planning a massive launch event here Tuesday when it will also announce new marketing strategies that have "never been seen before" in South Korea for new Chevrolet vehicles, the official said.


GM Korea is struggling to increase its market share in South Korea to a double-digit number as it failed again to do so in 2010, though only by 0.5 percentage point.


The company currently is the third-largest of five automakers in South Korea, where over 80 per cent of the market is controlled by top automaker Hyundai Motor Co and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp.

-Bernama

Government To Maintain Present RON 95 And Diesel Prices

Government To Maintain Present RON 95 And Diesel Prices

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- The government will maintain the current fuel price for RON 95 at RM1.90 and diesel at RM1.80 despite the escalating global oil price, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said on Thursday.

It will instead discuss with the Finance Ministry for alternatives to cushion the increase, he said.

"The government will retain current prices and look at other options or alternatives even if the government's load increases.

"So far the situation can be handled without raising the price of RON 95 and diesel," the minister told reporters after announcing Bank Rakyat's annual financial results here.

He said the budget allocated for subsidy this year was RM10.3 billion and if the price trend continued, this could reach up to RM14 billion.

The RM10.3 billion subsidy covers petroleum, RON 95, diesel, LPG gas, sugar, rice and cooking oil.

Last December, the prices of RON 95 and diesel price were each increased five sen to RM1.90 and RM1.80 per litre respectively.

On the alternatives being looked at, he said there would be a review on the petrol and diesel quotas received by certain parties.

Asked when both ministries would finalise the discussion, he said decisions would be made as soon as possible.

"It won't take long. The more time is taken, the higher the amount of subsidy the government would have to bear," he added.

He said as an importer of food products, the country would also have to bear the increase in the prices of imported food products.

Commenting on whether prices for other subsidised products would be increased since the fuel price would not be hiked, Ismail Sabri said the government was not looking to increase the prices of other subsidised products.

"Effective Feb 1, subsidy has been stopped for all factories producing food products and drinks using 500 metric tonnes of sugar a month.

"The government would be able to save RM128 million," he said.

-- BERNAMA

International award for Nasim

It says a lot about a distributor whenever recognition is made of its efforts by a principal which deals with many other distributors globally. In the case of Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia, the recognition of its strong efforts in growing the popularity of the French cars has come in the form of an International Award from Automobiles Peugeot.

At the Peugeot 2011 Convention for Worldwide Distributors in Spain recently, Nasim was presented with the Successful Industrialization and Commercial Launch of the 207 Award

“This award from Peugeot is recognition of our efforts in manufacturing the 207 in Malaysia for right-hand drive markets in the region. At present, we have had over 600 bookings for the new 207 and it is currently the most attainable European offering in the market,” said SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group Executive Chairman of the Naza Group of Companies and CEO of Nasim, who received the award.

The 207 is produced at Naza Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd’s plant in Gurun, Kedah, for both the domestic and export markets. It was launched in November 2010 and is already being exported to Thailand. Exports to Indonesia, Brunei and Sri Lanka will commence in the first quarter of 2011. The 207 project is the first one in which Peugeot is collaborating with Nasim to make Malaysia the French carmaker’s manufacturing hub for the region.

To know more about the 207 and other Peugeot models in Malaysia, visit www.peugeot.com.my

SOURCE: MOTORTRADER Website...