McLaren MP4-12C GT3 video strolling the Silverstone circuit!!!

This is a very nice video showing the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 doing its test at the Silverstone circuit. The car in the racing guise looks much more appealing and sexier to me compared to the road going version. Enjoy the video of the car strolling the circuit its is meaty exhaust note.

Volkswagen Group foresee further growth potential for Porsche Holding Salzburg

Volkswagen Group and Porsche Holding Salzburg (PHS) have cultivated a close and successful collaboration for over 60 years. Based on this collaboration the Group brands have achieved high market shares in Austria and all other countries managed by Porsche Holding Salzburg. "PHS will carry forward its tried-and-tested successful business model unchanged under the Volkswagen umbrella. Not only will all the divisions of the company as well as the approximately 21,000 jobs be preserved – indeed, beyond that, new jobs are to be created," said Christian Klingler, Member of the Board of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft responsible for Sales.

"We have the highest respect for the outstanding work of all the employees of Porsche Holding Salzburg and trust in their continued full commitment for the future. With its professionalism and customer focus, its speed and clout, Porsche Holding Salzburg will become a spearhead for the sales activities of our Group," Klingler continued. The international business in particular is to be further expanded and its activities further extended.

In Austria today, every third newly registered car comes from the Volkswagen Group; Volkswagen has been the uncontested number one on Austrian roads for more than 54 years. "This success story is owed to Porsche Holding Salzburg," said Winterkorn. Not least thanks to PHS, Volkswagen enjoys excellent contacts to Austrian suppliers and the technical universities. "We are going to deepen these contacts at our new location here in Austria," Winterkorn explained.

PHS is one of the most successful private automotive firms in Europe, with a strong presence mainly in Austria, Western and Southeastern Europe as well as China. During the 2010 calendar year, sales of 565,000 new and used cars generated a turnover of EUR 12.84* billion, with an above-average profitability compared to the market. PHS employs around 20,900 people.

Volkswagen has taken over all automotive divisions from Porsche Holding Salzburg (PHS) at a fixed price of EUR 3.3 billion as at 1 March 2011. These include the wholesale and retail business, Porsche Information Technology, the Porsche Bank, Porsche Real Estate and Porsche Insurance Company as well as PGA Motors, with headquarters in Paris. PHS will remain an autonomous entrepreneurial unit as part of the Volkswagen Group.

source: Volkswagen Media Release

Volkswagen Group successfully produced 3.4 Million DSG gearboxes!!

The DSG is a global success story: 3.4 million units of the automatic gearbox have been produced at the Kassel Plant alone – for such brands as Audi, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Volkswagen. An additional 150,000 units were produced in Dalian (China).

The DSG dual clutch transmission developed by Volkswagen combines the convenience of an automatic transmission with the efficiency and dynamic performance of a manual gearbox. Two clutches guarantee that the shifting process is lightning fast. The Volkswagen DSG has become an automatic transmission sensation, bringing together top levels of shifting convenience, fuel economy and sports appeal. In 2003, the world’s first production dual clutch transmission was launched as the Volkswagen 6-speed DSG, which was initially used in the Golf R32 and the Audi TT. The DSG’s winning ways had begun.

Meanwhile, DSG now offers maximum convenience, fuel economy and driving fun across all of Volkswagen’s model series. That is because, since 2008, the 7-speed DSG has also been available for smaller displacement engines with up to 125 kW in power and 250 Nm in torque. In 2009, Volkswagen introduced the DQ500, another addition to the DSG lineup, which makes the automatic transmission accessible to customers of larger vehicles and engines (up to 500 Nm engine torque), e.g. the Audi TTRS. So, the DSG from Volkswagen is reducing fuel consumption and emissions in higher vehicle classes as well, while generating more sports appeal in driving

source: Volkswagen Media Release

Nasim recreates a creative new after sales initiative!!

Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia, has launched a new after-sales initiative aimed at providing its customers with in-depth understanding of their vehicles as well as the essential maintenance tips for their Peugeots.

Kicking of this initiative was the Discover Peugeot 3008 seminar which was held March 26 at the Grand Dorsett Hotel in Subang Jaya for 50 owners of the Peugeot 3008.

The two-hour long seminar included an in-depth presentation on the various features of the 3008 as well as practical sessions on 14-point checks and basic maintenance tips.

“This is a new initiative that’s being undertaken by Nasim to further grow the Peugeot brand. In the coming months, we will have seminars on the other models in our line-up such as the 207, 308 and the 5008.

“It is essential that our customers get the very best out of their vehicles. At the same time, this is an opportunity for us to get to know our customers better,” said Dato’ Samson Anand George, COO of Nasim.

The Discover Peugeot 3008 seminar was free-of-charge for 50 owners of the 3008 who were also invited to bring along a guest. Nasim had sent out invitations for the seminar to all 3008 owners in the country and the first 50 to RSVP were given seats for the seminar.

During the presentation segment of the seminar, owners were given an in-depth explanation to the various safety technologies featured in the 3008 such as ABS, ESP, deadlocking, airbag deployment, dynamic roll control as well as the various impact zones in the SUV that are designed to minimise injury to the driver and passengers.

In the practical session, the owners were shown the proper methods in changing tires, jump-starting a flat battery, deadlocking, re-programming their keys, checking engine oil, power steering fluid and coolant levels as well as releasing the electronic parking brake on a flat battery.

Since its launch in June 2010, Nasim has sold some 500 units of the 3008 while there are still undelivered bookings of 250 units.

The 3008 is a multiple award-winning SUV that blends style, performance, dynamics and luxury without compromising fuel efficiency and safety.

Featuring characteristics common in hatchbacks and SUVs with sedan-like road-handling abilities, the 3008 is equipped with a cockpit-like interior that is centric to the driver.

Priced at RM146,888, the 3008 comes with an array of features commonly found in premium continental vehicles such as a head-up display (HUD) panel. Located behind the instrument panel in front of the driver, the HUD can be raised or lowered by a flick of a switch while its brightness can also be adjusted according to the driver’s preference.

The HUD in the 3008 presents at all times the driver’s vehicle speed while cruise control functionality and speeds are also displayed when engaged.

Besides HUD, other premium qualities to the 3008 includes a plush leather interior, 17 sq ft panoramic glass roof made of dark-tinted laminated glass.

Another key characteristic of the 3008 is its multiflex interior whereby everything is designed in the vehicle to offer an accessible and intelligent load space adaptable for all kinds of leisure activities.

In particular, load space is easily accessible as a result of the ability to divide the tailgate in the 3008 into two parts while the boot floor can be compartmentalized thanks to its three-way height adjustment offering up to 1,604 litres of boot space.

Both the rear seats and the front passenger seat can be lowered to offer a flat load area from the rear tailgate to the front fascia panel of up to 2.62 metres.

On the performance end, the 3008 features a 1.6L turbocharged engine that is capable of producing 156 hp and 240 Nm of torque. This engine is Peugeot’s latest Euro 5 engine featuring high pressure direct petrol injection and a fuel consumption of 7.7-litres per 100 km (EU mixed cycle).

The 3008’s engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that comes with Triptonic functionality and a sports mode.

Drivability on the 3008 is further enhanced by its dynamic roll control (DRC) which features a hydraulic central module connecting the two rear shock absorbers that enables it to operate as a third shock absorber consisting of a floating piston and a hydraulic compensation reservoir.

As such, when taking corners, this system hydraulically links the right and left rear shock absorbers thus making it possible to increase the damping effect. This in turn enables the 3008 to take corners as flat as possible and reduce body roll.

As for safety, the 3008 has a five-star NCAP rating and comes standard with six airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, brake force distribution, anti-skid regulator and dynamic stability control.

source: Nasim Sdn. Bhd.

The first ever Ferrari FF crash recorded!!!

This is a very sad video for me, as I am truly a Ferrari fan, every crash  and dent to a Ferrari car does feels hurt to me. Well as shown on this video, is the very first accident that involved with a flashing brand new Ferrari FF. This accident happens during this auto journalist from CAR magazine suddenly crash this spanking new Ferrari over the kerb. Though we don't know whats the extend of the damage, but by looking at the face of the driver we know that the damage is quite bad. See the whole drama below.

BMW secret prototype plant finally revealed!!!

This is a very nice and informative video about the secret facility under BMW which is known as Plant Zero. Plant Zero is located at BMW Research and Innovation Centre In Munich Germany where this is the place all new shinning prototype are born. Enjoy this 5 minutes plus clips of how BMW develop its new prototype vehicles at Plant Zero.

Source: BMW

Kia Motors exports 10th Million vehicles in 36 years!!!

(SEOUL) March 24, 2011 – Kia Motors Corporation reached the 10 millionth vehicle export mark today when a Snow White Pearl Optima sedan was shipped to the US market from Kia’s main shipping hub, Pyeongtaek Port, located 80 km southwest of Seoul.

Ever since recording South Korea’s very first automotive export in 1975, when a small quantity of Kia Brisa pick-up trucks was shipped to Qatar, Kia Motors has made a rapid, increasingly significant imprint of the global automotive industry, particularly in recent years with the introduction of a new generation of models including Picanto, Rio, Sorento, Sportage and Optima.

Following the company’s cumulative five millionth export in March 2005 which took 30 years to achieve, Kia Motors was able to reach the next five million exports in just six years thanks to a focused management strategy that has resulted in rapid improvements in product design and quality as well as major enhancements in its global marketing and dealer network strengthening activities.

To commemorate this milestone event, a celebration ceremony was held today at Pyeongtaek Port which was attended by some 400 guests including Kia Motors Vice Chairman & CEO Hyoung-Keun Lee, local government officials and numerous foreign dignitaries stationed in Korea.

 

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chairman & CEO Lee said, “Today’s accomplishment would not have been possible without our loyal customers and hard working Kia employees around the world. Kia Motors vows to dedicate ourselves to the sustainable development of the global economy and the local communities in which we serve.”

In line with the rapid progress Kia has made in the global automotive industry, its worldwide footprint has also grown dramatically, with the number of countries in which Kia cars are sold increasing from 10 in the 1980’s to 156 countries today.

Since its first export in 1975, cumulative exports units have grown to 4.27 million in North America, 2.45 million in Europe and 0.88 million in the Asia & Pacific. Kia Motors has made the biggest strides in the North American market where global makers are engaged in heated competition.

By model, the A-segment Picanto is Kia’s most popular export model, with 764,453 cumulative units shipped, followed by the B-segment Rio and Sorento CUV, with 747,554 units and 656,446 units shipped, respectively.

Although Kia’s exports have been historically dominated by small vehicles, recently introduced models strategically targeted at overseas markets, such as the Sportage and Sorento CUVs and Cadenza flagship sedan, have been well received in many different regions. This trend has allowed Kia Motors to move away from its small vehicle-concentrated export situation, with the average price of Kia export models increasing significantly from USD1,400 in 1975 to USD12,000 in 2010.

Meanwhile, revenues derived from exports have risen dramatically from USD0.1 billion in 1987 to USD0.5 billion in 2003, USD1 billion in 2005 and USD11.2 billion in 2010. Last year’s export revenue of USD11.2 billion represents 2.4% of all South Korean exports, which underlines the significant role of Kia Motors as a pillar of the domestic Korean economy.

The increase in exports has also enabled Kia to surpass the two million unit global sales mark in 2010 for the first time in company history and attain global market share of 3%. Since 2004, Kia has posted an average annual global sales growth rate of 12%, far outpacing the industry average of 1.9% over the same period and cementing Kia’s standing as one of the world’s fastest growing automotive brands.

Kia Motors plans to continue to expand its presence in the global automotive industry through various strategies aimed at improving brand value, profitability and growth sustainability.

1. Cumulative Export Units

Year                   Annual Export                Units Cumulative Export Units

1975                           10                                       10

1976                           117                                     127

1977                           1,540                                  1,667

1978                          5,104                                   6,771

1979                          6,647                                  13,418

1980                          4,752                                  18,170

1981                          3,479                                  21,649

1982                          1,872                                  23,521

1983                          5,566                                  29,087

1984                          1,263                                  30,350

1985                          1,940                                  32,290

1986                          3,218                                  35,508

1987                          65,398                                100,906

1988                          81,888                                182,794

1989                          81,723                                264,517

1990                          62,647                                327,164

1991                          59,983                                387,147

1992                          87,417                                474,564

1993                         122,455                                597,019

1994                         185,682                                782,701

1995                         227,690                               1,010,391

1996                         280,969                               1,291,360

1997                         304,476                               1,595,836

1998                         247,256                               1,843,092

1999                         384,009                               2,227,101

2000                         445,811                               2,672,912

2001                        474,676                                3,147,588

2002                        442,014                                3,589,602

2003                        530,129                                4,119,731

2004                        760,149                                4,879,880

2005                        840,016                                5,719,896

2006                        871,159                                6,591,055

2007                        842,633                                7,433,688

2008                        741,124                                8,174,812

2009                        730,706                                8,905,518

2010                        916,881                                9,822,399

2011 (March 24)        177,601                                10,000,000

2. Exports by Region

Region           First Export  Cumulative Export Units   % of Cumulative Exports

North America    1986                    4,274,355                              42.7

Europe              1976                    2,451,948                              24.5

Middle East & Africa 1975        1,371,053                              13.7

C&S America      1977             1,025,788                              10.3

Asia & Pacific     1976              876,856                                8.8

Total                                          10,000,000                               100

 

3. Exports by Vehicle Type

Type             Cumulative Export Units                 % of Cumulative Exports

Passenger               5,619,223                                        56.2%

RVs                        3,401,635                                        34.0%

Commercial Vehicles 935,674                                           9.3%

Others                    43,458                                             0.4%

Total                    10,000,000                                          100

source: Naza Kia Sdn. Bhd.

Tan Chong Group donates USD 300,000.00 in support of Japan earthquake and tsunami relief fund!!

The recent earthquake and tsunami that had struck Japan on 11 March 2011, adversely affected a large part of the east coast of Japan causing much injury, loss of life and destruction of property.

The Management and staff of Tan Chong Group (the Group) had shown their concern and conveyed its deepest sympathies to the Government and People of Japan in a meeting with the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia earlier last week.

The Group had also made a contribution of USD300,000.00 through the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) towards relief efforts for those affected by this tragedy.

“Japan has always occupied a dear place in our hearts with the long standing relationship with Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., going as far back as 50 years,” Dato’ Dr. Ang Bon Beng, the Executive Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) said during the mock cheque presentation ceremony today.

He added, “We know it would require more than just contributions in kind to rebuild the nation, nevertheless we hope that this contribution would be meaningful to assist Japan and its People. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time and we stand in support through the difficult days ahead.”

The ceremony took place in MRCS National Headquarters in Jalan Nipah, off Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur at 3.00 p.m. on 21 March 2011. Mr. Koichi Ito, the Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Japan Embassy, Yang Mulia Tunku Tan Sri Dato’ Shariman Bin Tunku Sulaiman, National Chairman of MRCS, MRCS office bearers and officials, as well as representatives from the Tan Chong Group and the Embassy of Japan were present to witness the ceremony.

source: Edaran Tan Chong Press Release

Interior spy shots of new Myvi 2011 revealed!!!

Looks like the cat is out of the bag, barely hours of displaying the exterior pics of the new 2011 Myvi, the interior shot of the car has found its ways on the internet. Through the source of Arena Kereta and Funtasticko Design the interior shot of the car finally can be seen to us readers of Auto Insider Malaysia. Looks like Perodua has upgrade the interior of the car which sport a different in panel design as compared to what Toyota and Daihatsu was offering in the land of the rising sun. This car shown on the pictures was rumoured to be in the Elegance variant which sport a manual transmission with a 2-DIN LCD ICE system. In terms of air-conditioning, Perodua has sport the same design of employing circular air cond knob design as what currently employed in the Perodua Alza. Most probably, Perodua has taken steps to commonize the parts so that they can increase the local content for this car.

If you look further, the center of the in panel has an empty slot, according to the inside source, the empty slot for this manual transmission car will be fill by an automatic gear knob on the dashboard of the car for the automatic variant for this all new Myvi 2011. The Optitron meter of the new Myvi was also rumoured to have the same blue and whitish hue as what can be found in the Toyota Camry. So far no confirm information that this new Myvi will feature an in dash GPS navigation but I can safely assume Perodua will featured this new equipment on the high spec model. So readers, do you still think that Perodua will launch this car in July or September this year?

Private launch preview of Super GT 2011 brought to you by JPM Motorsport- Full Press Release

In a private function attended by the country’s top motorsport enthusiasts, JP Performance Motorsport Sdn Bhd (JPM) today launched the 2011 SUPER GT, Round 3 (formerly known as Japan GT) that will be held at the Sepang International Circuit from June 18-19.


The private launch, held at Good Evening Bangkok in 1Utama Shopping Centre, is a preview to the public launch planned for April 16, 2011.


The launch began in a sombre mood, when a minute of silence was observed to commemorate the victims of the Japan 9.0 magnitude earthquake, the strongest earthquake to ever hit Japan.


JP Chin, Founder of JPM said, “We send our condolences to the victim's families of the Japan earthquake. We hope that Japan will make a quick recovery from this tragic event.”


He also announced a fundraising activity called AID FOR JAPAN, which is jointly organised between JPM and the Thunder Asia racing team, one of the teams racing in SUPER GT.


“Thunder Asia is selling a total of 2500 stickers for RM100 each. Each sticker size is 20mm x 60mm and people can choose to print any message they wish onto the stickers they purchase. These stickers will be then pasted onto the official Thunder Asia racing car that will be raced in one of the rounds in this years SUPER GT,” he said.


All of the money raised from this campaign will be donated to GTA for distribution to the affected population.


In light of this disaster, the Okayama official test session scheduled to take place today, was cancelled. However, the series opener at Okayama International Circuit is currently planned to proceed as scheduled (April 2-3). The Malaysian round is scheduled to be the third round in the series.


"SUPER GT is the fastest Super Grand Touring car race in the world. The Malaysian leg of the SUPER GT Series is the only round held outside of Japan. Hence, we are pleased to be a part of this extraordinary affair. As such, we are looking forward to welcome foreign spectators, which will be a great boost for tourism in Malaysia", said JP Chin.


JP Chin added, “This year’s SUPER GT is an event not to be missed. Apart from high adrenaline action on the track, the Sepang International Circuit will be transformed into a carnival city filled with stalls and booths where race-goers will be able to eat, shop and play while experiencing the heat of excitement from the SUPER GT”.


“Other side activities include the biggest car show of 2011 which will exhibit exotic modified and commercial road going cars, the exciting GT Queen Pageant, mini concerts, kids zone and support races among others. SUPER GT is also a platform that celebrates the rich cultures of Japan, so racegoers can expect a dose of Japanese food, drinks, trinkets, music, fashion and even dance.”


One of the support races will be the inaugural Renault Megane Cup Series, which is created and managed by JPM. The Renault Megane Cup will feature F1-inspired cars that possess amazing power and handling. JPM also took the opportunity during this private event to officially launch this series.


During the event, car enthusiasts, in true motorsport spirit, took the liberty of showcasing their super performance cars at the 1Utama outdoor carpark. The JPM Super Performance Cars gathering saw as many as 100 supercars participating in the awesome display, causing passers-by to stop in their tracks and pose for pictures with their favourite ride.


Tickets for the SUPER GT in Sepang are priced at RM100 (for two day Grand Stand passes). JPM is currently offering an early bird price of RM 88 per ticket. The SUPER GT tickets can be conveniently purchased at all 7-11 outlets nationwide. For more information on the SUPER GT or on how to get your tickets, log on to http://www.jpmmotorsport.com.my/  / http://www.supergt.net/.

Auto Insider Malaysia

More pics to be uploaded soon. The internet connection was so slow for the past few days which has halted a few blog post that I have planned. Stay tune for more pics!!!

Latest spy shots of Perodua's new Myvi!!!

The latest rounds of spy pics of the all new Myvi has been circulating around the internet with the latest spy pics showing the car its full glory on the production line of Perodua plant in Serendah Selangor. Thanks to my blog clan funtastiko and also pics source from Arena Kereta, we can see the new Myvi most probably the Myvi Extreme with 1.5 litre engine being assemble in the production line. In the picture we can see the staff wearing QG vest or known as Quality Gate staff performing inspection on the parts being installed to this new car.

Based on the information that has been circulating around, Perodua will introduce this new Myvi in July or September this year, but by looking at the built up stage of this car and also the amount of readiness in the production line, I can vouch that the new Myvi will be launch according to the earlier plan or April 2011. The most delay that Perodua might launch this car maybe in May 2011 where Perodua needs to prepare an amount of stock up front in order to reduce the backlog of customers ordering. Right now we have seen the exterior design of the car, the only question now, how the interior of the car looks like. If any readers of Auto Insider Malaysia has come across the interior pics of the car, do share with all of us here and you can send the pics at autoinsidermalaysia[at]gmail[dot]com.

Post effects of major earthquakes, Honda Malaysia expects no immediate interuption in supplying cars!!

Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd sees no immediate interruption in the supply of its models in Malaysia from the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan last week.

In a statement on Tuesday, Honda said the inventory for the four complete knock-down models of Accord, CR-V, Civic and City and other four completely built-up models in Malaysia was sufficient for the next one to two months.

Its managing director/chief executive officer, Yoichiro Ueno, said the company was monitoring the situation closely.

"We will make the relevant announcement when we have more information," he said.

Honda Motor Co Ltd in Japan has suspended production at all its major plants for one week from yesterday to March 20, 2011, in support of the nationwide recovery efforts.

It said it would make decisions based on the status of the recovery of their parts suppliers and the Japanese society as a whole.

source: Bernama

Gedong Cipta (M) Sdn. Bhd. to supply thermostats exhaust system to Proton

Recently Proton Sdn. Bhd. has finalised the MoU agreement with Gedong Cipta (M) Sdn. Bhd. and also an Indonesian firm PT Cipta Saksama Indonesia (CSI) to supply thermostat pipes and exhaust system for the use in Proton cars. CSI, which has been in business for 40 years, produces thermostat pipes and exhaust systems for other car plants including Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi Isuzu and Daihatsu

According to Gedong Cipta chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Hussain said this was the first time an Indonesian company would supply the parts to Proton and this MoU will allow Gedong Cipta to become the agent for CSI to supply and market their products in Malaysia mainly to Proton as currently Proton is the main buyer of the exhaust parts for Proton cars.

Initially 600 units of thermostat pipes from CSI have arrived last week in Proton and this number will gradually increase to 12,000 units a month within the next few months. To support this much anticipated volume, Gedong Cipta has planned to form a joint venture with CSI to set up its own factory in Malaysia to produce the parts and sell it here in Malaysia.

According to CSI president director, Leo Kosasih, CSI was expected to meet the monthly supply of the thermostat pipes to Proton by May through mass production. These thermostat pipes connects the car engine and the radiator as part of the engine cooling system and according to Kokasih, CSI will able to produce 500,000 thermostats pipes annually or 60,000 units per month from its plant in Cakung East Jakarta. Besides that, Kokasih also revealed that so far Proton and CSI still haven’t finalised the numbers of which CSI will produce to supply to Proton.

source: Bernama

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. comments on 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami - Full Press Release!!

There has been news coverage over the past few days regarding the earthquake and tsunami that struck North Eastern Japan last Friday, March 11, 2011. This resulted in the temporary suspension of operations at some of the world’s largest manufacturers. Such news may have caused worry and concerns amongst the public and our customers.

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd would like to inform all customers in Malaysia that there is no interruption to the supply of Toyota and Lexus models retailed by the company. Sales and order taking will continue as usual. Delivery schedules to all customers are not affected presently.

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has decided to temporarily suspend production at all plants is because the company places the highest priority on ensuring the safety of every team member at its factories, including those of its subsidiaries from Monday, March 14th until Wednesday, March 16th.

UMW Toyota Motor is monitoring the situation closely and will advise from time to time.

source: UMW Toyota Sdn. Bhd

Nissan Offical Press Release of Japan massive earth quake situation

Nissan has temporarily suspended operations of all production facilities in Japan until 16 March 2011. Further decision will be made after that as Nissan continues to assess the extent of damage to its facilities and equipment, as well as parts suppliers.

There is no immediate negative impact to our business as we hold inventory, in both CKD and CBU forms.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has pledged to donate 30,000,000 yen to the NGO Japan Platform as initial assistance to areas devastated by “the 2011 Off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku Earthquake”, which occurred at 14:46 on March 11th 2011. Nissan will continue to study how it can further assist with relief efforts after monitoring damages.

source: Edaran Tan Chong Sdn. Bhd.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand delivered over 750,000 vehicles for the first time!!!- Full Press Release

Wolfsburg, 09 March 2011 - The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand delivered 758,100 (January-February 2010: 664,700) vehicles to customers worldwide in the first two months of this year, an increase of 14.1 percent on the comparable prior-year period. “Volkswagen’s excellent performance at the start of the year continued in February. We are maintaining our fast pace thanks to our strong and young product range,” Christian Klingler, Board Member for Sales and Marketing for the Volkswagen Group and the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, commented in Wolfsburg on Wednesday.

The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand grew in all global regions. 245,200 (237,400; +3.3 percent) vehicles were delivered in Europe during the first two months of the year, of which 86,000 (85,600; +0.4 percent) were handed over to customers in Germany, Europe’s largest single market and also the brand’s home market.

In the Asia / Pacific region, the brand reported a 22.8 percent increase, delivering 301,200 (245,300) vehicles to customers. During the same period, 274,300 (229,300; +19.6 percent) units were delivered on the single market of China (including Hong Kong).

Developments on the American continent during the first two months were also very satisfactory. In the North America region, the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand grew deliveries 12.2 percent to 64,600 (57,600) units, of which 39,900 (36,100; +10.3 percent) models were handed over to new owners in the USA. Deliveries in the South America region in January and February grew 14.8 percent to 121,000 (105,400) units.

source: Volkswagen Media Services

Driving footage of Aston Martin Vantage S

Last week Aston Martin has launched the Aston Martin Vantage S which are available in Coupe and Roadster guise that was powered by a tuned version of 4.7 litre V8 developing 430bhp and 490Nm of torque mated to an all new seven speed sportshift II paddle operated transmission. This massive powers needs to be balanced by a massive stopping power and thanks to a large floating disc front brakes and a new six piston callipers this will ensure this mighty beast can be tame on the road. Enjoy the driving footage of this all new Aston Martin Vantage strolling gracefully at Ascari Race Resort in Spain brought to you by Motor Authority!!

Massive quakes in Japan affected Toyota and Honda production!!!

We have seen in today’s news that Japan was shocked with a massive earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale which has triggered a tsunami and shaking building violently as far as Tokyo. This massive earthquake not only brings down the towns to halt but it is also affecting the production plants of Toyota and Honda. The shutdown of the production plant could affect the car being exported in the US such as Toyota Yaris sedan (Vios here), Scion XB, Scion XD and the Honda Fit (Jazz here).

According to Toyota, several factories of in the quake zone and also its affiliates company are also affected in this plant shutdown where this quake zone was reportedly happens off the coast of Sendai north of Japan. In January, one of Toyota subsidiary has opened a new assembly plant just one hour away from Sendai which has the capacity of producing 120,000 vehicles which includes the Yaris Sedan that is meant for US export. Besides that, another neighbouring prefecture of Iwate, also produce small cars such as Yaris Sedan, Scion XB and Scion XD for export also affected with this plant shutdown.

Back to Toyota City in Central Japan, the plant was shut down momentary and it has resumed the production as normal soon after that and there is no injuries reported. Beside the TMC, Toyota suppliers; Toyota Boshoko Corp and Denso Corp, Toyota’s biggest parts makers both reportedly suffered some plant damage while it is still uncertain about any affects to TMC main production system.

Besides Toyota, Honda also has shut down its two assembly plant soon after felting the tremor, but Honda Suzuka plant in central Japan resumed the operation soon after that. Meanwhile Honda’s Sayama plant in north Tokyo which is closer to the epic centre of the quake remained shut down till late today and this production plant is reportedly producing the Honda Fit bound for US market. At Honda’s R&D Centre at Tochigi prefecture, it has reported that one person has died due to this quake while 30 were injured when the quake toppled a wall at the facility’s cafeteria.

Source: Automotives News

Photo source: Reuters

Auto Insider Malaysia

All my prayers to the resident of Japan especially near the epic centre of the quake and my condolence to the parents, brother, sisters and relatives of readers of Auto Insider Malaysia who has died during this quake.