Entries from November 2008 ↓

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the all-new, fully redesigned Fairlady Z sports car, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide.

In the nearly 40 years since the first-generation S30 model debuted in 1969, the Fairlady Z has earned a reputation as one of the most desirable sports cars in the world, with approximately 1.7 million units in global sales to date.

The latest Fairlady Z, while embodying the first generation’s signature “Z-ness” in terms of high performance, design and high value, incorporates dramatic advances in dynamic performance and perceived quality. The Z also offers a strong feeling of “newness,” as expressed by its fresh exterior and interior styling and new performance features.

The new Fairlady Z’s enhanced performance characteristics are a result of its shorter wheelbase, reduced weight and the adoption of the larger, more powerful VQ37VHR 3.7-liter V6 engine. It also offers the world’s first 6-speed manual transmission with synchronized rev control or a newly developed 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. The combination of more horsepower, new transmissions and a refined suspension helps the Fairlady Z deliver the superior acceleration, cornering and stopping capabilities expected of a true world-class sports car.

Helping the driver take full advantage of the new performance levels is a redesigned interior that aims for “oneness” between the driver and the cockpit, combining sports car functionality with an impression of stellar quality. And, along with its world-class dynamic performance and dynamic design, the new Fairlady Z once again offers exceptional value, giving customers the confidence of having made a wise purchase decision.

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The Japanese carmaker Toyota Motor is reviewing its investment plan in Thailand, which may prompt the automaker to delay its eco-car project amid the alarming global market slump.

However, Toyota Motor Thailand (TMT) would continue another project, hybrid car production, which is due to begin in the middle of next year, said TMT vice-chairman Ninnart Chirathirapinyo.

”We are reviewing capacity expansion plans and have to set the priority for these projects’ implementation,” Mr Ninnart said yesterday.

”Some projects may be suspended depending on the situation, including eco-car production.

”The hybrid would not be delayed as the model is a response to the current market demand from consumers who prefer fuel-efficient vehicles.”

TMT, Thailand’s biggest carmaker, had planned to invest 4.6 billion baht in the eco-car project to make 100,000 units a year of the small, fuel-efficient cars, half of which would be exported.

The company earlier announced that it would reduce production volume by 20-25% or 40,000 units between December and April next year and cut total 2009 volume from 500,000 to 400,000 units due to weaker demand from abroad.

Mr Ninnart said the global vehicle market was expected to drop from 72 million units this year to 69 million in 2009. The US market alone would see a drop of 16% to 13.5 million units next year.

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Ranger Max Show Truck Delivers Maximum Capability, Maximum Style and Maximum Impact

• High-impact Ranger Max show truck explores future design possibilities for Ford Ranger compact pickup
• Inspired by power tools and active lifestyle equipment, Ford designers describe Ranger Max’s new look as tough style with power dome and sportsbar as key features
• Ranger Max amplifies the urban appeal of Ranger and reinforces its proven durability and toughness

Renowned for its genuine toughness and strength, the Ford Ranger takes a confident step forward with the debut of the high-impact Ranger Max show truck at the Thailand International Motor Expo.

Ranger Max pushes everyone’s expectations of Ranger. Visually bold and muscular, it takes to the stage at the Ford stand with confidence, sophistication and craftsmanship. The Ranger Max extends Ranger’s reputation as the best all-around compact truck on the market.

“We know Ranger is tough and durable, and Ranger Max adds to those qualities. The show truck does not follow a trend; it sets a new tough style direction for compact trucks,” says Paul Gibson, the chief designer of the Ranger Max show truck. “Ranger Max is genuinely tough, and it is a truck that gets the job done. This high-impact show truck also has the bold visual presence that looks great on the urban scene.”

A team of Ford truck specialists in Thailand worked closely with Ford’s Australia-based Asia Pacific and Africa design team, led by Gibson, to create Ranger Max. Ford’s design team incorporated design cues into Ranger Max that may be seen in future-generation Ranger.

“The Ranger Max is not just about creating show excitement,” Gibson said. “We have a great opportunity to test design themes that may make their way into production. Ranger Max says exciting things about the possibilities for truck fans in Ranger’s future.”

“The tough style of Ranger Max is based on the capability and versatility that make Ford Ranger the choice of the most demanding truck owners,” said Mr. Saroj Kiatfuengfoo, senior vice president, Ford Thailand. “Ranger Max’s high-impact design and tough style appeal will excite truck enthusiasts in Thailand.”

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Presentation preview at GT 2012 press conference ,S16 will be launch at 2010.

Hyundai Motor Co. plans to focus on developing countries and the small-car market next year as the global downturn weakens demand.

Mong Hyun Yoon, director for business strategy says the South Korean carmaker will concentrate on developing regions such as China, India, the Middle East, Africa and South America as demand slumps in North America and Europe.

The small-car market also offers better growth potential, he said, as a dreary economy leads consumers to buy cheaper, more fuel efficient vehicles.

The company, which along with affiliate Kia Motors Corp. forms the world’s fifth-largest automotive group, said last month that third-quarter net profit fell 37.8 per cent as labour unrest sapped production and warranty provisions increased. Sales also declined.

It lowered its annual sales target to 3.02 million vehicles from the previous 3.11 million, citing weakness in the global auto industry. On Tuesday, Yoon declined to specify a target for 2009.

Next year, the company plans to roll out a hybrid Elantra small car for the South Korean market, and bring a gas-electric hybrid version of its Sonata sedan to the U.S. in 2010.

Thailand’s Energy Future Will Be Powered By Volvo FlexiFuel E85 In Surprise Announcement, Volvo Reveals First Locally Produced
E85 FlexiFuel Vehicle – Volvo S80 2.5FT
Volvo announces a double first for Thailand set to benefit the Thai economy and environment.
Not only does Volvo formally launch the import of the Volvo C30 1.8F at the upcoming Motor Expo 2008, but astonishes all with the launch of Thailand’s first and only locally produced E85 FlexiFuel vehicle with the reveal of the Volvo S80 2.5FT at Bangkok Racing Circuit today, attended by HE The Ambassador of Sweden, Lennart Linnér, Minister of Energy, Dr. Wannarat Charnnukul, and the CEO’s of PTT, BCP, Mitr Phol, PetroGreen and the Thai Ethanol Manufacturing Association amongst many other VIP guests.
This move is seen as another critically needed and key step in Thailand’s development towards a more secure energy future through the promotion and use of less polluting and more importantly renewable biofuels made from home-grown agricultural produce. Embraced by the people, businesses and the government, renewable local biofuels will save more money for Thai motorists and reduce the Kingdom’s economic burden from the need to buy foreign oil which last year accounted for some 9% of GDP.
This announcement comes in parallel with the efforts of Ministry of Energy, PTT Plc and Bangchak Petroleum to sell E85 gasohol commercially. And to excite Thai consumers even more, these two E85 FlexiFuel Vehicles. Volvo S80 2.5FT and Volvo C30 1.8F will make their public sales debut during “Motor Expo 2008” from November 28, onwards.
Mr. Paul Stokes, President of Volvo Car Thailand, said “For Volvo, environment has been a core value of our brand for decades and so we have always fully supported the efforts of the Royal Thai Government, and particularly the Ministry of Energy in advancing renewable biofuels with an aim of energy security for Thailand from the very beginning. Today, Volvo announces yet another milestone commitment in this journey as we will be the first car company to produce E85-compatible FlexiFuel Vehicles locally here in Thailand, starting with our globally successful and award winning large prestige sedan Volvo S80 2.5FT, and also to formally launch the Volvo C30 1.8F as an imported product.”
Dr.Wannarat Charnnukul, Minister of Energy, said “The government holds as a main policy to promote the use of alternative energy no matter what change happens to the oil price. The higher mixture of ethanol in gasoline would reduce the country’s reliance on crude oil imports and reduce the cost of living. It would also strengthen the country’s long-term energy security and economy. Over the past several months, we have deeply appreciated the friendly cooperation from Volvo in supporting the government’s energy policy. I think Volvo S80 2.5FT E85 will be another compelling choice for Thai motorists.”
Launched in September last year, in diesel and benzene variants, the all-new Volvo S80 is second generation of Volvo’s large prestige sedan sculpted with timeless Scandinavian design and brimming with world-class safety firsts that together form a cohesive network of exterior and interior systems working in a seamless concert which drew universal applause from world’s auto industry as one of the world’s safest cars. The Model Year 2009 is no exception, adding both Volvo’s Blindspot Information System (BLIS); Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Driver Alert technology to the locally made versions alongside the keyless entry/drive Personal Car Communicator (PCC) and much more already in place.
Adding the bioethanol 2.5FT E85 FlexiFuel engine to the line-up, Volvo S80 guarantees its responsible exclusiveness as an intelligent choice in a way that you simply cannot find in other cars.

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Debut in Motor Expo 2008 Thailand,It was changed a grille and bed lid little bit.

Fitch Ratings cut Toyota’s top-notch credit rating on Wednesday, blaming the world’s auto market slump and surging yen — the latest sign that even Japan’s top automaker is suffering from the global slowdown.

Fitch also cited high material costs as another challenge as it lowered its rating on Toyota Motor Corp. two notches to “AA” from “AAA,” with a negative outlook, meaning the rating could be lowered in the next year or two.

The automaker’s shares dropped nearly 5% in Tokyo morning trading.

While Toyota’s Detroit-based rivals scramble to avoid bankruptcy and plead for a bailout from the U.S. government, the Japanese auto maker is grappling with its own mounting problems.

Toyota earlier this month reported a 69% drop in fiscal second-quarter profit and cut its full-year forecast by more than half. Toyota recently announced production cuts in the U.S in response to a steep decline in sales in its largest and most profitable market. The company’s shares are down about 45% from their high for the year.

“In these times, no company is immune,” Toyota spokeswoman Mira Sleilati said Wednesday, responding to news of the downgrade.

“Toyota is suffering severely from the ongoing turmoil in the global automotive sector,” said Tatsuya Mizuno, a Fitch director.
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By George Gao From:Gasgoo.com

The seventh-generation Suzuki Alto will be produced in Suzuki’s Chinese venture Changan Suzuki company in southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing by September 2009, and will be go on sale simultaneously with its global launch before October 1, said xinhuanet.com today.

As Suzuki’s all-new upgraded version that measures 3,700mm in length, the seventh-generation Alto hatchback will be powered by the Suzuki-developed 1.0-liter aluminum gasoline engine which meets Euro V emissions standards. It combines eye-catching style and easy urban mobility with great performance in high fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions. The model can reach a top speed of up to 120km/h above.

According to executives of Suzuki China, the new Alto will be made in Changan Suzuki by September 2009 as the joint venture’s latest entry-level small car. Changan Suzki halted production of the existing Alto model back July to pave the way for the latest generation Alto due to hit the road in September 2009 in China.

Suzuki Motor showcased its seventh-generation Alto at the 2008 Paris Motor Show early last month as the world premiere of this all-new Alto model, and its Chinese-made version will be unveiled at the Shanghai auto show in April next year.

The fuel-efficient new Alto small car will be launched globally before October 1, 2009 and the China-made Alto will go on sale at the same time, to be priced between 50,000 yuan ($7,320) and 60,000 yuan.

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