Wednesday, December 16, 2009

J.D. Power Asia Pacific Reports: Satisfaction with Engine/Transmission Performance and Audio/Entertainment/Navigation Systems

Honda and Toyota Models Earn Two APEAL Segment Awards Each; Isuzu Receives One Award


Engine and transmission performance for passenger cars and audio/entertainment/navigation system performance for pickup trucks are becoming more important to new-vehicle owners in Thailand, while the importance of fuel economy has declined across the industry, according to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2009 Thailand Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM released today.

Now in its seventh year, the APEAL Study is an owner-reported measure of what gratifies owners in Thailand about their new vehicle’s performance and design during the first two to six months of ownership. The study examines nearly 100 attributes covering 10 vehicle categories: exterior; interior; storage and space; audio/entertainment/navigation; seats; HVAC; driving dynamics; engine/transmission; visibility and driving safety; and fuel economy. APEAL study performance is reported as an index score based on a 1,000-point scale, with a higher score indicating higher satisfaction.

The overall APEAL score in 2009 averages 871, down by five points from 2008. Satisfaction in 2009 has decreased from 2008 in seven categories, with only three categories—fuel economy, seats, and HVAC—improving in 2009.

“It is worth noting that satisfaction has decreased in seven categories in Thailand in 2009 and increased in only three,” said Loic Pean, country manager at J.D. Power Asia Pacific, Bangkok. “In an increasingly competitive market where vehicle quality is showing great improvement, it is critical for automakers to distinguish themselves from their competitors by creating product differentiation through performance and design.”
Model Results by Segment

The Honda Jazz ranks highest in the entry midsize car segment for a second consecutive year with an overall APEAL score of 869. The Nissan Tiida (856) and Toyota Yaris (851) follow in the segment rankings.

In the midsize car segment, the Honda Civic (880) ranks highest. Following the Honda Civic in the segment rankings are the Mazda3 (878) and Toyota Corolla Altis (875).

Among sport utility vehicles, the Isuzu MU-7 (897) ranks highest, and is followed by the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (884).

In the pickup extended cab segment, the Toyota Hilux Vigo Prerunner Smart Cab (891) ranks highest, followed by the Isuzu D-Max Spacecab/Rodeo (882).

In the pickup double cab segment, the Toyota Hilux Vigo Prerunner (897) ranks highest and is followed in the rankings by the Toyota Hilux Vigo (884).
Additional Industry Findings

The study finds that owners of pickup trucks and utility vehicles in Thailand are more satisfied, on average, than owners of passenger cars.

However, while overall satisfaction among passenger car owners is not as high as that of pickup and utility vehicle owners, overall passenger-car owner satisfaction has increased by three points in 2009 compared with 2008, to an average of 862. Meanwhile, overall satisfaction among pickup owners and utility vehicle owners has declined from 2008 by six points and three points, respectively.

“In 2009, we have observed an increase in consumer interest in passenger-car models, mostly due to significant improvements in fuel economy in these models,” said Pean. “However, satisfaction levels for pickup truck models are still higher than those of passenger car models, on average, indicating that pickups are still very popular among owners in Thailand.”

The study also finds that, among owners with particularly high levels of satisfaction (averaging 900 or higher), 81 percent say they “definitely would” recommend their vehicle model. In contrast, among owners with lower levels of satisfaction, fewer than 59 percent say they “definitely would” recommend their model.

“In order to retain repeat buyers and foster word of mouth advocacy for their brand, manufacturers need to focus on producing vehicles with features and styling that go beyond satisfying owners to truly gratifying them,” said Pean. “This is likely a key reason why the importance of audio and navigation system performance has increased among new-vehicle owners in Thailand.”

The 2009 Thailand APEAL Study is based on evaluations from 3,518 owners who purchased their new vehicle between October 2008 and July 2009. The study includes 58 different passenger car, pickup truck and utility vehicle models covering 11 makes. The study was fielded between April and September 2009.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Collaboration between Genencor and Goodyear results in breakthrough technology for tires made with renewable biomass

Collaboration between Genencor and Goodyear results in breakthrough technology for tires made with renewable biomass


The world’s first Goodyear concept tires made with BioIsoprenea technology arrive in Copenhagen in time for United Nations Climate Change Conference

The world’s first Goodyear concept demonstration tires made with BioIsopreneä technology made their debut in Copenhagen, Denmark, this week. BioIsopreneä is a breakthrough alternative to replace a petrochemically produced ingredient in the manufacture of synthetic rubber with renewable biomass. One Goodyear tire will be on display at a lounge in the common departure area at the Copenhagen International Airport throughout December 21, while the other tire will make appearances at several special events during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (COP 15) through December. The tires made with BioIsopreneä are the result of a collaboration between Genencor, a division of Danisco, and Goodyear, one of the world’s largest tire companies and a leader in innovation.

“We are literally rolling out an important milestone in our collaboration with Goodyear on a breakthrough biochemical,” says Tom Knutzen, CEO of Danisco. “BioIsopreneä is an excellent example of Danisco’s leadership in industrial biotechnology through our Genencor division.”

“Goodyear’s first concept tire manufactured with BioIsopreneä shows the enormous progress we have made in using a bio-based alternative to the petroleum-derived raw material isoprene in our production process,” says Jesse Roeck, Director, Global Materials Science at Goodyear. “The development of BioIsopreneä could help us reduce industry impact on the environment by applying renewable raw materials in the supply chain and making Goodyear less dependent on oil-derived products.”

BioIsoprene product is derived from renewable raw materials, and represents a significant development within the biochemical and rubber industries. Aside from synthetic rubber for tire production, traditional isoprene is used for the production of a wide range of products, such as surgical gloves, golf balls and adhesives. Thus, the potential for BioIsoprene product is substantial.

Schedule of events for the world’s first Goodyear concept tires made from BioIsopreneä technology in Copenhagen, Denmark:

Through December 21 there will be a tire in the common departure area at The Copenhagen International AirportDecember 12-13 there will be a tire at the Bright Green exhibition in the Danisco boothDecember 17 a tire will be on display at the “Solutions of Industrial Biotechnology” Conference & Showcase, Confederation of Danish Industry (DI)A tire will also be on display in the Danisco headquarters’ reception area through December, please contact Danisco for an appointment (jennifer.hutchins@danisco.com)

Genencor and Goodyear first announced their research collaboration on the technology and integrated production system for BioIsoprene™ product in September 2008. The two organizations collaborate on designing an integrated production system for BioIsoprene™ product, and are on schedule to meet both technological and commercial milestones within the agreement. Commercial availability of the product is planned for 2013.
About Goodyear

Goodyear employs approximately 70,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 25 countries around the world.

Goodyear’s innovations have set automotive standards for more than 100 years. Goodyear has been the pioneer of the innovative safety technology known as RunOnFlat, which allows a driver to continue on a journey with a punctured tire. Goodyear is the world’s leading manufacturer of RunOnFlat tires, with applications on various BMWs, the award winning Mini, Mercedes-Benz high performance cars, Opel and other brands. Additional Goodyear RunOnFlat fitments are on the horizon, as the company’s designers are working with multiple automobile manufacturers on more than 150 RunOnFlat projects.

Battery warm-up for easy engine start and cozy driving

With the festive season approaching, many of us are kept busy planning our travel and getting things ready for the holiday time. Well-prepared travel is important, especially for those who travel by car, because in cool weather of this holiday season, days that are supposed to bring you fun can turn troublesome if your car don’t get stated as easily as you would expect it to.


Mr. Prakasit Phornprapha, Director of Siam GS Battery Co., Ltd. and Siam GS Sales Co., Ltd., the manufacturer and distributor of GS Battery for automobiles, shares simple tips to ensure smooth and safe start of your car for road trips in cool weather condition: “Warming up storage battery before starting the car helps get the engine ready and check the car’s systems. In cold weather, engine tends to perform less effectively as lubricant oils become relatively more viscous and may not provide needed lubrication to moving parts of the engine instantly, which make the engine prone to more wear and tear.”
Warm up the battery for safe start

§ Before starting the engine, always check the gear shifter to make sure that it is in correct position for a safe start. In a stick-shift car, it should be in neutral position. If your car has automatic transmission, the gear should be in either N or P position. After ensuring this, keep the car stationary when you start the engine by engaging the parking brake.

§ Turn off all electrical equipment to which the power is supplied from the car’s storage battery, such as air-conditioning and audio system, to ensure sufficient battery power for engine start.

§ Turn the key to ON position to check that all systems function and that the dashboard doesn’t show any warning signal, then start the engine, let it warm up and recharge the battery.

§ During engine warm-up, avoid pressing the gas pedal or moving the car. Simple leave the engine runs all by itself for a few minutes to warm-up its parts and components.

§ Avoid warming up the engine in enclosed or poorly-ventilated space because carbon monoxide can accumulate and cause harm to your health.

§ During the first couple of kilometers, drive at low speed to let the lubricants flow and start to maximize their work efficiency.

Warming up engine and battery of your car before driving increases engine temperature to its optimum working condition. This helps protect engine parts and components against untimely wear and tear, thus extend the life of the engine. In addition to the warm-up, don’t forget to examine that all other key systems function properly and are well cared of, such as head and back lights, signal lights, wheels, tires and air pressure, as well as storage battery. Make this a pre-drive routine for your confidence and safety on all road.

Monday, December 7, 2009

TATA XENON GIANT SUPER CNG

The TATA Xenon Giant Super CNG pickup combines the values and attributes of the Xenon Super CNG and the Xenon Giant pickups previously launched by Tata Motors (Thailand). This single cab pickup comes with a factory-installed 100% CNG system as well as a spacious, flat load area suitable for commercial transport. The Xenon Giant Super CNG is produced on the TATA assembly line at the Samut Prakarn facility of Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant (TAAP), a business partner of Tata Motors (Thailand) Co. Ltd.


TATA planned the CNG version for the Xenon product line-up since the very beginning of the Xenon project. This is a long-term commitment to offer a product which is environmentally friendly while providing consumers with the benefits of a cost effective vehicle.

The TATA Xenon Giant Super CNG delivers exceptional performance for a pickup truck, together with low maintenance costs and the highest standards of durability, reliability and fuel economy.
GIANT FLAT LOAD BODY

With its original high suspension, the new Xenon Giant pickup provides an especially large flat load bed. It is 1,720 mm wide, 2,503 mm long and 380 mm high. The load body walls can be dropped from three sides for maximum convenience in unloading and reloading.
SUPER CNG ENGINE

The Tata Xenon Giant Super CNG has a 2.1L, DOHC multipoint injection, dedicated CNG engine that delivers maximum horsepower of 115 HP at 5,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 175 Nm at 3,750 rpm.

The engine has a compression ratio of 12:1. This is suitable for CNG combustion and assures optimum performance with excellent fuel economy, durability and ease of maintenance.

The components used in the CNG system are from leading international manufacturers of CNG component, and meet world class standards of quality and safety. The high pressure piping system, for example, is from the Swagelok (USA), the pressure regulator is from Teleflex (Canada) and Gas injector from Bosch (Germany).

Ignition is controlled by intelligent microprocessor software, and gas injection is adjusted for ideal performance in all operational conditions. For even greater safety, gas supply is automatically cut off in the event of a collision, preventing any possible leakage.

The vehicle design incorporates three CNG cylinders and a spare tyre below the load body. The 230 L CNG cylinders allow storage of 38 Kg of CNG, giving the pickup a range of more than 350 kilometres on just one fill.

Located at the side, the large gas filler enables fast and safe refuelling. The built-in pressure gauge in the instrument cluster provides accurate readings and there is an accurate fuel gauge with a low-fuel warning light.

‘New Suzuki Swift…Flip Design to the Uniqueness’ Coming up with new unique cubical design Officially launched at Motor Expo 2009

Suzuki Automobile Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has officially launched ‘New Suzuki Swift’ with unique cubical design to Thai market at the 26th Thailand International Motor Expo 2009.


Introducing new product with unique cubical design, coming with dynamic driving performance for swift motion serving all swift driving styles.

Fully provided with modernized equipments for comfort and utility, together with safety standard, and good quality from Suzuki as everyone has always accredited.

Inviting all guest to visit Suzuki’s quality cars at Suzuki booth at Motor Expo. Have a test drive and get ‘special privilege’ when booking New Suzuki Swift.

Suzuki Automobile Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has officially launched New Suzuki Swift to Thai market at the 26th Thailand International Motor Expo 2009. Suzuki has broadened new vision of passenger car driving in Thailand with New Suzuki Swift – passenger car which people from various countries, especially for European countries, has been talking about for long. This is because of New Suzuki Swift’s uniqueness and its outstanding look – like no others. The product is truly designed and created to serve demands and needs of its target. New Suzuki Swift comes with new ‘cubical design’ – a fresh approach to design with true worldwide appeal; together with dynamic driving performance, ready for any swift motions serving all swift driving styles. It is also fully provided with modernized equipments for comfort and utility, together with safety standard, and good quality from Suzuki as everyone has always accredited. All the drivers will be fulfilled with fun and excitement in their own style and in all of their moments of lives. This relates with Suzuki’s worldwide philosophy – Suzuki…Way of Life!

Mr. Takayuki Sugiyama, President of Suzuki Automobile Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. said that Suzuki has been growing from past till now, with our proud history that reaches back over 100 years – which is Suzuki’s 100 Years of Innovations. Suzuki strongly focuses on the development of quality product with consumers’ trustworthiness, especially for the invention of compact cars. Suzuki is set to play a major part in the future of the automotive industry. Suzuki will never stop moving on to the future together with the world and Thai society.

“The most importing thing today, Suzuki is very proud with the official launch of our new product to Thai market that is ‘New Suzuki Swift…Flip design to the uniqueness’. This is our way to broaden the market with new vision of driving with new uniquely modern Cubical Design together with dynamic driving performance for swift motion serving all swift driving styles. Suzuki expects that new quality product from Suzuki – New Suzuki Swift, produced under our philosophy Suzuki’s Way of Life!, will ultimately satisfy needs and consumer’ lifestyle nowadays as they are highly seeking for true uniqueness. That is because each one of us has our own Way of Life! in our own style. Suzuki feels confident that we can create consumer’s satisfaction beyond their expectation and we will surely receive positive feedback from Thai consumers.” Said Mr. Sugiyama.

Mr. Wallop Treererkngam, Manager, Sales Department revealed that “New Suzuki Swift is European-inspired car built based on Suzuki standards with quality and trustworthiness. We combine our unique DNA of a company whose success as a compact-car developer. The new Swift embodies a new globally oriented approach to Suzuki car-making. From the very beginning, a dedicated team of Suzuki designers and engineers collaborated extensively with European automotive professionals and ordinary motoring enthusiasts in pursuit of Suzuki's best car, New Suzuki Swift, for new generation people seeking for their own uniqueness or their own Way of Life!”

“Suzuki Swift has also been accepted, admired and praised by people worldwide for long, especially in Europe. It is the car which everyone, who has ‘swift driving’ experience or even just look at it, feels admire with its design and performance. For several years, Suzuki Swift has proven with its amazing capacity as a Japanese car brand which swiftly drive challenging other European car brands in JWRC (Junior World Rally Championship). Suzuki has gained success beyond expectation with wining position in many tournaments; Suzuki Swift was also on the top ranking among European car brands.” Mr. Wallop added.

Mr. Wallop also said that Suzuki engineer team developed the structure and performance of New Suzuki Swift to be suitable with all terrains. The intensive experiments, both in laboratory and on real road conditions outside the laboratory, had been conducted several times, again and again, till the engineer team felt satisfied with the most favorable result; to ensure that anyone who drives New Suzuki Swift will feel something much different from what they used to feel, in each person’s Way of Life!

Suzuki invented new engine – M15A 1.5 Liters, maximum power at 74 kW at 6,000 rpm, especially for New Suzuki Swift. It is inline-four-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, maximum torque of 133 Nm/4,000 rpm, with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) technology – delivering good performance both power and torque, giving swift responsiveness to acceleration at any revs. Another amazing performance, it can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in just 11.7 seconds proving that and it is really 'swift' in performance, always brings you excitement even for urban driving. An impressive minimum turning radius of 4.7 meters brings New Suzuki Swift precise and dynamic handling, in touch with the road, track, lane or back street. Even when you have to drive pass through a narrow lane or sharp corner of the building, you can enjoy with fun driving in your swift driving style. And together with the torsion-ream rear suspension of New Suzuki Swift, the driver will feel balance between dynamic performance and driving comfort.

Besides that, Suzuki also concerns about the maximum utilization of natural resources and fuel available on earth, including environmental concern. So, Suzuki has been dedicating all human resources to develop good engineering to innovate new engines, especially for compact and sub-compact engines, for years; in order to get lower fuel consumption and emission engine. Finally, Suzuki proved to the world with newly created New Suzuki Swift coming with low engine emission recognized at international level.

Apart from dynamic performance serving your swift driving style, Suzuki also provide you comfort, utility and safety. We care for small details – even every single piece of the car, they are produced from good quality raw materials for product durability. Each piece of the car is produced neatly at Suzuki standard which everyone accredited nationally and internationally.

Suzuki designed the interior with unique style – a sporty 3-sproke steering wheel with additional steering wheel control for more convenience and safety, automatic air conditioning system with digital control, seamlessly built-in audio system with integrated radio/CD player, keyless start, air filter, and other equipments; all awaiting for you to visit and touch at Motor Expo 2009.

Suzuki brings you not only driving excitement, but we also provide you confidence in safety such as side impact door beam, ABS, EBD and break assist system. There are also dual front air bags (SRS) and Immobilizer key system. More important than everything, Suzuki offers 24 hours road side assistance with care, and we also have 24 hours hotline (from land line call 1800-600-900, from mobile call 1401-600-900).

Suzuki sets the target for New Suzuki Swift, focusing on first and second jobbers, ones who have self-confidence, uniquely being choosing and doing things differently compared to others, having active personality, living their lives urbanely, confidently making decision by themselves, and daring to think and do things in their own styles and desire. And, Suzuki already has the marketing strategies and plans – products, pricing, dealership and integrated communication, to reach the target.

For products and pricing, Suzuki has just launched 2 models of New Suzuki Swift –
· GA model automatic transmission priced B. 599,000
· GL model automatic transmission priced B. 649,000

For the integrated communication, Suzuki communicates directly to the target groups, creating buzz and awareness from the central control, especially for Bangkok, utilizing advertising materials and various kinds of media – print (newspaper and magazine), OOH, online and P.O.P.

This becomes a very important movement for Suzuki, another step into Thai car market and play important role. Suzuki expects to gain positive response from Thai market, and also expects to achieve the sales target around 2,000 units in 2010.

Mr. Wallop finally said “We would like to invite everyone to swiftly visit our booth; touch and feel our New Suzuki Swift debuted with eye-catching design and exhilarating look. Ones can also experience with exciting and enjoyable test drive and get special privilege when booking New Suzuki Swift.”

Remark: "The product information is mainly on GL Grade. For more details, please see our catalogue."

GOODYEAR TAKES DRIFT TO ANOTHER LEVEL IN ASEAN Company announces

Following its repeated success with Formula DRIFT in Singapore, Goodyear will be kicking things up a notch with a hat trick. Sponsorship of Formula DRIFT Thailand and Formula DRIFT Malaysia Goodyear is proud to announce that it will be sponsoring both Formula DRIFT Thailand and Formula DRIFT Malaysia come November and December this year, respectively.

This occasion marks the second and third leg of the Formula DRIFT series, following the Formula DRIFT ProAm Series 2009 in Singapore from July 4 - 5. Similar to the Formula DRIFT Singapore ProAm Series 2009, Formula DRIFT Thailand will feature both professional and amateur drifters from around the region vying for the coveted first place title. Formula DRIFT Malaysia, on the other hand, will play host to professional drivers from around the globe.

“Goodyear is always on the lookout for different avenues to further underscore our firm commitment to promote the growth of motorsports in the region. When we started our sponsorship of Formula DRIFT Singapore in 2008, we were very pleased with the overwhelming response. The event enjoyed a huge spectator crowd of over 11,000 people. This success is definitely a rev up in our efforts to elevate the sport to international levels,” said Richard Fleming, managing director of Goodyear ASEAN.

The Formula DRIFT Singapore 2009 sponsored by Goodyear again early July was also a success. Although the competition was this year open only for amateur drifters, it attracted as many as 37 racers from across Asia. At the end of the competition, two out of ten Goodyear team members namely Johan Norman Azam and Ariff Johanis made it to the final race and bagged home with them 1st and 2nd runner up titles.

Formula DRIFT is recognised as the first official North American professional championship drifting series. Here, rear-wheeled drive cars will be judged based on their style and execution in manoeuvring the course as opposed to the fastest course completion time.

Started in Japan a decade ago, this extreme motorsport has gathered a strong following around the world. Both professional and amateur drifting events take place in Europe, Australia and in the US. In Asia, it is recognised as the fastest growing motorsport in the region.

Goodyear has had a rich history in supporting motorsports all around the world, starting with its participation with Formula 1 and NASCAR. “Racing is very much part of our legacy and is pivotal in keeping Goodyear on the edge, both on and off track,” said Fleming. “Our involvement with motorsports has enabled our engineers to use the knowledge gained from tire development and translate that into innovative technologies which go into tires people use every day.”
Goodyear International DRIFT Series

Year 2010 will mark yet another milestone for Goodyear. Not contented with being a sponsor, the company is set to host its very own International DRIFT Series. This is indeed a dramatic return of Goodyear to the racing scene in the region.

The Formula DRIFT Series in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia this year will serve as a precursor to the Goodyear International DRIFT. To be held in Malaysia and Thailand next year, the series will set off at an explosive pace. Consisting of monthly drift competitions with top local and international drivers engaging in adrenaline-filled battles on the track, spectators can expect show-stopping performances amidst the atmosphere of burning rubber and loud exhaust. Drifters are in for a turbocharged time as they will be pitting their skills relentlessly against each other throughout the year. The series will climax at the finale towards the end of the year with the face-off between the best of the best. The competition will be judged and regulated according to Formula DRIFT’s international standards.

“We had a very successful introduction to drifting last year. The sport which requires high performance and precision driving helps us showcase the best qualities of our tires. Goodyear is constantly raising the bar when it comes to tire performance. We are extremely confident that the Goodyear International DRIFT series will unleash the full potential power of drifters and propel the current standard of drifting to international levels,” enthused Fleming.

With a long legacy in racing globally, Goodyear is the first tire company in Asia-Pacific to start its own drift series. Motorsport fans in the region are in for an exciting time as Goodyear accelerates its commitment to demonstrate its innovative product technologies and set the pace in the tire industry.